Interview Prep Sheet – Sample Answers

1. Tell me About Yourself.

This question is an easy and open-ended way to start the conversation.

  • Begin by talking about past experiences and proven success:
  • "I have been in the customer service industry for the past five years. My most recent experience has been handling incoming calls in the high tech industry.
  • Next, mention your strengths and abilities:
  • "My real strength is my attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following through and meeting deadlines.
  • Conclude with a statement about your current situation:
  • "What I am looking for now is a company that values customer relations, where I can join a strong team and have a positive impact on customer retention and sales."

2. What are two of your strengths?

Choose from one of the following three areas depending on what the company is looking for…

  • Knowledge-based skills: Acquired from education and experience (e.g., computer skills, languages, degrees, training and technical ability).
  • Transferable skills: Your skills that you take from job to job (e.g., communication and people skills, analytical problem solving and planning skills)
  • Personal traits: Your unique qualities (e.g., dependable, flexible, friendly, hard-working, expressive, formal, punctual and being a team player).

3. What is your greatest weakness?

The best way to handle this question is to minimize the trait and emphasize the positive.

  • Being too critical of myself as I like to produce quality work.
  • Attempting to please everyone as I like to work on productive and positive teams.
  • My inexperience, but I am a quick learner and I look forward to learning how you want this job done.

4. Where do you want to be in your career in 5 years?

The interviewer wants to understand more about your career goals and how this position would fit into your grand plan. They care about your career goals because they want to hire someone who is motivated, proactive, and likely to stick around and work hard if hired.

  • I’m really excited to take on more responsibilities in the next few years and potentially even take the lead on some projects.

5. Tell me three words that describe you.

Use examples that could potentially apply to the job. Ask your family and friends to use a few words to describe your best qualities and/or characteristics.

  • Reliable. Driven. Flexible.Passionate.Curious. Thorough. Organized. Responsible.

6. How do you handle stressful situations?

Everyone feels stress at one time or another at work. The employer wants to see if you know how pressure affects you, and how you manage it.

  • I stay motivated by thinking about the end result. I’ve found that even in the midst of a challenging situation, reminding myself of my goals helps me take a step back and stay positive.”
  • Give an example such as - when I deal with an unsatisfied customer, rather than feeling stressed, I focus on the task at hand. I believe my ability to communicate effectively with customers during these moments helps reduce my own stress in these situations and also reduces any stress the customer may feel.

7. Why do you want to work for our company?

Employers want to gauge your level of interest and also see how much you have learned about the company.

  • Company general reputation
  • Reputation of key leaders
  • Admirecompany products/services
  • Admire other company initiatives (community involvement, training programs)
  • Company culture and values
  • Company growth/success

8. Why should we hire you?

This is your sales pitch to convince the employer you are the right person for the job. Be brief but confirm why and how you stand out among the other applicants.

  • You can do the work and deliver exceptional results
  • You will fit in great with the team and be a great addition to the department
  • You possess a combination of skills and experience that make you stand out from the crowd

9. Do you have any questions for me?

Your response will make it clear that you were engaged during the interview and have a good sense of the company's goals and priorities. You can reflect back to earlier moments in the interview or you can mention questions that build off of news about the company, or information you read on the company website. Always ask open ended questions.

  • What are the goals of the company / department?
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?
  • Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
  • What do you like best about working for this company?
  • What is your idea of an ideal employee?
  • What are the next steps in the interview process?