Interview Question Strategies

What can you do for this company?

I feel that this is a good question to explain how your specific qualities will benefit the working environment at this company.  If I felt that I had strong integrity, I would say, "I can provide a strong sense of integrity to fellow workers as well as clients of this company."  Then I would follow with an example that demonstrates how I would apply integrity to the scope of the position that I was applying for.  I would not answer this question with answers such as, "I will work hard for this company" or "I will bring a positive attitude."  Answers like these are very general, and employers would expect positive attitudes and hard work.

What is your greatest weakness?

This may be, in my opinion, the trickiest question to answer.  I think that this is an opportunity to reveal something that you struggle with, but have a firm handle on.  For example, if I suffer from anxiety when dealing with big groups I would say so, but then I would immediately follow this admission with how I effectively cope with this dilemma.  Be it breathing exercises or focused relaxation, showing that I am able to cope or overcome a personal flaw is the important point of this answer.  

Explain X to you 8-year old niece or nephew in three sentences.

This question is all about communication effectiveness.  I think it is perfectly fine to take a few seconds to arrive at a simple, yet direct, statement.  Make sure you stick to the three sentence limit, now is not the time to break a simple rule.  You don't need to use baby talk here, but the main goal is to show that you can explain something complex in laymen's terms.  In any career you may be forced to deal with clients or coworkers that just cannot grasp a particular concept that you are trying to convey.  You mustn't make them feel stupid or belittled.  Therefore it is important to show that you can break a concept into its simplest form and communicate it to someone else.


Why do you think you would do well at this job?

This is an opportunity to pounce.  Let them know that you are the worker that is needed to fill this position.  I would say something to the effect of, "Given my experience with X, or my talent in Y, functioning in this role would be practically natural for me."  Assure the employer that your adjustment time would be minimal and your transition into the position would be smooth and effortless.  Know the demands of the job you are applying for and be able to tie your skills into these demands.

Do you have any questions for me?

Answering this question well can be an important part of selling yourself to the employer.  This is an opportunity to put the company in the hot-seat and let them know that they aren't the only kool-aide stand in town.  It is important to ask questions to which the answers that are given could be compared to other companies that you may be interviewing for.  If you have come to the interview prepared, jot down the answers to the questions as if you are going to be referring to them later.  Most likely with answers that other companies have given you.  Give the impression that your time is valuable and so are you.  Do not answer this question by asking, "When do I start?"