Career Center
Job Search TipsWhile the way you answer questions during a job interview will only play a small role in whether or not you are hired, it is important to pay attention to them. Going to a job interview can be stressful, especially if it is a highly competitive position with a large number of applicants.
Taking the time to prepare will help you get rid of some of the stress. The first thing you will want to do is look at the typicaly interview questions which will be raised by the interviewer. You will also want to take the time to research the company you want to work for.
One of the first things a interviewer will ask you about is your previous work history. You should be able to give them detailed answers to these questions. If you have to stop and think about previous companies you've worked for, this will give you a bad impression. To solve this problem, write down all the jobs you've had on a piece of paper and review it. This way, when you are asked about them, you will be able to give quick and precise answers. Another question they may ask you is your expectations about your previous jobs. Again, writing down everything you can about your previous jobs will make this question easy to answer.
Another question that you must be prepared for is the one about your salary. This is a crucial question which must be answered with logic. Prior to the interview, you will want to review the position you are applying for, and find out how much the starting pay is in your area. You will also want to look at how much experience you have. Compare your credentials to other people who work in your profession. By finding out how much they make, you can propose a salary which is competitive. If you are highly qualified, the salary you propose should be comparable to the standard of living in the area the company is located in.
The interviewer may also ask you about challenges you faced at your previous jobs. They will want to know how you dealt with them. When you write down a list of things you did at your previous jobs, you will want to include this. If the interviewer asks why you left your previous job, you can answer this question simply by saying that you were looking for better opportunities and more experience. If you were fired from your previous job, it is important not to insult your previous boss. If you are asked why you were fired from your previous job, there are a number of answers you can give.
You could simply say that the job didn't work out, and you and your supervisor both agreed that it would be best for you to leave. You could also say that there were things which you could have done better, but it was a learning experience which has given you the strength to move forward. If you were fired for reasons which you find to be humiliating, don't go into details unless the interviewer requests them. You will also be asked what motivates you to work. This is question that you can answer correctly if you've done research on the company. For example, if you know you will be working with other people, you can respond by saying that you are motivating by being in an environment where you are surrounded by people.