Job seekers memorize responses to popular questions that interviewers ask during pre-employment face time. Just because the questions seem to be the same at every company doesn't mean you have to give standard answers. Sometimes it may be best to give a response that sets you apart from other candidates.
Most people prepare for such common questions as the following: "Tell me about yourself"; "Why are you the right person for the job?"; and "What are your main weaknesses?" Give a surprising interview answer that stands out from everyone else's and you could land that dream job. HR managers want to know what makes you the best person for the position, and a vastly different way of answering a tough question shows creativity and imagination when it comes to problem-solving.
Managers often ask something about your personality or your hobbies. Instead of answering with an avocation, give a work-related response. If your job is for a sales position, give a related interview answer: "I help my daughter sell Girl Scout cookies every February." Helping your daughter is a hobby away from work, but selling Girl Scout cookies still relates to a sales position.
Answer honestly when someone asks, "What is your greatest weakness?" An appropriate interview answer relates how you overcame this weakness and still succeeded. If at one time, you didn't know how to repair a copier because you weren't mechanically inclined, tell your future boss how you took the initiative and passed a class regarding office machinery at your local community college.
Turn another negative into a positive when you answer questions about why you left your previous job. Do not bad-mouth your former supervisor. Instead, say you wanted to grow as a person or be a stay-at-home father for your kids. Do not mention downsizing, the economic downturn or being fired. Turn the question into a segue to discuss your qualifications for this job and not your past one.
Explain your qualifications for the job by relating a situation, action and then results from a previous success. A concrete example of your problem-solving prowess explains to your potential boss the situation you were in, how you took action to remedy the dilemma and the success of your endeavor.
Rely on your knowledge of the company with a good interview answer to the question, "Why do you want to work here?" Expound on your passion for the company's vision statement, ethics or top-notch website. Elaborate on how your personal values align with the company's ethos.
Turn the tables on your interviewer after he asks, "Why should we hire you?" Answer with a concrete goal you can help the company achieve based on its mission statement. If you want to sell water filters to the masses, relate how you want to expand the market in Asia as a way to bring more profits to the firm.
A unique interview answer could tip the scales in your favor when compared with a range of standard answers. When interviewers ask common questions, give special answers to get your interviewer talking about your abilities to stand out from a crowd.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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