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j.d. · New User Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 9 Career Advice: +0/-0

at an interview, what is the best answer for the following questions:

where do you see yourself in five years from now one
what are your weaknesses?
What are your strengths?
Why should we choose you instead of the others that have applied for this job?
I really find difficult to answer to this question; and also that question when you are put to describe a difficult situation at your lost job that you have solved well.

geminidmn · Newbie Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 3 Career Advice: +0/-0

If this is a job you REALLY want, I would answer the "where do you see yourself " question with regard to that job, either say you see yourself with the same company, possibly in a position that you will grow into through hard work and dedication.

Your weakness answer should be a strength that you now have that at one time you did not, in my case, I was NEVER goal oriented, I would be all over the place, but I learned to set small goals for myself and through it all, I learned to set long term goals and fulfill them.

Strengths should be attributes you have that you have used (utilized) on your previous jobs, whatever this job calls for, if you did it before with positive results, in my case, I had to learn how to keep track of typing that was done by others so I implemented an excel spreadsheet to keep track of the typing jobs and their status, I also PDF filed the handwritten reports so in case they were mislplaced, they could always be brought up on the computer.

This is a complicated question, because you cannot judge others you do not know, I usually say I dont know about others and therefore cant answer for them, but I know what I have done in my previous position/job (give examples) and I know that I can implement similar goals for myself and for this position which will produce results to address your concerns (usually the interviewer gives directives and initiatives for the position, address how you will address those and cure any defeciencies he or she mentions).

I dont know but maybe this will help you out.

mtb · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:43 am Post subject: Re: what is the best answer?

Unfortunately there isn't a single perfect response to any of your questions. There are however, a variety of possible responses that you could make that will impress your interviewer. Your responses need to relate to you specifically, they need to be genuine and they need to be relevant to your situation. It goes without saying that you do not need to tell them all your intentions, just tell them what they want to hear.

julian · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 255 Career Advice: +2/-0

Hi JD,

It may seem simple to offer answers to this kind of questions but the fact is that every answer you give makes a statement about you. So...I understand the fears. But have in mind that the persons interviewing you are people like you and can be influenced by words just as you have been by their questions.
The interview questionnaire is not really about discovering specialists in a certain domain, but about discovering people with real skills and powerful personalities which a company could rely on, no matter the situation.
The main purpose of your answers should be a drawing of a past-present and especially future "map" of yourself. As positive as possible Smile

)

1. where do you see yourself in five years from now one

The employer actually wants to see if you have perspectives and expectations. Be courageous and, if this is the job you really want to do for a long period, write down that you see yourself achieving the initial objectives in this domain. And name them.

2. what are your weaknesses?

Preferably, you should be honest...BUT...why not try to turn your weaknesses into strenghts? Meaning use language skillfully. Don't say "I'm not good at working by myslef", say "I prefer working in a team, even if I can make decisions individually...etc" Make sentences positive to create a positive image.

3. What are your strengths?

Don't boast about it, but don't skip this section either. Employers appreciate a person who knows her strong poits. Note your intellectual, personal and transferable skills (meaning the ones which fit any job possible).

4. Why should we choose you instead of the others that have applied for this job?

Hello, intimidating question! Point out your qualities in here. Write "I believe I can make the ideal person for this job because I am...., I have experience in...., I am ready to...." etc.

5. Tricky question. They actually want to see if you have ever lost your job and why you did that. It is upto you if you want to tell them that or not. But remember....even if you are forced to write about it....turn the situation positive.

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