5 Common Interview Questions With Answers

By Kylie Exline on May 21, 2016

Regardless of if we are still in college, a recent grad, or are about to start a job in the real world (yikes!), we have all gone through various interviews.

They can be in person, on the phone, via Skype, or even sometimes on the spot. To be properly prepared, you need to know what to expect.

Besides dressing nice and looking the part, you are going to have to be comfortable with answering an assortment of questions in a quick turnaround time.

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Below are common questions that will be directed your way. Warning: Do not overthink them.

1. Why are you qualified for this job?

Stick to the basics here and give a short list of your characteristics. You can express your past job experiences, what your role was there, and what you learned from being at that job.

You want to make known that you have skills, but do not overdo it — AKA do not reference your resume the entire time, and make sure to maintain eye contact. Also, blink. Blinking is extremely important and very human of you.

Plus, the interviewer does not care that you once finished a cookies and cream ice cream sandwich precisely two seconds before you had to clock in. Not exactly a “she stands out from the rest” moment — in a good way.

2. What makes you more qualified than others?

I will admit, this is a tricky one. But you must be prepared. Now, you do not want to brag here and claim that everyone else is a bunch of idiots. Even if it may be halfway true.

You simply state that you are very interested in gaining knowledge from said job, and that having this experience will leave a lasting impression with you for years to come.

Really sell it. You want the interviewer to realize that you are serious about wanting the job, but also not negatively speak about the others along the way.

3. How would you solve/address a difficult situation?

In most instances, regardless if the job is for a retail store or behind the desk, you will be given a situation where things do not go exactly as planned.

For instance, someone does not show up for their shift, a drawer is $42 short, or someone steals merchandise. How do you handle the situation?

You must get across that you would stay calm, call the necessary people to help fix the situation, and express how you would eliminate it from occurring again in the future. Whatever you do, do not blame it on the other guy. They want to see that you are able to accept responsibility.

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4. Have you been a team member before?

This question is vital because it gives them a solid idea of the kind of person you are when dealing with others. Sometimes you are even being interviewed with other interviewees in the room with you. No pressure.

You want to come across as being able to get along with your coworkers, and that you can effectively communicate with them. Basically, can you play nice?

This can also be where your role comes into play. Do you want to be a cashier, manager, office clerk, accountant, or truck driver with the company? It would be highly advised to have some form of idea of what you would be interested in before being asked on the spot.

5. Tell me about yourself?

The question we have all been waiting for. The one that is the make it or break it. Well, not entirely. Although it does matter of course.

The answer to this is to be completely honest, all while not going overboard. You want to say what your degree is or was and what you are interested in. Maybe include why you exactly want this position at this company.

Do not divulge that your boyfriend just broke up with you after 3.5 years to date your ex-best friend or that this is your last chance at making it in the real world. They do not care in the slightest. Plus, I almost guarantee you will not be getting a callback.

Whether this interview is for a job, scholarship, or potential internship, there are various questions that will be directed your way. And the best way to be fully prepared for these questions is to have an idea of what to expect.

Mentally have responses ready and be comfortable with your answers. You do not want to find yourself in a lie. Plus, being genuine is always the best idea.

There is no possible way to be 100 percent prepared, but there are ways to get close. Just remember to be yourself, breath a lot (but not obnoxiously where they think you are having a panic attack), and have a positive mindset.

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Worst thing that can happen is you do not get the job, and if so, you are that more prepared for your next interview.

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