Experienced interviewees know how to prepare, but still find the experience a bit daunting. The in-experienced interviewee may be terrified at the thought of the process. Being prepared is the best medicine to alleviate the anxiety and boost your confidence. Start with the most basic of questions that the interviewer most likely will ask – practice your answers to all three to avoid stumbling on your own words.
The most famous of all interview openers is “Tell me about yourself” otherwise known as “Who are you?”
The answer you give should roll off your tongue with confidence as it sets the tone for the rest of the interview. This is not the time to “wing it.” Know your answer well to avoid talking in circles because that could bury the interview. So script in advance and practice your answer out loud to yourself or a friend.
Having said that, you don’t want to sound stiff and rehearsed. The answer should be natural and conversational yet confident. You could start by stating some of your top strengths that apply to any job but could be specific to the job for which you are interviewing. Which skill sets, experiences, and management traits can you highlight? The first impression answers will stick with the interviewer.
The following question will most likely arise as it is an old standard that still catches people off guard if not prepared: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Being asked to state your “Long Term” goals is an open-ended question that will surely through you off balance if you don’t think of it in advance. This question is intended to check on your self-awareness and how organized you are in your own life. Some people flat-out know the answer but most people who go through life without long-term plans don’t stand a chance of successfully answering this question without some forethought
Think about what you want in life. Experts will always tell you that a key to success is your ability to set and achieve goals – both short-term and long-term. So start with stating the short-term goal: to land this perfect job RIGHT NOW as it is an important part of your long-range plan. But be sure to be ready to answer the direct interview question of “Where do you see yourself in five years?” If you use the present to help formulate the future, it demonstrates your focus on a successful career. This must come from what is important to you. If you can focus it around this prospective new employer, you have a better chance of steering the interview in the right direction.
And lastly, “WHY” as in, “Why should we hire you?”
This interview question can be gold in your hands. Know this answer well because it’s a prime opportunity to sell yourself in the right light. Think of yourself as a “product” in a store and convince the customer to buy you. Develop a solid “sales” statement with some depth, meaning, and detail. This is not a time to talk about what you want, but a time to summarize your relevant accomplishments and what makes you unique above the competition.
So how do you most successfully prepare to answer the three most dreaded but standard questions? Simply start by studying the job description. Does the posting stress specific requirements? Go through the job description line by line to identify where your own skills and background apply and make a list of what you have to offer as the best candidate as they relate to the specific requirements.
Identify two or three of your key qualities to match what the employer is seeking. Don’t underestimate personal traits that make you unique – your energy, personality type, working style, and people skills.
You want to set yourself apart from other candidates and by walking through this exercise with focus and concentration, your answers to these key interview questions will result in a smooth presentation. It’s not possible to anticipate all the questions the interviewer will ask, but full preparation is critical. Know WHO you are, WHAT you want, and WHY you are the best choice for the job!
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