University of California Berkeley Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 40
Interviewing
Answering Tough Questions
Why Should I Hire You?
This is a chance to reiterate the skills and qualities you would bring to the employer, as well as
an opportunity to explain why you are the best
candidate for the job. It is challenging because
although you don’t know your competition, your
answer needs to reflect how you are unique among
the candidates they are considering. This is often the
last question asked, so make sure you “go for it” by
showing enthusiasm for the job and how you will
contribute.
What Are Your Greatest Strengths?
Support your answers with detailed examples that
relate to the job at hand.
Example: “My greatest strengths are leadership,
communication, and team-building. For the past two
years, I have been a Resident Advisor, where I oversee
the safety and well-being of 64 students. In this role, I
serve as a mentor, mediator, supervisor, and program
director. I oversee town-hall style meetings for my
floor and frequently have to make tough decisions to
solve problems among residents.”
Example: “As I mentioned earlier, I have strong skills
in communication, leadership and teamwork. I can
make immediate contributions to your organization
because I know the sales territory I would be responsible for and my demonstrated abilities to build
rapport with people would increase your clientele.”
What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
What the employer is really questioning here is your
self-awareness and self-improvement. They are not
interested in hearing you confess your flaws, nor are
they looking for a perfectionist with “no weaknesses.”
The best strategy is to pick a related example from
your life that demonstrates growth, and ideally, your
ability to turn a weakness into a strength. Your answer
should be genuine, honest, and professionally related
(i.e. nothing too personal).
Practice answering tough questions with our
online interview tool called Big Interview. Login to
Handshake and check out the Resources section to
access hundreds of practice questions and interview
lessons.
Example: “One area that I am continually working
to improve is my public speaking skills. When I first
began college, the thought of speaking in front of
a large group giving a presentation was enough to
cause me stress. However, over the last two years, I
have challenged myself to get out of my comfort zone
and overcome this fear. In addition to taking a public
speaking class, I became a peer advisor at Berkeley
Career Engagement where I have had the opportunity
to present to groups often. These experiences have
helped me become more comfortable addressing
large audiences.”
Career Tip:
Not sure what you will be asked during the interview?
The job announcement or program description will
give you clues.
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