A2 - I started working a small job early on, cleaning up a movie theater, but the job gave me my first exposure to the need to be on-time. After I graduated high school, I worked part-time at a convenience store, it was easy work, but I handled money and periodically opened and closed the store.  I graduated with my AA in administration, in 2005 and got a job as a clerk in a hospital, handling intake of patients. I've worked there since 2005 and really want to begin a career in _______ because, I feel as though I can truly help people.

OKAY MAKE YOUR CHOICE FOR THE 'BEST POSSIBLE' ANSWER.

Discussion: Talk mostly about your education or work history from the past 2-5 years.  Add some insight relating to what motivates you and your focus on results.  A2 would be the best answer.

Q2. What are your long and short range goals? How are you preparing to achieve them?

A1 - My goal is to run my own company, where we do great things for members of the public. I think I could become one of the greatest CEO's of all time, making millions along the way. It's my dream to one day be greater than Oprah.

A2 - My short-term goal is to be a great sales manager, with a long term goal of running a sales division. I'm a quick learner and intend to enroll in classes that will allow me to compete with your top sales managers. I've had the benefit of coaching from some of the top sales managers from other businesses and I feel that those experiences have put me on the right track for this position.

Discussion: Describe professional goals that might help in the position you're seeking. Talk about education or training that you will get, especially in areas that you think you are deficient.  Mention any mentors or people that are helping you attain your goals, as well as any education that you're currently enrolled in. A2 all the way.

Q3. What motivates you? -

A1 -I'm motivated by the outcome of my efforts. I like to see that what I've spent time and energy on has paid off. I think that's true of anyone. I try to visualize what I'd like to have happen, then I work toward that outcome motivated by what I can see. Hurdles are inconvenient, but only in that they take time to overcome. I've already seen what is possible, now it's just a matter of attaining it.

A2 - I believe that when someone pays you a salary, you owe them your time and energy. I like getting a paycheck, who doesn't, so why would I risk not getting it, by not working very hard. I really try hard when I'm going for a raise in my salary or for a bonus. I think hard work should be compensated properly.

Discussion: It's best to focus on motivation resulting from outcomes, such as the enjoyment you get from seeing a job through to completion. Employers like results, outcome, completion, etc.  Following through to successful completion is a great motivator, right?  Also, working with others might motivate you too. Intrinsic motivation vs. extrinsic. Keep answers simple and to the point. I'd go with A1 on this.

 Q4. How do you work under pressure?

A1 - Pressure? The last time I was under pressure, I was tasked to mail out 1500 letters to potential buyers notifying them of a trade fair we were hosting. It was a short amount of time, and it was a frantic, but I remember that I knew we had to become organized and channel our work toward the goal. The added pressure actually served to focus everyone on what had to be done and I remember when it was all over, we felt very relieved and satisfied that we were successful. That was actually a nice feeling.

A2 - I love pressure.  Without pressure I couldn't really function well. I need pressure, otherwise I get a little antsy and, well...bored. Most people don't like pressure and I have to admit, I didn't either until my last job where my boss kept the pressure on us to get things done. He was really good at "herding us" to get the job done.

Discussion: Many people thrive on a little pressure.  In fact, many people enjoy a positive stress to help get things done. People draw strength from stress and pressure and you might get some acknowledgement from your interviewers if you answer the question and then follow up with a question to them, "Doesn't everyone benefit from a little pressure to get things accomplished?" You can show how you served to rally or lead a team in any of your answers. Add additional competencies in where you can. I like A1 on this question.

Q5. What are three of your strengths and weaknesses? -

A1 - I have many strengths and hardly any weaknesses, but I do have some. One of my weaknesses is that I like people too much. I believe that because we have to work together, we should know a lot about each other.  Not everyone enjoys that, I've found, but that doesn't stop me from finding out what I can about the people I work with. Really though, that's a strength too, I think it makes good business sense, know thy neighbor!

A2 - I believe that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes a strength can be a weakness, depending on the job you're doing. I personally like to solve problems completely. I think it is a weakness at times when I persist too much, hoping for that perfect solution. I'm learning about the 80-20 rule in problem-solving, where solving a problem to 80% may be the best you can do in a certain amount of time. Go with 80% complete and work on the last 20% when you can.

Discussion: List some strengths, such as customer service, diligence, communication and then turn those 180 degrees into weaknesses. If you take a strength too far, it becomes a weakness; like working so hard, others sometimes think you're unsociable.  So customer-driven that you sometimes spend too much time dealing with the customer, but you are aware and are learning to control your weaknesses. You can take this too far (again turning a strength into a weakness) and make this sound a little contrived or corny. A2 is a best answer.

You should consider your success at your next interview as a primary goal.

The Job Interview Success system uses 5 elements to guide you through the interview process and promises your success at getting the next job.

 Good luck on your interview.