Frequently Asked Questions in Interviews

and
Sample Answers

1. Introduce yourself
Answer: My name is .......... and I recently completed my B. Tech. in .......... at Noida
Institute of Engineering & Technology. I chose ...(your course)... because I had a keen
interest in computers/the internet/cars and how they function. I used to be up to date
with the latest innovations happening around in the world and wished to do something
similar.
During my graduation, I participated in .......... workshops where I learned ..........
Apart from this, I also worked as an intern at .......... On the personal front, I read books
on self-improvement, play football and on Sundays, I visit an NGO (NAME) where I
teach children basic (subject).

Tell me something that’s not on your Resume.

Answer: I’d like you to know about my graphic design skills. I use Adobe Photoshop
and Illustrator to design images. It helps me to express myself creatively and create a
passive income for myself, on the side.

2. What is your greatest professional strength?

Answer: I would consider my greatest strength to be my ability to stay calm in a high-
pressure environment (give an actual example).
Sample: In the fourth year of graduation, I was the chief organizer of a charity event
conducted by an NGO. I had two days to finish all the tasks, and I perfected it to the
brim for which I was given a certificate by the NGO.

3. Talk briefly about the aspects/aspect that you are not good at, and you
need to improve on.
Answer: Over time, I have realized that I was so focused on developing my tech skills
that I could not work on my communicative skills. So, I make sure that I practice it for
at least 15-20 minutes everyday in front of the mirror.

4. Why did you join this programme (Course) at NIET?

Answer: Ever since I was in school, I had a fascination for technology and the gadgets.
I always wanted to know more about how these machines and gadgets worked and
that’s why I decided to pursue my career in the field of technology. I decided to do a
Bachelor’s in technology and after extensive research on the curriculum, qualifications
of the faculties and facilities provided to the students throughout the degree, I found
that NIET was the best amalgamation of my requirements.

5. Talk briefly about two achievements you have had so far in life.
Answer: The first one would be one where I was the leader of my team in an inter-
college hackathon, and we worked our way to the second rank. Although we did not
win, the journey I went through enhanced my knowledge of teamwork, co-ordination,
and adaptability.
The second was when our football won the intercollege tournament.
6. Why do you want to join our organisation and what do you know about
us?
Answer: I want to join your organisation as through my research I came to know that
your company is one of the fastest growing organisations in the IT sector today and I
would love to be a part of a growing organisation.

7. Why should we hire you? /Convince me that you are a suitable candidate
for this post.
Answer: You should hire me because I bring a combination of relevant skills, and a
strong work ethic that matches the needs of this role. My ability to [specific skill
related to job] has consistently helped me in my college projects and internships.
Additionally, I am a quick learner and adaptable to new environments, ensuring that I
can contribute to your team from day one. My passion for coding or programming or
etc. and my proven track record make me confident that I am the right fit for this
position.

8. How do you handle stress? Give example from your life.

Answer: I handle stress by staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a
positive mindset. I find that breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps
helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. For example, during my internship at
ABC company as an IT intern I faced a tight deadline on a project. I managed the stress
by creating a detailed timeline, doing tasks effectively, and ensuring open
communication within the team. This approach not only helped me meet the deadline
but also delivered high-quality results. I also make sure to take short breaks to clear my
mind and stay focused.

9. What is the definition of success for you?

Answer: For me, success is the ability to achieve both personal and professional goals.
I want to leave a positive impact on those around me. It’s about continuous growth,
learning, and giving back to the society. In my career, success means delivering value
to my employer and advancing in my field. Along with this I wish to build strong
relationships and be happy in the work I do.

10. Are you comfortable working in teams or individually?

Answer: I am comfortable working both in teams and individually, and I believe each
has its own benefits. In a team setting, I enjoy collaborating with others, sharing ideas,
and learning from different perspectives. During my college, I did get opportunities to
work in diverse teams where effective communication and collaboration were key to
achieving our goals. On the other hand, I am also self-motivated and can work
independently, taking full ownership of my tasks and delivering results. Depending on
the needs of the project or task, I can easily adapt to either working style.
11. How would your professors and peers describe you?
Answer: Tell the interviewer what they are looking for or want to hear. But be
balanced and don't be too self-centred, a little modesty can go a long way. You need to
highlight your skills, qualities and strengths, through others’ perspectives.

The following example will show how to achieve this:

- My Professors would describe me as a _________ (very determined and

highly motivated person).

- My professors describe me as ____________________ (e.g. an excellent

negotiator, who can deliver convincing arguments to let people understand). My peers
might know about ____________ (my sports spirit that allows me to stay calm in
stressful situations and motivate my teammates in times of need).

- Professors and peers might describe me as_______________ (e.g. thoughtful,

and collaborative. My ability to analyse complex topics and present information clearly
and concisely would likely be noted by them). ______________(e.g. My collaborative
nature and willingness to help others might also stand out, along with a strong work
ethic and commitment to producing quality work).

12. How important are business ethics for you? Would you compromise with
ethics to get success in life or for the growth of the organisation?
Answer: My parents have always taught me to stay honest with my work and I intend
to follow their advice. I believe ethics are the foundation of a business and
compromising with them might only have short-term gains. In the long run, it leads to
long-term consequences such as loss of reputation, legal issues, and a toxic work
culture. In my opinion success achieved at the cost of ethics is not true success. It's
possible to be successful and grow an organization while maintaining ethical standards,
and I would prioritize finding solutions that align with those values.

13. Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?

Answer: I have been inspired by Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet Inc. I like how a
person of Indian origin climbed the ladder up, to become the head of one of the world’s
biggest multinational tech giants. He is so calm and humble while being very sharp and
concise with his words. I strive to learn from his journey and incorporate these
attributes in my own life.

14. What motivates you?

Answer: I am motivated by the opportunity to leave an impact on the world through
innovation. The environment I have been brought up in, motivates me to keep finding
new arenas to excel in. I am also motivated by my need of peace of mind and also a
good lifestyle which includes things like a beautiful house to live in, with my family.

15. How do you handle failures? Talk about a time when you handled a
failure.
Answer: You need to talk about self-awareness, resilience, and a growth mindset. Tell
the interviewer about the focus on learning and growth. Show how you maintained a
positive attitude, sought constructive feedback, and applied the lessons learned to
future situations.
Here are some examples of how to structure your response:
A few years ago, I used to get angry whenever I failed at something. Gradually, with
time I have realized that every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Now I keep
myself constantly motivated in the face of failures so that there is no scope for
demotivation. I think self-awareness and self-belief play a huge role in such situations.
Due to this I am able to maintain my composure and handle tasks with a more positive
attitude and a composed mind.
-During my first year of college, I took the responsibility of ___________
(organizing a cultural event for the entire college. I was so excited about it that I forgot
to plan the budget for the event. As a result, we ran out of money halfway through the
event and had to cancel some of the performances. I realized my mistake and took
responsibility for it. I apologized to the team, the audience and promised to learn from
my mistake).

- During my first year in graduation, I mistakenly prepared for Mathematics

when the paper was supposed to be of English. Although I did panic for a
bit, I composed myself at the earliest and tried to remember the time I spent
during the English classes. It helped me concentrate and perform well in my
exam.

- In my college project work, I was leading a project to _________________

(launch a new software tool within a tight deadline. Despite my best efforts, we missed
the launch date because I underestimated the time required for thorough testing. This
was a significant setback, and I felt disappointed. However, instead of dwelling on the
failure, I gathered the team to analyse what went wrong. We identified that a more
realistic timeline and better communication with stakeholders were necessary. I took
responsibility for the oversight, and we developed a more detailed project plan with
buffer time for unexpected issues.)

16. What is your idea of a good manager/supervisor/team leader? Tell me

about a leadership role that you may have handled.
Ans. A good team leader is someone who can inspire, motivate, and empower his/her
team to achieve a common goal. A team leader should be able to analyse the team's
strengths and set clear goals. He/she should adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and
should be solution oriented. Apart from these, he should be able to give
regular feedback too.
Sample answer: You can describe any leadership role from your academic years.

Note: (Remember to be specific, concise, and authentic in your responses,

showcasing your leadership skills and experience!)

17. Where do you see yourself 3 years down the line?

Answer: In three years, I see myself as a professional in this field (mention specific
field) and taking on additional responsibilities within the company. Apart from that, I
would like to contribute in activities that help those in need. With better finances, I
would like to contribute my bit to social organisations that help in educating children
and feeding the poor.
( Some pointers for alternate answers)

- Advance to a senior role, such as [position], where I can lead projects and mentor
team members.
- Develop expertise in [specific skill or area], enabling me to drive innovation and
improvements.
- Expand my network and build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and
industry leaders.
- Contribute to the company's growth and success through innovative ideas and
solutions.
- Pursue certifications or further education to enhance my skills and knowledge.
Ultimately, I see myself as a valued leader and subject matter expert, making
significant contributions to the organization's success and continuing to learn and grow
in my career."
Remember to:
- Tailor your answer to the company and role
- Show ambition and a willingness to grow
- Highlight your strengths and skills
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment
- Keep it concise and focused
Note:(This answer showcases your career aspirations, eagerness to grow, and
commitment to the company's success, making you a more suitable candidate!)

18. What is your long-term goal?

Answer: I want to align my long-term goal with the SMART goal criteria that is, it
should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound. In 5-10 years,
I envision myself in a senior leadership position, making strategic decisions, and
driving growth and innovation. I'm excited to work towards this goal and make a
lasting impact in the industry.
Note: (This answer showcases your career aspirations, desire for growth, and
commitment to making a meaningful impact, making you a more attractive candidate!)

19. One good thing and one bad thing about your alma-mater/college?
Answer: Good thing: One positive aspect of my college experience was the
opportunity to work on diverse projects and collaborate with people from various
backgrounds. This helped me develop strong teamwork and communication skills,
which I believe are essential for success in any field. I was able to learn from others,
share my own ideas, and grow both personally and professionally.
Bad thing: One area for improvement in my college experience was the limited access
to industry-specific resources and mentorship. While the college provided a solid
foundation in theoretical concepts, I felt that more practical exposure and guidance
from experienced professionals would have been beneficial. However, I took the
initiative to seek out internships and networking opportunities to fill this gap.
Things to remember:
- Be honest and authentic.
- Frame the "bad thing" as an opportunity for growth
- Highlight what you learned or did to address the issue
- Show how your college experience shaped you
- Keep it concise and focused
Note: this answer showcases your ability to reflect on your experiences, identify areas
for growth, and take initiative to improve – all valuable skills for a professional!

20. Why did you choose this particular branch?

Answer: I chose [branch/domain] because my passion for [related field] and desire to
understand [specific aspect] led me to this branch. And also I saw strong growth
prospects and diverse roles in this field, aligning with my career aspirations. My
academic background in [related subjects] provided a solid base for exploring this
branch further. I am excited to apply my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful
impact in this field.
Points to remember:
- Be sincere and specific
- Highlight your motivations and interests
- Show understanding of the field's relevance and growth prospects
- Emphasize your strengths and foundation
- Display enthusiasm and commitment
Note: This answer demonstrates your thought process, motivation, and dedication to
the chosen branch, showcasing your potential for success!
21. Are you ready to relocate and work at flexible timings?
Answer: Yes, I understand that nowadays flexibility is necessary to meet deadlines and
work effectively with teams across different time zones. I am excited about the
opportunity to gain new experiences and contribute wherever I am needed. My priority
is to deliver high-quality work, and I am open to making the adjustments necessary to
ensure that.
22. Please brief us about the Top Management of a particular organisation
(hiring company).
Answer: When asked to brief about the top management of an organization during an
interview, it's important to demonstrate that you've researched the company and
understand its leadership structure. Important steps:
1. Research the company
2. Identify key leaders – CEO, COO, CFO and other top executives
3. Highlight their achievements and their roles in the growth of the company

Sample Answer: I have done some research on ABC company, and I am impressed
with the leadership team. The CEO, Mr. X has been with the company for many years
and has led it through significant growth phases, particularly in [mention any specific
achievements, such as expanding into new markets or launching key products]. The
COO, Mr Y has a strong background in operations and has been instrumental in
streamlining processes that have improved efficiency across the board. The CFO, Mr Z
comes from a robust financial background and has played a crucial role in ensuring the
company’s financial stability during challenging times.

Their combined leadership has not only driven the company’s recent successes but also
positions it well for future growth. I am particularly inspired by [mention a leadership
quality or company initiative], which aligns closely with my own values and
professional goals. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to such a dynamic
team.

23. Describe the projects you worked on during your college.

Answer: When describing the projects, you worked on during college, it's important to
structure your response in a clear and concise manner.
1. Project overview
2. Your role in the project
3. Technologies and tools used
4. Challenges faced
5. Solutions or resolutions
6. Outcome and key learnings
For example: In my final year, I worked on an IoT-based smart home system
designed to automate and control home appliances remotely. I was responsible for
the hardware integration and the development of the control system. We used
Arduino for the microcontroller, various sensors, and actuators, and developed the
control application using Python. A key challenge was ensuring real-time
communication between the sensors and the control system. I addressed this by
optimizing the code and using MQTT protocols for efficient data transmission. This
project deepened my understanding of IoT systems and hardware-software
 integration. It also reinforced my problem-solving abilities, particularly in handling
real-time data processing.

24. Brief us about your internship.

Answer: 1. Internship overview including name of the company, duration of the
internship and field of internship – 2. Your role – 3. tools used – 4. your contribution –
5. challenges faced – 6. Key learnings

For example: I had the opportunity to intern at ABC Pvt. Ltd. for 6 weeks, where I
worked in the IT department. My role as an intern primarily involved developing
websites. I was responsible for conducting research, assisting in project development,
and analysing data.

During the internship, I worked extensively with [mention any specific tools or
technologies], which helped me develop web designing. One of the key projects I
worked on was [briefly describe a project or task]. This project was challenging
because [mention any challenge], but I managed to [explain how you overcame it or
what you learned].

The experience taught me a lot about working in a professional environment,

collaborating with a team, managing time effectively. My work contributed to
improving a process. Overall, the internship was a valuable experience that enhanced
my technical and soft skills, and I am excited to apply these skills in future roles.

25. Which extra-curricular activities did you participate in?

Answer: During my time in college, I was actively involved in several extracurricular
activities that helped me develop both my personal and professional skills. I served as a
member of the student clubs like Kalakriti / Khushiya Baato / Juventas / Katputliyan /
Megapixels / Sanrachna, where I was involved in organizing events and engaging
students across different branches. This enhanced my leadership and organizational
skills.

26. Do you have any questions for us?

Answer: Yes, I would like to know about the opportunities your organisation
provides for professional development and career growth in this role.
I would also like to know how you support ongoing learning and skill development for
your employees, please.
27. What do you know about the current Indian Economy/IT Economy?
Answer: The Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing economies of the world.
It is said to have expanded a lot year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024. The IT
sector is one of the largest contributors to this with a high employment rate. This has
been made possible with the aid of government initiatives such as Digital India and
Make in India. These initiatives have been the driving force behind the creation of
jobs and wealth. I believe that India could be at the top of the race in the coming
years.

28. Were you a member of any college clubs or certifications?

Answer: The activities at NIET integrate knowledge and fun. I have had the
privilege of getting to be a part of many events. I served as a member of the student
club (Kalakriti / Khushiya Baato / Juventas / Katputliyan / Megapixels / Sanrachna)
where my role was to (mention your role in the specific club). Apart from this, the
Learnathon was organized as a self-learning program for college students from major
brands in the market. Internal Smart India Hackathon was a program that gave the
opportunity to push the boundaries of the field while solving real-world challenges. It
gave me a better understanding of the visions of the Ministry of Education and how it
aligns with the fields of coding and creativity. The combined experience of these
opportunities shaped my ability in creativity, technical skills, and teamwork.

29. How was your experience at NIET?

Answer: My experience at NIET was academically enriching. The institution's
commitment towards higher learning and professionally oriented structure of
instruction shaped my skills as a candidate. It gave me a strong foundation in my
technical education, in addition to the training I received in my soft skills
development. The interactive classes also helped with my spontaneous response and
thinking abilities. This paved the way to an environment of innovation and creative,
and critical thinking.

30. What are your hobbies or areas of interest.

Answer: As a technical student, I am interested in staying up to date with current
advancements in my area. I am a regular reader of news articles and blogs such as
Wired, TechCrunch, Gadgets360 and Engadget to maintain my level of expertise.
My hobbies are taking up small-scale personal coding projects in my leisure time and
read books on self-development. I also play football with my friends every week.

31. What is your salary expectation?

Answer: I am comfortable with what you’re offering as it matches the industry
standard. However, with time and as per my performance, I would expect my efforts
to be rewarded accordingly.