Interview Questions and Answsers

'May I ask you a question?' That's how your interview will begin.
Knowing what that question might be…and the ones that will follow…
and knowing how to answer those questions in a way that
demonstrates consistently your superior qualifications for the job you
seek…will make you a shoe-in to be 'the chosen one.'

Interview questions are the 'meat' of the job hunting experience. Even
a super-resume won't make up for a mumbling, fumbling, uncertain
presentation during an interview.

Don't Be Scared! Be Prepared! Nowadays employers often

ask questions designed to discover how you would deal with
certain situations and how you would behave. Companies want
to know about your abilities and track record, not just your
knowledge and experience.

We've put together a list of questions you're likely to be asked and

MUST BE PREPARED TO ANSWER.

What would you respond if someone said, 'Describe a situation where

you have shown yourself to be flexible’ or 'Tell me how you dealt with
an unexpected situation.' Both these questions go to the heart of the
way the way you operate as a person and your competencies.

If you answer to an interview question begins with 'Ummmm,'

is followed by along pause and then another 'Um,' it doesn't
say much for your competency, does it?

Producing answers isn’t as difficult as it may first appear, particularly if

you have given some thought to the type of questions coming up. You
can draw on your past experience during an interview. And unlike
the content of your resume, the answers in your interview don’t
necessarily have to be restricted to workplace issues.

Even being able to successfully share a 2-bedroom apartment with

three other people demonstrates that you are a team player with the
ability to negotiate! So be alert for ways to drop 'self-serving'
personal information into your conversation.

Categorically Speaking

Questions will fall into one of three main categories: factual

questions, philosophical questions, and testing questions. Each
category of question requires a different sort of answer, as you'll see in
a moment when you go through the questions and answers in this
report.

Factual questions require verifiable information about something

you've done. Philosophical questions explore your attitudes about
business. Testing questions are designed to assess your
knowledge or skill.

Go with the flow.

Be prepared to change gears at any time.

Anything can happen during an Interview. Just as you settle in to

answering a series of factual questions (Where did you work? What
was your typing speed? How much many people did you supervise?),
an interviewer can try to throw you a curve ball by asking you a
philosophical question.

Something to keep in mind: tricky questions are not designed to

deliberately trip you up. The goal of a complicated question is to give
you a chance to shine…to think on your feet…and craft a clear,
concise response.

And now…

The 25 Most Common Interview Questions… Asked and

Answered!

1. Why have you applied for this position?

This question invites you to express your interest and to clarify what
you are looking for in your professional life. It is also an opportunity
to express long-term opportunities and to qualify if this is the actual
position that you can see yourself working in for the next 3-5 years or
whether you're planning to 'grow.'

Your answer to this question helps you express your interest in

carrying out the necessary duties and responsibilities that this
role will entail. To answer this question in an enthusiastic manner
that shows your desire to fulfil the requirements, you must show a
thorough understanding of the role and what you can contribute to it.

One way you might frame your response…

'This is exactly the position that I am looking for as it will fully

 utilise my vast knowledge in this field and also enable me to
develop my skills in other areas' etc.

2. Can you talk me through your resume?

This is your opportunity to discuss your professional experience in

depth. Seize the moment and talk about your career successes and
achievements, bringing in details that were not included in your
resume or cover letter.

It's always a good idea to explain why you have left previous
employers to move on. You must always be positive with reasons for
leaving and never be negative about past employers or bosses.

3. What would you like to be doing professionally in 5 years

time?

Among other things, an interviewer wants to assess your

commitment to staying with the firm and if you have long
term career aspirations. If a company is going to train you, for
example, they want to know that they're going to get a return
on their investment. Always keep in mind that you're being
assessed for the current position and not your Next step on
the career ladder.

Try not to appear overly ambitious. Make it clear that your mail goal is
to achieve success with the role for which you are being recruited…
and then you can assess your long term future.

4. What are your key strengths?

This is your opportunity to shine and show that you are task-focused
under pressure, integrate successfully into a team environment
and are also effective working independently. (These are the 'Big
Three' of strengths.)

Discuss your ability to understand, respect, and function within various

corporate cultures and identities. Cite examples where you've proven
yourself to be trustworthy, meticulous, and detailed-oriented.

This is your opportunity to shine and use highly motivational words

that will enthuse the interviewer whilst not appearing boastful and big
headed. This is where you show that you would be a welcome addition
to any progressive and reliable employer.
5. What are your weaknesses?

Okay…now we're in really tricky territory. You'll be shooting yourself in

the foot saying things like, 'I always like to take a Monday off sick', 'I
am moody', 'I don’t really like people', 'I always blame others for my
mistakes' etc.

This question is often the most difficult to respond to because you

must be able to frame your answer in the positive. Something like
this: 'I have to work to balance my perfectionism with my attention to
deadlines.'

6. What are you looking for in your next job?

The answer to this is simple and can be the same for virtually anyone:

'I'm looking for an employer that will respect and appreciate

my loyalty and commitment and compensate me appropriately
for my hard work and dedication.'

7. Give me an example of when you have had to use your

initiative?

This question is your chance to demonstrate that you are able to think
and act for yourself, to lead others, and to create consensus in
order for 'warring factions' to come together and work cohesively
toward a common goal.

8. How do you get on with your colleagues?

This question is sometimes posed as 'Are you a people person?' The

intent is to find out how well you work with other people and if
you are able to contribute and add value to your team and
colleagues.

In your answer, explain ways in which you can share your knowledge
and assist others in achieving their deadlines to ensure the companies
overall success. Point to examples that show you are able to work
successfully within a team environment and if you are able to earn
the respect of your peers and superiors.

9. What would your colleagues say about you?

Different than 'how well do you get along with you colleagues, this
question gives you the opportunity to use motivational and
flattering words to describe yourself. Wrap yourself in gold with
words and phrases including: hard working, thoughtful, respectful, firm
but fair, reliable, good sense of humour, a contributor, and a great
team player

10. How reliable would you say you were?

Reliability in an employee is very much a valuable asset to any

prospective employer. Will you show up on time? Meet deadlines?
Deliver on your promises:

Employers want to know that their employees are reliable so that if

things go wrong that you can be counted on in a crisis.

11. What are your salary expectations?

When someone asks us to 'value' ourselves, it pushes all kinds of

emotional buttons. On the one hand, you don't want to sell yourself
short, but on the other hand, you may be afraid of sounding egotistical
if you ask for what you think is 'a lot of money.'

You are worthy! If you do some research before the interview, you'll
walk through the door knowing exactly what the 'market value' of your
skills are. Don't accept less…unless you have a compelling reason to
do so (a short-term assignment, for example, or a company where
you're really eager to get your foot in the door and move up the
ladder)>

Don't be shy when you state your salary requirements and the kinds of
benefit package that appeals to you. Have strength of conviction in
your answer and say it in a clear and concise manner that sounds
confident and says, 'I'm worth I!'

12. Why do you want to work for us?

This is your opportunity to explain that the company is exactly the

type of company that you would feel proud to say you work for. It's
also your chance to show that you're conscientious and serious-
minded. How?

Use your answer to demonstrate that you've researched the company

in depth. Talk about their community efforts, their corporate
philosophy, etc. as you explain your reasons for wanting to work for a
'winner.'
13. What do you know about our company?

You'd be amazed at the number of people who show up for interviews

with little or no information about how the company operates. It is
critical that you know exactly what the company does and how they
generate income.

Use your answer to discuss the company's market share,

demographics, price points, etc. The knowledge you've made an effort
to amass before you're even an employee is a tangible expression of
the interest you'll show after you're an employee.

14. Have you been applying for other positions?

Always say yes to this question, but add that 'your company is my
first choice.'

15. What has been your greatest professional achievement to

date?

This is the opportunity for you to explain the one thing that has given
you the most satisfaction in your professional life. You won't sound like
you're bragging, don't worry.

A Suggestion:
Although 'team achievements' are important, you'll make more of an
impression if you can talk about an accomplishment that was yours
and yours along…and for which no one else is able to take the credit.

16. How do you prioritize?

Knowing which activities must be done first and which must be put on
the back burner is at the heart of meeting deadlines. Answer this
question by explaining how you tackle the most immediate need first,
often assessing and reassessing the changing timeframes of each
project.

Explain that you 'get the job done' by staying late and putting in the
hours to see a project through to completion.

17. What motivates you?

While most of us work for a salary and what we can do with the money
from our monthly paycheck, saying, 'I'm in it for the money' is
(understandably) a poor response.

Instead, say that you are motivated by a boss you admire and can
learn from, colleagues that you respect and doing a fantastic job
that enhances the companies overall success and feeling that you add
value to the organization that you feel proud to say you work for.

18. How well do you get on with your boss?

As much as a question about your old boss, this inquiry also tests your
discretion. Never go into a negative rant about an old employer. It
doesn't make them look bad, it makes you look like you're on a
rampage in the soar grape patch.

Explain that you learned a lot from your previous boss. Explain
their management style and what it was that made them get the
best out of you.

19. What is your work ethic?

Do you work to live or live to work? Both of these 'all or nothing'

philosophies will send up red flags at an interviewer. Instead, express
a work ethic that is rooted in balance. Present yourself as a well-
rounded individual who likes to work hard and play hard, and enjoys
many things in moderation.

20. When are you available to start work?

Unless you think it will spell the difference between getting hired and
not getting hired, never say, 'I can start tomorrow.' Although you may
think it comes across as enthusiastic, it will really come off as
desperate.

It's not unreasonable to ask for a week or 3-4 days' grace period
before beginning your new position. This will give you time to get all
the details of your life into alignment so that you'll be ready to begin
work with no distractions or interruptions.

21. Can you tell me about yourself?'

Try to answer this question with positive attributes about yourself and
relate any work skills that you have gained through your previous
employment. You can tell them the type of personality you have in
regards to work ethics.
This is the time you have to market yourself and tell them what you
are good at, relating your skills to the position. Give specific examples
if you can.

22. 'Why do you think this job is suitable for you?'

This is another opportunity to add to the mountain of skills you've

already described by talking about additional experiences you've had.
Be sure the ones that you talk about relate directly to the job that's
being offered.

You can also talk about how different aspects of the position may
satisfy you on a personal level. For example, 'I would be proud to work
for your non-profit organization and would feel good about working to
save the rain forest.'

23. 'Do you have any questions you would like to ask?'

Make sure you ask something, because this shows you are interested
in the job. You can ask something about the company, ask about their
expectations from the successful candidate or ask if there are
opportunities within the company for advancement in the future.

Final Word…About Telephone Interviews

Some companies use telephone interviews to draw up their shortlist so

it is worth giving some thought to how you would cope with this
technique. In many ways you need to be prepared for a phone
interview in the same way as you would for a face-to-face interview.

The most common mistake for telephone interviewees is answering

questions too quickly. Silences on the telephone feel much longer
than they really are. Don't let that throw you. Take your time to
consider your answers calmly before speaking.

You should try and ensure that you have some privacy - so try and
find a quiet phone that you can use and where you won’t be disturbed
and then you need to get yourself into interview ‘mode’.

Then, go ahead and 'dazzle them' with your brilliance.

Job Interview
For more detailed articles on interviewing, please see the menu on the
left.
Some General Job Interview Tips

• Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.

• Wear suitable interview clothes.
• Take copies of your CV with you.
• Arrive on time for your job interview.
• Any applications handed before the interview begins, are to be
filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the
information in your Cv and Cover Letter.
• Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to
pronounce it correctly.
• Have a good firm handshake.
• Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep
your eyes on the interviewer.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.
• Stress your achievements.
• Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond
your control occurs, show a sense of humor.
• Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.
• Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no
but try not to go over the 60 second limit.
• Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former
employer in your job interview.
• Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is
completely unrelated.
• Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is
usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your
wage research before hand.

Your answer to the initial opening statements in the job interview are
important, these are called "ice breakers".
Some times the interviewer will ask whether you had difficulty finding
the company premises. Your answer should be brief and polite. The
interviewer is merely being polite - if you had problems in finding the
premises he/she doesn't need to know that.
Use replies such as

• I'm fine thank you, and you?

• I'm very well, thank you.

These replies express a careless attitude

 • So, so
• OK
• Not so well

There are various kinds of interviews:

Each job interview has it's own strategies and particular points one
should be aware of.

Wage Negotiation

The wage is the compensation you will get for offering your time to the
employer. In other words, employees offer time and expertise in
exchange for money.

When the interviewer offers you the job, you then have to make a
decision as to whether you are ready to accept it. You have to
understand the wage and the benefits package before you make the
decision. Career wage research has to be done prior to the interview.
Knowledge is power and you want to have all the facts in your hands
about the wage before you can assess if the package offered is fair or
not.

The four steps in discussing your wage increase during an

interview

• Negotiate the position.

• Sell yourself, then negotiate - show your unique
expertise.
• Secure the job offer.

• Negotiate the salary and benefits package.

When negotiating a wage, the interviewer will generally have a range

and he'll offer you the bottom of that range. You have to negotiate
way up as much as possible. Generally the interviewer is not the only
one to convince that you are worth more than the initial offer. Never
accept the first wage offer unless you are very desperate for a job.
Employers use various tactics to offer you a lower salary :

• Offer you the job and a starting date with no mention of the
salary
• Employers ask what salary you need - do not answer with a
figure!

Always ask about your responsibilities, working hours, level of

authority and accountability during the salary negotiation.
During a wage increase negotiation, make sure that the company
understands you are working toward a mutually beneficial
arrangement not just that you want more. Reiterate your skills and
enthusiasm for each job. Let them make another offer after the first
one.
On first offer, do not just accept it. Ask for some time to make sure you
are comfortable with it. If you feel it is a fair package send an
acceptance letter. If you are not happy with the wage increase: let
them know. This is probably the only time you can safely ask for a
wage increase.
Try to get all the details in writing. A lot of professional companies will
give all of the details in written format.
If you are happy with what is offered, get it in WRITING: everything
that was discussed, not only the salary but also the health plans,
vacations, etc. The majority of companies will provide this in writing. If
not, move on to a more professional company. We have seen job
seekers accept positions with promises for salary and benefits that
never materialized.
Learn more about the art of salary negotiation, requests for a raise,
and other career techniques.

Using your education in your resume.

Your education is definitely one of your biggest assets. Use your

education in your resume with care. It can be an essential element
that can lead you to be chosen for the job. It does not matter if you
have an MBA, a couple of A levels or just finished college. Education is
one of the essential Resume Headings.

 If you have a solid work experience list it first in your

resume.
 If your education is a stronger asset than your job
 experience than list it first.
 List the highest of your GPA marks major or overall
GPA.
 Try to include the standard 4.0 GPA scale (re-scale
your GPA the 4.0 system if necessary).
 If you have achieved honors in your education
program, make sure you include it in your resume.

• If you are just out of an educational program, and have no job

experience, build your resume 'around' the program. Include
practical projects & studies you have completed.
• If you were studying for a degree or any other education which
you failed to complete. List all the separate units together with
the marks you got for each section.

• Training, Courses, Seminars and conferences should be included

especially if you do not have any formal qualifications

Employment history in your resume

Work history is the core of the resume for the experienced

professional. Your space is limited, so your work history has to be brief
and to the point. We suggest you write a full description of your
previous jobs on a separate document and then start trimming it
down. This way you are sure you can cover the employer's needs. If
you start by trying to figure out how to put everything in a couple of
lines you run the risk to miss important facts.

A resume is divided into several sections.You have around 23

lines in your employment section. If you have one employer,
dedicate the employment section of your resume to that job,
but you have the luxury to go into detail and mention all the job
responsibilities that you had. Job titles can increase the financial
value of a resume.

If you had more than one job, do not dedicate the same amount of
space to each one. You should give more attention to jobs that are
similar to the one you are applying for. For employment history that
extends over 10 years , give limited details such as: Name of Employer
and your main responsibility.

If you want to 'cover up' your age do not mention your age, dates and
jobs that you had 15 years ago and over. If asked about them during
an interview, just say that you ran out of space on your resume.

Include the following information in each job listed in your resume

• Employment dates
• Employer's Name
• Locations
• Employer's Business
• Job Title
• Number of people under your supervision
• The title of your immediate supervisor

More on how to write about your work history in a resume :

Resume Sections: Your Work Experience