The interview is your second chance to show that you are best applicant. So …..
• Be well prepared
• Be confident but don’t exaggerate
• Make sure you know how to get to the location of the interview
• Make sure you know where to park
• Make sure you leave enough time for unforseen circumstances
• Who Interviews
• Panel normally, composition depending on the seniority of the job
• Maybe one-on-one
• Assessment Methods
• Questions
• Role Plays
• Tests or demonstrations
Why Should I care?
So you can be prepared!
There would be nothing more terrifying expecting a cosy chat and finding a cast of thousands waiting to ask you questions!
Why Interview?
The aim of the interview is to assess how well you meet the selection criteria. So …
• Read the selection criteria
• Ask yourself “What will the employer be looking for?” “What sort of questions will I be asked?”
• Think about how you can describe your skills and experience to meet the selection criteria
Being Prepared
• Write a list of all the issues to think you may be asked about
• Think of how you would answer a question on these topics
• If you don’t know the answer to one of these “questions”, now is the time to find it!
Being Even Better Prepared
• Practice answering questions
• Ask your partner, friend, colleague, dog, cat, the mirror to ask you the questions (mock interviews)
• Verbalise the answers you would give
• Seek feedback and practice again
The Opening Question
Be prepared to answer an opening question such as:
“Tell the panel why you think you should be appointed to this position.”
Know why you WANT the position!
At the Interview
• Every one will be nervous, even the selection panel members!
• Best way to overcome nerves, is to be well prepared (and take deep breaths!)
The Interview
• Duration - from 20 minutes to an hour
• Listen to the questions; ask for the question to be repeated if necessary
• Take your time to answer the questions
• Don’t talk too much
• Don’t say too little; Avoid “yes” and “no” answers
The Questions
• Normally, all members of the panel will ask questions
• Types of Questions
• the hypothetical
• specific about a task or experience (targeted selection)
• role play
• a mixture
Answering Questions
• Answer as fully as possible, elaborating from your experience (even closed questions)
• Answer hypothetical questions from your own experience
• If asked discriminatory questions (and you shouldn’t) answer but ask why it is relevant
• If you can’t answer a question, admit it
Pressure Questions
• Don’t panic if the panel disagrees with your answer or seems to be putting you under pressure. It may be deliberate!
• Try to demonstrate that you can handle the situation. Explain why you believe you are correct.
Sue’s Handy Hints
• Show some interest in the prospective employer during the interview by mentioning something about the organisation/job (read the annual report; visit beforehand; speak to existing staff)
• Draw on “life experiences” if you can’t think of a work example to demonstrate your skills and knowledge
• Demonstrate that you can acquire the knowledge/experience if you don’t have it now
Other Interview Tips
• Dress appropriately and comfortably
• Be on time
• Look at the interviewers; smile; be confident in yourself
• It is OK to take notes with you if that will help you; but you won’t normally be asked for copies of references, qualifications etc.
Other Interview Tips
• Volunteer information: sell yourself at every opportunity
• Admit your deficiencies if need be, but try to put them in a positive light
• Know your strong points and emphasise these
The Internal Interview
• Don’t assume everyone will know you; treat the interview as if you are an outsider
• Don’t feel disadvantaged; everyone is being assessed against the selection criteria
Do You ask Questions?
• Yes. You should be given an opportunity to ask questions
• This may be the opportunity to show that you have done some homework about the prospective employer
Saturday, April 25, 2009
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - 2
• Why have you selected to join us?
I always longed to work with a company. I am familiar and whose products I have used and trusted.
(Narrate briefly how you can prove your statement. Do good research on the company before facing the interview)
• Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I would like to be frank. Judge me from the work and I am sure you will put me right where I want to be.
Note : Do not over ambitious and speak in a way that you are not satisfied with your current job which you have applied for.
• Describe your ideal career ?
Talk of what you enjoy most your skills and natural talents. Do not specify your goal and any job title.
• Tell me something about yourself
Do not just repeat what you have given in your resume. Be ready with the answer, a talent or something you did out of the ordinary. You can sound it as unique or give it a touch of your personality.
• How did you apply for the job?
Be specific and give a straight answer of how you came to know about the vacancy. If it was advertised specify how you came across it.
• Why do you want to work here?
Have a research done about the company / organization
Give just one or two reasons why you are interested. You can add these points (1) company's reputation(2) desire to join the specific field of interest.
• Don't you think that you are over qualified for this job?
(This question is put to you to puzzle a candidate. Be calm and answer the question with a positive and confident approach)
Answer in the negative
My experience and qualification will just help me to do the job better. Moreover I am at establishing a long term relationship which my qualification will favor me to handle more responsibilities and help me to rise to your expectations.
• What competition do you see if you take up this job?
When you answer, clearly show that you have researched carefully and acquired more in-depth knowledge about the company.
Enumerate some positive and negative traits of the company and their competitions.
Feel confident to show that competition is not an unexpected one.
• What would you do if our competitor offer you a job?
Show your confidence in the company's worth, stress the point 'I would say No' by pointing out some qualities you found out in your research about the company.
• Why are you leaving your current job?
You should give two or three reasons for leaving.
Lack of challenge, focus on the limitations etc. Point out your ambition to prove your worth confidently.
• What salary do you expect?
(This is a tricky question to be answered carefully. Interviewers often accept people with realistic financial goals.)
If you mention a salary that is low it shows that you are not up to the mark. If you mention too high you have ruined a chance to get a job. So the best is to ask for the salary they offer and then show your capacity, how your experience and qualification rate with what is offered.
• What interests you most about the job?
(Show how you believe that you are most suited to the post. If you can find out an earlier experience it would be fine.)
If you have experience, you can quote some similarities from the past and how you achieved success.
• What is your dream job?
Make the question a chance to display your aptitude that fits the job you have applied for. Display how your skills can be put into suite the challenges and modern trends.
• Why should we take you?
This is often the concluding Question( Some tips to the answer)
• Don'ts : Do not repeat your resume
Do not enumerate your experience
• Do's: Prove Your interest
Be positive in your answer
Be prepared with confidence in what you are going to say
Make sure the answer comes from the bottom of your heart.
• If you have unlimited time and financial resources how would you spend them
Even though it is tempting to discuss thing you would do for fun, answer these questions with strict coherence with the job you have applied for.
E.g.: If you are into teaching, touch on your interest in adult literary programming and other teaching oriented aspects.
• How is your experience relevant to this job?
Sketch out some similar work which you have done in your previous job. It should be something justifiable by you, even though others may think differently.
You can even ask some question where you can prove that your experience stands in good strand.
• How could you enrich your current job?
Design your answer to show that you are still interested in the job and you point out a few instances where improvements can be made. Convince the person that you can be relied on and you will not get bored with what you do with time.
• How many days where you absent from work?
Give a solid attendance record. But at the same time show you were not responsible . Convince that you are willing to take up responsibility.
Egg: I was absent 7 days. 4 days due to conjunctivitis and one day due to the death of a close relative and 2 days had to accompany my parents for their check up.
• Tell me about a time you had to deal with an irritate customer, how did you handle the solution?
The question is aimed at you to hear from yourself how you handle people when others loose their temper. Here the best answer you can give to describe a situation and show how you handled it with maturity and diplomacy.
• How do you manage stress in your daily work?
You can describe a situation of how you had managed stress in your previous work if you had one or narrate how you can find time in your busy schedule to relax a bit.
• Describe a professional skill you have developed in you?
It will be better if you be specific with your answer. Narrate some thing you worked for to fulfill your work more efficiently. Describe how you attended a seminar and brought about the changed in your work.
• How do you manage your work to meet dead lines
Answer the question effectively . Describe in detail how your plan out, set priorities, determine schedules, how you follow out to see the progress and meet the dead line.
• What books you read?
Do not ever say you have read a book which you have not. Here your suggestion can lead the interviewer to know your taste and interest. It can also hint on how you take your profession.
• What are the most rewarding aspect of you most recent job?
The best way to answer it is to focus in what you do efficiently, keep in mind the position you are applying for.
• What aspects of this job do you feel most confident?
Narrate what you are good and match it with the present job requirements. You may ask questions to clear if that particular skill will add benefit to the company
• What can motivate you?
The Interview expects an answer to know you better .Keep in tune with your job and work you have applied for. Do not beat around the bush.
• Whom do you choose as your reference and why?
Name the references and how you know them. You can also show that you are a person who care for relationships and how you stand in good stead with them.
• Can we call all your references?
If you have given your present boss as your reference you can tell that you prefer to call your current boss only after you receive a confirmed offer as he may not like you changing the job.
• Do you have any questions?
Be prepared to answer this question in advance. List out a few questions you wish to know more about. After you have faced the interview your logic will guide you to ask the question you really want to know more about.
• How do you handle criticism
Here the interview is on the look out for your accountability and professional character.
Simply explain a situation that caused a problem and narrate how you faced it and overcame it.
• Tell me about a situation that upset you at work
Her the interview is trying to find out how you deal with pressure. Be diplomatic and objective with your answer. Prepare the answer so that the answer comes as a smooth reassurance
• Have you ever been fired?
If the answer is negative, the answer is simple. But if you have been fired, you need to be prepared to the answer the follow up questions that my come up.
If the termination was for reason beyond your control narrate it. If not do not try justifying yourself. If you had a fault, admit it and convince the interview that you have corrected it.
• Do you change your job frequently?
Be honest and if you had changed the jobs frequently there could be ample reasons to do so. Put them up as contracts that expired at the stipulated time.
Be convincing when you say that you long to have a steady and long lasting relationship with the present job you are applying for.
• What is the toughest job you had?
Avoid making any negative statements especially about your previous employer. Change the question with a positive outlook and answer it with a satisfied remark of your outcome.
• How do you handle tension?
Answer with ease that in any job and any situation that tension is a part of it. Relax before putting the f act you are very used to such type of works.
• What is your current salary?
Do not bluff. Be specific on the answer. Do not hesitate to say the benefits you enjoyed in the previous job. It may be verified so never mention the benefits you have not got.
• Will you be willing to accept transfer?
Tell you preference but do not specify that you will be not willing to work else where.
• What is your weakness?
Turn the question to a positive one. Simply say that you are a perfectionist and your commitment to output of high quality perfect work. Say this is your weakness.
• In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable ?
• What jobs have you enjoyed the most ? The latest ? Why ?
• Why should we hire you ?
• What motivates you to putforth your greatest effort ?
• Why did you leave your previous jobs (if any) ?
• What do you know about our company ?
• Tell me about yourself ?
• Describe an ethical dilemma you resolved in working with groups
• What are your expectations from this job ?
• What are your expectations from this job?
• Specific questions on the projects listed on your resume
• What would your present boss say your greatest weakness is?
• Describe a situation in which you had to lead a team of people over which you had no formal authority
• How well do you work under pressure?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most
• Satisfaction ? Why ?
• Are you willing to work overtime? Can you work late nights and weekends?
• Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others ?
• What major challenges have you encountered and how did you deal with them ?
• Which is more important to you: money or work?
• Are you a team player ?
• If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
• Tell me about a problem that you have had with a supervisor
• Give me an example of a revolutionary technology. If you were the inventor, how would you market this technology ? What existing technology would you displace, and why ? If you were the owner of that displaced technology, what could you do to survive or continue to grow ?
• Do you like cats or dogs? Suppose I am a [opposite of your answer] person. Convince me to
• Become (your answer) person in 5 minutes
• What do co-workers say about you?
• What would be the first thing you would do if hired ?
• How do you plan your day ?
• Which is better, a higher salary or a better company ?
• What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year ?
A.Shanmugasundaram
Course Director
Value Plus
(Soft Skill Trainers)
Chennai
vptraining@yahoo.com
098404 85595
I always longed to work with a company. I am familiar and whose products I have used and trusted.
(Narrate briefly how you can prove your statement. Do good research on the company before facing the interview)
• Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I would like to be frank. Judge me from the work and I am sure you will put me right where I want to be.
Note : Do not over ambitious and speak in a way that you are not satisfied with your current job which you have applied for.
• Describe your ideal career ?
Talk of what you enjoy most your skills and natural talents. Do not specify your goal and any job title.
• Tell me something about yourself
Do not just repeat what you have given in your resume. Be ready with the answer, a talent or something you did out of the ordinary. You can sound it as unique or give it a touch of your personality.
• How did you apply for the job?
Be specific and give a straight answer of how you came to know about the vacancy. If it was advertised specify how you came across it.
• Why do you want to work here?
Have a research done about the company / organization
Give just one or two reasons why you are interested. You can add these points (1) company's reputation(2) desire to join the specific field of interest.
• Don't you think that you are over qualified for this job?
(This question is put to you to puzzle a candidate. Be calm and answer the question with a positive and confident approach)
Answer in the negative
My experience and qualification will just help me to do the job better. Moreover I am at establishing a long term relationship which my qualification will favor me to handle more responsibilities and help me to rise to your expectations.
• What competition do you see if you take up this job?
When you answer, clearly show that you have researched carefully and acquired more in-depth knowledge about the company.
Enumerate some positive and negative traits of the company and their competitions.
Feel confident to show that competition is not an unexpected one.
• What would you do if our competitor offer you a job?
Show your confidence in the company's worth, stress the point 'I would say No' by pointing out some qualities you found out in your research about the company.
• Why are you leaving your current job?
You should give two or three reasons for leaving.
Lack of challenge, focus on the limitations etc. Point out your ambition to prove your worth confidently.
• What salary do you expect?
(This is a tricky question to be answered carefully. Interviewers often accept people with realistic financial goals.)
If you mention a salary that is low it shows that you are not up to the mark. If you mention too high you have ruined a chance to get a job. So the best is to ask for the salary they offer and then show your capacity, how your experience and qualification rate with what is offered.
• What interests you most about the job?
(Show how you believe that you are most suited to the post. If you can find out an earlier experience it would be fine.)
If you have experience, you can quote some similarities from the past and how you achieved success.
• What is your dream job?
Make the question a chance to display your aptitude that fits the job you have applied for. Display how your skills can be put into suite the challenges and modern trends.
• Why should we take you?
This is often the concluding Question( Some tips to the answer)
• Don'ts : Do not repeat your resume
Do not enumerate your experience
• Do's: Prove Your interest
Be positive in your answer
Be prepared with confidence in what you are going to say
Make sure the answer comes from the bottom of your heart.
• If you have unlimited time and financial resources how would you spend them
Even though it is tempting to discuss thing you would do for fun, answer these questions with strict coherence with the job you have applied for.
E.g.: If you are into teaching, touch on your interest in adult literary programming and other teaching oriented aspects.
• How is your experience relevant to this job?
Sketch out some similar work which you have done in your previous job. It should be something justifiable by you, even though others may think differently.
You can even ask some question where you can prove that your experience stands in good strand.
• How could you enrich your current job?
Design your answer to show that you are still interested in the job and you point out a few instances where improvements can be made. Convince the person that you can be relied on and you will not get bored with what you do with time.
• How many days where you absent from work?
Give a solid attendance record. But at the same time show you were not responsible . Convince that you are willing to take up responsibility.
Egg: I was absent 7 days. 4 days due to conjunctivitis and one day due to the death of a close relative and 2 days had to accompany my parents for their check up.
• Tell me about a time you had to deal with an irritate customer, how did you handle the solution?
The question is aimed at you to hear from yourself how you handle people when others loose their temper. Here the best answer you can give to describe a situation and show how you handled it with maturity and diplomacy.
• How do you manage stress in your daily work?
You can describe a situation of how you had managed stress in your previous work if you had one or narrate how you can find time in your busy schedule to relax a bit.
• Describe a professional skill you have developed in you?
It will be better if you be specific with your answer. Narrate some thing you worked for to fulfill your work more efficiently. Describe how you attended a seminar and brought about the changed in your work.
• How do you manage your work to meet dead lines
Answer the question effectively . Describe in detail how your plan out, set priorities, determine schedules, how you follow out to see the progress and meet the dead line.
• What books you read?
Do not ever say you have read a book which you have not. Here your suggestion can lead the interviewer to know your taste and interest. It can also hint on how you take your profession.
• What are the most rewarding aspect of you most recent job?
The best way to answer it is to focus in what you do efficiently, keep in mind the position you are applying for.
• What aspects of this job do you feel most confident?
Narrate what you are good and match it with the present job requirements. You may ask questions to clear if that particular skill will add benefit to the company
• What can motivate you?
The Interview expects an answer to know you better .Keep in tune with your job and work you have applied for. Do not beat around the bush.
• Whom do you choose as your reference and why?
Name the references and how you know them. You can also show that you are a person who care for relationships and how you stand in good stead with them.
• Can we call all your references?
If you have given your present boss as your reference you can tell that you prefer to call your current boss only after you receive a confirmed offer as he may not like you changing the job.
• Do you have any questions?
Be prepared to answer this question in advance. List out a few questions you wish to know more about. After you have faced the interview your logic will guide you to ask the question you really want to know more about.
• How do you handle criticism
Here the interview is on the look out for your accountability and professional character.
Simply explain a situation that caused a problem and narrate how you faced it and overcame it.
• Tell me about a situation that upset you at work
Her the interview is trying to find out how you deal with pressure. Be diplomatic and objective with your answer. Prepare the answer so that the answer comes as a smooth reassurance
• Have you ever been fired?
If the answer is negative, the answer is simple. But if you have been fired, you need to be prepared to the answer the follow up questions that my come up.
If the termination was for reason beyond your control narrate it. If not do not try justifying yourself. If you had a fault, admit it and convince the interview that you have corrected it.
• Do you change your job frequently?
Be honest and if you had changed the jobs frequently there could be ample reasons to do so. Put them up as contracts that expired at the stipulated time.
Be convincing when you say that you long to have a steady and long lasting relationship with the present job you are applying for.
• What is the toughest job you had?
Avoid making any negative statements especially about your previous employer. Change the question with a positive outlook and answer it with a satisfied remark of your outcome.
• How do you handle tension?
Answer with ease that in any job and any situation that tension is a part of it. Relax before putting the f act you are very used to such type of works.
• What is your current salary?
Do not bluff. Be specific on the answer. Do not hesitate to say the benefits you enjoyed in the previous job. It may be verified so never mention the benefits you have not got.
• Will you be willing to accept transfer?
Tell you preference but do not specify that you will be not willing to work else where.
• What is your weakness?
Turn the question to a positive one. Simply say that you are a perfectionist and your commitment to output of high quality perfect work. Say this is your weakness.
• In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable ?
• What jobs have you enjoyed the most ? The latest ? Why ?
• Why should we hire you ?
• What motivates you to putforth your greatest effort ?
• Why did you leave your previous jobs (if any) ?
• What do you know about our company ?
• Tell me about yourself ?
• Describe an ethical dilemma you resolved in working with groups
• What are your expectations from this job ?
• What are your expectations from this job?
• Specific questions on the projects listed on your resume
• What would your present boss say your greatest weakness is?
• Describe a situation in which you had to lead a team of people over which you had no formal authority
• How well do you work under pressure?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most
• Satisfaction ? Why ?
• Are you willing to work overtime? Can you work late nights and weekends?
• Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others ?
• What major challenges have you encountered and how did you deal with them ?
• Which is more important to you: money or work?
• Are you a team player ?
• If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
• Tell me about a problem that you have had with a supervisor
• Give me an example of a revolutionary technology. If you were the inventor, how would you market this technology ? What existing technology would you displace, and why ? If you were the owner of that displaced technology, what could you do to survive or continue to grow ?
• Do you like cats or dogs? Suppose I am a [opposite of your answer] person. Convince me to
• Become (your answer) person in 5 minutes
• What do co-workers say about you?
• What would be the first thing you would do if hired ?
• How do you plan your day ?
• Which is better, a higher salary or a better company ?
• What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year ?
A.Shanmugasundaram
Course Director
Value Plus
(Soft Skill Trainers)
Chennai
vptraining@yahoo.com
098404 85595
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - ORDINARY
1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short
statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound
rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to
the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest
back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major
problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers
or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep
smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking
reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for.
If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good
explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are
on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific
statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith
Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It
is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization
before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are
going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide
variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement.
Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus
on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is
a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the
research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely
important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term
career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This
can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not
relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought
of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if
you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like,
That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?
In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,
say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide
range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready.
Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather
than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag,
just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like
it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you
like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the
right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the
individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the
organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in
force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here.
Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the
type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a
benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type
of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying
negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to
highlight your best points as they relate to the position being
discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not
mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted
and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work
applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with
anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get
along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability
to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your
professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you
are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another
job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with
this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something
like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and
can’t wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization,
violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will
label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is
no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise,
Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of
your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former
boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and
develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did
not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an
example that relates to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want
another job more than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a
success.Your boss tell you that you are successful
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if
you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get
the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems
later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself
future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead ofyour own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about
the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive,
salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions
depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational
style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the
situation, instead of one size fits all.
39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make
it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An
example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and
thus throwing coordination off.
40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind
spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do
their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well
qualified for the position.
43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about,
bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working
quick learner.
44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of
humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All
bosses think they have these traits.
45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute betweenothers.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique
and not the dispute you settled.
46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to
get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show
acceptance and no negative feelings.
49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are
examples.
(Excerpted from the book The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D, published by The Management Advantage, Inc.)
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short
statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound
rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to
the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest
back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major
problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers
or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep
smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking
reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for.
If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good
explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are
on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific
statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith
Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It
is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization
before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are
going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide
variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement.
Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus
on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is
a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the
research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely
important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term
career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This
can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not
relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought
of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if
you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like,
That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?
In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,
say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide
range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready.
Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather
than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag,
just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like
it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you
like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the
right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the
individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the
organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in
force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here.
Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the
type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a
benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type
of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying
negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to
highlight your best points as they relate to the position being
discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not
mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted
and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work
applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with
anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get
along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability
to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your
professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you
are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another
job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with
this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something
like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and
can’t wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization,
violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will
label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is
no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise,
Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of
your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former
boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and
develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did
not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an
example that relates to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want
another job more than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a
success.Your boss tell you that you are successful
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if
you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get
the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems
later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself
future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead ofyour own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about
the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive,
salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions
depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational
style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the
situation, instead of one size fits all.
39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make
it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An
example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and
thus throwing coordination off.
40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind
spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do
their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well
qualified for the position.
43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about,
bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working
quick learner.
44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of
humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All
bosses think they have these traits.
45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute betweenothers.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique
and not the dispute you settled.
46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to
get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show
acceptance and no negative feelings.
49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are
examples.
(Excerpted from the book The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D, published by The Management Advantage, Inc.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)