Common Questions Asked During a Job Interview: Prepare Yourself 

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Whether you have a job interview scheduled tomorrow or if you just started your job search and are preparing well ahead of time for the job interviews to come, do not let your nerves get the best of you. In most cases, all you need to have a great job interview is to first familiarize yourself with some of the most common job interview questions asked and start practicing your answers in advance.

To make it easier for you to do, we have compiled a list of some of the most common job interview questions asked.  We also share some tips on answering those common job interview questions.

Common Job Interview Question: Why did you apply for this job?

Answer: Your answer should be related to the company or the job in question. For instance, if they operate a fast paced retail store, explain your reasoning for wanting to work in this environment, as well as the company.

Common Job Interview Question: Where do you expect to be five or ten years from now?

Answer: Your answer should show your potential as a long term employee, as well as your drive and determination. For instance, your answer can be along the lines of “I would like to still be working with the same company, but prefer to have advanced to a higher position.”

Common Job Interview Question: What skills will you bring to the workplace?

Answer: You want to try and keep your answer relevant to the position you are applying for. Your resume already outlined and showcased all the skills you have acquired through prior jobs. Now is the best time to focus on the skills, education, and training you have that are perfect for the job you are interviewing for.

Common Job Interview Question: What is one difficult situation you have faced in the past and how did you overcome that difficulty?

Answer: I know right now you want to say “I haven’t had any problems,” but do not say this. Think of any situation you might have encountered in the past, such as deadline that was unexpectedly moved up, and the solution, such as yourself working hard or your team pulling together and putting in extra hours to meet that shortened deadline.

Common Job Interview Question: Why did you leave your last place of employment?

Answer: Your job interviewer doesn’t want a sob story nor do they want your life story, but they what they do want is the truth. Give them the truth because your answer can easily be verified by contacting your former employers. Most people know that the economy impacted even the best companies and their best employees.  For that reason, do not be afraid to answer you were laid off if that was the case.

Common Job Interview Question: Is there anything you want to ask?

Answer: It is advised that you do a little bit of research ahead of time online to know about the company you are interviewing with.  However, you still want to ask questions.  It is a good idea to base those questions on something that came up during the job interview, as it shows you were paying attention and listening.

These are some of the most common job interview questions asked.  Remember, you can prepare for a job interview by reviewing these questions and practicing your answers at home.