Interview Questions and Answers
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In your answer highlight how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the job and the company profile. Where you were born and grew up, or what pets you have is not likely to show the interviewer why you are a good candidate for the job opportunity. Make your interview answer relevant! |
The interviewer wants to know if you will fit in with the rest of the team, the department and the company.
The interviewer is also trying to find out what motivates you and whether it is consistent with what the job and the employer offer.
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Refer to the Job Interview Information you have gathered doing your background research. Review the job requirements and focus on how you specifically meet these needs. For example, if the job requires you to work as part of a team, tell the interviewer about the projects you have undertaken as a team-member. Most jobs require an element of team work, so this is a good aspect to focus on when thinking about answers to this interview question Use this sample answer to help prepare your own good interview answer to this question: |
"In my previous 2 positions I worked as part of a team on a number of projects. A big project I was involved with at ABC company was writing a new safety policy.
It was a really in-depth project so I put together a safety review committee. We worked together for a month to identify the safety needs of the various departments and what procedures would meet those needs.
Our policy has been well accepted and safety problems have decreased in all areas"
By pointing out to the Interviewer the specific benefits of hiring you for this job, rather than giving a rambling autobiography, you will be positively remembered and set yourself apart from the other candidates.
The interviewer has probably already read your resume or CV, so avoid just repeating that information during the interview questions and answers.
For example, when talking about your sales experience, rather than telling the interviewer
"I spent three years in sales at XYZ Company"
draw attention to your success during that time."When working at XYZ I focused on growing the customer base in the Northeast and increased sales by 50% over a three year period"
It is impressive to quantify your success wherever possible.
Use your research on the company to emphasize how you fit in. For example your information reveals that the company has a strong responsibility to the community, you can point out why you value that, discuss any volunteer work you have done, underline why it is one of the things that attracts you to the company.
"I know that this company sponsors some of the local youth football teams. This is a particular interest of mine, last year I got involved in coaching. It is important to me that the company holds the same values"
If you do not have enough information about the position to prepare adequately for this question beforehand, ask the interviewer "What areas would you like me to focus on?" and go from there.
Interviewers like to ask a variation of this question that can be a bit more tricky - "Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume." These Example Answers for Interviews will help you deal successfully with this interview question.
Prepare for frequently asked Employer Interview Questions such as "What is your greatest achievement?" by viewing these sample interview questions and answers.
Get help with identifying your relevant areas of strength by viewing this job-related List of Strengths
Refer to the Job Interview Guide to know which interview questions to expect for different positions from accounting to sales. Use the recommended guidelines to prepare for your job interview questions and answers.
This interview question is often included in Group Interview Questions.
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