How to Prepare for Pre-Job Interview Questions

How to Prepare for Pre-Job Interview QuestionsHow to Prepare for Pre-Job Interview QuestionsSome companies want candidates to respond to questions prior to their scheduledjob bewerberinterview. To that end, they will send a pre-interview questionnaire with questions to fill out beforehand. If youre asked to complete one, you may need to provide some of the same information that is on your resume and thejob application you submitted. You may also be asked questions related to your background, your skills, your experience, and your availability for work. The questionnaire might also include test questions to measure your ability to do the job. Employers who use pre-interview questionnaires send them to candidates prior to an interview. The questions may be completed online or via email, depending on the company. You will be instructed on how to complete them when you get the questions. Why Employers Use Pre-Interview Questionnaires Pre-interview questionnaires allow employers to ga ther more information about you thanwhat is provided on your resume and cover letter. The goal of asking pre-interview questions is to find outwhetheryou are agood fitfor both the job and the company, as well as to ask questions that might not be asked during the interview. It saves the company time because they will have some of the information they need to make a hiring decision in advance, which leaves more time for other questions during the actual job interview. Tips for Answering Pre-Interview Questions Although you will likely already have an interview lined up when you receive the questionnaire, you still need to take the pre-interview seriously. Occasionally, employers will cancel an interview if your responses indicate youre not a match for the job. Most questionnaires are designed to take the candidate about half an hour to fill out. Thoroughly answer each question without providing too much detail, just as you would in an actual in-person orphone interview. If the qu estionnaire includes space in which to answer each question, dont exceed the space given. Keep your answers concise but complete. Recruiting-Related Questions Rather than asking these questions during the actual interview, employers often ask more detailed, recruiting-related questions during the pre-interview. Below are some examples of these questions Where did you see our posting?Would you be willing to participate in a telephone interview?What is the minimum starting yearly salary that you will accept for this ort?Is there anyone that you would like to meet or talk to during your visit for an interview?What decision criteria will you use to decide whether you will acceptthis job offerif it is offered to you?What other companies have you applied to recently?May I contact the references you listed on your job application?What is your availability? When could you begin work if you were hired? What other companies have you applied to recently? Strengths and Weaknesses An emp loyer will likely ask you about your strengths and weaknesses during the actual interview. However, pre-interview questionnaires often also contain questions about yourstrengths and weaknesses,just in case these questions are skipped over during the interview. Here are typical questions regarding strengths and weaknesses What knowledge areas and technical skills are your strongest?What team and leadership skills are your strongest?Do you have any additional skills or experiences that you did not include in your resume that we should know about?Can you provide us with a sample or demonstration of your best work? Motivation and Frustration Employers want to know whether or not you will fit in with theircompanys cultureand managerial style. They also want to know what motivates you to workatyour best - do you have long-term goals, and are they appropriate for the position to which you are applying? Below are sample questions you may be asked about motivation and frustration in the workplace. Describe a time when you were asked to work overtime without compensation. How did you manage the situation?Where do you expect to be in two years? Five years?Are you interested in further professional development?How does this position fit in with your long-term goals? Skill Test Questions There may be test questions on the pre-interview questionnaire. For example, if you are applying for a writing or editing position, you may be asked to take an editing test. If youre applying for a social media job, you may be asked to explain how to create a Facebook page or a Twitter profile. For applicants applyingfor programmer jobs, you may be asked about the programs you know and the certifications you hold. The types of questions you will be asked, if any, will be related to the type of position the company is hiring for. Check Your Responses Before you send back or submit your questionnaire,be sure to proofread your responses to make sure there are no typos or grammatic al errors. Also be sure the information you submitted matches your resume andjob application. Discrepancies will be a red flag for an employer and could cost you the interview. Information About the Interview In addition to asking questions, employers often include information that will be necessary for the upcoming interview in the questionnaire. This information may include details on what to wear to the interview, directions to the office, and the materials you will need to bring. Key Takeaways Take pre-interview questions seriously Hiring managers will assess your response to the questionnaire, as well as your interview responses, in making a hiring decision.Questions can varyThey may be related to your background or abilities, or may even be test questions designed to assess your skills in specific areas.Follow instructions carefullyIf youre asked to provide three sentences, do so - not four or two. Proofread your responses before submitting.