Answering job interview questions: advice for employee interview

Answering job interview questions: advice for employee interview

Learn how to prepare for a job interview and how to handle frequently asked questions.

When you interview for a job, you want to put your best foot forward and demonstrate that you are a good fit for the position. But don't forget that at the same time, you also want to find out as much as you can about the company to see if it is a good match for your needs, too. It has to be a win-win situation!

Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you need to answer some job interview questions:

1. Do your homework in advance. The first step in learning how to answer job interview questions is to do your homework prior to the interview. This will help you know what the company does and how they operate, making you feel comfortable answering questions about how your skills will benefit the employer. If the company has a website, it is always a good idea to visit it before the interview so you will be as prepared as possible.
2. Try to be as relaxed as you can be. One of the most obvious interview tips is to try to stay calm. If taking a walk or reading a book helps you feel at ease, do that before the meeting so you are at your best when the pressure is on.
3. Remember that the person interviewing you is human, too. They may also be nervous about meeting you. Keeping this in mind can help keep things in perspective.
4. Be upfront if you have a bad case of nerves. If you feel a little nervous about the interview and are afraid it will show, don't be afraid to admit it to the interviewer. Sometimes saying that you are a little nervous right upfront can be a good icebreaker. Once you name the feeling, you might find it isn't as strong.
5. Be personable. You don't want to seem so stiff and formal that your personality doesn't show through. Always maintain a pleasant appearance. If you are easygoing and like to joke a little—and you are applying for a sales or customer service position where this would be an asset—let the interviewer catch a glimpse of this. Of course, you'll want to remain professional.
6. Don't forget where you are. While being comfortable with the interviewer is a good thing, getting too casual is a big no-no. You don't ever want to be too chatty or informal or share too much personal information. This advice can be a challenge if you feel an immediate connection with the person interviewing you, but you still need to remain professional.
7. Stay focused and keep your goal in mind. You are meeting with the interviewer because you potentially want the job, so answer interview questions with this context in mind. For instance, if the interviewer asks you to describe a situation where you had to solve a problem, use an example that demonstrates your value to the company in some way.
8. Be flexible. Sometimes interviews don't go as expected. If the interviewer keeps you waiting for a long time or asks unexpected questions, go with the flow and show you are adaptable and can handle surprises.
9. Avoid simple yes and no answers. When an employer asks you a question, try to be specific and give examples to supplement your answers in detail.
10. Take care not to sound too canned. Put some thought into your answers and always be honest. Don't just say what someone wants to hear.
11. Turn negatives into positives. Many interviewers ask people to describe their biggest weaknesses. If this is the case, be prepared with a weakness that might actually be beneficial in the job you are applying for. For example, if the job requires cold-calling potential customers, you might talk about how your weakness is that you never give up, even when things seem hopeless. This is a good trait in a job that requires determination, so always ensure you answer interview questions accordingly.
12. Ask your own questions. It helps if you have some in mind before the interview begins so you can show you are genuinely interested in the job and want to know more about it. If you are unsure where to start, go with the basics. You might ask what a typical day in the role would be like, why the last person left, or what the timeline is for filling the position.
13. Make eye contact. By looking the other person in the eye and smiling when appropriate, you give a good impression and appear confident and appealing. A firm handshake is also a good way to convey that you are confident, feel good about yourself, and have a lot to offer the company.

These interview strategies have been presented to calm your nerves by making you familiar with the process. Never forget that the person interviewing you may have just started that job and could be experiencing some nervousness during the interview, too. Everyone wants a good result!