Why are you looking for a job? Why are you leaving your current position?
Even if you are leaving because you have been fired, or because of a disagreement at your last place of employment, you can answer this question with panache. Don’t say, “I was fired.” There are alternative answers that can express your strengths. Don’t lie, however. Remember that the interviewer may know someone at the company, so make sure your answer can be supported by others.
You can say that you are looking for a new challenge. You can say that your current employer is downsizing or that business is poor and the company’s financial situation is looking insecure. You can say that your current employer is relocating, or that you are relocating to be with a significant other. You might also say that you are looking for a job with more opportunity for advancement, or that you didn’t see a career path for yourself at the past company.
What is your biggest weakness?
There are a few strategies to answer this question. You can tell them your weakness is something that will not affect your work: for instance, you could very cleverly answer that your weakness is chocolate.
You can give them a weakness that is actually a strength: you could say that your biggest weakness is paying attention to detail. You could explain that you work hard to also focus on the big picture because you tend to aim for perfection on the details.
Another to phrase your weakness is as an obstacle that you are working to overcome. You could say that speaking English as your second language is your biggest weakness, but that you are enrolled in classes and working hard to improve it.
Again, don’t lie. No-one is perfect and questions like this are generally asked to see HOW you respond, rather than what you say exactly. Although admitting you have poor organization skills might hinder your chance at an office administration job.
Tell me a story.
Firstly, you can ask for clarification with this question. Asking for clarification will prove to your interviewer that you are responsible enough to determine directions.
Secondly, make the story relevant to what job you are seeking. Treat this as a behavioural question and relate a relevant anecdote that highlights your skills for this job.