5 Common Job Interview Questions

Cross-Posted From the Nonprofit Job Seeker

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It's very rare that you will go to two job interviews that ask you the exact same questions. Chances are, however, that there will be some common threads when it comes to the questions you are asked.

The more detailed questions a hiring manager will ask you will vary depending on the type of job for which you are applying, but there are some questions that are almost always asked. This is because they tend to give employers the most information about your skills as a potential employee, and your temperament  Here are five of those questions, as well as tips on how to answer them:

• "Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?" This is usually the first question you will be asked during an interview, and it is a deceptively simple one. The interviewer does not want a detailed narrative of your life and times; he wants to know what motivates you in your career. As such, you should prepare a summary of your career skills to answer this question.
• "What makes you want to work here?" Pro-tip: Don't answer this by stressing your financial needs. Instead, come into the interview with a clear knowledge of what the organization does, and why that mission is compatible with your expertise.
• "What's your biggest weakness?" The clichéd way to answer this is to spin a positive attribute as a negative ("I care too much about what I do!"). The employer is actually looking for an assessment of what you struggle at, so don't be afraid to be honest. Just make sure to explain what you are doing to get improve.
• "Where do you see yourself in the future?" Speak to your desire to continue to take on more responsibilities and grow as a professional. Be ambitious, but realistic, about your future goals.
• "Why are you leaving your current employer?" Whatever you do, don't bash your current work, even if you absolutely hate it. Reiterate what you like about your current job, and stress that you are looking for a great opportunity, not running away from another.