The more interviews you do, the more you will realize that many employers tend to ask variations of the same handful of questions.
Knowing what is (probably) coming gives you opportunity to prepare in advance.
Here are seven common questions in job interviews.
1. Why are you the person for this job?
Focus your answer on relevant career experience, life experience and personality traits.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths are easy. For weaknesses, choose something that can be spun into a positive. Ex: “I sometimes over-prepare and have to be careful not to clutter my broadcast.” Or, ” I have a tough time saying no when people ask for help. I need to be sure that helping doesn’t come at the expense of me executing my job responsibilities.
3. Who do you respect and admire in the business?
This helps an employer learn what they might expect from you.
4. What is your greatest accomplishment?
It doesn’t have to be in sports broadcasting. An answer unrelated to broadcasting will show depth and help an employer get to know you.
5. What ideas did you bring to your current/last job for something they hadn’t been doing?
Employers love employees who are eager to do more than what is expected of them.
6. (If applicable) Why should we feel comfortable hiring someone from out of state?
Employers want to know that you will be able to quickly sound “local.”
7. What is your experience with social media?
Be prepared with ideas for promoting their brand.
When you don’t have an answer…
If you are asked any questions to which you don’t know the answer, it is okay to say, “I don’t know but l will look into that and get back to you later today.” Taking this approach can help you score points, versus the sabotage you might cause by trying to fake your way through an answer.
Give answers that are honest, and that help the employer get to know you.