Interview questions & Answers

 

 1. Tell me about yourself?

 

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extra careful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

 

 2. What do you know about our organization?

 

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more. You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.

 

 3. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

 

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts. The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.

 

 4. What are your long-range goals?

 

Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..."

 

 5. What do you look for when you hire people?

 

Think in terms of skills. Initiative and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.

 

 6. How long would you stay with us?

 

Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."

 

 7. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

 

Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

 

 8. Why do you want to work for us?

 

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development emphasizes the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

 

 9. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?

 

Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.

 

 10. Are you a good boss? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?

 

Keep your answer achievement and ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

 

 11. When Are You Available for Work?

 

If you are free to start immediately and if you are keen to work for the company, say so. If you are working and need to give notice, state the length of time you need.

 

 12. What Are Your Greatest Strengths?

 

Briefly mention that besides the work skills, training and/or experience that you would contribute, you also offer job-related qualities such as (list your attributes.) If possible, and if there is time, be ready to back these attributes up with specific illustrations, for example, a time at work when you met a tight deadline.

 

 13. What Are Your Weaknesses?

Describe a positive attribute that you know you have, For example, state that it's important to you to meet deadlines; maintain high standards; satisfy the customer; maintain the equipment; or see that all messages are answered. Then continue with a statement of reassurance such as: "I have to really make myself be patient (diplomatic, firm) when I see that this is not happening." Be ready to describe such a situation and how you effectively handled it.

Honestly state an obvious weakness or handicap, and then describe factors that compensate for it. Remember that once you have raised a doubt you have to explain it immediately.

 

If you genuinely cannot think of any weaknesses, tell the employer this:

 

Example

 

"I'm so enthusiastic that I want to do 100 things at once, so I have to sit down and make a list of priorities and plan a schedule. That always works well with me." "I'm eager to have computer training, so I'm enrolling in evening courses for next term."

 

 14. What Are Your Long-range Goals?

 

Keep your answer work-related, with this company in mind. State your interest in and commitment to staying and growing in this field of work.

 

 15. What Is Your Greatest Achievement?

 

Briefly describe a work-related achievement that shows your knowledge and expertise in the field, or in dealing with people or problem-solving. Give specifics about the situation. If you are new to the work-force or are re-entering it, take an example from school, volunteer or part-time work, or recreational challenges. Then show how the skill is transferable to this job. It might, for example, demonstrate quick-thinking, flexibility, leadership, creativity or dedication.

 

 16. What Questions Do You Have?

 

Keep questions brief and watch for non-verbal signals from the employer that it is time to end the interview. Be confident but not demanding or self-seeking. Show that you have listened to the employer and that you have already researched the company.