What are some common interview questions? It's a job that deals with animals...but has sales and other stuff. I have an interview on Friday..I never had one before...I might look like an idiot...ok, there's a high chance I will look like an idiot if I start stuttering and not answering the questions properly.

What do you consider your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

What if [insert hypothetical situation here] were to happen? How would you handle it?

Do you consider yourself a people person?

Those are some common ones. Do some research and decide how you will answer questions like these in advance, so you are not caught off guard. Good luck!

relax...

look good as in polished... and ready to go.

as far as questions, educate your self on what the job responsibilities are be clear about getting your professional attitude across.

Points to mention (for any job would be)

are you reliable?
timely?
are you willing to learn?
do you communicate well (thoughts ideas) ?
do you have the qualifications for this specific type of work?

Look your employer in the eyes, and great with a firm handshake. Let your personality shine, but don't talk to much. Give direct and complete answers.

You've never had an interview!? Is this a first job? If so, congrats.

Common questions:
1. What do you think is your strongest trait that would effect this job? Your greatest shortcoming/flaw/trait that calls for improvement?
2. Why should I hire you?
3. You are made aware that a co-worker you like is stealing. What would you do?
4. Why do you want this job?/What are your goals in seeking this job?
5. Where do you want to be in 5 years?
6. What did you like most/least about your previous job? Why did you leave?
7. Do you have any questions about this job? (ALWAYS go in with intelligent questions.)

FunkMistress said:

I know you can't lie....but I'm not a people person....I have to go to some career center for an interview and they have a list of jobs available within that one facility. I don't know if they are going to ask me what I want to do....

Lammastide said:

Actually I had a couple of jobs....one with a bank for like 2 years...but I've been lucky...no real interviews. thanks!

Lammastide said:

classic interview questions there....

paintedlady said:

thanks! So you mean...If they ask me a question like how can you benefit this company or why should I hire you....I answer with I'm reliable, timely...list my qualifications...yadda yadda?

Make sure you have a pertinent question to ask them also. Show interest in the company, its goals and how you fit in. You are interviewing them too.

mdiver said:

thanks!

Lammastide said:

I hate that question . Gimme the damn job and we'll see from there, aight ?

I've done my share of interviews in the past years and I've seen my share of applicants too.

I see more and more hypothetical questions coming up to which there is no right or wrong answer. A lot of questions about how you handle stuff.

"Suppose there is a pet owner who comes to retrieve their pet that was taken away from them because they abused it. She is very verbal and aggressive. How would you handle her ?"

Maybe catch up on law and regulations regarding pet ownnership, etc ... etc ...
[Edited 4/14/09 12:01pm]

peacenlovealways said:

Absolutely, but beneath your answers, remember this all is less about you being Supergirl than how your superpowers will help the company. So the statement, "I'm smart and honest," might be better stated, "I think both the company and customers will benefit from the fact I really invest in learning about the company, products, services, etc. before I can feel comfortable representing them."

BlueZebra said:

talk to her in a calm voice and get the manager. Call the cops if she gets worse...ignore her...

BlueZebra said:

I hate it too. And you have to be crafty answering it so that you seem like neither some fly-by-night temporary drone nor someone who will come in, take over and pose an eventual professional threat to the interviewer. It's such a crazy dance!

Lammastide said:

How would you answer that question? "in a higher position, still working for the same company?"
[Edited 4/14/09 12:37pm]

peacenlovealways said:

Something like:

"It really depends on the opportunities afforded me by the company, i am looking to develop my personal skills and my career path and am more than willing to do that here. Ultimately i am looking for stability and a clear path to better myself and be an irreplaceable asset to my employer. Afforded the right opportunities to become integral to tis business i can see that my abilities can be developed alongside the goals of and aims of the company"

mdiver said:

damn, that is very good answer...thanks

peacenlovealways said:

Good luck. You have no reason to be nervous, you are interviewing them as much as they are you.

mdiver said:

okay

peacenlovealways said:

I've gotten mileage out of being honest, and talking more about my intended field of interest and level of professionalism rather than the exact institution or job I want. (And few people know that anyway.) And make 'em think you've actually done a little research. So something like..."I'm really excited about what's going on now in (X field), so I'm plotting out credentials and experience that'd prepare me for (X level) in (X field) in 5 years or so."

From there, whether or not you see yourself in the same company -- or even the same industry -- in 5 years, maybe steer your answer toward how the job for which you're interviewing now will help you reach your goal.... and DON'T say, "If all works as planned, I'm gonna own this joint, and you'll be making my coffee."

peacenlovealways said:

Yes and mdiver makes a great point! Flip that on the interviewer as well, because you should ask questions to see if this job is right for you.

When you are not at work, what do you lke to do to relax?
What type of volunteer opportunites have you be involved with last year?

These 2 quaestions tend to trip people up, but it may make the difference between you and another equally qualified person. Good Luck

What should I say for Tell me about yourself...if your last job or education has nothing to do with animals?

Do you have a boyfriend..

REDFEATHERS said:

NOOOOO...ewwww gross.

peacenlovealways said:

I know.. thats what I got asked in my last interview..

REDFEATHERS said:

are you serious???

What do you see as a challenge in your responsibilities?

I've been asked that when moving from one department to another. I HATE interviews.

peacenlovealways said:

Make every answer relavent, never be negative and all because your last job wasn't exactly the same, doesn't mean that the skills you have are not.

Lammastide said:

Especially if you are wearing red braces a shiny suit and think your gordon geko seems to be the way to go if your auditioning for the apprentice though