Questions Interviewers Always Ask

While specific interview questions can vary widely depending on an industry, type of position and job title, most employers have a menu of standard questions they ask every candidate.

Most employers use a rather standard list of open-ended (you cannot use a yes or no answer) interview questions designed to show your professional behavioural traits. Therefore, regardless of your industry or desired position, you should prepare for some form of the questions below and carefully prepare thoughtful and effective answers.

• What can you tell me about yourself and your prior jobs? First, do not assume or believe the interviewer is interested in your personal life or anecdotes. He/she wants to learn about your workplace behaviour and attitudes. Offer one or more examples of things you’ve accomplished in the past for former employers.
  
  
• Why do you want to work for this company? Carefully construct an answer that speaks well of your ability and concern for this potential employer. Stress areas such as your ability to assist company growth, improving corporate culture, and admiration for the company’s management and operational philosophy. This shows you have thought about this, done your company research, and displays reasons why you will “fit” into this employer’s team.
  
  
• Why did you leave your last employer? Be sure to stress only positive reasons for your current availability. The only acceptable negative reasons include company closure, downsizing, merger or acquisition. Otherwise, concentrate on the subjects related to seeking out new challenges, using or acquiring more skills to become more valuable, and desire to contribute to another organization that you admire.
  
  
• How might your former employer or co-workers describe you? At first glance, this question may inspire a creative work of fiction. Resist the temptation. Once again, stress the positives using words like “helpful,” “supportive,” “willingness,” and “cooperative.” Offer examples that visually portray your advantages and behaviour.
  
  
• Where do you picture yourself and your career in five years? This question attempts to learn of your ambition, plans, career goals, and educational objectives. While the least risky of the standard menu of behavioural questions, you must understand that this question is critical to the interviewer’s perception of your potential “fit” for the company.
  
  
• What are your compensation objectives and expectations? If this appears to be a “minefield” type of question, you’re correct. While you must be careful, you can diffuse the potential explosion and display positive aspects of your candidacy. First, be realistic. Research the prospective employer and similar companies in the industry. Combine this data with research into similar positions and the average salaries they command in your geographical area. You’ll then have a good idea of the compensation range. Consider quoting at least 25 per cent more than your last job’s salary, unless this interview represents a major career change for you. Being realistic displays that you’ve considered and researched this subject extensively.

Most companies have adopted behavioural interview formats designed to evaluate both your technical qualifications and professional personality. While technical questions are specific to your specialty, experience and skill level, the questions above are designed to open the window of learning about your behaviour, motivation and commitment to excel. The key is to know that these questions will most likely be asked, and to be prepared to answer them.

SIGN UP TODAY to receive a monthly career tips newsletter!