Term
| What interests you about this job? |
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Definition
| Describe the qualifications of the job and apply it to your skills and experience. Also convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview and your ability to do the job. |
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Term
| Why do you want this job? |
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Definition
| If there is something about the job that interests you, mention it. However, other answers can be how you feel you would be good at the job because your abilities match the qualifications and that your interested in expanding your experience. |
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Term
| What applicable attributes and experience do you have? |
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Definition
| Be specific and detailed about your skills and connect them to the job your applying for. Be honest, accurate, and don't embellish. |
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Term
| Are you overqualified for this job? |
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Definition
| If you are overqualified for the job, focus on some advantage the job offers that a higher job wouldn't: the work is the type that you enjoy, it would give you the hours that would let you spend time with your family. Offer to work on a trial basis or to sign a contract for working a minimum of a year (they may be worried you will leave at the first job offer). Mention it is to their benefit to have someone who has extra training. |
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Term
| What can you do for this company? |
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Definition
| Research the company and its goals. Describe how your abilities can enhance those goals. Mention prior successes you have had. |
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Term
| Why are you the best person for this job? |
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Definition
| Compare your abilities to the job qualifications. Mention your other successes. Reiterate your interest in the company and position. |
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Term
| What do you know about this company? |
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Definition
| Do research. Visit the company's web site. Google blogs, discussion and networking sites. If you are a college graduate, see if you can get a list of alumni who work for the company from your Career Office. |
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Term
| Why do you want to work here? |
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Definition
| Research company so you can discuss benefits. Compare your goals to the objective of the company. Reiterate your skills and how you would be an asset. |
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Term
| What challenges are you looking for? |
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Definition
| Discuss how you would like to effectively utilize your skills and experience. Mention that you are motivated by challenges, have the ability to meet them, and have the skills and flexibility to handle a challenging job. Mention past experience where you have handled challenges. |
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Term
| What can you contribute to this company? |
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Definition
| Give examples of what you have accomplished in the past, and relate them to what you hope to accomplish in the future. Talk about how effective you've been in other positions, changes you've implemented, and goals you have achieved. Relate it to employer's goals. You have flexibility and diplomacy to work well with other employees. |
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Term
| Are you willing to travel? |
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Definition
| Be honest. It is acceptable to ask how much traveling you will be doing. Always know what is involved with the job before getting hired. |
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Term
| What is good customer service? |
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Definition
| A thorough knowledge of inventory, experience with products, treating customers with a friendly and helpful attitude, being able to assist them, good customer service can set a company apart from its competitors. |
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Term
| Is there anything about the job or company that I haven't told you that you would like to know? |
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Definition
| How would you describe the responsibilities of the position? How would you describe a typical week/day in this position? What is the company's management style? Who does this position report to/will I meet them? Is any travel expected? Is relocation a possibility? What is a typical work week/is overtime expected? What are prospects of growth or advancement? How does one advance? If I'm extended the offer, when would you like me to start? When can I expect to hear from you? QUESTIONS NOT TO ASK: What does the company do? Can I take time off for vacation? Can I change my schedule? Did I get the job? |
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Term
| What are you looking for in your next job? |
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Definition
| Ask what is the typical career path for someone with your experience at their company. Then use their phrases in your answer. |
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Term
| Where do you see yourself in five years?/What are your goals? |
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Definition
| Confine answers to your professional life, not personal. Good answer: I see myself as a top performing employee. I would like to enhance my skills and have the ability to expand with the company, contributing as much as I can. |
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Term
| How will you achieve these goals? (question after Where do you see yourself in five years?) |
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Definition
| I will continue my education, attend seminars and conferences, and taking relevant classes |
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