1. What aspects of your work are most often criticized?
I remember in my first job as a marketing assistant, I spent endless hours analyzing a particular problem. I came up with a revised marketing plan that was extremely well received. Unfortunately, when I had to present it to top management, I didn't give the necessary time and attention to the actual presentation—overheads and slides—and the proposal was turned down because I didn't make clear the savings that would result. I spent the next two weeks working on my presentation, and on my second try I was much more persuasive and convinced management that, indeed, this was the way to go. They approved it, and my recommendations were carried out to everyone's satisfaction.
2. Why have you changed jobs so frequently?
My frequent job changes over the last five years have resulted primarily from the rapid change in my profession. As you know, my jobs have been based on government contracts, and over the last several years the congressional appropriations have been up and down, causing some contracts to be canceled, while other companies get unexpected, huge contracts. Although this volatility creates good opportunities to move on, it also creates a lot of uncertainty in the industry. Since your business is based mostly on consumer products and not on government products, I welcome an opportunity in which the business cycle is more stable and predictable.
3. Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?
During one of my summer internships while in college, I was working for a software consulting company. Midway through the summer a new president was appointed because of some financial difficulties, and he requested the resignation of my entire group. I was the most junior member of the project, and I was swept out with the others, even though my work had never been criticized.
4. Share an example of your determination.
I led an effort to change our production system over to dedicated lines. The biggest problem was convincing the factory workers that this strategy made sense, even though they'd have to learn to do their jobs differently. I assured them that within a few months their jobs would be easier, and we'd save about four man-hours per employee per week. I convinced management to increase the profit-sharing account using half of those savings, which also helped get the employees on my side.
5. How have you handled criticism of your work?
The first time I had a complaint from a client, I had difficulty keeping the complaint separate from my personal service of the account. The client was upset about the downtime on ATM machines. I learned that showing empathy usually calms the situation: I also learned that no client is going to be happy with everything, even if the overall experience is positive.
6. What type of management style do you think is effective?
I've always learned well from people who act as coaches rather than experts. When someone comes to me with a problem, I try to act as if I'm reasoning through the problem with the person, learning as I go. I never just give an answer. I want employees to develop confidence in creating answers for themselves.
7. Where do you want to be in five years?
In five years I'd like to have progressed to the point where I have bottom-line budget responsibility, and I'm also in charge of a production unit where I have labor-relations, quality-control, design, and manufacturing responsibilities. I believe this job will allow me the opportunity to meet my personal goals in the next five years.
8. What is your biggest weakness?
I admit to being a bit of a perfectionist. I take a great deal of pride in my work and am committed to producing the highest-quality work I can. Sometimes if I'm not careful, though, I can go a bit overboard. I've learned that it's not always possible or even practical to try to perfect your work—sometimes you have to decide. it's important and ignore the rest in order to be productive. It's a question of trade-offs. I also pay a lot of attention to pacing my work, so that I don't get too caught up in perfecting every last detail.
9. Why weren't your grades better?
School was a wonderful experience for me. I really was learning new ideas. I studied consistently, and I was attentive in class. But I never believed in cramming before the night to finish a term paper. I really believe I taught just as much as many students who went for the grades.
10. What were the most rewarding aspects of your most recent job?
My favorite aspect of being a recruiter is the feeling of accomplishment you get when you know you've made a good match. I always make periodic checks on the recent recruits and their managers. Positive progress reports keep me motivated.
11. Are you a team player?
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.
12. What is your greatest weakness?
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.
13. Why do you want to work here?
To answer this question, you must have researched the company. You should reply with the company's attributes as you see them. Cap your answer with reference to your belief that this can provide you with a stable and happy work environment—the interviewer's company has that reputation—and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work.
14. Why are you leaving your present position?
If your current company is not meeting your expectations, you can often explain this in a positive way. "I need to be challenged to develop my potential further. I'm interested in additional responsibility and new opportunity, which unfortunately are limited at (name of current employer), because of (company size/limited product line/company restructuring or downsizing). The reputation and market focus of (name of prospective employer) offers many opportunities for someone with my training and experience. It's the ideal environment I've been seeking."
15. How long would it take you to make a contribution to our company?
Again, be sure to qualify the question: In what area does the interviewer need rapid contributions? You are best advised to answer this question with a question: "That is an excellent question. To help me answer, what do you anticipate my responsibilities will be during the first six or seven months?" You give yourself time to think while the interviewer concentrates on images of you working for the company. When your time comes to answer, start with: "Let's say I started on Monday the 17th. It will take me a few weeks to settle down and learn the ropes. I'll be earning my keep very quickly, but making a real contribution… [hesitant pause]…Do you have a special project in mind you will want me to get involved with?" This response could lead directly to a job offer, but if not, you already have the interviewer thinking of you as an employee.
16. What are your biggest accomplishments?
Keep your answers job-related, a number of achievements should spring to mind. Do not exaggerate contributions to major projects. You might begin your reply with: "Although I feel my biggest accomplishments are ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with…I made my contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye for the bottom line."
17. Describe a difficult problem you've had to deal with.
This is a favorite tough question. It is designed to probe your professional profile; specifically, your analytical skills: "Well, I always follow a five-step format with a difficult problem. One, I stand back and examine the problem. Two, I recognize the problem as the symptom of other, perhaps hidden, factors. Three, I make a list of possible solutions to the problem. Four, I weigh both the consequences and cost of each solution, and determine the best solution. And five, I go to my boss, outline the problem
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