Career Fairs and Job Interviews

The hiring manager wants to know if you’re a good fit for the position. Review your resume to prepare an answer about yourself that describes your qualifications. Compare your previous roles and most relevant skills to the job description.

Focus on skills, education and training that are relevant to the job opportunity. Research the company to learn more about the value system and how it aligns with yours. Then briefly describe how you’re the perfect match.

Everybody has one or two. The best way to handle this question is to either describe a weakness that does not interfere with the job description, or describe one that might also be considered a strength. Explain to the interviewer in detail what you’re doing to improve on your shortcomings.

Research the company prior to the interview. Use your resume to highlight specific points that will emphasize that the role is a good fit for your general and specific skills. Explain how the role fits into your long-term career goals. Understand the job description and its role within the organization, so that you can easily discuss points about the company and the position that particularly interest you most.

Describe a recent work-related achievement, identifying skills used and the benefit provided to your employer.

The hiring manager wants to learn how you handle difficult situations in the workplace. Keep your answer simple by briefly describing the problem, the resolution that you came up with, and the final outcome as a result of your decision.

Always stay positive. Never focus on personalities or individuals. The answer to this question should relate to your interest in seeking a new challenge with greater responsibilities. Do not talk about your motivation for an increase in salary.

Be able to explain your reason for leaving any job you have ever held. If you experienced a layoff, discuss the time spent away from work, as getting your resume up to speed during the job hunt. Whether you just graduated from college or are a seasoned professional, it is important to show that you were doing something like temp work, related volunteer work, or occasional consulting gigs during the job hunt.

This is the perfect time to recap your industry experience, technical skills, key accomplishments, education, and training.

When answering this question, try to find the middle ground between overachiever and underachiever. Keep your goals in line with the goals of the company. Never brag about your future aspirations. Focus on your professional goals not your personal ones.