31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Skip Nav
Living
Subscribe to the
Must Have Box
Search...

Master These 15 Interview Questions

Work-Life Balance
19 Awesome Things to Do Alone
Budget Tips
14 Starbucks Hacks That Will Save You Money
Eco
How to Clean Your Front-Loading Washing Machine
Consumerism
105 Awesome but Affordable Gifts For Men
Budget Tips
221 Upcycling Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind
POPSUGAR
Smart-living
Job Search

Typical Job Interview Questions and Answers

Master These 15 Interview Questions
January 9, 2016 by Emily Co
View in slideshow

Share This Link Getting URL

Copy

First impressions are everything, and making a good one during a job interview can very well snag you the job of your dreams. Interviews can be nerveracking, especially if it's for a job you really want. The only way to calm your nerves is to do a lot of prep beforehand so you'll be ready for your interview.
Read on for 15 common interview questions.

Additional reporting by Macy Williams

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

1/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

1 Tell Me About Yourself

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user designlovefest
This question usually takes about one to two minutes to answer and will be your elevator pitch. You want to give them a brief rundown of who you are as a
person and show how you articulate you are. Don't start rambling on about your personal history. Talk about highlights from job positions or schooling and
how you can contribute to the company with your background and experiences.
Know what the company is looking for. If it prizes technical skills, play those up. Showcase the qualities needed for the job you're interviewing for.
Before the interview, write down two to three notable achievements, and be sure to bring them up during your elevator pitch.
1 / 15
2 What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

2/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user careercontessa
Think about what others have said about you when you're trying to come up with a list of your strengths. Remember, always back up your points with an
example.
Pick strengths that align with the company's culture and goals. If you're applying to a scrappy start-up, highlight your ability to multitask and to take initiative.
The most important factor when choosing which strengths to highlight is to make sure they relate to the position your applying to. For example, if you're
applying for a human resources position, talk about your interpersonal skills.
The weakness question is always the hardest to answer. Don't give a clichd answer such as you work too hard or you're too much of a perfectionist. Try your
best to stick to the truth and make sure you mention the steps you take to counter the weakness. Don't disclose anything that will make you look like an
incompetent employee, such as not meeting deadlines and getting into conflicts with co-workers. Put a positive spin on the weakness but make sure it doesn't
sound too practiced. An example of weaknesses can be impatience, which can mean that you want to get the job done. Another weakness can be time
management but make sure you name the steps you take to beat that problem. You will look like a problem solver when you show them what you did to fix a
flaw.
2 / 15
3 What Salary Are You Looking For?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

3/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Shutterstock
You don't have to answer this question at the interview, and you can try to deflect this question until you've received an offer. Tell the interviewers that you
want to hold off on salary talk until the both of you know that you're right for the job.
3 / 15
4 Why Do You Want to Work For Us?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

4/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user designlovefest
Read up everything you can about the company, including the website, news articles, profiles of employees, and any tidbits on LinkedIn. If you or your
friends know employees at the company, ask if they can speak to you about what the company is like.
Try to get a sense of what the company culture is and what its goals are. Once you've done your homework, you need to figure out how the company ties into
your own career path and future.
4 / 15
5 Where Do You See Yourself in a Few Years?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

5/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user careercontessa
Think about how you can move forward from the position you're eyeing. Figure out the natural career track and tailor your answer to the company. Try to be
honest but not to the point where you make yourself look like an unattractive candidate, such as saying you want to work for their competitor or something
too personal like becoming a mom. Stick to professional examples; they don't want to hear about your personal life plan.
5 / 15
6 Are You Interviewing With Other Companies?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

6/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user songofstyle
Try not to spend too much time on this question and answer briefly. A simple yes and mentioning the fact that you're open to opportunities will do the trick.
You can also say that this particular job is your first choice. Remember, honesty is always the best policy, and don't lie and say you're interviewing at certain
companies when you're not.
6 / 15
7 What Can You Do For This Company?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

7/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user sfgirlbybay
There are several versions of this question, which also includes, "What will you do when you're at [job position x]?" When you're preparing for the interview,
think about why you would do a good job at the position and what steps you would take to achieve that.
Bring in new ideas and examples of what you have done in the past that has benefited your previous companies. One trick that will help the company visualize
you in the position is to tell them exactly what you'd do in the first two weeks at the job. Be specific about what you'd like to accomplish, so it's more
believable and impressive.
7 / 15
8 Why Do You Want to Leave or Why Did You Leave Your Current Job?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

8/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Shutterstock
It's understandable if you were laid off given the rocky economy. You don't have to share the dirty details, but you should be truthful and mention that your
company had to let go of X number of people or the department was being restructured.
If you are leaving because of a negative situation, be sure not to badmouth your old company or boss. It just reflects badly on you if you do. You can focus on
the fact that you're looking for growth and that you feel this company feels like the step in the right direction.
8 / 15
9 Do You Have Any Questions For Me?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

9/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user cmolinara
Asking good questions can reveal a lot of your personality and can be the most important part of the interview. Take some time into crafting very personal,
well thought-out questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer.
Don't ask questions that seem to be too assuming and that make you sound like you think you got the job. Don't try to focus on pay, benefits, and getting
promoted. Focus more on what you can do for the company and not what the company can do for you.
Use your judgement during the interview on how many questions are appropriate.
9 / 15
10 When Did You Have to Deal With Conflict in the Office, and How Did You Resolve It?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

10/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Shutterstock
Be careful when you're addressing this question and make sure that you're not bitter or negative in your answer. You should always be positive because this
reflects the fact that you take conflict well. Talk about a problem you faced (preferably not something you created), and detail the steps you proactively took
to resolve the problem. The best examples will come from your past experiences.
10 / 15
11 Testing Your Knowledge and Experience

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

11/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Shutterstock
Make sure what you can live up to your claims in your rsum and cover letter, because your interviewer may try to test your knowledge and experience.
For example, he might ask you questions in your field or get your professional opinion on some current events happening in your expertise. Another way to
test your knowledge is to walk you through a sample scenario you might face in this new job, and ask you how you would solve the issue.
The best way to prepare for these questions is to read up as much as you can about industry that you're applying to, and brush up on items in your past. Give
yourself time to think about how you would tackle the problem they present to you, and don't rush your explanation. Even if you don't arrive at the
conclusion the hiring manager is looking for, they may be impressed by your thought process.
11 / 15
12 Tell Me About Your Achievements

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

12/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Shutterstock
It's your time to shine when you talk about your achievements. Make sure you're preparing ahead of time for the achievement question.
Write down three possible past wins relevant to the company and position you're applying to, and practice articulating your answers. Do your best to be
specific and possibly throw in numbers to really back up your answers. For example, saying something like "As a result of achievement x, revenue numbers
increased by x percent year over year." This will really show your hiring manager how you added value to your past company's growth and reveal your worth
as an employee.
12 / 15
13 Tell Me About Your Failures

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

13/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Shutterstock
Be careful when picking which failures to talk about because it can either be a hit or miss answer.
Be honest in your answer. Don't pick a weak example, where the failure wasn't truly a flop. It's very telling if you're uncomfortable with the question. The
interviewer may see you as someone who can't take responsibility for her mistakes and grow from it.
You want to make sure that whatever you mention, you're able to explain how you bounced back stronger than ever and how you took steps to make sure
that the mistake never happened again.
13 / 15
14 How Would Your Co-Workers Describe You?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

14/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user designlovefest
It's time to talk yourself up! Highlight your positive traits, and make sure you're not bringing up your flaws. You should only bring up negative things if you're
asked to do so.
Think back on what your co-workers and bosses have said about you in your past reviews. This will help you formulate your answer.
14 / 15
15 What Was Your Last Salary?

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

15/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends!
Share This Link Getting URL
Copy
Image Source: Instagram user shopbando
Remember, you don't have to reveal anything you're not comfortable with to the hiring manager. You can answer this question indirectly by giving the
interviewer a range you're expecting.
Liz Ryan, CEO of consulting firm The Human Workplace, writes in a LinkedIn post, "When we call the plumber because our tub drain is clogged, we don't
ask, 'What did you charge the guy down the block to unclog his drain last week?' If we do, the plumber is going to say, 'My rate is $95 an hour. Do you want
me to come over or not?'"
She suggests responding to this salary question with "In this job search, I'm looking for jobs in the $95,000 to $100,000 range. Is that in the ballpark?"
The best way to prepare for this question is to figure out how much salary you want to be paid. Here's how.
15 / 15
Share this post
Job SearchInterviewsCareer
Around The Web
Related Posts
Blog
Here's what hiring managers really want to know when they ask, 'Where do you see yourself in 5 years?'
by Business Insider 6 hours ago

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

16/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Career
This Guy Got His Rsum Tattooed on His Arm Seriously
by Aimee Simeon 2 days ago

Job Search
What You Should Do If You're Stumped During an Interview
by Emily Co 3 hours ago

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

17/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Productivity
6 Ways to Revamp Your Rsum
by Ashley Paige 6 days ago

Job Search
9 Costly Interview Mistakes That Can Lose You the Job Offer
by Emily Co 2 days ago
Work-Life Balance
27 Adorable Tattoos That Are Appropriate For Work
by Ashley Paige 6 days ago

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

18/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Job Search
The 50 Best Places to Work in 2016
by Ashley Paige 3 days ago

Job Search
5 Things to Bring to a Job Interview
by Angelica Marden 1 week ago

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

19/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Job Search
9 Things That Really Annoy Hiring Managers
by Emily Co 4 days ago

Job Search
The 25 Best Jobs in America This Year
by Aimee Simeon 1 week ago

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

20/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Job Search
10 Essentials Every Intern Should Have
by Michele Bird 5 days ago

Job Search
What to Name Your Rsum and Cover Letter
by Emily Co 1 week ago
From Our Partners
POPSUGAR, the #1 independent media and technology company for women. Where more than 75 million women go for original, inspirational content that feeds their
passions and interests.
Whats Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Dont forget to share this with your friends! 403Reactions
Join The Conversation
Get Inspired With Our Living Newsletter
Personalize
DIY
Vegetarian
Home
Tech
http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

21/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

Love and Sex

Food
Sign up with facebook
or
Email Address

Zip Code (Optional)

Sign up

Save

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and to receive emails from POPSUGAR.
gumdrops334 3 years
I hate the whole "Think about what you can do you for your company, not what your company can do for you" social norm. If you are willing to spend 40 hours of your week
at one place and working hard for them, you should be aware of what that company can do for you in return (besides pay).

25 Books That Will Blow Your

Mind

Here's a simple trick to make

people like you in 2 seconds

20 Odd Ways to Make Extra

Money

LEVO

BUSINESS INSIDER

MONEY TALKS NEWS

12 Sneaky Places To Hide

Ugly (But Necessary) Everyday
Stuff
TRULIA
poweredbyPubExchange

Latest Career & Money

Job Search 3 hours ago
What You Should Do If You're Stumped During an Interview

by Emily Co
Uh-oh . . . mind drawing a blank?
Budget Tips 4 hours ago
130 Ways to Save Money and Still Have the Wedding of Your Dreams

by Tara Block
Don't let money woes bring you down.
Work-Life Balance 5 hours ago
22 Hobbies For People Who Really Love to Be Alone

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

22/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

by Hilary White
Eco 6 hours ago
45 of the Ultimate Best New Uses For Old Things

by Emily Co
The magic of upcycling.
Organization 8 hours ago
8 Questions to Ask Yourself to Help You Declutter

by Emily Co
Take a long, hard look at your excuses.
Budget Tips 10 hours ago
8 Overpriced Grocery Items to Skip

by Emily Co
Avoid these really marked-up items.
Productivity 12 hours ago
16 Life Hacks All Women Absolutely Should Know
http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

23/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

by Macy Williams
DIY 13 hours ago
The Supersimple Guide to Washing Your Pillows

by Sarah Lipoff
Hello, fluffiness!
DIY 14 hours ago
Start the Day Right With Uplifting Shower Bombs

by Sarah Lipoff
Refresh in seconds.
FitFinder 18 hours ago
Stay Fit in 2016 With Our Workout Generator

by Susi May
Books 1 day ago
16 Inspiring Books You Should Read in 2016
http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

24/27

31/01/2016

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving

by Ashley Paige
POPSUGAR Photography / Jae Payne
Can you feel the fire within?
Productivity 1 day ago
Take Our 7-Night Sleeping Challenge!

by Ashley Paige
Off to la-la land you go.
get your daily must read
DIY
Love and Sex
Home
Food
Tech
Vegetarian
Sign up with facebook Or Enter Your Email
Enter zip code
Sign up
By signing up, I agree to receive emails from POPSUGAR & the Terms.
Like us on Facebook

Sign up

Create Your Best Life

Personalize
Get lifestyle content curated for you and delivered daily.
DIY
Love and Sex
Home
Food
Tech
Vegetarian
Sign up with facebook
or
Email Address

Zip Code (Optional)

Sign up

Save

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and to receive emails from POPSUGAR.
Were Hiring! About Us Terms Privacy Policy
More POPSUGAR: POPSUGAR Select POPSUGAR Must Have POPSUGAR Insights ShopStyle ShopStyle Collective
POPSUGAR International: UK Australia France Deutschland Middle East
Sign Up For Our Award Winning Email:
Create Your Best Life
Personalize
DIY
Love and Sex
Home
Food
Tech
Vegetarian
Sign up with facebook
or
http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

25/27

31/01/2016
Email Address

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving
Zip Code (Optional)

Sign up

Save

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and to receive emails from POPSUGAR.
Get POPSUGAR On The Go:
Visit the App Store to see all our apps:

Follow Us
2016 POPSUGAR Inc.

Celebrity
Celebrities News Celebrity Couples Viral Videos
Fashion
Fashion News Shopping and Style Celebrity Style Video Gift Guide
Fitness
Workouts Healthy Living Weight Loss Fitness Video Better-Butt Challenge FitFinder
Beauty
Makeup Hair Beauty Video Skin Care Gift Guide
Love
Relationships Sex Women Nostalgia Books Wedding Find Your Happy
Moms
Parenting Pregnancy Food & Fun Kid Shopping Family Life Communities
Entertainment
Movies TV Music Books
Living
Home Tech Smart Living Pets Find Your Happy Home Project Finder
Food
Recipes Cooking Basics Party Planning Food News Food Video Gameday Playbook
Latina
Recipes Family Life Celebrity Fashion Beauty Fitness
Video
Entertainment Fashion Beauty Fitness Food Tech Home
Login / Register
We're Hiring! About Us Advertising Contact FAQ Archives
POPSUGAR Select POPSUGAR Must Have POPSUGAR Insights ShopStyle ShopStyle Collective
Terms Privacy Policy
2016 POPSUGAR Inc. PopSugar POPSUGAR Living
X

Create Your Best Life

Personalize
Get lifestyle content curated for you and delivered daily.
DIY
Love and Sex
Home
Food
Tech
Vegetarian
Sign up with facebook
or
Email Address

Zip Code (Optional)

Sign up

Save

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and to receive emails from POPSUGAR.

Create Your Best Life

Personalize
Get lifestyle content curated for you and delivered daily.
DIY
Love and Sex
Home
Food
Tech
Vegetarian
Sign up with facebook
or
http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

26/27

31/01/2016
Email Address

TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsandAnswers|POPSUGARSmartLiving
Zip Code (Optional)

Sign up

Save

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and to receive emails from POPSUGAR.

Create Your Best Life

Personalize
Get lifestyle content curated for you and delivered daily.
DIY
Love and Sex
Home
Food
Tech
Vegetarian
Sign up with facebook
or
Email Address

Zip Code (Optional)

Sign up

Save

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and to receive emails from POPSUGAR.

http://www.popsugar.com/smartliving/TypicalJobInterviewQuestionsAnswers20280663?stream_view=1#photo33821613

27/27