The result of a well-orchestrated job search is an interview. The interview is where you get the opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer in hopes of receiving a formal job offer. Although job interviews can seem intimidating at first, formulating answers to potential questions in advance can help give you the confidence you need to impress any potential employer.
Why You?
The primary purpose of a job interview is to prove that you are the right candidate for the job. Although your qualifications may have won you an interview, the skills on your resume might easily match that of all the other candidates. When an employer wants to know why the company should hire you, tell the employer something beyond the obvious. Demonstrate the value that you will bring to the company by citing skills or accomplishments not already listed on your resume. This can help give you an advantage over any candidates with similar qualifications.
Faults
In addition to your strengths, a potential employer may also inquire about your faults. If an employer asks about your faults, instead of replying with a negative trait, choose a weakness that can also be looked upon a benefit to the company. For example, if you are interviewing for a position that calls for a detail-oriented candidate, tell the employer that your biggest fault is being a perfectionist. This enables you to answer the question honestly while still gaining a few extra bonus points.
High-Stress Situations
During your interview, the employer may want to know how you handle high-stress situations. Depending on the nature of the position, this might include dealing with disgruntled customers, finishing heavy workloads or meeting tight deadlines. When answering this question, illustrate your stress-handling skills with specific examples. Tell the employer about a time in the past when you remained calm while resolving a complaint from an angry customer or worked late to finish an important project on time. What the employer really wants to know is if they can depend on you when things get rough. Showing the employer that you will go the extra mile will quickly position you as a valuable asset to the team.
Why Us?
Many employers want to know why job candidates want to work for their company. The employer wants to know that you have a sincere interest in their organization and are not just in it for the money. When you give your answer, reciting relevant company facts will show the employer that you did your homework. For example, you might remark that you were impressed by last year's strong sale figures. You might also say that with a background in sales, you feel confident in your ability to help keep those numbers high. If you are passionate about the field you work in, the job interview is the best place to let that passion shine.
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