This is a commonly asked question in interview. Again, it’s an excellent opportunity for your showcase. Most of IT jobs are problem-solving oriented, if you can approve you are good at solving problems, you could get the job easily. (more…)
If you are applying for a position which is the same as or similar to what you are currently working, then explain how you could use and expand skills and experience you’ve already gained from your current position, and how you will be able to increase your contributions and value to the company through your new responsibilities.
If it is a promotional position for you, explain how your past experience makes you ready for the new challenge. To answer this question in general, simply say how you are prepared and fit in the position. Here’s just an example:
“The position offers the responsibilities, challenges and opportunities I’m looking for. Specifically, I’m very interested in working with your Siebel Support Team that promotes call center’s exceptional customer service. Those are areas I’ve strongly supported in my current job, and I feel I could help your team with those goals.”
Now, your research paid. What you searched about the company can help you stand out among the other candidates.
With the knowledge about the company, you can explain something specific about that company that you can tie in with your answer. You may tell how your qualifications and goals complement the company’s mission, vision and values. Use the following example as reference and make your killer answer.
“I’ve read about the new ESB suite release your company has brought to the Enterprise Service Bus software market. I’ve always wanted the opportunity to work for a company that leads the way in Service Oriented Architecture technologies. I feel that my experience and training would allow me to be a valuable member of your team, and my personal goals complement your company’s objective of continuous improvement.”
Interviewers may ask similar questions like,
“What’s happening with your current job?”
“Why do you want to leave your current employer?”
In reality, there could be many reasons. You are bored, you are not satisfied with current pay, you hate their bosses, you are let go. No matter what is happening with your current job, however, you must always give a positive answer. Never say anything nasty about your boss and the company.
What is you tell the truth? For instance, I want to leave the company because my egomaniac boss is jerk. He always took credit for all of your hard work and verbally abused you in front of others. Well, don’t expect interviewers stand on your side. They won’t believe you. Instead, they think you have problems with management, you don’t get along with others, and you may be a troublemaker.
So, don’t complain anyone or anything. Focus your answer on the positive side. You are looking for career advancement opportunities and new challenges when
they apply for a job. This is always true.
Suggested Answer Examples:
“Starting as a programmer, I’ve worked with Altec Software for six years. During that time I’ve achieved my career goal to become a senior software engineer. I really enjoy working with people in Altec Software, but I’m looking for new challenges in enterprise architecture area. I strongly believe I can contribute my software engineering experience to the service oriented architecture project in your company.”
“I’m planning to change my career path. Having been a helpdesk technician for 3 years, I’d like to broaden my career to network administration. On my current job I have built hands-on skills in network troubleshooting, I feel that your company will give me that opportunity and allow
me to use my skills to contribute in different ways than I have in the past. ”
“I am working with a small IT service company where we have a very friendly work environment. My manager and I both agreed that my advancement opportunities are limited there due to the size of our company. I believe obtaining another position is the best option for me and my career goals.”
You cannot miss this one, as one of the most common interview questions, it is usually the first one. In fact, this is the most critical question because what you answer will set the tone for the rest of the interview. Think it’s easy question? It is easy to talk about yourself, but many interviewees fail to provide an impressive answer. You can do better though, if you spend enough time to prepare. It worth the time to prepare a killer answer.
It is such a good opportunity to sell yourself, and it may be the only chance that you can control the approach to make a sales presentation. So I’d better prepare a impressive speech. If you do it well on this one, you are half way to win the job.
What could be the best answer? The best answer is what interviewers want to hear. So that you should craft your answer around the interviewer’s perspective. In general, your answer should focus on expected skills and required qualifications. You don’t have to provide information outside of the job.
Alternatively interviewers may ask the same question like:
“Tell us about you education and experience?”
“Tell us how your skills and education that you think qualifies you for this position?”
Usually you should start your answer with your current or latest position. You may also start with your education background if it is required or you have highly relevant and impressive degree. You must give a concise summary of your relevant experience and accomplishments. Before interview you should have prepared a list of your strongest selling points that are relevant to this position, — specific skills required for this job, successful projects similar to what the new employer plans to do, hard-working, team leader, etc. Then through the answer you can present these selling points. In the end you should conclude with your current situation. You can craft a good answer and deliver it in interview within 2 – 3 minutes. Here’s a sample answer:
Sample answer:
“With a Master’s degree in Computer Science from U.S. Berkley, I have been in IT industry for 4 years. I’ve gained extensive experience in all aspects of software engineering, including software design, systems architecture, application programming, and QA testing. Currently I’m a software engineer with ADMSoft and have worked on several software development projects for our clients. As the lead developer, I designed and developed a web-based food processing management system for RedFields Producers to help the company increase productivity by 30%. I’m skilled in the latest techniques such as web services and SOA, proficient with the new languages like C# and Rudy on Rail. I’m always focused on building robust software systems to meet our customer’s needs. One of my major strengths is that I work very hard and continually look for ways to provide the highest quality products and services while reducing the time and costs to complete the project. I am self-motivated and enjoy working in a team environment. I’m looking for an opportunity to work for a growing company where I can contribute my hands-on experience and grow my career with the company. By some research I found that yours is the type of companies I really want to work with.”
This list compiles over 100 common questions you will be asked for during a job interview. These questions cover many aspects including personality, career objectives, skills and experience. Use this list to prepare your next interview. (more…)