Common Generic Job Interview Questions

These job interview questions are pretty likely to come up. These should be the easy questions to answer, because you know they are likely to come and have time to prepare your best answers.

Why did you leave, or are looking to leave, your job?

This is one of those questions where it may not be wise to blurt out the truth. Thinks like personal disagreements with your work mates is likely to reflect badly on you, even if it isn't your fault.

You want to answer this question in a manner that suggests you are keen to advance your career and have a positive outlook going forward in your career.

Be aware that some interviewers will push further if you give reasons that don't seem strong enough, eg "I am leaving because I have been there a long time" may be met with, "People don't normally move unless they are unhappy".

Try think through possible comebacks that may be forthcoming to your answers. This is true of all questions you know you are likely to be asked. A bit of thought prepartion before the interview can save your bacon during the heat of an interview.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

This question is to gauge how you are going to fit into the company. Your answer to this question is dependant on the position in question. Try show that you are enthusiastic and wanting to further your own and the companies goals.

If you suspect there is not much career development available though, it is possible the interviewer may decide that you will become bored in the position and not give you the job.

If you are planning to head off overseas in the next year or so, mentioning this is probably not such a good idea. Likewise, things like starting a family may not be wise to mention.

Describe one of your weaknesses

Okay, so obviously with this question you are not going to drop your deep and darkest secrets you have been dreading about the job.

Try come up with something that is one of your weaknesses, but then tell them how you get around it, or explain what you are doing to address the problem.

Note: Pointing out that you are a perfectionist is not the best answer to this question.

Do you have any questions for us?

Yes, Yes, YES! Job Interviewers love it if you ask them questions. Make it a priority to have a list of questions that you are interested in finding out about. Make sure you read available information that may be on the company website. This should give you the basic answers you need and help you think about more detailed questions that you can ask at the job interview. Asking good, smart questions help make you come out looking good.

Note that your questions shouldn't be all about what you are going to get. This will make it seem you are only interested in the job because of the perks.