Must-Know Answers
When you are going into an interview, you should be prepared to answer these questions:
1. Tell me about yourself.
Interviewers do not want a life story. They are just looking for a quick synopsis of who you are and why you are the right person for the job.
2. What is your long-range objective?
Focus on achievable goals and how you are going about achieving them.
3. Why should I hire you?
Interviewers are looking to hire the best possible candidate. Don't be afraid to tell them you are the best, and then back it up using examples from life experiences.
4. Are you team oriented?
This is not a yes or no question. You need to answer it and back it up with examples from life experiences.
5. How has your education prepared you for a career?
Focus on behavioral examples to touch the basic requirements for that career. Always ask if they would like more examples after you have touched the basics.
6. What are your weaknesses?
Most people are advised to select a strength and twist it into a weakness. This is deceptive, and could do more damage than good. Pick a real weakness that you are working to overcome and tell what you are doing to overcome that weakness.
7. If I were to ask a previous employer about you, how would they describe you?
Don't wing this answer. More chances than not this is going to be asked. Ask your previous boss in advance, and then you can give a straightforward answer without hesitation.
8. Have you ever been involved in a conflict with an employer? How was it resolved?
If you answer "no," then you may be drilled until something comes up. It's best to say "yes." Tell them it was nothing major and then tell how the problem was overcome by working together.
9. What qualities, do you feel, should an effective manager possess?
Focus on leadership and vision. Make sure to give a personal example of someone you've looked up to as a leader and the effect they have had on your life.
10. If you could relive your life, would you change anything?
This is a tricky question. Interviewers are looking for you to tell them about an opportunity you missed or mistake you made that you would change. They are also looking to hear how you are still pursuing to make the best out of that situation. Just be honest and give a real example, but don't forget to tell them how you're still trying to change what's happened in a positive way.
11. Why do you want to work in this industry?
This is a good time to tell your interviewer what you know about the company, the financial services industry, and why you would be a good fit.