6 Job Interview Questions You Need to Know

Don't get blindsided in an interview!Job interviews can be super stressful. After all, it's hard to know which qs your would-be boss might ask. We got Lindsey Pollak, author of Getting from College to Career: Your Essential Guide to Succeeding in the Real World, to dish on the questions you should be prepared to answer.

By Dara Adeeyo

1. How much do you want to be paid?
Do your homework on what an appropriate wage range is for the job (try Glassdoor.com). Then, give a number a little higher than that range to give yourself room for negotiation.

2. What did you make at your last job?
This one sucks, but employers are asking it more, so be prepared. You can either say that your company asked you not to disclose that info when you were hired, or give a range. They can probably check, so be truthful. That said, your current salary shouldn't dictate your future one.

Related: How to Deal with Difficult People at Work

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Don't pull the strength as your weakness card. They won't fall for it. Instead, talk about something that is actually a weakness and how you are trying to fix it. Try something like, "I used to get nervous about calling up clients, but then I realized that the more I did it, the easier it became." Putting your weakness in the past (and showing that you took care of it) demonstrates that you're willing to change and grow.

4. Did you get along with your old boss?
So you had a horrible boss. The interviewer doesn't need to know that. Plus, bashing a former boss is dangerous territory-the interviewer might get freaked that you'll do it about them if they hire you. Just say "yes" and move on.

Related: The Best Excuses for Calling Out of Work

5. Why are you leaving your job?
Never complain or criticize something that happened in the past at your job. Try saying something like, "It's not a good fit and I want a new challenge." Then drop it.

6. How did you overcome a challenge at work?
Don't be vague. Give a concrete example like, "I was given a giant project at the last minute." Then describe how you tackled it (pulled a few late-nights, recruited help from fellow employees, etc.) and what the outcome was.


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