Sample Interview Questions and Answers

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How do sample interview questions and answers get you ready for your next interview? After all, chances are the interviewer won't be asking you these exact questions. Right??

Yes, that's probably right. But I can guarantee you that they will be asking similar questions, looking for similar information. When you get used to responding to a variety of questions, phrased in different ways, you'll find that patterns emerge. There are lots of ways to ask about your strengths and weaknesses. When you listen to the question asked, you will begin to understand that the interviewer is looking for a specific accomplishment or example of how you did something.

Rehearsing sample interview questions and answers will get you thinking about what you've really done in your career. You might find that you can use the same accomplishments to illustrate things like interpersonal skills, team participation and problem solving skills. Try sorting your accomplishments into these categories. Then, as you review our sample interview questions and answers, see how often these experiences can apply to the question being asked. You might be surprised!

IF YOU REMAIN IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE COMING YEAR?

This is another way to ask about short term goals, but bringing your answer very close to home. Your answer here will give some insight into how you view your business -- whether you think ahead and plan. It will also give some insight into how involved you are in the planning process in your organization. Some people can't really think beyond their next deal.

Really strong candidates know where they are today and where they'll be a year from now. You shouldn't have to think too long in answering this question. We're looking for a focused approach to goal setting and a plan of action that can be implemented to achieve the goals you've established.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT YOUR LEGACY TO BE WITH YOUR CURRENT COMPANY?

In some respects, this question forces you to look back in time and evaluate what you'll be remembered for. Hopefully, your answer will be richer than just your personal results and the contribution you've made from that perspective. Other things that come to mind include team player, relationship builder, problem solver, "go to" person, mentor. Legacy has significant connotations; it is a big concept that requires more than a run of the mill answer.

DESCRIBE YOUR MOST DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM IT. WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?

Good candidates learn from their mistakes. We all make mistakes, so don't be hesitant in admitting that you've made some along the way. This question asks about the MOST disappointing experience -- not just losing a deal or a promotion. This has a more gut-oriented feel to it. Think about a big deal you lost after investing considerable time and effort in cultivating the client relationship. Think about an objective that was missed.

When reflecting on this topic, think about situations that were not total disasters...instead, focus on experiences where you feel that hindsight could have changed an outcome. Things that come to mind -- staying closer to the customer throughout the sales process; going deeper into the organization to touch more influencers in the process; thinking you had the decision maker when in reality you didn't. All of these would represent learning experiences that would ultimately make you a stronger performer.