The best way to handle it is to prepare ahead of time.
“Stick to business”. Do not bring personal concerns. Offer information that relates to the job you are applying for.
Briefly touch on the following areas: your background including your work experience, education, your qualifications and strengths as they relate to this position, and desires to work for the organization; (mention interests and hobbies – if they are somewhat related to the job)
e.g.. “I am dependable and a quick learner. I have two years experience as an administration assistant. I am looking for a company that will give me an opportunity to use my skills while helping the company achieve its goals”
“What are you strengths?”
Mention qualities that would be beneficial to the employer for this job
Mention no more than three
Be prepared to describe on the job situations where these strengths were applied
e.g. “If you are applying for a receptionist position, your answer could be “my telephone skills” and/or “a warm and patient personality”
“What are your weaknesses?”
This question calls for a positive negative
Be honest: state an area that requires improvement and state what you are doing to improve that area
e.g. “Because I tend to procrastinate, I have learned to work well under pressure and to always get work done on time. However, I am working on my time management skills”
“Why did you leave your last job?”
Be truthful, and discuss the reasons honestly but in a favorable light!
Never criticize previous managers or places of employment
If you were fired , stress reasons that are not personal
It is important to work things out with your past employers so that they give you positives references
e.g. “The job was not challenging enough”, or “The commute was difficult” or “There was a re-organization of the department”. Etc.
“What kind of machines/equipment have you worked with?”
Be specific in mentioning the types of job-related machines and equipment you have operated. Stress your skill and capability
Mention also, similar ones that you could operate if you transfer your skills. Give specific examples
Express a willingness to learn new machine/equipment the company has
e.g. “I worked with an HP 540 printer and I know that here you use an Epson printer, however I am willing to learn how to operate it”.
“Why do you want to work here?”
Describe what you know about the company – its products, services, reputation, etc
Indicate how your experience and interests compliment the company's goals. Or how your skills match their requirements
State your confidence in your ability to the particular job
e.g. “I learned that this company is well established and I realize that the requirements that you are asking for match my skills and background; and I know that I will be an asset to your company.”
“What kind of salary are you looking for?”
Research beforehand what salary ranges are offered in this field
Try to remain flexible until you have been offered a position
e.g. “At this point, I would like to leave it open for negotiation once an offer has been made”,or
Express your interest in working for them and state that your responsibilities will influence the salary
e.g. “I am interested in working with this company and I am sure that the salary you will offer me will reflect my experience and abilities and will be comparable with the salaries in the field.”, or
Turn back the question to the employer by:
e.g. “What is the salary you are offering for the this position?”
If the employers are obviously interested in hiring you, or insist on an answer, name a range that you know is realistic, adding that finding the right company to work with is really most important to you
e.g. “I will be happy to start with a salary between $ and $
However, finding the right company is really the most important to me.”
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Keep your answer work-related, with this company in mind
Stress what you like about the company and that you want to become a valued employee there
Mention your interest in your career and commitment to staying and growing in this field of work
e.g. “After a year with the company, I'll probably be looking for additional responsibility because I'm enjoys challenge and new opportunities, so in five years I would like to be in a higher position within the company and doing what I love.”
“Why should I hire you?”
Quickly list your skills, positive attributes and experience and how they match the requirements
Mention how you can meet the company's current needs
e.g. “My ( years of) experience, plus my knowledge … plus my ability to …... Besides, I'm team player, efficient, dedicated, dependably, etc.”
“Can you work under pressure and/or tight deadlines?”
Give examples from previous jobs that show your ability to cope with pressure/tight deadline.
If you cannot cope with pressure, first mention something positive about your work
e.g. “I am always on time and am able to work well in a team, but working under pressure is not one of my strongest skills, however I am willing to cope with this if it is necessary”
