Preparing for an Interview

1) Tell me about yourself
a. This short question seems easy but requires organizational skills, ability to show your strengths and best qualities in a short answer. Another rationale is to tell something interviewer might be doubtful about considering you for a job, like why do you have gaps in employment history or other background.
b. I`m Elena and originally I am from Russia. I came to US three years ago to pursue high education and future career goals. Currently I am a senior student in East-West university, business administration major. Also I have work experience as customer relations manager in ChicagoAutoImpex dealership, where I was dealing with customers from many countries. I am result-oriented, energetic and responsible person always looking for ways for improvement. Very interested in internship opportunity in customer relations in your company.

2) Why do you want to work for our company?
a. This question shows your goals. Also interviewer wants to see how well you prepared your homework, did you research a company, its politics and issues.
b. I think that it will be a great opportunity for me to work for such professional and well known organization. It is a world class company. The customer relations internship is a great chance to pursue my career goals. Also I would like to expand my knowledge and experience as well as contribute to the company.

3) Why should we hire you?
a. Interviewer is asking if you qualified for job, how can you prove it. Also it shows your truly interest in this position.
b. As you see from my resume, I have a strong professional background in the customer relations field. I provided excellent service for more than two years for people all over the world. Being a student in business major, I learned necessarily management, marketing skills which I hope I will use in your company. This position seems perfect for me and is a step further. Your organization will benefit from young but experienced person.

4) Are you a team player?
a. Ability to work with a team is a very important factor, especially for this big organization. Interviewer wants to make sure will fit in this position, which requires group projects.
b. Yes, I am a team player. In all my jobs, even not related with my present career, I had to work with different groups of people. I always enjoyed working together for the best results. For example, when I was a distributor in cosmetic company in Russia, I organized my own group of 20 consultants, where we shared our idea and increased our sales on 45% in a year.

5) Do you have any questions for me?
a. Rationale for this question is simple: if you don`t have questions, you are not really interested in the position. It is also a chance to clear all doubts you still have in the process of interview.
b. Could you explain your organizational structure?
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
Who will review my performance? How often?
Can you describe an ideal employee?