Common Interview Questions and Answers

Common question and answers While every job interview is unique in its own way, most interviews come with a list of similar questions. Some questions are harder to approach and answer than others. Have you ever attended a job interview where the person you're meeting with asks, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" It's a trick question, really. The main point they're weeding through is how long you plan on staying with the company. Some will take this question and spin it to focus directly on them and not the company. This is a big mistake. Set some goals for yourself prior to heading to the interview. The goals you discuss should revolve around the company directly and what you're going to do to help it along.

It's important to know about the company you're going to interview with. The internet is a wealth of knowledge if you decide to use it to your advantage. Most companies have their own website and it's a good idea to understand what they're all about. Find out how long they've been in business and what is currently being practiced. Reading your potential employer's blog is an excellent way to stay on top of what the company is going through and what it practices on a day to day basis.

Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses prior to attending an interview. You're likely to be asked about both. Don't be too hard on yourself but at the same time, don't brag too much either. You'll want to find a fine middle ground that you'll be comfortable with.

Toward the end of an interview, the interviewer is likely to ask you if you have any questions. It's best to come up with something simple that he or she did not cover. This isn't the time to show off or to complain.
 No job is complete until the interviewer asks why you have left your last job. Don't use this time to point the finger and blame anyone at your former employer's office. You don't want to go on and on about how much you hated the mundane tasks are your former job. All jobs come with a job description and you're bound to dislike a handful of the tasks. No job comes with a list of things everyone will be happy with. So keep your answer simple and to the point.

Following up with the interviewer can be a sticky situation. It's a good idea to send an email thanking them for their time. This is a good time to ask any lingering questions you may have forgotten to ask during the interview.

These are just a few tips to take into consideration when heading over to your interview.