INTERVIEW BASICS
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Answering Questions
As you move from the rapport-building stage to the content stage of the interview, your non-verbal communication of confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity remain highly important. But what you say must be impressive also. While there is no "right" answer to any question, there are some guidelines that can help you formulate strong responses.

Be concise.
Give answers that are clear and direct. Avoid rambling.

Be specific and provide examples that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.
One excellent technique is to tell a "story" that

(1) describes a specific situation in which you were involved.

(2) explains your role and what action you took, and

(3) illustrates the results you achieved.

Be positive and highlight your strengths.
Help the employer understand your qualifications in order to conclude that you are the right person for the job

Traditional versus Situational Interviewing Techniques
The continuing competitiveness of the job market has resulted in the increased use of the situational or behavioral style interview. Rather than ask, "What are your strengths?" an employer presents the candidate with a situation that could occur on the job and asks the candidate to describe how he or she would handle the situation. Or, the employer could ask the candidate to describe in detail how he or she actually handled a specific situation in his or her past.

Traditional interviewing focuses on getting factual information from the candidate grades, work experience, leadership activities, and special skills. Situational or behavioral interviewing requires a candidate to describe situations or past behaviors that demonstrate specific competencies that the employer has determined are necessary for success in that position or organization. You should be prepared for both interviewing styles. Being prepared with specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experiences will help you remain calm and able to answer both types of questions effectively.

Responding to Interview Questions

As the interview progresses, the employers will ask you a variety of questions to determine interest and competence. When answering the question, make sure your answers are clear, concise, and followed by an example, and you maintain strong eye contact.

Listed here are Sample Interview Questions typically asked by employers.

In addition to preparing answers to the typical set of questions, it is good practice to informing yourself about the company you will be visiting.

Responding to Challenging Questions

Questions of special concern to many candidates include technical knowledge, illegal questions, salary expectations, or work accommodations for physical/emotional impairments. For highly technical positions, it is common for interviewers to ask the interviewee to define technical terms, write code on the spot, or evaluate/read a technical design schematic. Be prepared for this type of question. If you don't know the answer, it's better to say so than to attempt to circumvent the question.

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Sample interview questions
 
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