Remember, it's all about setting yourself apart from the competition. Employers have been around the interview block a time or two and can spot "canned" responses a mile away. Read on and try some of the approaches outlined below as you go through the interview process.
Where do you see yourself in five years? This question is one of the most commonly asked in an interview. Employers want to see what types of goals you have set for yourself and your career. If you are interviewing early on in your career, they will be looking at what your ambition level is as well as your drive and determination. If you are interviewing at the mid-level of your career, they will be looking for answers that fit their needs.
The key: Knowing how much to share. If you're trying to get this job to build skills to open your own business in five years, you may want to leave that out. However, if you're a corporate climber and want to be vice president, that's perfectly acceptable to explain.
Ways to answer: You can be point-blank and state: "In five years, my goal is to be Vice President of Marketing." Or, if you prefer a more subtle approach, you could try: "In five years, I want to have gained enough marketing knowledge to use my skills in a way that will help to determine the course of action the company takes."
What is your proudest achievement? Interviewers want to know how you tackled something big - a significant accomplishment.
The key: An articulate, organized, factual story from your professional career. Again, significant and full of detail.
Ways to answer: Tell the story and your role in it. Be sure to state any obstacles and how you were able to overcome them. Finally, and most importantly, the outcome and what makes it your proudest achievement.
What can you do for us that others can't (aka Why should we hire you?) This one is a bit tougher. Your potential employer is asking you to compare yourself to the other candidates vying for this position - a task that is almost impossible given that you know nothing about those you are competing against.
The key: Tell the interviewer why you are special, what makes you a perfect fit for the job. Sum up your positive selling points that make you the right choice.
Ways to answer: Consider your past experience and specialized knowledge and what it means to the current job. It doesn't hurt to make a list of your most important and relevant skills and experience and relate them to the job you're looking for. Make sure you offer supporting facts that drive the point home.
It's true that every interview and interviewer are different. Even so, it makes sense to be as prepared for it as possible. Follow these tips and other tips offered through our articles and website and in no time at all you'll be knocking your interviewer's socks off.
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