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5 things to do before an interview: Be prepared to answer these questions
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You know these questions will be asked. Seriously. So come prepared--and don't say I didn't warn ya!
Tell me about yourself. This is just an icebreaker question. They don't want to read your resume in front of you, so interviewers just want you to start talking. Think of it as: Why are you here? or Why did you apply? If you could only answer this question--and the entire interview was based on how well you demonstrated why they should hire you, what would you say.
Too stressful? Think of it as a movie trailer. Give them enough to start a conversation about your background. Keep it VERY relevant to the position you're applying for.
Why did you leave your last position/why are you looking? This is NOT the time or place to discuss all the dirty laundry at your old job. Develop a succinct, honest reason why you're no longer working there. Screwed up? Talk about what you learned and give honest insight to show why you won't do it again.
Why should I hire you? You should never, ever, even apply to a job without knowing why they should specifically hire you. If you don't know, how are they supposed to figure it out. There's too many people out there who have a similar job history, what do you uniquely bring to the table?
The salary question. Yes, everyone hates this. But you still need to answer it. In this economically challenged time, you need to really do your research as to the soundness of the company, the market and their competitors before you can get a feel for their financial nervousness. Be cognizant of the fact that they have a budget number in mind for the position. That's just the fact of it. Keep the conversation open and honest, and ask them their salary range they had budgeted for the position. Then see if it meets what you need to survive. Think you deserve more because of your experience? Prove how you've either increased sales or decreased expenses at your old position and you stand a better chance. Otherwise--politely ask for a salary and performance review in 6 months when ideally funds are a little freer.
Read the other articles in this series:
Prepare yourself relative to the job posting
