How To Impress From The Start

Why do you want to work here?
To answer this question you must have researched the company. Reply with the company`s attributes as you see them. Cap your answer with reference to your belief that the company can provide you with a stable and happy work environment - and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work.

How do you feel about your progress to date?
This question is not geared solely to rate your progress; it also rates your self-esteem. Be positive, yet do not give the impression you have already done your best work. Make the interviewer believe you see each day as an opportunity to learn and contribute, and that you see the environment at this company as conducive to your best efforts.

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
The safest answer contains a desire to be regarded as a true professional and team player. As far as promotion, that depends on finding a manager with whom you can grow. Of course, you will ask what opportunities exist within the company before being any more specific.

What are your biggest accomplishments?
Keep your answers job-related. If you exaggerate contributions to major projects, you will be accused of `coffee-machine syndrome`; the affliction of a junior clerk who claimed success for an Apollo space mission based on his relationships with certain scientists at the coffee machine. You might begin your reply with: `although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with... I made a contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process.`