Interview Questions: Work History

● Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment.

● What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?
● What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
● What were your responsibilities?
● What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
● What have you learned from your mistakes?
● What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
● Which was most / least rewarding?
● What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position?
● Questions about your supervisors and co-workers.
● What was it like working for your supervisor?
● What do you expect from a supervisor?
● What problems have you encountered at work?
● Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
● Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
● Why are you leaving your job?
● Why did you resign?
● Why did you quit your job?
● What have you been doing since your last job?
● Why were you fired?
Job Interview Questions About You
● What is your greatest weakness?
● What is your greatest strength?
● How will your greatest strength help you perform?
● How would you describe yourself?
● Describe a typical work week.
● Describe your work style.
● Do you work well with other people?
● Do you take work home with you?
● How many hours do you normally work?
● How would you describe the pace at which you work?
● How do you handle stress and pressure?
● What motivates you?
● Are you a self motivator?
● What are your salary expectations?
● What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
● Tell me about yourself.
● What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
● What are you passionate about?
● What are your pet peeves?
● What do people most often criticize about you?
● When was the last time you were angry? What happened?
● If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently?
● If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say? Do you
prefer to work independently or on a team?
● Give some examples of teamwork.
● More teamwork interview questions.
 ● What type of work environment do you prefer?
● How do you evaluate success?
● If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?
● Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it.
● Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it.
● More job interview questions about your abilities.
● More job interview questions about you.
Job Interview Questions About the New Job and the Company
● What interests you about this job?
● Why do you want this job?
● What applicable attributes / experience do you have?
● Are you overqualified for this job?
● What can you do for this company?
● Why should we hire you?
● Why are you the best person for the job?
● What do you know about this company?
● Why do you want to work here?
● What challenges are you looking for in a position?
● What can you contribute to this company?
● Are you willing to travel?
● What is good customer service?
● How long do you expect to remain employed with this company?
● Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know?
Interview Questions: The Future
● What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
● Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
● What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?
● How do you plan to achieve those goals?
● What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term?
● Questions about your career goals.
● What will you do if you don't get this position?
 ● 1. ​What Are Your Weaknesses?
●
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing
your​strengths​. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always
working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined
Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."
2. ​Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my
proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm
confident I would be a great addition to your team."
3. ​Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The ​interviewer​ is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not
sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose
mission statements are in line with my ​values​, where I know I could be excited about what the company
does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices."
4. ​What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the
distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My
long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of
responsibility."
5. ​Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two
rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which
included me."
If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to
look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."
6. When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know ​what motivates you​. If you can relate an example of a job or project when
you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job,
because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for
me."
7. What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize
concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer
relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."
8. What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to ​brag​ about
yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best ​designer​ he has ever
had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."
9. What Salary Are You Seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your
area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time
comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my
background?"
10. If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a
bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive.
What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful 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.
Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."
Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and
that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?
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, emphasize 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.
If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses
research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you
probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with
that organization.
Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where
you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con
anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk
about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career
accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make
you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy
to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?
List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.
6. Why should we hire you?
Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question
4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be
recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal
security.

8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].
Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make
sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not
certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. 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.

10. 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."

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position.
What's Your opinion?
Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you
assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong
company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest
that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a
growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?

You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement
it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a
solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by
how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates
and pointing them in the right direction").
A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things
done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.
As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively
within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top
managerial potential?
Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your
argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?
Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage
employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might
consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as
you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

18. 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.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?
Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find
the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done
successfully.

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?
Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality
problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there
until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?

Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms
at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?

Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?

Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you
can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and
$______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a
question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the
organization?"
If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to
know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that
question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research
done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job.
If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.
If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like
everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember
that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.
If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she
may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you
tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the
employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.
If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will
have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll
accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure
would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career
change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)
Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in
your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the
impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.
But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the
interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is
likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. 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..."

25. How successful do you you've been so far?

Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups
and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.
Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like,
"Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to
make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing
confidence is usually quiet confidence.
1.Tell me about yourself
This apparently innocuous question is posed to try and relax you at the beginning of an interview, but it
often has the opposite effect.
"The impulse is to rattle on about your life, but the key is to remember that every question is an
opportunity.
"Talk about achievements and work experiences that are relevant to the job. If you are a recent graduate
and don't have any work experience then talk about the relevant skills you gained at university such as
researching and analysing information."
2. Why do you want to work for us?
"This is an opportunity to show that you know a little bit about the company, its background and training
programmes."
3. Give an example of where you've been able to use your leadership skills
"If you are going into a management programme they might ask this. It can seem tricky if you're just out of
university and you think you haven't had a job.
"Leadership comes in all facets of life – through clubs or societies, through managing your local football
team. Try to bring it up to date as much as possible rather than harking back to school days when you
were a prefect."
4. The hypothetical scenario
On the Guardian's career forum one poster tells how as a recent graduate she went for a job as an
editorial assistant at a magazine and was asked tough questions about front cover decisions and
commissioning strategy. It turned out the job was more senior than had been advertised. How do you
tackle hypothetical scenarios that are beyond your experience?
Michael Cox said: "There isn't necessarily a right or a wrong answer to these kind of competency-based
questions. If you are just out of university, the interviewer knows that, and wants to hear you talk through
your thought processes as you attempt to solve the problem."
6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
"Talk about strengths that will be useful in the job and about weaknesses that are irrelevant to the job. But
I'd advise against say you're too hardworking, for example, as a weakness, as it just sounds creepy."
7. Where do you see yourself in five years?
"Again this is about researching the job and knowing the career structure. You have to be realistic, so
avoid saying you expect to be the managing director as this just sounds arrogant."
8. What is your greatest achievement?
"Make it relevant to the job. Identify the skills they are looking for and match them to the achievement.
There's no point saying it was spending the night up a mountain in Wales with three friends if you don't
say how that experience is going to help you do the job.
"Before the interview sit down with a pen and paper and jot down your achievements and their relevance
to the job."
9. Do you have any questions for us?
"It's important to show you have been thinking and listening during the interview. Don't ask any questions
about areas that have already been covered just because you've prepared that question. Instead, you can
develop it, and say: 'I was interested in what you were saying on such and such a subject, can you
expand on it?'
You can also ask about start dates as this shows confidence. Say something like: 'assuming this interview
has gone well and it's a success, when would you expect me to start?'"
10. Personal questions
Recruiters must not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age or
disability. If you feel uncomfortable about a particular question or line of questioning, you could say 'I'm
sorry but I don't feel comfortable answering that question'.
In the ​Guardian's career forum​, one postor told how she was asked if she was planning to start a family,
with the implication the interviewer would not be happy if she was going to take maternity leave any time
soon.
Michael Cox said: "This is broaching your civil rights, but a simple answer is to say: 'It's a difficult
question, but quite honestly it's not going to impact on the job.'"

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talk about whatever I want
from the birth canal forward. Right?
3. Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of
who you are and why youre the best candidate for this position.
4. So as you answer this question, talk about what youve 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.
5. Tell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the
best.
6. Why should I hire you?
7. The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dont be afraid to say so.
But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
8. For example: You should hire me because Im 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 . . .
9. Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.
10. What is your long-range objective?
11. Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.
12. The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those
objectives.
13. 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 Ill be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which
might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what Im presently doing to
prepare myself . . .
14. Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and
objectives.
15. How has your education prepared you for your career?
16. 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.
17. 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 . . .
18. Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if
they would like to hear more examples. Enhance your career opportunities by getting the
 training you need, ​find degrees and schools near you!
19. Are you a team player?
20. 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.
21. A sample answer: Yes, Im very much a team player. In fact, Ive had opportunities in my
work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent
project . . .
22. 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.
23. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
24. 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.
25. 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 . . .
26. Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working
collaboratively.
27. What is your greatest weakness?
28. 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.
29. 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, Im now
taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your
planner and how you are using it.
30. Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.
31. If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?
32. 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 theyre willing to provide a
positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.
33. Then you can answer the question like this:
34. I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im 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?
35. So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.
36. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
37. Focus on two words: leadership and vision.
38. 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 . . .
39. Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has
helped in your personal development.
40. If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
 41. 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.
42. For example: Although Im overall very happy with where Im 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.
43. Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.

Q: "So, tell me about yourself"

This question may be used to assess your personality, preparation, communication skills and ability to
think on your feet. Prepare a list of what you do (your current or last job), your strengths (stick to
job-focussed skills), and a summary of your career trajectory, linking your experience to the job at hand.
Q: "Why did you leave your last job?"
Respond positively — "...for better career advancement or promotion opportunities, increased
responsibility, more greater variety at work..."
Q: "Why do you want to do this job / work for this company?"
Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and re-emphasise your suitability for the position.
Q: "What do you think you have to offer this company?"
This is a chance to sing your own praises — concentrating on the skills you have that are required for the
position.
E.g. "I have strong sales skills, am a good team player and am very keen to be involved in the new
markets you are developing in the Asian region."
Q: "What do you think this position involves?"
This question is designed to reveal if you have thought about the position, done some research, listened
to the interviewer, and can summarise all of this information clearly.
Q: "What do you know about the company?"
Demonstrate your interest in the job, and your understanding of the organisation and industry. Talk about
the research you did into the company's key areas of interest, its size, its main customers or current
status, making reference to your source of information.
Q: "Do you have any questions you would like to ask?"
Always prepare a question to ask the interviewer. Ask about the position, request clarification of general
information about the company, or summarise your understanding and request confirmation. If they have
already answered your questions tell them (be specific) so they know that you have thought about the
position in preparing for the interview.
For example:
"What do you see as being the main focus of this role?"
"Am I correct in saying that the position involves mediating between A and B departments and monitoring
and developing new approaches to...?"
"I'd like to ask about the organisational structure... are the publications produced on a national basis or
individually by each regional office? How are budgets controlled and allocated?"
Q: "What do you believe are your key strengths?"
Prepare responses that give specific examples of your strengths at previous positions that will support
your job application.
Q: "What do you believe are your weaknesses?"
No-one readily admits real weaknesses in an interview situation. It is general knowledge that this is an
opportunity to turn the question into a positive. Think of something that relates to your experience of work
that is plausible as a weakness but is not really a negative point. Eg; "I am very particular about detail", "I
become very focussed on the projects I am involved in"
Q: "Why have you had so many jobs?"
If you have had jobs in different industries or several positions in a short period, describe the positives —
that you were learning new skills, following different career paths, and travelling overseas etc. Refer to the
experience you gained in past jobs that relates to the position under discussion.
Q: "What do you enjoy most about your current / last job?"
The trick with this question is to list what you have enjoyed about work that strongly relate to the key
competencies of the position in question, and mention that you are looking forward to expanding your
experience / scope in these areas.
Q: A question requesting confidential information about a previous employer
This may be a testing of your discretion and professionalism. It is best to reply that you would prefer not to
divulge any confidential information (sales figures, for instance), citing the fact that you are sure your
interviewer would expect the same discretion from their employees.
Q: "Where do you see yourself in five years time?"
This is an assessment of the extent of your ambition and career planning. You should demonstrate that
your long term goals are appropriate for the position being discussed and your commitment to them.
Q: "Can you give me an example of your creativity / managerial / organisational skills?"
Think of some examples that prove that you possess the key attributes and competencies requested in
the job ad and description. These are probably the areas on which your interviewer will probably focus.
Q: "Do you work well under pressure?"
Answer with a 'yes', and give a specific example of a time when you were under pressure and how you
rose to the challenge.

The Basics
1. Tell me about yourself
● Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble.
● Do not go back to childhood experiences, just give a brief outline of where you are from and
where you want to be going.
● Use your CV introduction as a starting base.
● Say only positive statements
2. What do you know about our company?
● Show that you have done your research. Know what their products are, how big the company is,
roughly what their annual revenue is, what reputation it has within the industry and on the street.
Know the company's history, image, goal, and philosophy.
● Project an informed interest which allows the interviewer to tell you some more detailed aspects
about the company.
3. Why do you want to work for us?
● Don't talk about what you want; first talk about their needs and what you can do for them.
● You wish to be part of their company: identify its strengths.
● You relish the challenge of solving their company problem/s.
● You can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.
4. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
● Talk about successful past experience where you have helped an employer solve a problem and
relate this to the job being offered.
● Stay positive and don't be seen to criticise other candidates.
5. Which aspects of our position do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
● List three or more attractive factors and only one, minor unattractive factor. Aspects to pick up on
could include; office location, company reputation, the chance to work with esteemed colleagues,
 training opportunities etc.
6. Why should we hire you?
● Because of the knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills you possess. Be very positive and
confident in your reply, not vague.
7. What do you look for in a job?
● An opportunity to use my skills, to perform and to be recognised.
● The opportunity to develop further skills; throughout life we should be constantly learning.
● Relate your answer to the job for which you are applying e.g. "I enjoy a challenge and I believe
this position would offer me that."
8. Please give me your definition of a ... (the position for which you are being interviewed).
● Keep it brief; actions and results oriented.
9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
● Very quickly after a little orientation and a brief period of adjustment.
10. How long would you stay with us?
● As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing etc.
Management and Experience Questions
11. What is your management style?
● For example 'Management by Coaching and Development (MBCD)' where Managers see
themselves primarily as employee trainers. 'Open door' is also a good one.
12. Are you a good manager? Give an example. Why do you feel you have top managerial
potential?
● Keep your answers achievement and task oriented.
● Emphasise management skills - planning, organising, leadership, interpersonal, etc.
● Describe relevant personal traits.
13. What did you look for when you hired people in the past?
● Skills, initiative, adaptability, team players.
14. Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what where the reasons and how did you handle it?
● You have had experience with this and it worked out well.
● Describe how you spoke to the person and explained precisely but tactfully where they were
underachieving.
15. What do you see as being the most difficult task in being a manager?
● Getting things planned and done on time within the imposed constraints e.g. budget.
● Do not imply that these are insurmountable difficulties.
16. What is your biggest weakness as a manager?
● Be honest but don't dwell on it and end on a positive note.
Industry trend questions
17. Why are you leaving your present job?
● No longer provides a suitable challenge, time to move on, I wish to move into .…(the area this
company specialises in).
● Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated.
18. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits?
● You feel the challenge and satisfaction this new role will bring outweighs the benefits lost.
19. Describe what you feel to be the perfect working environment.
● Where people are treated as fairly and equally as possible.
● Don't mention 'naked Fridays!'
20. How would you evaluate your present firm?
● An excellent company which afforded me many fine experiences