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Below are some questions you may be asked in an interview, as well as some ways to answer those questions. Some questions are harder than others. We've included some here that are fairly tricky. You may not be asked any of these, but we've included them with some sample answers just in case.
Tell me about yourself.
This is a great opportunity to highlight some of your strengths. Keep your answer under two minutes. If at all possible, the information you give should be pertinent to the job you are interviewing for. Use your resume summary as a base to start, and don't delve too deeply into any one area. "I've worked in IT for the past seven years. I started as a programmer at BizStart, a small software company that develops business management tools. There I was involved in developing a sales automation tool, which at the time was quite innovative. The company's revenues doubled in the first six months after the product was released. Next, I worked at…"
What do you know about the position?
Familiarize yourself with the company before the interview. Use the library or Web. Find out about products, revenue, reputation, history, etc. When you've shown you know your stuff, ask the interviewer to tell you more about the company. "I understand you are looking for a data modeler with healthcare experience to work on a data warehousing project for a managed care organization. Could you tell me more about your needs?"
What are you looking for in a job? What are your goals?
The answer should be tailored to the position you are applying for. You might mention how you will be able to use certain skills you are interested in using in your new position; you might discuss the specific responsibilities and challenges the position will require.
What is your technical background, and what kinds of projects have you worked on?
Use your resume to walk the interviewer step-by-step through your technical—not work—history. Discuss specific skills you have acquired and how you have used them. Make sure you are prepared to discuss this information—don't just wing it.
What are some of your most significant accomplishments?
Tell a story about a couple of large, successful projects you worked on, or about a time when you overcame adversity to make a difficult project or task work. Focus on specific technical or personal skills you used.
In what areas do you need to improve technically?
Try to get the interviewer to clarify this question. Is he or she asking about specific technology? Platforms? This way you will better be able to target your answer. If appropriate, talk about a skill that is not required for the position. Since this position will require you to use your strongest skills, your weaker skill areas probably are not required.
What did you like most and least about your last job?
Do not ever criticize your former employer. Discuss positive aspects of the company, the job, your co-workers, or what you learned. Mention several things you liked about your last position. Mention ONLY ONE thing that you liked least—and that thing can echo why it is that you are leaving the company. "The company is large and stable, and I enjoyed that environment. However, I am looking for a smaller company environment where I can make a greater contribution."
How do you handle pressure?
Discuss the skills you have acquired—organization, prioritization, ability to communicate well with others—that help alleviate the stress of pressure in a job AND how you have used those skills successfully in the past.
Do you prefer to work alone or on a team?
It's best to provide a dual answer here—something that shows you are capable of operating independently when necessary and that demonstrates you are a team player when needed.
How would you describe your "ideal job"?
Cater your answer to the position and company you're interviewing with. Your answer may include discussion about your desire for an opportunity to use specific technical skills, your desire to learn additional skills, a specific work environment, etc.
If you were to hire someone to replace you in your last job, what kind of person would that be?
You want to turn this answer around to reflect well on you. Discuss the kinds of skills the job demanded—skills that mirror some of your strongest skills. Discuss the temperament required of the person in the position. Discuss the challenges of the position.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer this in general terms, and in reference to the company and opportunities available to you through this position. You might include comments about where you would like to be as a professional—don't limit yourself to growth within the company.
What kind of compensation are you looking for?
Don't get into specifics about compensation—there are many variables involved in achieving compensation that's fair to you and your employer. The proper and appropriate way to answer the question about money is to say, "Mr./Ms. [Interviewer Name], I am currently making [your present compensation], however, what is most important to me is the opportunity and the company. Based on what you have shared with me so far, I am really interested in this opportunity. If you are interested in me, I would like to entertain your strongest offer."
What do you do when priorities change quickly?
Discuss your ability to adapt and to communicate effectively with your supervisor and anyone you supervise. Talk about a step-by-step approach to examining new projects and tasks, determining where they fall into the greater scheme of things, rearranging current priorities, and getting buy-in from others involved.
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