Getting a Big Data Job For Dummies

Chapter 16

Ten Interview Questions and Answers You Need to Know

In This Chapter

Thinking about the question behind the question

Knowing your story and how to tell it

Breezing through the tough, open-ended questions

You may have already experienced that classic interview question. You know the one I mean. The employer asks, “Tell me your greatest weakness.” And you say something like, “Well, I just work too darn hard.” I was once asked that question in an interview for an internal promotion at a major credit card firm. I said, “When I get angry, I throw things.” It was well received, but I wouldn’t recommend such a humorous approach unless I was sure that the interviewer seemed receptive.

Know the corporate culture before you interview. They’re likely probing for cultural fit as much as they are for competency. There are a few things you can do to get insight into corporate culture:

• Check out the company’s Careers page. It often lists the company’s vision, values, and mission.
• Read the About Us page. This page often tells more than just the function of the company — it should give ...