Job interviews are designed to select the job candidate that will best fill a position within a company. Often, questions are ambiguous and may be designed to determine how an individual thinks under pressure. Some direct questions establish the knowledge of the candidate. Every interviewer may present a different style and type of question, so review your past work experiences, learn about the company and industry and think of potential answers to possible job interview questions to enhance your interview preparation.
Behavioral Questions
Answer behavioral job interview questions with examples that demonstrate your positive work traits at a company. These questions use your past performance as a predictor of how you may act in the future. Listen closely to each question, and tie a situation that illustrates your personal characteristics and employee strengths to the question. Offer a complete answer that discusses the relevant event, any specific tasks you performed and the result of the situation. Avoid rambling, and focus on positive, yet direct answers.
Illegal Questions
Employers are legally restricted from asking direct questions about your ethnic origin, parenting status, disabilities and other personal information not directly tied to job requirements. Answer personal questions that you are uncomfortable answering with a job-related response that illustrates your ability to perform the job. For example, if an interviewer asks if you have children, answer that you are available to travel or work overtime to fulfill your job obligations.
Job-Specific Questions
Respond to questions about your skills and abilities with direct answers that illustrate you understand the concepts and information needed to perform the job. If you do not know an answer, explain how you would obtain the answer. Knowing where to find answers can be just as important as knowing the information outright. It is best not to guess an answer unless the interviewer prompts you to do so.
Open-Ended Questions
Answer open-ended questions with responses that are skill or job related and highlight your work ethics, abilities and dedication. These questions offer an opportunity to relay your qualifications for the job to the interviewer. Avoid long-winded explanations or complicated stories and explain yourself using direct and understandable lingo. Be truthful, but present yourself in a positive light.
Employer Questions
Craft questions that you want to ask your potential employer. These questions should be in different topic areas, help you clarify the job duties and show your interest in the type of work the company performs. Avoid asking questions about work hours, compensation and benefits.
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