面試英語第18章：教你如何回答面試中的必答題

Tell me about yourself.

I was born and raised in Dalian, China. I attended the University of Beijing and received my master's degree in Economics. I have worked for 5 years as a financial consultant in Beijing for various companies including Rossi Consultants, People's Insurance of China and Pepsi. I enjoy playing soccer in my free time and traveling.

I've just graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Computers Science. During the summers, I worked as a systems administrator for a small company to help pay for my education.

評語：這個問題的目的是想大概地瞭解你，所以無需講太多細節的東西。你的回答通常會幫助面試官決定下個問題問什麼。除了給對方一個整體的印象，最重要的是着重講和工作有關的經驗。工作經驗是大多數面試中最重要的環節，比學歷更重要。

What type of position are you looking for?

I'm interested in an entry level (beginning) position.

I'm looking for a position in which I can utilize my experience.

I would like any position for which I qualify.

評語：對於一個新人，公司總是希望你能從底層做起，慢慢了解、彌補不足。就算你以前很成功有多年經驗，也應當有這個心理準備。

Are you interested in a full-time or part-time position?

I am more interested in a full-time position. However, I would also consider a part-time position.

評語：儘量留最大的餘地爭取機會。因爲只要工作拿到了，以後的事情就容易把握，主動性大多了。

Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job?

I advised customers on financial matters. After I consulted the customer, I completed a customer inquiry form and catalogued the information in our database. I then collaborated with colleagues to prepare the best possible package for the client. The clients were then presented with a summarized report on their financial activities that I formulated on a quarterly basis.

評語：提到過往工作經驗時，注意越詳細越好。新手最容易犯的錯誤之一是講過去經歷時太過籠統。僱主是想知道你到底做了什麼，做得怎麼樣，又學到些什麼。你可以換着用一些不同的詞彙來形容，而且儘量不要每句話都用“I”開頭，還要記得用過去時態。

What is your greatest strength?

I work well under pressure. When there is a deadline (a time by which the work must be finished), I can focus on the task at hand (current project) and structure my work schedule well. I remember one week when I had to get 6 new customer reports out by Friday at 5. I finished all the reports ahead of time without having to work overtime.

I am an excellent communicator. People trust me and come to me for advice. One afternoon, my colleague was involved with a troublesome (difficult) customer who felt he was not being served well. I made the customer a cup of coffee and invited both my colleague and the client to my desk where we solved the problem together.

I am a trouble shooter. When there was a problem at my last job, the manager would always ask me to solve it. Last summer, the LAN server at work crashed. The manager was desperate and called me in (requested my help) to get the LAN back online. After taking a look at the daily backup, I detected the problem and the LAN was up and running (working) within the hour.

評語：不用謙虛，充滿自信地把自己最好的方面都抖出來。記得要給一些具體例子，舉例時變化用詞。

What is your greatest weakness?

I am overzealous (work too hard) and become nervous when my co-workers are not pulling their weight (doing their job). However, I am aware of this problem, and before I say anything to anyone, I ask myself why the colleague is having difficulties.

I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisfied. However, I began setting time-limits for myself If I noticed this happening.

評語：這其實是一個很巧妙的問題，你要講得出一個其實是優點的缺點。比如工作太認真啦，對自己對人要求很高啦，工作很追求完美啦，等等。在講到缺點後要記得說你一直在致力於改善。

Why do you want to work for us?

After following your firm's progress for the last 3 years, I am convinced that Smith and Sons are becoming one of the market leaders and I would like to be part of the team.

I am impressed by the quality of your products. I am sure that I would be a convincing salesman because I truly believe that the Atomizer is the best product on the market today.

評語：對這個問題你要事前做研究，通過看公司網站，其他有關信息等。越瞭解公司，對你越有利。

When can you begin?

Immediately.

As soon as you would like me to begin.

評語：充分表示你想要工作！