Answering questions in interview

Get new comments by email
You can cancel email alerts at anytime.
Comments (42)

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina

57 months ago

How would I answer these questions without sounding dumb!...lol

1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. Why should we hire you?ca

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (62) / No (10) Reply - Report abuse

staceygirl in Phoenix, Arizona

57 months ago

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina said: How would I answer these questions without sounding dumb!...lol

1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. Why should we hire you?ca

Well some of your strengths you could say: multi task, fast paced,hard worker, on time, gifted in customer service, etc

Why should they hire you: well say you would be a great asset to their company,etc..

Hope this helps.;-)

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (29) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina

57 months ago

staceygirl in Phoenix, Arizona said: Well some of your strengths you could say: multi task, fast paced,hard worker, on time, gifted in customer service, etc

Why should they hire you: well say you would be a great asset to their company,etc..

Hope this helps.;-)

Yes!...this helps alot. Thank you very much.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (9) / No Reply - Report abuse

Ruth in London, Ohio

57 months ago

Have not been on an interview for awhile. This has helped me. : )

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (9) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina

57 months ago

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Do not ever admit a true weakness in an interview. Admitting a true weakness can take you out of the running for the job. Use this question as an opportunity to sell your strengths to the interviewer. Use a strength that could be seen as a weakness to answer the question.

Persistence is a good example of using a strength as a weakness. When you are persistent, it means you don't give up easily. On the other hand, persistence can be a weakness because you may not always know when to give up. Employers don't want employees who give up.

When asked why the company should hire you, don't badmouth other candidates. First, pay tribute to other candidates. Say that you realize the company has plenty of excellent candidates for the job. Then do more than merely saying you would be a great asset to the company. Tell the interviewer why you would be a great asset. Set forth each of the job's requirements and explain how and why your qualifications meet those requirements. Conclude your answer by saying something like, "I have the skills you want and the experience you need. For these reasons you should hire me."

Remember that every time you are asked a question in an interview you are being given another opportunity to sell yourself to the interviewer. Don't blow any of these opportunities.

Good luck with your interview.

Oh yes! This has helped a great deal! I will utilize this and put it to work to my advantage. Thank you kindly! You've been a hug help!

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (9) / No Reply - Report abuse

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina

57 months ago

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Do not ever admit a true weakness in an interview. Admitting a true weakness can take you out of the running for the job. Use this question as an opportunity to sell your strengths to the interviewer. Use a strength that could be seen as a weakness to answer the question.

Persistence is a good example of using a strength as a weakness. When you are persistent, it means you don't give up easily. On the other hand, persistence can be a weakness because you may not always know when to give up. Employers don't want employees who give up.

When asked why the company should hire you, don't badmouth other candidates. First, pay tribute to other candidates. Say that you realize the company has plenty of excellent candidates for the job. Then do more than merely saying you would be a great asset to the company. Tell the interviewer why you would be a great asset. Set forth each of the job's requirements and explain how and why your qualifications meet those requirements. Conclude your answer by saying something like, "I have the skills you want and the experience you need. For these reasons you should hire me."

Remember that every time you are asked a question in an interview you are being given another opportunity to sell yourself to the interviewer. Don't blow any of these opportunities.

Good luck with your interview.

Thank you very much! This has helped me tremendously. I got the job!

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No Reply - Report abuse

samgirl in Chicago, Illinois

56 months ago

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina said: How would I answer these questions without sounding dumb!...lol

1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. Why should we hire you?ca

Well what are your strengths?
In my position I would say that I quickly identify issues and come up with solutions to fix them. I mentor my co-workers when new processes are introduced. ect....

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No Reply - Report abuse

smalltowngal in Baytown, Texas

56 months ago

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Do not ever admit a true weakness in an interview. Admitting a true weakness can take you out of the running for the job. Use this question as an opportunity to sell your strengths to the interviewer. Use a strength that could be seen as a weakness to answer the question.

because you may not always know when to give up. Employers don't want employees who give up.

When asked why the company should hire you, don't badmouth other candidates. First, pay tribute to other candidates. Say that you realize the company has plenty of excellent candidates for the job. Then do more than merely saying you would be a great asset to the company. Tell the interviewer why you would be a great asset. Set forth each of the job's requirements and explain how and why your qualifications meet those requirements. Conclude your answer by saying something like, "I have the skills you want and the experience you need. For these reasons you should hire me."

Remember that every time you are asked a question in an interview you are being given another opportunity to sell yourself to the interviewer. Don't blow any of these opportunities.

Good luck with your interview.

This helped me out quite a bit. I've always had a hard time with interviews with these type of questions.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (4) / No Reply - Report abuse

Elizabeth Buchanan in Stockton, California

56 months ago

For your strength using words like: professional, great ethics, good sense of humor, I'm detail oriented.

Using examples from your previous jobs where your manager told you what a great idea or great job you've done.

If you received an excellent performance review you can show that to the interviewer.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (7) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

Elizabeth Buchanan in Stockton, California

56 months ago

I can see your point on that, but; I have had 2 supervisors in the last 2 1/2 years and thats exactly what they were lacking, so I guess I speak from current experiences that I just had thank you

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (3) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse

Jake_EE in Ohio

55 months ago

You know all of those "canned" questions that employers ask?

What exactly do they want to hear and see for answers?

For example, if you are asked, "What was the hardest problem you had to do at your last employer, and how did you handle it?"

"What did you like the least at your last employer?"

"What did you like the most at your last employer?"

"If you are cashiering with two people in line, and a third person walks in and starts yelling that you messed up their order, what would you do?"

"Why did you apply for a job here?"

"What was the most difficult thing you had to do and how did you handle it?"

"What are your weaknesses?"

"What are your strengths?"

"What would you do to improve this business?"

I doubt that many of these micromanagers that ask these questions really know what the "correct" answers are, anyway. The questions above were all posed to me during an interview I recently had at a retail store.

I surely don't know what the "correct" answer is in terms of the employer. I sure would like to know. Does anyone have any ideas?

Perhaps they look more for how we react and what body language we display as opposed to the actual content of the answers? Or possibly a combination of both? And what about vague and general questions, were they can be interpreted many ways thereby offering different "correct" answers?

And where do they get these question/answer sets anyway? Is there any way us job applicants can get this information?

Tell them what they want to hear? Isn't that what it really comes down to anyway? Wine and dine them, so to speak. Get them to ooh and ahh over us. Just be sure not to over exaggerate your skills so you can come through on the job for what is expected of you.

And then sometimes I think they ask all these questions so we can actually incriminate ourselves so they can hire a relative or friend instead of us. When in fact, we just might be the best qualified applicant.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

constance in Amarillo, Texas

55 months ago

i am interested

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (3) Reply - Report abuse

Interviews in Frisco, Texas

55 months ago

For the negative questions on interviews like "What's your worst trait?" you'll need to answer it with a positive benefit.

I do not work in all day in an office building jobs so my 'worst trait' is "I don't sit in one place well."

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse

Bob Harcourt in Bloomingdale, Illinois

55 months ago

Interviews in Frisco, Texas said: For the negative questions on interviews like "What's your worst trait?" you'll need to answer it with a positive benefit.

I do not work in all day in an office building jobs so my 'worst trait' is "I don't sit in one place well."

That's good. But this question has been so over-asked that interviewers expect that response.

Another way to do it, is to take a PAST negative trait and tell how you corrected it: "When I was first starting my career, I was very impatient, but I learned to work with people and find out how I could help them work more efficiently, so that we could both benefit from the experience."

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No Reply - Report abuse

grams in Wausau, Wisconsin

54 months ago

I have been looking for a Clerical-Customer Service position for about 8 months and have had about 6 interviews. Haven't landed one yet. Boy it is soooo frustrating. I go in with a positive confident attitude, well groomed, and practice the questions. Research the company and know there info. And still can't land one. Than I turn around and hear of others getting nice jobs who are less qualified. When you ask how did you get it they say I just applied. It's like what the heck. I must be doing something wrong. I am landing the interviews but not the job. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

grams in Wausau, Wisconsin

54 months ago

I do feel that they are probably mush younger than myself. I have 15 years experience. And Some I know have have hardly the qualifications but are younger. But damn, that shouldn't make any difference.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (3) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

Miss Diva in Palmdale, California

54 months ago

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina said: How would I answer these questions without sounding dumb!...lol

1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. Why should we hire you?ca

This gave me real help i appreicate at it all the way. THANK YOU!

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

grams in Wausau, Wisconsin

54 months ago

Thanks DLP.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

Hello Help,

Ok, you do not need someone's tears, correct.and neither would I want same. I would stay positive and keep trucking. I honestly do not know what some company's want. If you have this, they want' that. Those same individuals who really focus on age, not too long from now, they will be there, that's if they live long enough. It's a fact, what's goes around, comes around double.

Do not give up no matter what your trial's are.

Pray and keep pushing.

I promise you something positive will happen.

Just wait, be patient and keep going on the interview. Eight interviews is not that many. Honestly. Keep going and stay focus, Ms. Positive.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

Help, you will be fine. Just keep trucking and do not waste your time on why, why because there are so many why's. Just continue to focus in find your job. Something will break soon. I am seeking also and we both need to keep the faith.

Also, try Career Builder's, Monster's, and the State in which you reside. Information can be obtain over the internet. Just ask the question. Ex: Seeking (blank) job. Just put the question to the internet.

There are jobs out there and I will continue to work with you while I am seeking, ok.

Keep the faith.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse

grams in Wausau, Wisconsin

54 months ago

Hey all, thanks so much for all the great support. I will hang in there. I have to. I don't have any choice but to walk tall with my head held high. I am worth it! It just gets sooo frustrating sometimes. I think the younger ones in an authority position feel if you are older than they are you will automatically try to out power them in some way. We are all taught to respect our elders. It’s hard to have power over someone you are supposed to respect. If that makes any sense.

Thanks again and good luck to you all.
Grams :-)

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Angie in Lancaster, California

54 months ago

this was very helpful!

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

grams in Wausau, Wisconsin

54 months ago

LoL, DLP you are also right.

"I don't think many younger people were taught to respect their elders, or they forgot what their parents tried to teach them".

I have come to realize a lot here. Full steam ahead!

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

Palmetto CDF in South Carolina

54 months ago

I always try to anticipate any objections that an employer might have and then address those when talking about my weaknesses.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (2) Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Ansonia, Connecticut

54 months ago

It's not that their parents haven't taught them to be respectful but this is a choice of their own. Many children's today do not take heed to what they are taught at home and I am sure that you are aware of this. Many seems to be pretty slow with thinking. So much for that. You continue to do what is right, keep moving on and do not look back. Put those things behind you and look forward to those things which are before you.

Hope all work out through prayer.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

Never start to feel sorry for yourself. Bad news. We all shall get older one day regardless on how many face lift's we get. You can dress a car up outside but the engine is still old. Do not focus on how old you are. Just live life and continue to focus on what is before you and not looking back. Put those things behind you and look forward to those things that is which before you.

Continue to pray.

It works.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Glastonbury, Connecticut

54 months ago

Anyone can tell me where can I get go to udate my skills in powertpoint and spreadsheet. Cannot afford to pay for it. I went to the library but they only had books.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Glastonbury, Connecticut

54 months ago

Absolutely, books are great but I am a hand on hand person with the book.

Thanks,

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

Forgot to mention, I do have two books and they are OOPS Excel, What to do when things go wrong and Excel for Windows for Dummies. S, I do have the book.

Thanks, Hand on Hand Person

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

raechelle in Van Nuys, California

54 months ago

What is mnc mean though?

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

Hello Help:

Have you done sales before?

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

grams in Wausau, Wisconsin

54 months ago

I would just like to say, I am totally overwhelmed at all the support I have gotten from this board. Thank you all so very much and I am so glad to have found all of you. I just want you to know I have another job interview on Thrusday of this week, so please wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed. I am going to need all I can get
Grams :-)

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

QUESTION: Are those jobs on Monsters and CareerBuilders for real or just a ? It seems to me that everyone is selling your e mail because soon after, I receive all this junk mail, etc., virus this virus that to sell.

Another question, are there jobs that you can go in person and complete an application anymore? If so, what companies?

Feedback requested,

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Glastonbury, Connecticut

54 months ago

Actually, it was through Monsters and Career. I truly feel that these or not ligit jobs. I think I will start the old fashion way and going through the newspapers. Much safer. These sites has taken over my computer trying to sell things to me. Anti-Virus blockers jumping up all over the place. I guess you live and learn.

This space thing is not so great because even when you fill out applications for example, State Jobs over the internet, they demands that you provie them with your SS# or you cannot nagivate through the system to complete.

What a sad world we are living in.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

That's a great idea. I will go for it. I will also start pounding on doors also. Oh! I had this particular job and was terminated for the first time in my life to being defiant. Water underneath the bridge but I know the State has openings and I do qualify. The job I was terminated from was with the State. My question is what would I say to the reason I was terminated. Any suggestions. Response requested.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

DF in Chelmsford, Massachusetts

54 months ago

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina said: How would I answer these questions without sounding dumb!...lol

1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. Why should we hire you?ca

If you need interview help, look up "10 steps to interviewing with conficence" on the web. Its a self help video that covers this type of stuff.

Good luck

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

Thanks alots. I think the only legit jobs out there is the State and now I will try my role with them. I notice, there are quite a few jobs in the South where I came from many years ago and if worst comes to worst, I will make that move and send back for my kids. I have meet a great deal of individuals from the North who track records is not that great but they are Supervisor's, etc. They seems to know the track much better than I and they have always known the track better. In other words, the game. Well again, I thank you very much for views and I am sure that I will find your feedback useful.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Leasburg, North Carolina

54 months ago

Hello,

What is a mnc? In order for someone to send you feedback, they need to know what the initials stands for?

Thank you,

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Ann in Glastonbury, Connecticut

54 months ago

Thanks for the feed back, Re: What mnc means. Basically, have you ever work in this type of environment before? If you have, just be your professional self and listen to see how they do things. An old saying, do as the Roman's do. This will take time to adapt to a new setting and keep your ears open and continue to focus on why you are there. If you have not worked in this type of environment, read said info.,above again. Hope this helps and good luck. Keep me posted on how things turn out.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Diamonds in Sumter, South Carolina

54 months ago

Thank you so much for the advice, I did get the job!...Sometimes you just need that extra assurance that you will do well in the interview!

Thanks again,

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Pep in Flordia, Connecticut

54 months ago

Congratulations Diamond. I know all will work out.

- Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

Manoj Sharma in Mississauga, Ontario

54 months ago

Hi ,

I need halp to get into Purchasing field,Any suggestion ?

- Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse

Your Reply

change location - create a profile
User Name
 in Beverly Hills, California
Your Comment
Your Email Address
Enter the numbers you see in the box
CAPTCHA Image

Be Reasonable! Be Polite! Please read our Terms of Service and Forum Rules, where it notes that you are responsible for your own comments. You may post anonymously - but we reserve the right to remove inappropriate comments at any time.

RSS Feed Icon Subscribe to this discussion as an RSS feed.