Practice answering the questions that interviewers ask most!

While it’s good to anticipate some out of the ordinary questions — and prepare yourself to answer them — you should at the very least be prepared to answer those most likely to be asked. Below are my suggestions on how to answer the most common questions:

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: The way to answer this question is to be brief. Don’t go over two minutes in your response, and talk about four basic components of your past: first, talk about the area of the country or city and state you’re from; second, if appropriate, talk about where you were educated and in what fields (this may not be as important if you’re older, but it is definitely important if you’re under 40 ); third, briefly mention some work experience; and fourth, finish up by mentioning where you are now and why you are interested in the position you’re interviewing for. Remember, this is a two-minute answer, so you’ll need to be brief on each point. Be succinct don't drive to NY if you are just crossing the street.

Q: What are your weaknesses and strengths?

A: Always mention one weakness and balance it with multiple strengths. This is not a therapy session, so don’t go on and on about your weaknesses. Be sure to have at least two strengths you can talk about briefly and what you are doing to remediate your weakness.

Q: What kind of money do you want to make?

A: The key to answering this question is preparation up-front. First, be sure to ask if there is a salary range for the job, so you can gauge their expectations. If the interviewer gives a range, see if you can justify the middle part of that range based upon your salary history and accomplishments. If the interviewer won’t give a range, then you’ll have to state the salary you would seek for the particular job. To come up with this number, you will, of course, have had to do some research on competitive levels for similar positions.

Great news for you. There are at least 14 states that laws have been passed where recruiter / employers are not allow candidates HOW MUCH are you making. Many other states are now required to post a range for the job online. Check it out: States and cities where employers must share salary ranges when hiring (cnbc.com)

Q: Do you have any questions for me?

A: It's an insult to not have questions for the person interviewing you, so be sure you’re ready to ask a few. Some good, basic questions include: What brought you to the company? Why is this position open? What does success look like in the 1st 30 - 60 - 90 days? How did you grow your career in the company?

Evaluate your needs and expectations. Before you begin a search in earnest, take some time to consider your own professional worth and your values. Make a list of the things that are important to you in a satisfying work environment. Rank the items in terms of those things that are “must have” and those that are “nice to have.” As you interview, evaluate potential employers based on these criteria. In order to make a decision about a job offer, you’ll need to know if the company’s values are in line with your own and if the workplace is one in which you’d be happy.

Evaluate potential employers. Using the criteria you developed above, evaluate potential employers for how well they will meet your needs. This should be done even before you have a job offer.

Once the job offer is on the table, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook the match between your future employer and your needs. Be sure to evaluate not only the overall work environment and culture, but also your immediate boss. Your success in your new job may depend heavily on your relationship with your superior, so it is important to get a feel for what that relationship might be. If you find that the chemistry is not good, that he or she is a poor communicator, insensitive, does not exhibit leadership, is an egotist or has some other major failing, you should think carefully before accepting a position. Along the same lines, you should be wary of a company whose values are at odds with your own.

Put yourself in the best position for negotiation. At some point you will likely have to negotiate the terms of an offer, and you’re best served by keeping that fact in mind from the beginning. If you have a recruiter assisting you, he or she will help you negotiate a salary and bonuses. If you don’t have someone helping you, you’ll likely find that asking questions rather than making demands is a more fruitful approach. Of course, if you have leverage — another job offer, for example — you’re in a better position to make demands. If the company has extended, you an offer they WILL NOT take the offer off the table if you try to negotiate. They may tell you that they cannot do any better and then you have a decision to make.

Next week more on the interview...............