NOTE: It is important that you do your research about the company and the position, if not before applying for the position, definitely before accepting or attending a job interview.

What is your greatest weakness?

A. Don’t start listing out all your personality disorders straightaway; focus on professional traits. “Being too critical of yourself” or “Attempting to please everyone”

B. Stay composed and quote weaknesses that are strengths in disguise.

1. Minimize the trait and emphasize the positive

Why are you looking for a new job opportunity? Reason for leaving last employer?

A. Remain positive

B. No bad mouthing

1. Avoid phrases like I wasn’t being challenged’, ‘The work was no longer interesting’ or ‘The pay was too low’

C. List things that you accomplished, ending with a statement that expresses your desire for better opportunities and professional growth.

D. Don’t dwell too long on your previous employer. The interview is about you, after all.

1. Always bring the conversation back to your results and reliability,

Describe a difficult situation you experienced at work. How did you handle it?

A. Concise, stick to the facts:

1. Tell the situation, your actions, the outcome and any potential lessons you learned.

B. Be positive and steer clear of any subjective opinions and judgements (ex. “She was mean”).

Have you ever been fired?

A. Remain positive. Don’t be bitter.

B. Be honest and take responsibility.

1. If “yes” – share the lesson learned and how you’ve applied it to the habits/traits that led to you being let go.

2. If “no” – Brag (humbly, of course).

Why have you been unemployed for so long? Explaining unemployment gaps.

A. Share productive activity and/or special circumstances.

1. Freelance work, volunteer work, school, or family situations

These are some good pointers and there are plenty more that can be found all over the internet. You may find that most job interview advice and sample responses revolve around the 3 P’s – Positivity, Personality and Performance.

If you have any additional questions that you have encountered that were difficult to answer and you would like us to answer them for you or if you have some responses to some of these questions that we answered today, feel free to share them with us in the comments section below or on our social media.

Addional resources includes: Monster.com, LiveCareer.com and LinkedIn.com