1. The Top Interview Questions
And How to Answer Them

2. Tell Me About Yourself.
Avoid sharing too much or too little information.
Start with sharing some interests that don’t relate to the job, like playing soccer, playing an instrument, writing poetry, etc. It is a great idea to include things that highlight strengths.
For example, athletics showcase your energetic and healthy side. Volunteer work showcases your sense of character and your interest in helping others.

3. Tell Me About Yourself. Continued
Avoid topics like religion and politics. You also don’t need to talk about your family. You have no obligation to do so.
Then transition from personal to professional. Explain that your job is important to you. Then briefly highlight your important and applicable work experience. Rather than just listing jobs you had. Briefly explain the experience you gained from the position.

4. Why should we hire you?
Think about the requirements for this job and then think about the strengths you have that match the job.
If you are interviewing for a job in a clothing retail store, great customer service is necessary, so you can detail your abilities that relate to that job, like patience, clear communication skills, etc.
Keep your answer concise.

5. Why should we hire you? Continued
Sample Responses
I have the savvy, experience, and superior communication ability to be an asset to your company.
I think that my experience in the (widget) industry and my ability to work autonomously make me a good match for this position.
I have top-notch administrative skills, and I believe I'd be an asset for the office. My skill set seems to be a perfect match for what you're looking for. In addition, I enjoy working with people and would welcome the opportunity to be a part of your team.

6. What are your strengths?
Be sure to list strengths that associate with the job that you are applying for.
To prepare for this question, make a list of strengths that you have that correlate with the job. Then narrow your list down to three.
Not only should you say your strengths; you should also give an example of a time when you have demonstrated each strength.

7. What are your strengths?
Sample Responses
I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations. With five years of experience as a customer service associate, I have learned to effectively understand and resolve customer issues. On a related note, I also have strong communication skills, which helps me work well with customers, team members, and executives. I am known for being an effective team member with a talent for giving presentations.
I am a skilled salesman with over ten years of experience. I have exceeded my sales goals every quarter, and I've earned a bonus each year since I started with my current employer.

8. What are your weaknesses?
You have to respond to this question carefully because you don’t want the employer to think you aren’t suited for the job.
There are three possible strategies you can use to respond to this question.
1. Discuss skills that aren’t crucial to the job.
For example, if you were applying for a nursing job, you could say that you don’t excel at group presentations, but you do excel at one- on-one communication (since that is the crux of the job.)
2. Mention skills you have improved
You can explain something that you improved upon in your previous job. Mention where it was your skill level was initially, the steps you took to improve, and where your skill level is now.
3. Turn a positive into a negative
For example, you could explain that you like to triple check projects to make sure that they are completed correctly. This shows that you will assure that your work is perfect. However, you would want to mention that you still get them complete on time.

9. What are your weaknesses? Continued
Here are some good sample responses.
Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills.
Sometimes, I spend more time than necessary on a task, or take on tasks personally that could easily be delegated to someone else. Although I've never missed a deadline, it is still an effort for me to know when to move on to the next task, and to be confident when assigning others work.
I had difficulty with calculus during college, but I persevered with tutoring assistance and extra effort and completed 2 levels with a B minus average.

10. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
This can be a difficult question because you don’t know the other candidates. And you want to sound confident but not conceited. Be sure not to talk badly about others when you answer this question. In fact you can begin to answer this question by acknowledging that you aren’t putting down other candidates.
“I don’t know the other candidates, but I am sure they are all rather qualified, but let me tell you what I can bring to the table.”

11. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t? Continued
Then you should proceed to comfortably describe one or two of your best attributes. Avoid sounding cliché. Pick attributes that are specific and will set you apart from others. Try choosing a specific skill set you learned from a previous job or activity. And if you can, apply your answer to the company.
Sample Response: My experience at Righteous Records taught me the importance of streamlining communication among all members of the team for any type of project. I am able to organize and maintain a cohesive, smooth process to keep all members up-to- date and on board with a project from start to finish. You mentioned that this is a top priority for your company, so I can ensure this is accomplished.

12. What interests you about this opening?
In order to answer this question, be sure to do the following:
Research the position and company ahead of time.
Be specific about why you are a good fit.
Emphasize what you can contribute.
Employers often like when you use numbers to mention what you can contribute. For example, in your last job, you might have excelled at getting people to sign up for store cards. So you could say the number you averaged in a day.
Avoid reasons that focus on you.
Do not mention pay, personal benefits, commute time, etc. They want to know how you can benefit the company, not how the company can benefit you.

13. What interests you about this opening?
Here are some good sample responses.
I understand that this is a company on the rise. As I’ve read on your website and in various press releases, you are planning to launch several new products in the coming months. I want be a part of this business as it grows, and I know my experience in product development would help your company as you roll out these products.
I want this retail job at your store because I know I would be terrific at it. I love engaging with people and providing them with assistance. I also have two years of experience working cash registers at other stores. I am a regular customer of this store, so I would love to apply my skills to a store I believe in and support.

14. Tell me a time when you handled a difficult situation.
Employers often ask this question because they think that how you behaved in the past will indicate how you will behave in the future. You want it to come across that you are capable of handling tough situations calmly and confidently.
To answer this question, detail a specific situation that was difficult and explain step- by-step what you did to handle it, and how you did it.

15. Tell me a time when you handled a difficult situation. Continued
Here is a good sample response.
Once when I was working at Nike, I saw a customer put merchandize in her purse without paying for it. I stayed calm, and quickly alerted my manager who was nearby. My manager then alerted security, and they handled the situation.

16. Sources
Doyle, Alison. "Best Answers for the Top Interview Questions." The Balance. About, Inc., Web. 30 Mar
Kaufman, Caroline Zaayer. "Job Interview Question-What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't." Monster Career Advice. Monster WorldWide, Web Mar