How to Answer Personal Interview Questions

Career Help Center

Answer Personal Questions During Your Interview

• How to Answer
  It is not enough to have statements prepared and reiterate what you have already written. You have to reply like you mean it and avoid doing things that can make you appear unprepared.
  
  Don't hesitate after being asked a question. A long pause will be awkward for everyone involved and makes you appear as though you do not know how to respond. You also need to remain confident and poised throughout the entire interview process. Answering questions with enthusiasm and joy will make you appear interested in the position and ambitious.
• Sample Answers to: “Tell Me About Yourself.”
  This is the number one personal question that employers are going to ask during an interview or a networking situation. If you can respond to this question successfully, you should have less trouble with other variations of this same question.
  
  
  1. “My personal beliefs are …”When you state what you believe in, in a business sense of course, you are saying out loud, the professional assets you wish to bring to the company. Depending on what field you are involved in, you may choose to discuss how you feel about the position. Your philosophies could influence not only the company but the field as a whole.
  2. “If you do an online search of my name, here is what you will find …” This phrase is interesting in that it is straightforward and technically savvy. It would help if you googled yourself to see what search results surface. Companies are going to do that if you're a serious candidate. Preferably all of your success stories should be available online. You may want to examine how you use social media links on your resume to make sure they are beneficial.
  3. “Someone who knows me very well would describe me as …” To mention that someone else would be able to speak well of you, solidifies your character through a reference and demonstrates that you are a reputable person.
  4. “I like to live my life by this quotation …” Providing a tangible, real-world example of a philosophy that someone else has already created references your intellect, and your ability to aspire to something greater than yourself. You clearly have a self-motivating talent and strive to live by your personal philosophy. Think about your philosophy and how you can apply it to business.
  5. “When I was very young, I wanted to …” When stating your past you demonstrate that you are committed to success and have been planning your life around getting a job like this one. Your preparation and dedication are very desirable character traits. Appearing as though you are intertwining your life with obtaining a position like this will lend credibility to your motivation.

Answering difficult personal questions during any professional situation is tough; it is a skill you will acquire through time and practice. It may be difficult to assess what is asked then quickly formulate the proper response, but if you remain calm you will be better equipped to give a quality response. If you analyze these starting points and think outside the box a bit, you may have a better chance of making a great impression during an interview.

Through the use of rhetoric, resume preparation, and keyword implementation, you could be on your way to delivering a great performance during your interview! Being aware of what they expect puts you in a better position to deliver what is needed. Try to determine what the employer's goal is as you progress through the meeting. You can then tailor your responses to more closely fit what they ask.

The point if these strategies are for you to be the person they need you to be. Be sure you have the qualifications to back up what you portray yourself to be. Don't claim to be someone you are not when you begin working there your deception will be uncovered and you will be out of a job.