Tips for Success : Questions to Expect
Questions to Expect (What the Employer May Ask You):
- Tell me about yourself. (This is often an icebreaker question. Keep the answer job or skill related.)
- What do you know about the type of work we do? (This is your chance to tell what you know from the research you completed ahead of time.)
- What is your weakness? (Always make this a positive answer. For example, “My spelling is not always perfect so I use a spell checker.”)
- What are your strengths? (Describe your skills in a way that will show you as a desirable employee for the company.)
- Why did you leave your last job? (Answer with a positive statement. Try not to say, “I was fired,” “terminated,” “quit,” “had no babysitter,” or “couldn’t get along with coworkers or supervisor.” However, you can say: “new job,” “contract ended,” “seasonal,” temporary,” “career change,” “returned to school,” “to raise a family,” or “relocated.”)
- Why have you been unemployed for such a long time? (Tell the truth. Emphasize that you were looking for a good company where you can settle and make a contribution.)
- Why should we hire you? (Make a positive statement, such as “I would like the opportunity to work with you and believe that I can do the work.”
- Do you have references? (It is most important that you contact your references ahead of time and have their name, current address, and telephone numbers.)