From http://www.bspcn.com/2007/08/24/10-killer-job-interview-questions-and-answers/
Behind every interview question there is a concern or another
question. Your job is to process the question thinking about what the
interviewer’s concern might be. In other words, why is the interviewer
asking you this question?
Q#1 – How long have you been looking for a job? (Concern – is there
something wrong with you that other employers have picked up?)
A#1 – “After I was laid off from my last job, I took the opportunity
to take some time out to examine my career goals and where I was going
with my life. I have just begun my search in the last few weeks. I have a
definite goal in mind and have been selective about the positions I
consider. Your company and this position are of great interest to me.”
Q#2 – How did you prepare for this interview? (Concern – are you
interested enough to do some research, or are you going to “wing it”?)
A#2 – “When I found this position posted on the internet
(monster.com) I was immediately interested. I checked out the company
website and mission statement, looked at the bios of company founders
and executives, and was impressed. Once I had the interview appointment,
I talked with friends and acquaintances in the industry. And, I’m sure
I’ll find out a lot more in today’s meetings.”
Q#3 – What is your salary expectation for this job? (Concern – Can we afford you? Can we get you for less than budgeted?)
A#3 – “I’ll need more information about the job and the
responsibilities involved before we can begin to discuss salary. Can you
give me an idea of the range budgeted for this position?”
Q#4 – How do you keep current and informed about your job and the
industries that you have worked in? (Concern – Once you get the job do
you continue to learn and grow – stay challenged and motivated?)
A#4 – “I pride myself on my ability to stay on top of what is
happening in my industry. I do a lot of reading – the business section
of the newspapers and magazines. I belong to a couple of professional
organizations and network with colleagues at the meetings. I take
classes and seminars whenever they are of interest, or offer new
information or technology.”
Q#5 – Tell me about a time when you had to plan and coordinate a
project from start to finish. (Concern – behavioral questions – seeking
an example of specific past behavior)
A#5 – ” I headed up a project which involved customer service
personnel and technicians. I organized a meeting to get everyone
together to brainstorm and get his or her input. From this meeting I
drew up a plan, taking the best of the ideas. I organized teams,
balancing the mixture of technical and non-technical people. We had a
deadline to meet, so I did periodic checks with the teams. After three
weeks, we were exceeding expectations, and were able to begin
implementation of the plan. It was a great team effort, and a big
success. I was commended by management for my leadership, but I was most
proud of the team spirit and cooperation which it took to pull it off.”
Q#6 – What kinds of people do you have difficulties working with?
(Concern – ability to be flexible and work in a diverse environment?)
A#6 – “In my last three jobs I have worked with men and women from
very diverse backgrounds and cultures. The only time I had difficulty
was with people who were dishonest about work issues. I worked with one
woman who was taking credit for work that her team accomplished. I had
an opportunity to talk with her one day and explained how she was
affecting the morale. She became very upset that others saw her that
way, and said she was unaware of her behavior or the reactions of
others. Her behavior changed after our talk. What I learned from that
experience is that sometimes what we perceive about others is not always
the case if we check it out.”
Q#7 – We expect managers to work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have
a problem with that? (Concern – are you a work-aholic or a person who
requires balance?)
A#7 – “I have no problem working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14
hour days. What I have found works for me is to work smarter, not
necessarily longer. My goal is to get the job done, whatever that takes,
in the most efficient manner.”
Q#8 – When have you been most satisfied in your career? (Concern – what motivates you? Or demotivates you?)
A#8 – “The job before the one I am currently at, was my most
rewarding experience for me. I worked in a wonderful team environment.
There was a lot of camaraderie. I worked with a team of four people and
we did some really original thinking. It is that kind of environment I
want to be involved in again.”
Q#9 – Why do you want this job? (Concern – are you using the shot-gun
approach to job search or do you really know what you want?)
A#9 – “I’ve been very careful about the companies where I have
applied. When I saw the ad for this position, I knew I found what I was
looking for. What I can bring to this job is my seven years of
experience, and knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to
communicate and build customer relationships. That, along with my
flexibility and organizational skills, makes me a perfect match for this
position. I see some challenges ahead of me here, and that’s what I
thrive on. I have what you need, and you have what I want.”
Q#10 – We are ready to make an offer. Are you ready to accept today?
(Concern – we don’t want you to go away and think about it and change
your mind – we want you.)
A#10 – “Based on my research and the information I have gathered
during the interview process, I feel I am in a position to consider an
offer. I do, however, have a personal policy that I give myself at least
24 hours to make major life decisions. I could let you know by
tomorrow.”
There
is no way you can accurately predict the questions that will be asked
in an interview, but you can be ready and prepared by thinking about the
factors that might concern an interviewer or employer before the
interview.