Job Interview Questions & Answers: Know What to Expect and What to Say

From http://www.best-interview-strategies.com/questions.html

Job Interview Questions & Answers

Although many candidates dread them, job interview questions are wonderful things! They are your greatest opportunity to prove to the interviewer that you are the best person for the job!

The key is to give better answers than anyone else.

To do this, you must:

1. Anticipate likely questions;
2. Develop excellent answers;
3. Practice answering them.

 Be enthusiastic and confident when responding to questions. Don't rush your answers, but don't ramble on and on, either.

Try to, um, avoid, like, using unnecessary words, right? And um, repeating yourself or, like, annoying phrases, you know?

A good technique is to write out your answers to the questions you anticipate, then edit them to make them more concise. Then practice your polished answers out loud, over and over. If you can have someone help you do a "mock interview," that would be the best way to do this.

Most questions will relate either to your ability to do the job or to the type of employee you will be. Here's one that is very commonly used to help the interviewer learn about both:

"Tell me a little about yourself."

When responding to this request, you should focus on both your personal and professional values. Always be honest, but talk about your best traits only, especially those that relate to the position for which you are applying. Highlight experiences and accomplishments you are most proud of. Here's an example:
"I'm an experienced communications specialist with extensive knowledge of public information tools and techniques. I've developed comprehensive communication plans for major public events, written dozens of articles accepted by worldwide publications, and created specialized educational programs for adults and students. I am always eager to learn new methods and procedures, and have implemented continuous improvement techniques in my past positions that saved money and increased productivity. I like working with people and enjoy group projects, but am also a self-starter who doesn't mind working on my own. I'm a volunteer with the local chapter of Special Olympics and enjoy participating in community events. My goals are to complete my Master's Degree and broaden my experiences with community relations."
Remember to tailor your response to the specific job. By studying the job announcement, you'll get a good idea of the skills and experience being sought. Work those into your response.
Consider this your own personal commercial. If the interview consisted of only this ONE chance to sell yourself, what would you say?

"What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"

Choose one example from your past that was important to you and helped the company you worked for. Give specific details about what you did, how you did it, and what the results were. Try to pick an accomplishment that relates to the position for which you are applying. Employers like to hear about accomplishments that reduced expenses, raised revenues, solved problems or enhanced a company's reputation.

"What is your greatest strength?"

This is a great chance to highlight your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on your top three or four. Some examples are: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills. Determine which strengths would fit best with the position for which you are applying. For example, if the job announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say: "I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management. But my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines."

"What is your greatest weakness?"

Be careful with this one. Most interview guides will tell you to answer it with a positive trait disguised as a weakness. For example, "I tend to expect others to work as hard as I do," or "I'm a bit of a perfectionist." Interviewers have heard these "canned" answers over and over again. To stand out, be more original and state a true weakness, but then emphasize what you've done to overcome it. For example: "I've had trouble delegating duties to others because I felt I could do things better myself. This has sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I've taken courses in time management and learned effective delegation techniques, and I feel I've overcome this weakness."

IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element of the position!

"How do you handle stressful situations?"

Give some examples of stressful situations you've dealt with in the past. Tell how you use time management, problem-solving or decision-making skills to reduce stress. For example, tell them that making a "to-do" list helps. Site stress-reducing techniques such as stretching and taking a break. Don't be afaid to admit that you will ask for assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed.
If it's true, say you actually work better under pressure.

"What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?"

Try to make this about a problem that faced your company and not just you or your particular work group. The bigger the problem, the better. Give specific examples of the skills and techniques you used to resolve this problem. Emphasize the successful results. Be generous in sharing credit if it was a team effort, but be sure to highlight your specific role.

"Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle it?"

This is a likely question if the position for which you are applying requires supervisory duties. Explain how you used problem-solving skills, listening skills, and coaching skills to help the employee. If those techniques turned the employee around, be sure to say so. If those techniques failed, tell how you followed the company's policies and what the end result was.

"Why do you want this position?"

Here's where your research about the company will help you stand out among the other candidates. Explain how you've always wanted the opportunity to work with a company that... provides a vital public service, leads the industry in innovative products, whatever... find something specific about that company that you can tie in with your answer. Explain how your qualifications and goals complement the company's mission, vision and values (use specific examples). If you are applying for a position in a company for which you already work, explain how you'll be able to apply and expand on the knowledge and experience you've gained from your current position, and will be able to increase your contributions and value to the company through your new responsibilities.

"Why are you the best person for this job?"

As with all other questions, be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this. Don't try to say you are the best qualified person, because you don't know the qualifications of the other applicants. Instead, emphasize several reasons why you should be hired. For example: "I've got extensive experience in [name the appropriate field] and have the specific skills you are looking for. I'm a fast learner who adapts quickly to change and will hit the ground running. I'm dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company meet its goals, and will provide top-quality results with minimal oversite. I'm an outstanding performer who takes pride in my work. You won't have any regrets when you hire me."

UNEXPECTED QUESTIONS

Interview questions and answers can only be predicted and prepared for to a certain extent. There are endless variations and no way to know every question in advance. But that doesn't matter. Because you know there will be unexpected questions, you will not cringe or freak out when they pop up, as some applicants will. Instead, you will turn them into opportunities to shine even more brightly.
No one knows you better than you. Memorize a list of your best features, your best selling points. Use every opportunity and unexpected question to mention these.
Realize that sometimes what you say isn't as important as how you say it. Be confident, enthusiastic, and remember to smile often.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK

Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Candidates who do not have questions show a lack of initiative and give the impression that they have minimal interest in the position. Stand out from those lazy job seekers by asking questions!
Have your questions ready in advance. Relate them to the company or its accomplishments/challenges (your research of the company will show and further impress the interviewer). Don't ask any question that shows that you have notdone your research about the company.
Do not ask questions related to you, such as "When will I be eligible for my first raise?" or "How often will I be subjected to a performance review?" Don't bring up money. (You can do that after you are offered the job.)
In addition to specific questions you develop based on what the company does, here are some sample generic questions:

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Be sure the person you ask actually works for the company. Some organizations, especially public agencies, have interview panels in which employees from other agencies participate.

Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job?

If they do mention something that's bothering them about you, such as lack of specific experience, this gives you a last-ditch effort to change their opinion about you. If you've thought about your possible weaknesses in advance, you should have a prepared answer to those weaknesses. For example, "I know I have limited experience in this field, but what I lack in specific experience I make up for in enthusiasm and desire to excel. I'm a fast learner and I'll work harder than anyone else to be a top producer on your team."

When do you expect to make your final decision?

Be sure to ask that! Failure to do so may give the impression that you're not that interested, and you need to know when to follow up.

Interview Checklist

So, you have your resume ready and you’ve prepared for possible interview questions you may be asked. There are a few more things to keep in mind during the interview process.
BE PREPARED.
* Research the prospectiv

e company through newspapers, annual reports and websites.
* Demonstrate you’re motivated, hard working and proactive by being thoroughly prepared and showing an interest in the company.
* Practice for the interview as if you were giving major presentation to a large audience.
ANSWER KEY QUESTIONS WITH CONFIDENCE.
* Rehearse responses to likely questions (link to Interview Questions).
* Show confidence and competence with well thought-out answers.
* Interject your own relevant ideas or insights…successful interviews are a two-way conversation.
ASK GOOD QUESTIONS.

* Prepare two or three strategic questions from the research you’ve conducted to demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills, and interest in the company and the position.
SELL YOUR STRENGTHS.

* Identify five or six past accomplishments and be prepared to talk about them in very specific terms (e.g., cost saving or revenue growth initiatives, training efforts, etc.).
* This is often the defining reason one person gets hired over another.
* The strengths you focus on should be relevant to the job requirements.
OFFER BRIEF, FOCUSED RESPONSES.

* Answer questions briefly, yet thoroughly, providing specific examples about your experience, skills, etc.
* Stay on target, maintain eye contact and show enthusiasm.
DRESS ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY’S CULTURE.
* Determine the company’s dress code prior to the interview.
* If you’re not certain, formal business attire is the safest choice.
ARRIVE EARLY.
* Arrive 15 minutes early — punctuality tells a prospective employer that you’re conscientious and dependable.
* Early arrival also gives you a few minutes to relax before the interview.

BE FRIENDLY AND ENTHUSIASTIC.
* Smile and say hello to company employees.
* Leave a positive impression with everyone you meet. You never know who may have influence hiring decisions.

KEEP A POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE.
* Never talk negatively about prior employers or co-workers.
* Maintain a positive attitude to show that you’re a team player.
STATE YOUR INTEREST.
* Show interest in the position and inquire about next steps.
* Ask questions such as, "Do my qualifications match the needs of your company, or is there anything you would like me to elaborate on?" to let the interviewer know you’re serious about employment.
DON’T FORGET THE THANK-YOU LETTER.
* Send a prompt thank-you letter to demonstrate professionalism and interest
* Write a letter to the company’s key decision-makers as well as to the person with whom you’ve interviewed.
* Emailing a thank-you letter has the benefit of immediacy, but some managers prefer a more traditional approach of mailing a letter.
* A short, hand-written note demonstrates your sincere appreciation for the time taken during the interview, and is also another point of contact with the hiring manager.

Interview Questions

With 60 years of experience

, on both sides of the interviewing desk, you could say we have a few interviewing pointers to share. Here’s a list of commonly asked questions—and effective responses—to help get you through the interview with ease. Go in prepared and come out on top.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
* Spend about two minutes answering this question.
* Begin wherever you feel comfortable: high school, college, a prior position.
* Speak logically and clearly about yourself—share particular attributes or accomplishments that demonstrate your value as a prospective employee.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.
* Develop an excellent response to this critical question.
* Focus on hard work, commitment, long hours or ability under pressure.
* Describe a recent challenge and your involvement in the solution (overtime, leadership, innovative thinking, etc.)
* Present an accomplishment relevant to the current position you seek.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE JOBS?
* Never criticize a past employer or co-workers.
* Discussing major problems within the company, or sharing the fact that the company is being bought out or shut down, is acceptable.
* Answering that you feel you can no longer make a contribution because of extensive changes at the company, or that you are looking for growth opportunities, is safest.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE / DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR LAST POSITION?
* Another key question that demonstrates whether or not you are a good fit.
* Avoid negativity about your past position (e.g., dislike of overtime, conflict with management, etc.)
* Put a positive spin on your answer by focusing on challenging work that you did, variety of experience gained, team projects you were involved in, etc.
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION?
* Choose a few specifics from the job description and focus your answer on how your particular skills and experience meet these requirements.
* Highlight relevant management experience, technical skill or a personal success story.
DESCRIBE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT STRENGTHS.

* Identify five strengths relevant to the position for which you’re interviewing (e.g., technical skills, management experience, etc.)
* Give a brief example of how you successfully applied each of the five strengths in a past work situation.

HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T THINK WAS POSSIBLE?
* Demonstrate integrity, work ethic or commitment to achieving a heady goal.
* Give an example of how you accomplished this significant challenge without giving in to such things as obstacles along the way, tight deadlines or lack of resources.

IS THERE A SITUATION IN THE PAST IN WHICH YOU TOOK THE INITIATIVE?
* Demonstrate that you are a motivated, results-oriented employee who knows what to do without being told.
* Describe situations in which you exhibited a strong work ethic or creative abilities that helped you overcome a challenging situation.

CAN YOU THINK OF A SITUATION DURING YOUR CAREER THAT WAS PARTICULARLY EMBARRASSING? HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE THE SAME SITUATION TODAY?
* Show that you are able to learn from past mistakes.
* Be honest about a particular failure, but talk positively about the lesson you learned from it.
ONE OF OUR COMPANY’S BIGGEST CHALLENGES IS…HOW WOULD YOU DEAL WITH THIS?
* Ask for more details before trying to answer this question.
* Break the challenge into sub-challenges, in which you have prior experience.
* Explain your strategy for dealing with each step and summarize the method you would use to solve the overall problem.
* Present your analytical and organizational skills in a logical, step by step way.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN SITUATIONS INVOLVING DIFFICULT CO-WORKERS, TIGHT DEADLINES OR INADEQUATE RESOURCES? HOW DID YOU HANDLE THESE SITUATIONS?
* Discuss effective management skills and your ability to handle challenges.
* Describe your most difficult management trial and the skills used to overcome it (e.g., organization, interpersonal skills, perseverance, diplomacy, etc.).
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR CAREER GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY?
* Be honest. The interviewer wants to know if you’ll be happy in the position, and whether you’re motivated to make changes in order to get what you want out of your career.
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
* Focus on the attainable.
* Give realistic answers, such as a management promotion in three to five years.
* Consider your past (did you rise quickly or travel a rocky road?) and use this as a guideline for a reasonable response.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
* Take this opportunity to reveal your organizational skills, positive attitude and confidence.
* Restate key aspects of the job (which you’ve gleaned from the interview) and describe the traits that make you an ideal candidate for the position.

Common Job Interview Questions

Handling an interview with confidence takes planning and lots of practice. Prepare yourself for success with Lab Support's guide to commonly asked interview questions. We’ll take you step by step through each question and give tips on how to craft a winning response. Learn from the experts at Lab Support how to master the art of the interview and land the job you want.

How Would You Describe Yourself?
Keep your answer mostly related to work and career. This is your chance to highlight your qualifications, good work habits, attributes, and achievements that make you a valuable employee.

What Was Your Greatest Accomplishment and How Did You Achieve It?
Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, pay raises, or other commendations. Focus more on achievement than reward.

What Is Your Biggest Weakness?

Everybody has weaknesses, but keep your answer work related. Try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it.
Why Do You Want To Change Jobs?
Avoid criticizing other employers and making statements such as, "I need more money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move." It’s acceptable to discuss major problems within a company, or to share the fact that the company is being bought out or shut down. If this is the case, a safe answer is that you feel you can no longer make a contribution because of extensive changes at the company.
What Did You Like Or Dislike About Your Last Position?

This helps interviewers decide if you’re a good match for the position. Avoid admitting that you didn’t like working overtime or you had a conflict with the company’s management team. Instead, put a positive spin on your answer by saying you enjoy challenges and growth opportunities.

In What Ways Are You Qualified For This Position?
Focus on a few requirements of the job and how you can meet these requirements through your particular skills and experience. Highlight your interpersonal skills, management experience, technical skills, or personal success stories.

Describe Your Most Important Strengths.
Identify five strengths you feel are most in line with the position for which you’re interviewing and give a brief example of how you successfully applied that particular strength to a work situation.

What Is Your Ideal Work Environment?
Try and tailor your answer to the job. For example, if the job requires you to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player, but also enjoy working independently.
How Do You Handle Criticism?
Your answer should be along the following lines: "I think that it is important to get feedback on how I am performing so that I can improve any areas that my manager or supervisor highlights.”

How Do You Handle Pressure and Stress?
Everyone feels stress; the only difference is in the degree. A good answer may include exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends, or turning stress into productive energy.

Explain How You Overcame A Major Obstacle.
The interviewer is likely looking for an example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show in solving it. Emphasize the skills you used to deal with it, such as organizational and interpersonal skills, perseverance, or diplomacy.

Where Do You See Yourself Five (Or Ten) Years From Now?
Don’t mention goals you know are most likely not attainable. Instead, focus on career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are interviewing. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or her job, but it's okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position.

What Qualifies You For This Job?
Highlight your skills, experience, education, and other qualifications, especially those that match the job description well. Avoid just repeating your resume.

Why Should We Hire You?
Point out your positive attributes related to this job. Take this opportunity to reveal your organizational skills, positive attitude, and confidence – traits that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Restate some of the key aspects of the job and describe how your qualification and their requirements match.

From https://collegegrad.com/jobsearch/Mastering-the-Interview/Ten-Tough-Interview-Questions-and-Ten-Great-Answers/

Ten Tough Interview Questions and Ten Great Answers

Mental fear of the unknown is often what produces the physical symptoms of nervousness. In addition to preparing yourself physically, you need to prepare yourself mentally. The best way to prepare mentally is to know what may be coming. Fear of the unknown can only exist when there is an unknown. Take the time to understand some of the "standards" when it comes to interviewing questions.
The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course of your job interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple on the surface—such as "Tell me about yourself"—but these questions can have a variety of answers. The more open ended the question, the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have become practiced in your interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question as a launching pad for a particular topic or compelling story.
Others are classic interview questions, such as "What is your greatest weakness?" Questions most people answer improperly. In this case, the standard textbook answer for the "greatest weakness" question is to provide a veiled positive such as: "I work too much. I just work and work and work." Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are telling the truth, in which case you define working too much as a weakness and really do not want to work much at all.
The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how to answer tough interview questions. They are not there for you to lift from the page and insert into your next interview. They are provided for you to use as the basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the specifics of each reply may not apply to you, try to follow the basic structure of the answer from the perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions behaviorally, with specific examples that show that clear evidence backs up what you are saying about yourself. Always provide information that shows you want to become the very best _____ for the company and that you have specifically prepared yourself to become exactly that. They want to be sold. They are waiting to be sold. Don't disappoint them!

Tell me about yourself.

It seems like an easy interview question. It's open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you're the best candidate for this position.
So as you answer this question, talk about what you've done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.
"Tell me about yourself" does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.

Why should I hire you? The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don't be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
For example: "You should hire me because I'm the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example…"
Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.

What is your long-range objective?

Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.

The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.
For example: "Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I'll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I'm presently doing to prepare myself…"
Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

How has your education prepared you for your career? This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.
An example: "My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results…"
Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.

Are you a team player? Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.
A sample answer: "Yes, I'm very much a team player. In fact, I've had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project…"
Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved? Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.
For example: "Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example…"
Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.

What is your greatest weakness? Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: "I work too much. I just work and work and work." Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: "I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, I'm now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner…" then show them your planner and how you are using it.
Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say? This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if they're willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.
Then you can answer the question like this:
""I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that I'm results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?"
So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.

What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have? Focus on two words: leadership and vision.
Here is a sample of how to respond: "The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership—the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader…"
Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.

If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change? Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.
For example: "Although I'm overall very happy with where I'm at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship…" then provide examples.
Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.

In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

10 Killer Job Interview questions and Answers

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.

50 COMMON INTERVIEW Q&A

From http://bhuvans.wordpress.com/2006/08/19/50-common-interview-qa/

Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would
answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some
strategy suggestions with it.

(Excerpted from the book The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D, published by The Management Advantage, Inc.)

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 between others.
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.