Common Interview Questions--How do you answer them?

[rkdtlb]

So, I would be interested in hearing some of the common interview questions you use or hear, and the responses to them.

A few to start:
Q. Why did you choose this career?

A. Well, everyone has a different response so there is no right or wrong answer.  Make sure to focus on what you truly enjoy and desire.


Q. Tell me more about yourself.

A. Answer honestly, briefly and include only those details which you are comfortable revealing. A few things you can mention: where you grew up, where you attended school, a prominent move or career change, hobbies, etc. It's also good to include one recent detail of your life. This question is asked (most of the time first) to establish common ground and find similar points of interest.

What are yours?

[Sohcahtoa]

If I were being interviewed for my dream job (software engineer/programmer for Blizzard Entertainment), I would answer like this:

Q. Why did you choose this career?
A. I had my first taste of programming when I was 12 years old as part of a talented and gifted program at my middle school.  Although it was only some simple programs in QBASIC, it really interested me.  I self-taught myself Visual Basic and eventually C++ during my teen years, and by the time I was halfway through high school I knew I wanted to be a programmer.

Q. Tell me more about yourself.
A. I'm too lazy to think of an answer and type it out right now.

[rkdtlb]

Anyone got any different questions?

[dreamyxo]

Q. Tell me more about yourself.

A. Answer honestly, briefly and include only those details which you are comfortable revealing. A few things you can mention: where you grew up, where you attended school, a prominent move or career change, hobbies, etc. It's also good to include one recent detail of your life. This question is asked (most of the time first) to establish common ground and find similar points of interest.

What are yours?

For that question I would not give details about my life instead I would give an answer that describes what kind of employee I would make.  For example I would say I am a very dependable person who is always punctual.   I am flexible and get along with different types of people.  Something along those lines. 

[ptfunds]

Here is a different question:


Question:  "What do you consider your weaknesses to be?"

Answer: When asked this question, it is perhaps tempting to say "I have no weaknesses ..." but this answer is not advisable.

An interviewer wants to know that you are able to look at yourself objectively. However, it is important not to come up with a list of what you consider your weaknesses. Instead to try and reflect positively on these by outlining the active steps you are taking to overcome them.

Avoid saying that one of your weaknesses is to work too hard or to push yourself too hard. This answer is overdone and sounds like it came straight out a book on interview techniques.