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Interview Preparation

Before you interview for a position, learn as much about it and the employer as possible. If you found the position through a recruiter, he or she should be able to provide that information for you. If not, conduct research on the Web, visit the library, and tap into industry contacts.

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Questions To Ask

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After you have studied the company, make a list of questions to ask the employer:

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  • Why is this position available?

  • What training programs are available to the person in this position?

  • What are your goals for this position?

  • What are the biggest challenges your organization faces?

  • What obstacles must be overcome for the person in this position to succeed?

  • How will my performance be evaluated?

  • What opportunities are there for growth in the next 12 months? Two years? Five years?

  • What growth do you anticipate for your organization in the next 12 months?

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Questions You May Be Asked

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Your recruiter should be able to give you a good idea of the hiring manager's personality, his or her typical interview demeanor, and a few important questions that the employer is likely to ask, such as:

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  • Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.

  • Why are you interested in this position? Relate how you feel your qualifications match the job requirements. Also, express your desire to work for the employer.

  • What are the most significant accomplishments in your career? Identify recent accomplishments that relate to the position and its requirements.

  • Describe a situation in which your work was criticized. Focus on how you resolved the situation and became a better person because of the experience.

  • What do you know about our organization?

  • How would you describe your personality?

  • How do you perform under pressure?

  • What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?

  • What did you like least about your last position?

  • Are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) company?

  • What is your ideal working environment?

  • How would your co-workers describe you?

  • What do you think of your boss?

  • Have you ever fired anyone?

  • What was the situation and how did you handle it?

  • Are you creative?

  • What are your goals in your career?

  • Where do you see yourself in two years?

  • Why should we hire you?

  • What kind of salary are you looking for?

  • What other types of jobs/companies are you considering?

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Also learn about Interviewing Do's and Don'ts.

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