Looking for a Job? Then Consider What You’ll Be Asked

Getting a job typically requires your resume and a phone or face-to-face interview. Sometimes you’ll go through rounds of interviews as you meet with different department heads and your future bosses. The important thing is to know what questions to expect and be prepared to answer them. The Michael Page site goes through these questions and highlights possible expected answers. You’ll be asked questions like:

• Tell me about yourself. Talk about why you’re sitting in your chair looking for this job and what qualifications you have that make you a good candidate.
• What was your most difficult problem at work and how have you tackled it? Find something really tough and show them your problem-solving skills.
• What are your strengths? Don’t be overly egotistical but explain how these strengths have helped you at your job.
• What are your weaknesses? Turn those weaknesses into strengths.
• Why are you leaving your current job? If you’re already in some position, explain why you’re moving on. Be professional. Saying “I hate my boss” won’t get you anywhere. Perhaps revise that with “the job wasn’t at all that challenging.”

Some companies ask logic questions too. Bear in mind that you may be asked why a manhole is round and other questions that test your logic while on the spot. Obviously, if I give you too many of those questions, you might be already too prepared for the interview. Be sure to make it look like you’re thinking because you’ll be challenged with more difficult tasks on the job as well.

Oh, and here are some ways to ruin a job interview (or to screw up your job):