PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
-
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
(Make a concise pitch with 2-3 accomplishments that shows why you’re right for the job.) - How did you hear about the position?
(Name drop now if you have a contact or share what stood out to you from a job listing.) - What do you know about the company?
(Demonstrate that you are aware of the company’s mission and believe in it.) - Why do you want this job?
(Share why the role and company are good fits for you.) - What are your greatest strengths?
(Be accurate, relevant and specific. Give examples.) - What are your weaknesses?
(Something that you’re working to improve.) - What is your greatest professional achievement?
(Give some background, describe a task and how you completed it.) - Describe a challenge or a conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.
(Focus on how you handled the situation professionally and found a resolution.) - Where do you see yourself in five years?
(Think realistically about where this position could take you.) - Tell me about a time when you took on a leadership role.
(Pick a time when you managed a project or inspired a team. Include detail if you want to be memorable.) - Why was there a gap in your employment?
(Be direct but talk about all the enriching activities you did during that time. Transition to how you’re ready to contribute to the organization now.) - Why did you change career paths?
(Give examples of how your experience in another field transfers.) - How do you deal with stress?
(Talk about ways you keep stress from getting in the way of your goals.) - What do you like to do outside of work?
(Keep it semi-professional.) - Are you planning to have children?
(It is illegal for employers to ask this. Divert the topic politely back to your career path.)
This article appears in Capital City Jobs – Fall 2015.
