On the route to any great job, you'll have to nail at least one interview. It can be nerve-racking to think your career can rely on making a great impression in an hour-long conversion. The questions you will be asked can vary, depending on the interviewer and the position, but there are questions you will encounter in almost any interview. Preparing thoughtful answers to these questions can give you a competitive advantage in landing the job.

Tell us about yourself

A common error in answering this question is getting too personal. The interviewer doesn't want to hear about your childhood or your dog. They are looking for your work history, experience, and professional interests. If done correctly, it will be evident the job you are applying for is the next logical step in your career. For example, " I have always been interested in widgets. That's why I got a degree in widgets management and worked my way up the widgets career ladder. I'm excited about this opportunity at this company because you have a reputation as a leader in widgets."

Why do you want to work at this company?

The secret to this answer is doing your research. Check out the company website and also their social media and reviews. Be honest but geared toward their interests. Maybe your honest answer is that it's on your bus route and will look great on your resume, but that doesn't show what's in it for them. A better answer might be, "Your company has a reputation for innovation in the widget industry. I'm excited about working for a forward-thinking organization with such a positive reputation in the community."

What are your greatest strengths?

Make sure the answer to this question is related to the job. No one cares how many marshmallows you can fit in your mouth. Are you self-motivated? Do you excel at interdepartmental communications? Can you break down complex topics to make them easy to understand? Analyze which skill will make you the most valuable to the company and make you the perfect person for the job.

What was a challenge you have faced at work?

Make sure the challenge you choose is relevant to the job, is one you were able to solve and doesn't reflect poorly on your character or work habits. This is not the time to reveal how challenging you find getting to work on time. For example, "I managed a project in which team members were located in different time zones making communication a challenge. I created a shared document with everyone's time zones and work hours so we would understand each other's availability and set weekly progress meetings convenient to everyone in the team. It relieved frustration and improved communication, enabling us to bring the project in ahead of schedule and under budget."

Why should we hire you?

This is the opportunity to pull it all together. Chances are, you will be asked this question in some form, so be ready for it. Choose the job requirements that align with your strengths and detail what makes you the ideal candidate for the job. You want to show how you can solve their problems.

Ready to try out what you’ve learned?

PrideStaff can help! Our dedicated recruiters can help you find full-time, temporary, and temp-to-hire positions that are just right for your skills and interests. We can even help you make a great impression in the interview. Get one step closer to your dream job with PrideStaff today!