InterviewingAnswering Tough QuestionsWhy Should I Hire You?This is a chance to reiterate the skills and qualities you would bring to the employer, as well asan opportunity to explain why you are the bestcandidate for the job. It is challenging becausealthough you don’t know your competition, youranswer needs to reflect how you are unique amongthe candidates they are considering. This is often thelast question asked, so make sure you “go for it” byshowing enthusiasm for the job and how you willcontribute.What Are Your Greatest Strengths?Support your answers with detailed examples thatrelate to the job at hand.Example: “My greatest strengths are leadership,communication, and team-building. For the past twoyears, I have been a Resident Advisor, where I overseethe safety and well-being of 64 students. In this role, Iserve as a mentor, mediator, supervisor, and programdirector. I oversee town-hall style meetings for myfloor and frequently have to make tough decisions tosolve problems among residents.”Example: “As I mentioned earlier, I have strong skillsin communication, leadership and teamwork. I canmake immediate contributions to your organizationbecause I know the sales territory I would be responsible for and my demonstrated abilities to buildrapport with people would increase your clientele.”What Is Your Greatest Weakness?What the employer is really questioning here is yourself-awareness and self-improvement. They are notinterested in hearing you confess your flaws, nor arethey looking for a perfectionist with “no weaknesses.”The best strategy is to pick a related example fromyour life that demonstrates growth, and ideally, yourability to turn a weakness into a strength. Your answershould be genuine, honest, and professionally related(i.e. nothing too personal).Practice answering tough questions with ouronline interview tool called Big Interview. Login toHandshake and check out the Resources section toaccess hundreds of practice questions and interviewlessons.Example: “One area that I am continually workingto improve is my public speaking skills. When I firstbegan college, the thought of speaking in front ofa large group giving a presentation was enough tocause me stress. However, over the last two years, Ihave challenged myself to get out of my comfort zoneand overcome this fear. In addition to taking a publicspeaking class, I became a peer advisor at BerkeleyCareer Engagement where I have had the opportunityto present to groups often. These experiences havehelped me become more comfortable addressinglarge audiences.”Career Tip:Not sure what you will be asked during the interview?The job announcement or program description willgive you clues.40
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