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Sociology

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• 1. Why do you want this job? Why do you want to work at (company)?

You need to have a good, specific answer for this one. This is your chance to show them you know a thing or two about the company, and about the job you’re applying for. This question separates the applicants who just want a job to pay the bills, and who genuinely are excited about working for this company.

 

Go back and look at the research you’ve done on the company. What do you like about it? Why would you be a good fit, based on what you know about them?

Go back and review the listing. What qualifications and requirements excite you or challenge you? Why do you think your experience and personality fit this job?

( I have provided a document that include the job listing)

2. What are your strengths?What are your weaknesses?

For strengths:Really think about what your strongest qualities are as a worker.Don’t sell something as a strength that isn’t one.Are you great at thinking on your feet?Are you a good multitasker?Are you good with people?Whatever it is, be able to sell yourself.

For weaknesses:Think about one thing that doesn’t come naturally to you.Be honest about it, but then think about how you were able to overcome it.What did you do to acknowledge it?What did you do to proactively get better?If you were unable to prioritize tasks well, how did you get better?Did you devise a system of reminders?Did you spend some time at the beginning of each day thinking about all your tasks and figuring out which to tackle in what order?Be SPECIFIC and show them that 1) you are capable of growth and self-reflection, and 2) that you overcame a flaw without being forced to.

• Do you have any questions for me?

You MUST MUST MUST have an answer for this question.Generally, this is the last question you’ll be asked, so it’s the last chance you’ll get to make a great impression.It’s another chance to show that you’ve done your research.Find something to ask related to the company or the job.You can ask about a project that you know the company is working on.You can ask something you’re curious about re: the job duties listed.You can ask something about the process.I would have at least two questions ready—just in case the interviewer has inadvertently answered the first question as part of the conversation.

 

Don’t:

--ask about money.Wait until you know you’re getting an offer

--ask what the interviewer likes about working there.They’re not being interviewed.

--ask a vague question that shows a lack of preparation

--say “no, I’m good.”

Don’t neglect to prepare for questions based upon qualities they’re looking for, and make sure to have stories and examples at the ready.

These things might be questions like:

 

• What’s a problem you’ve solved?
• What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?
• Do you have any experience working in a fast-paced environment?
• Are you able to multitask well?
• Can you work well unsupervised?
• Are you self-motivated?