Now that you have an interview for a new job, it's time you arm yourself with one of the most powerful tools in job acquisition - interview answers! During an interview, prospective employers aren't going to judge you by an impressive high school report. Instead, your future boss will scrutinize your interview answers, picking apart, in his mind, every response you give. Chances are, he has the mentality of "Make my job easy for me, make me want to hire you!". Because of this, you should use his time to fulfill exactly that goal - that you are there to make his job easy as possible.
Interview answers should be neither long winded or lackluster. Avoid going off on tangents making you appear flighty and disorganized. When asked about your background, stick to that subject. Use your linguistic skills to spice up the most mundane of interview answers.
First off, he'll probably ask you to tell him about yourself. This doesn't mean your favorite color or food. He wants to know what kind of enthusiasm and drive you have. Show him you want this specific job, and express your enthusiasm and interest in the field. For example, if the job is an architecture position, you may want to indicate your college history, any relevant accolades received and elaborate on your fascination of specific structures and knowledge and admiration of Frank Lloyd Wright. This constitutes a winning interview answer.
One of the most popular interview questions is, "Why should I give you this job?" Of course the first thing to come to mind is "There's dozens of other candidates out there, what do I say?"
Winning interview answers include responses showing him you are reliable, hard working and above all, your qualities as the consummate team player. If you have a lot of experience in the field, play up previous accomplishments which indicate your qualifications are what he needs.
Employers ask the same question with every potential team-player they interview: What are your long term goals? Where do you see yourself in five years? Interview answers in this area are a little bit tricky. The worst thing you could say is that you see your self doing something other than what that company does. If you want to be a flight attendant, but are applying for a waitress job, don't tell them that. Instead, say "In five years, I see myself in a management position at this restaurant. I know the path is long, but I'm prepared to go the extra mile to achieve my goal."
Always remember to me polite and courteous. First impressions stick firmly in a persons mind, so greet the boss with a firm handshake, and look him in the eye. Never apply for a job while you're sick, always look your best and never talk about a different profession.
Check with your local employment office for handouts on typical interview questions and answers, so you go prepared. Your interview answers can make or break that first impression.
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