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Interviewing can be difficult, especially if you are not prepared to answer common interview questions. The good news is that it is easy to prepare for certain interview questions, though you are likely to get a few wild card questions in any interview!

Below are some of the most common interview questions that are universal to almost any industry:

  1. Why are you interested in this position?
  2. What are your greatest strengths?
  3. What are your greatest weaknesses?
  4. Why are you looking to leave your current job?
  5. Tell me about a time you had to deal with an angry customer (or coworker, boss, etc)?
  6. What are you looking for in your next position?
  7. Why should we hire you?
  8. What are your greatest accomplishments?
  9. Tell me about a conflict you’ve had at work and how you dealt with it?
  10. Where do you see yourself in three years? Five years?
  11. What other companies are you interviewing with?
  12. Have you ever had a boss you did not like? If yes, how did you deal with him/her?
  13. Have you ever disagreed with a corporate decision? If so, tell me about the situation and how you handled it?
  14. Why did you leave your last position(s)?
  15. Describe the worst job you have ever had?

Before your interview, you should be prepared to answer questions, such as those above. If you are unsure about how to answer, seek advice from your family, friends, or trusted business associates. Being prepared with a concise, honest, and meaningful response is critical; keeping in mind the following:

  • Don’t bash former employers
  • Keep responses positive
  • Keep the job for which you are interviewing in mind when you answer
  • Answer the question, don’t redirect, avoid, or start rambling
  • Smile, even if the answer you have to give makes you a little uncomfortable

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