Ebook: 75 interview questions and answers

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Question 1: Tell me about yourself?

Steps to answer this interview question

Step 1: Give a brief introduction about yourself:

For example: My name is Peter. I graduated from XYZ University with bachelor degree in Sales. After 5 years working as a Sales Manager, I have well experienced in training, mentoring and motivating other sales personnel to achieve the goals of the Company.

Step 2: Give a brief summary of your experience in your latest positions:

Give a summary of 2-3 latest companies that you have worked for and companies that have helped you succeed with your new jobs.

For example: recently, I have worked for ABC Company as Sales Manager for North-East Region. With my skills from training courses, I developed many sales campaigns which contributed much to the development of new customers and maintenance of current customer base. After 6 months, my sales force and I did regain the company’s market and promote the sales revenue up by 37%.

Step 3: Connect your ability to the employer’s requirements:

Never assume that the employer will by himself be able to connect all of your abilities to the job requirements.

Step 4: Make a concerning question:

With a concerning question, it will help you gain “control” of the interview. You may reduce the stress of the interview with such questions.

For example: I would like to know the strong points of your company’s current Sales force.

Some tips in answering:

• Records/references: when giving information about yourself, remember to provide records/references as well;

• Don’t make up the information: your information will be kept as records for a long time when you are employed. Also, the employer has many ways to checking whether your information provided are correct or not. Therefore, give the most faithful information as possible;

• Practice: to answer well an interview question, you can practice with your friends or do it by yourself in a private room. Be sure that your answer is brief and within 3 minutes;

• Keep information brief and relevant: Try making your answers more and more concise; Try to give much information in as short time as possible;

• Eliminate irrelevant and unnecessary information.

Question 2: What are your biggest strengths?

This question will help polishing your qualification to the requirements of the employer.

1. Steps to answer this question:

a) Identify which you are good at:

• Knowledge;

• Experience;

• Skills;

• Abilities.

b) Prepare a list of your strong points:

c) Review the recruitment requirements:

You should review carefully the recruitment requirements to know for sure which requirements are the most important to the employer.

d) Make a list of your strong points in your resume/cover letter:

List and describe your strong points in your resume and cover letter orderly.

You should make descriptions to those points in your resume.

e) Prepare persuasive answers to the question of the employer about strong points:

You do not only state your strong points to the employer but must also provide evidence for them by references or records attached with your application form.

2. Strong points that the employer may concern about:

• Great communication skills;

• Ability to adapt to the change in company culture;

• Ability to solve problems flexibility;

• Hard-working;

• Ability to learn from failure;

• Group work spirit.

Other useful source: List of job strengths .

Question 3: Why did you leave your last job?

1. Some sample answers to the interview question: “Why are you leaving your last job?”

• There is no opportunity to promote in my current job and I’m ready to face a new challenge;

• I have worked there for 04 years with much experience and skills. I want to be promoted but the Company do not offer me that opportunity;

• The company has cut down with its focus on the business line my job is responsible for;

• My family transferred to another region, or, my current workplace is too far away from my home;

• My old company often paid late and had inadequate compensation policy.

2. You should avoid answers that:

• Speak ill of your old boss, colleague, etc.;

• They punished me many times for…

• I did not complete my job.

Reference source related: Leaving job reasons.

Question 4: What are your career goals?

1. The reasons of this question:

This question will test your ability and ambition to develop yourself as well as the ability to plan for the future.

2. Levels of career goals:

• You are not sure about your goals, then answer: I’m rather busy with my duties and goals of the Company; as a result, I haven’t focused much on my long-term personal goals.

• You have goals not or very little relating to the current job: For example, you are applying for a sales manager, but your career goal is to become the head of marketing department in the next 5 years.

• Current job oriented career goals: For example, you are working as a sales manager, you goal is to become the area sales manager in the next 2 years and in the next 5 years, you will be the regional sales manager.

3. “Career goals” tips:

a) You can state some of your goals as following:

• Study for an MBA certificate or other degrees…

• Become specialist in the sector…

• Get to the title of XYZ something.

Note that long-term goals must be set for the next 3-5 years.

b) When you have identified your goals, you need to answer the following questions:

• Are those goals suitable to the job you are currently applying for?

• Are those goals helpful to your current job?

• Are those goals helpful to the development of your current job in the next 3-5 years?

c) How to achieve those goals?

• Identify what you have to do to achieve your goals?

• In the next 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, what will you do?

Reference source related: Career goals list.

Question 5: Why do you want to work here?

This is a very simple question, but in order to give a suitable answer to the recruitment position, you must know how to answer. You need to know about the company you are willing to work for and read their job description. When you are asked this question, tell them that working for XXX will be a challenging and beneficial experience to you.

1. Some ways of answering:

Normally, a candidate may answer in such ways as following:

• I don’t know;

• Because I like the job and like other employees in the company; or

• The job is quite a challenge to you which will help improve your development.

2. Some sample answers:

• I have heard that XXX is currently the company with the best training & development policy. This is really a good chance for me to develop my career.

• XXX is the number one in ABC industry which I have long been studying and aiming for. I hope with my ability and the opportunity to work here, I will be able to make a breakthrough in ABC area.

• This is a new industry in XYZ region. I am researching on this industry and aiming to be a leading specialist in the sector. Therefore, I would like to have an opportunity to develop my career as expected as this opportunity.

Question 6: What is your greatest weakness?

1. Ways to answer:

a) First way: Turning your strong point into weak point.

For example: I am a perfectionist and therefore, I rarely believe in anyone who can work as well as me. As a result, I am afraid to delegate important tasks to others. This approach has a weak side as that if you are not clever, you will cause the employer to believe that you are cheating him.

b) Second way: Solving your weakness absolutely.

A better approach is that you state one point which was once your weakness, but you have done well to resolve it.

For example: I tended to be a perfectionist, therefore I didn’t like to delegate to others. But I have found out that in order to develop the organization, everyone in the organization must be experienced with many tasks and this is very good for an efficient team work.

2. Steps to answer:

• You need to show it through your attitude and voice: It is really your weakness. And, you may also state some situations how much that weakness has caused you difficulties.

• Give your solution to resolve that weakness, partly or wholly.

• Solutions to a weakness may be training, mentoring, etc

3. Interview Tips for “weakness” question:

• This is a common question in any interview, so don’t try to avoid answering it.

• Never mentioning a weakness that relates to a crucial requirement of the job.

• Don’t try to make up a weakness.

• Don’t say you have no weakness. No one is perfect, therefore, you shouldn’t say you have no weakness.

Question 7: What do co-workers say about you?

1. Sample 1.

Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

2. Sample 2

My co-workers always admit that I am good team player by providing suitable advices at the right time. They also add that I have a balance between good stress and bad stress.

3. Sample 3

I am a highly respected professional amoungst my co-workers and client group, a team player, humourous – can turn the worst seniorio into a fun learning session, dedicated, organized and efficient and trusted individual.

4. Sample 4

Both my friends and coworkers would say that I’m reliable, because of the fact that I’m the one that everyone calls. Whenever any of my friends have a problem I’m the friend they know will give them an honest answer, or be there to help them with whatever needs to be done.

Question 8: Are you applying for other jobs?

1. Tips for this questions

• Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area.

• Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization.

• Let you concentration be on this very organization or job position and try to elaborate on how you plans are going to affect the organization.

• Make sure you did not deviate from this question as people always digress to other irrelevant stuffs.

• Focus on the organization, anything outside the company a distraction.

2. Sample answers

Of course, I am. I am looking for the best place to apply my abilities, and so far this place looks excellent.

Question 9: What do you know about our organization?

This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

Sample answers:

• A good organization with perfect management. I heard that in this organization i can gain knowledge and good atmosphere.

• If its for a good renowned company then its better to go through the company website and know what’s the company profile and what’s their achievements/successes and branches & other details.

• According to me this is one of the best company. It has a good Environment, We feel good working in companies, which has good growth in the IT Industries. This Organization has all the qualities like good growth, good Environment, maintaining a best level in the IT Industries, etc.

Question 10: What kind of salary are you looking for?

Tips for this question:

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job.

Answer samples

• Sir, salary is very secondary. What matters is you are providing me (given i clear this interview) with the kind of work I have always wanted to do and the kind of work environment too.

• I am looking for the kind of salary that I can not only live on, but enjoy life with as well. I don’t want to be the person who works just to pay bills and have hardly anything left for myself. I don’t know about anyone else, but when I look for a job, it has to meet my needs both mentally and money-wise or I don’t take the job.

Question 11: How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Some tips for this question:

• It is not right to be specific; else you are giving them the impression that you are not going to stay if hired.

• Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

Sample answers

• I’d like it to be here a long time; as much as you permit me and believe that I am doing a good job to remain in your company.\

• I worked for my previous employer … years. That demonstrates my loyalty. So, as long as the work is challenging, and I will have growth and training potential, I will be happy to work here.

• First of all I pity you for hiring me, I will rob you blind, eat all the almonds and pee in the punch bowl any chance I get. So the answer to your question is, until you catch on.

Question 12: Do you know anyone who works for us? 

Answer tips:

Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they have good records in the company.

Other interview tips

• Determine trends that is happening in your industry and how to face/solve them.

• Attributes/traits/abilities related to this job and how to get them.

• Review job specs, job description in job ads for this position and try to think how to prove your capabilities.

• Research the employer profile thoroughly, the aims of their recruitment and what are your task/roles.

Question 13: Why should we hire you?

For one, the interview question “give us reasons to hire you”, “why should we employ you” or “what can you bring to our company” is something that differentiates the best candidates from the other good candidates.

This question deals with your ability to sell yourself. Think of yourself as the product. Why should the customer buy?

Tips to answer:

• One of the best ways to answer this question is to make a short list of all your advantages and create a paragraph that would point out the positive aspects that you would bring to the new job position.

• One of the points that you can raise is the similarity of the job profile you are aiming for at the company to the job profile you enjoyed in your previous job.

• You can also draw the interviewer’s attention to your key skills and strengths, namely – quick learning, excellent communication skills, etc.

• In addition, your professional ambitions should be made clear – the motivation and dedication that you have for the profession and the opening position.

Answer samples

1. Weak answers:

• “I am a hard worker.” — This is a really trite answer — almost anyone can say he or she is a hard worker.

• “Because I need a job.” — This answer is about YOU — “they” want to know what you can do for “them.”

• “I saw your ad and could do the job.” — This answers lacks passion and purpose.

2. Stronger answers:

• “Because I have what it takes to fill the requirements of this job – solve customer problems using my excellent customer service skills.”

• “Because I have three years experience working with customers in a very similar environment.”

• “Because I have the experience and expertise in the area of customer support that is required in this position.”

• Because I sincerely believe that I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are many other college students who have the ability to do this job. I also have that ability. But I also bring an additional quality that makes me the very best person for the job–my attitude for excellence. Not just giving lip service to excellence but putting every part of myself into achieving it. In _____ and _____ I have consistently reached for becoming the very best I can become by doing the following . . .

Question 14: What Is Your Dream Job?

How would you describe your dream job in 10 words or less

What Is Your Dream Job

Answer tips

• Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win.

• If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility.

• If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with

this position if hired.

• There should be a good relation between each employee so that there will not be any hindrance in work or in the performance making of the organization, when the teamwork is good there will be profit making and a good name for the Company.

Answer samples

• The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can’t wait to get to work.

• The Job where I can start my work as soon as I sit in my chair and serve the needs of all the employees in an organization.

Question 15: What are you looking for in a job?

Answer Tips

In this questions, they want to know what motivates you. Be careful not to let the panel think the only reason you want the job is because it is more pay or better benefits – if this is your reason you will probably not get the job!

The answer will depend on where you are in your career. If you are new, then you want to gain more experience and learn a wide variety of things. If you have a lot of previous experience, you might want to find something challenging and more opportunities for growth.

List of reasons

You can ref some reasons as follows:

• General working conditions,

• More openness between “boss” and employees,

• More money? Bigger organization?

• Are you looking to move up a high level?

• Develop certain skills,

• Are you looking for a certain atmosphere or organizational philosophy?

• How important is location?

• Teamwork, team lead, managerial position (delegating work – organizational duties), solitary work.

• Exciting work vs. routine work.

• Salary, benefits, traveling, turnover rates (for salesperson).

• Work hours (flexible vs fixed hours).

• Less formality.

Answer samples

You can begin your answer with this question: Tell me, Mr./Ms. Interviewer, what is a typical career path at company for someone with my skills and experience?

What is important to you? Two things are very important to me. One is my professionalism at work; the second is my family life.

Answer samples:

• I want to gain experience in many areas of accounting. I want a position where things are not routine and where many of my accounting skills are utilized.

• In my next job, I want more opportunities to write automation. In my previous position, we didn’t have these opportunities because we outsourced this work to other groups.

Question 16: Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

Answer samples

• I already do work overtime. I love my job and when a project deadline is coming up, everyone has to pull together to finish it – even if that means investing our beloved weekends…

• I do understand that it will occasionally be necessary in software industry to work overtime. Generally I feel that the work can be completed on time if we work sincerely and utilize the work hours. However I have no problem in working overtime if the project deadlines are very tight and requires me to work hard.

• I am very responsible person ,and I have definite plan and I go according to that in a systematic way, so in case I am behind schedule I will surely work overnight and make sure i complete it in time.

• It depends on the responsibilities on your shoulder. if I have to complete a task then I can work overnight and weekends…………. after that I will be happy that I have completed my job on time.

• I can normally work in a few nights or weekends of overtime through the month if required to meet some deadlines. I hope projects are scoped and scheduled in such a way that overtime and nights are not a common requirement.

Question 17: What experience do you have in this field? or Do you have any actual work experience?

Answer tips

• Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

• If you are being asked this question from your employer then you can explain your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing during your job. You can tell what programs you developed and what modules you worked on. What were your achievements regarding different programs.

Answer sample

I have been working with computers since 2001. I also have a degree in network support/computer repair. I have built my last 3 computers, have work with Dell as an employee. So I have around 15 years experience working with computers.

Question 18: Do you consider yourself successful?

Answer tips

Always answer yes but follow with a brief explanation. You must convey exactly why you consider yourself to be successful: an example would be because you are goal-oriented–you have reached certain goals while still pursuing others.

You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

Answer samples

“Yes. Because I have proven successful in all that I have ventured. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had my fair share of struggles or mistakes, but in the end, I retain the skills and life experiences to overcome distractions and accomplish goals. I know if given the chance, I will prove successful in all the responsibilities entitled to this position.”

Question 19: What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Answer tips

• Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

• Employers look for applicants who are goal-oriented. Show a desire for continuous learning by listing hobbies non-work related. Regardless of what hobbies you choose to showcase, remember that the goal is to prove self-sufficiency, time management, and motivation.

Answer samples

• Every should learn from his mistake. I always try to consult my mistakes with my kith and kin especially with elderly and experienced person.

• I enrolled myself into a course useful for the next version of our current project. I attended seminars on personal development and managerial skills improvement.

Question 20: Describe your work ethic?

Answer tips

Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

Use examples and briefly describe your working habits. Ask yourself these questions to help you formulate your answer: Do you tackle a number of projects at once? How long does it take to complete them? Are you organized?

Answer samples

• I’m very honest when it comes to my work. There no way that I misled a customer ever. I’m very thorough and I never cut corners.

• My work ethic is strong. I believe in being at work on time and completing each task that’s assigned to me. I am a hard worker and it shows through my work.

Question 21: Are you a team player?

Answer tips

The answer is YES. This is an open-ended question, given so you may talk about your teamwork skills.

Teamwork skills include listening, discussing, questioning, persuading, respecting, helping, sharing, participating, and ability to utilize all communication channels. Offer one of two short 1-2 minute examples.

Answer samples

If you are asked the question whether you prefer to work independently or as a team, here is the best way to answer it:

• “I have worked in teams and independently as well. Some jobs match and require a teamwork effort while others fit an individual work. project is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

• While working independently, I realized that I was the complete owner of the project (i.e. one man project) and therefore considered this responsibility as an incentive/bonus. Though, I did get the company support and interacted very often with other key employees, the way I worked helped to ensure quick project implementation as well as finding efficient solution for any calculated risks. Therefore, I have had very good experiences working in a team as well as working independently. “

• “I am a great team player because I work hard to become knowledgeable in the field of my interest, and I also love to pass on my learning’s’. I don’t believe in relaying blame as it is a easy-way out. One of the teamwork aspects I enjoy is a good open discussion and giving likewise feedback and suggestions. I believe a successful team depends on the responsibilities that each and every member takes on, not just the ‘natural’ leader who emerges. Everyone brings something to the plate.”

Question 22: Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

Answer tips

Be sensitive upon answering this subject matter. The key is always to stay empathic but acknowledging the management duties that comes with higher up responsibilities and the team aspect of this decision.

You want the interviewer to know that in the event, you will be prepared to fire someone if it is the right thing to do. You will protect the company from any individual who creates a disruptful situation.

Answer samples

When I was administrator at a large educational institution in the NY it was my job, among other things, to hire and fire. Believe me, it was harder to hire than to fire. There was always cause for firing, and usually I was glad to get rid of those who I fired. Hiring, however, was difficult. I had to choose between so many good, qualified candidates, and I never knew which one was really the right choice.

Question 23: What is your philosophy towards work?

Answer tips

The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here.

Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

Answer samples

• My philosophy about work is that the situation be fair for both the employer and employee. I believe a very fair wage is needed for the employee so they are productive. If one is underpaid then they will, in turn, do as little as they can for the employer and both loose.

• FULL, COMPLETE WORK that I will be proud to be responsible for. I dislike it when someone’s half-effort work causes delays and confusion. Or people who don’t take responsibility in the mistakes on their part. I think if everyone did their duties well and complete, there wouldn’t be any unnecessary time spent cleaning up messes or playing blame-games.

Question 24: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Answer tips

Be honest and answer yes if you would or No if you will not but since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

You also have to be careful too, you yes answer may pass a different message which might make them see you as an opportunist.

Answer samples

I would not retire because I would not have the opportunities to be as involved as I am right now. It depends on your definition of what enough money is… if I had 70 million I would consider another line of work but if it was only 2 or 3 million I would definitely keep working.

Question 25: Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

Answer tips

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

If you have, you need to address it openly and honestly. Reference checks done by the employer will uncover this information. Focus on how you have grown from the experience.

Question 26: Explain how you would be an asset to this organization?

Answer tips

• You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

• Every organization wants to grow better and me also wants to make my carrier a great success and that if i could join here then i could get chances to explore my ideas for the growth of your reputed organization with my professional knowledge and experience i am having till now…

• The best way to approach this question is to restate your strengths and emphasize the different ways they can be applied to the job being discussed.

Answer samples

• I’ll make sure that the company will be benefit from my skills that I obtained from my previous job. I’ll add to this my good qualities such as integrity to work, persistence, and most of all my dedication to work.

• You can answer as “The capabilities I have in my field can be very useful for the improvement of quality in my department giving the overall benefit to the company.”

Question 27: Tell me about a suggestion you have made?

Answer tips

Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

This is a behavioral question that is exploring your initiative. You need to think about a situation when you came up with an improvement or change to an existing system or work process.

Question 28: Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Answers samples

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

• I am a person that learn quickly and perform better under pressure, am a very good team player that motivate others in other to achieve the company’s common goals.

• Will do well in this job because I already have previous experience in the similar field. so I will use my previous experience in this job and I am interested in learning new things and enhance my skills.

• I believe I will do well in this job because I have the relevant skills and experience. I also have the drive, interest and determination to make a real success of this role.

Question 29: What irritates you about co-workers?

Answer tips

• This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

• Stay professional. Speaking ill of anyone or spilling dirty secrets never gains trust. Speaking negative only shows a flaw in your character, not theirs. Let all bitter resentment die and answer with a generalized truth.

Answer samples

• If co-worker starts gossiping during work hours will irritate me and also if he doesn’t completes the work given by me.

• “I believe it is of utmost importance to stay professional, especially in the work environment. We all have differences in opinion, but nothing as adults we can’t discuss and come to an amicable agreement”.

Question 30: What is more important to you: the money or the work?

General tips

Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

Answer samples

• Money and work both are like siblings. But I believe when you work hard; money will flow to you. So work is more important than money. Only hard work can help you put another feather in your success cap.

• I believe they are equally important to our well-being. Certainly both. Even though Work is Worship money makes livelihood. Work follows money and money follows work. So, without existence of one another we can’t be achievable. However I can adjust for money up to some extent if the work is really challenging and doing which gives me job satisfaction.

Question 31: What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

Answer tips

There is nothing like NOT able to work with. Organizations are made of teams; therefore one team member may be a notch slower than other members of the team. It is the responsibility of “other” team mates to help the slow team mate to match-up.

Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

Well I am a person who can work with all kinds of people. However I feel bit uncomfortable to work with persons of selfish and ingratitude in nature.

Question 32: What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is? 

Answer samples

There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver.

Question 33: Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor?

Answer tip

Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

Answer sample

My supervisor was not too keen on taking an initiative or implement new ways in solving a problem. He believed in anarchy system and always consulted his boss rather than going to him with an idea or being helpful in reaching towards a solution.

Question 34: Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?

Answer tips

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

Mention pressures you face on the daily, such as dealing with deadlines on a regular basis.

Try not to use an example where you created the pressure yourself, by waiting too long to start something, or by handling a task irresponsibly at the beginning. For example, working under pressure to meet a customer’s deadline could be a good example, but not if you had waited too long to start the project.

Answer samples

“Pressure is actually a catalyst to my work. When there is an imperative deadline, I refocus my energy into my work which in fact, has helped me to produce some of my best works. (Give examples) I guess you can say I thrive under pressure.”

Question 35: Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Answer tips

• No matter the response, don’t get too negative. Possible answers: not enough of a challenge, not given enough responsibilities for your qualifications, unable to continue developing skills in environment, etc.

• Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

Answer samples

• I disappointed about a job which is not consisting enough challenges , monotonous in nature and innovativeness of job is minimal.

• When I do the targeted work and involved my self to in depth of the work and still my boss is not appreciate or recognize my ability then I frusted and disappoint .

• Lack of challenge. How many hours I have to commit. I focused on pay and benefits when I took my job. I didn’t fully realize how much time is our greatest and only asset. I would definitely consider this if ever looking for another one.

• I felt that my previous company seldom cohesively brought all the employees to recognize our common goal. Perhaps it was the lack of communication at meetings, or lack of non-work related projects for the larger community as a whole, but I always thought it would have been great to add that ‘community’ component to the workplace.

Question 36: What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Answer tips

This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, 

Recognition

For any person motivation is the main factor which should make him work in an efficient manner.

And that motivation could be done my some rewards for doing good job, some encouragements etc. Moreover an employees good work must be acknowledged by his employer, which would definately boost him to work more harder to get more acknowledgements.

Answer samples

• I was motivated both by the challenge of finishing the projects on time and by managing the teams that achieved our goals.

• I want to be successful in my job, both for my own personal satisfaction and for my employer.

• I’ve always felt that it’s important, both to me personally, and for the company and the clients, to provide a positive customer experience.

Question 37: Do your skills match this job or another job more closely? 

Answer tips

Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.

This suppose to be a ‘Yes answer’ however, you should not be too straight about your answer.

Do not give those suspicious impression that you may want another job position you feel is better than the one you have applied for.

Question 38: How would you know you were successful on this job?

Answer tips

Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success. Your boss tell you that you are successful.

Answer sample

I m sure that I were successful in the because any job offered in your company is my dream and I can do any thing for my dreams. another way I am like to do this from my heart not for money.

so…………

Question 39: Would you be willing to relocate if required?

Answer tips

You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up.

Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no.

This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

Question 40: Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

Answer tips

This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

You should be honest. If you’re not sure of what they mean, ask for a specific example. Like, you might be willing to work on weekends even if it means missing out on one of your favorite pasttimes; however, you might not be willing to lie to customers in order to make a sale.

Answer samples

You should yes.

Yes but in return I would expect the organization to take care of my needs as an individual.

Question 41: Describe your management style?

Answer tips

Try to avoid labels.

Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to.

The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.

Answer samples

1. I believe in personal accountability. If you make a mistake, own up, learn and move on.

2. I believe in making mistakes. No one should be afraid to make a mistake. If you are going to fail, then fail fast.

3. I believe in results. I measure people on results not activity. Activity without impact is poison to me.

4. I believe in treating people like professionals. From the start I believe in giving and expecting trust. You don’t have to earn trust when you join the team. You receive it automatically and keep it unless you do something to lose it.

5. I believe in delegating responsibility and authority. I want to give each person the chance to grown and reach for the stars, not be hobbled by low expectations or some ceiling I’ve put into place.

6. I believe in building a team. Each member of the team should be clear on their role, know where they fit in and feel they can depend on and lean upon others in the team to achieve group goals.

7. I believe in adapting my management style to the needs of the employee. Some people need a very directive approach, some just need goals and the freedom to achieve them.

8. I believe in real-time feedback. If you do something wrong you should know it immediately. If you do something right, you should hear about it right away. The further removed feedback is in time, the less effective it is.

9. I believe in continuous improvement. On a daily and weekly basis we look at what went right, what went wrong, what needs to be tuned to improve effectiveness.

Question 42: What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

Answer tips

Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.

Everyone makes mistakes, of course, but some companies are more willing to learn from them than punish those involved.

You’ve learned that when you do make mistakes, someone is usually disappointed in the choice you made, but you have to figure it out for yourself, they might help you decide what ‘s right and what ‘ss wrong, but you’ll be the decider on which you choose. You’ve learned that people do care about you, and to not do it again if you don’t want to.

Answer samples

Every one makes mistakes but only few people can realize there mistakes and they don’t want to repeat those mistakes again….. I am the one in those few people, I don’t want to repeat the mistakes which had done by me in my job/work.

Question 43: Do you have any blind spots?

Answer tips

Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

Don’t be too specific of your actual weakness.. But instead try to bring out that you are very team oriented.

Answer samples

• I would say everyone has blind spots and i would too. And that is why I believe in teamwork because when you are a team you can point out other people’s blind spots and they will do the same for you.

• Everyone has blind spots and I would too. And that is why I believe in teamwork because when you are a team you can point out other people’s blind spots and they will do the same for you.

Question 44: If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

Answer tips

Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

That can be: Qualification, attitude, team spirit, sincerity, and spirit.

Answer sample: I would look for good communication skill and for great dedication towards job and responsibility to work in under pressure also.

Other interview tips

• Determine trends that is happening in your industry and how to face/solve them.

• Attributes/traits/abilities related to this job and how to get them.

• Review job specs, job description in job ads for this position and try to think how to prove your capabilities.

• Research the employer profile thoroughly, the aims of their recruitment and what are your task/roles.

Question 45: Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Answer tips

Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.

Answer sample: No. It is not like that. I am sure I am the perfect candidate for this post. You are taking my interview which also indicates that I am the suitable candidate.

Other interview tips

• Determine trends that is happening in your industry and how to face/solve them.

• Attributes/traits/abilities related to this job and how to get them.

• Review job specs, job description in job ads for this position and try to think how to prove your capabilities.

• Research the employer profile thoroughly, the aims of their recruitment and what are your task/roles.

Question 46: How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

Answer tips

First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

Answer samples

• I am a clean slate, I do not have any bad habits to add to the organization. As you can see, I am also a quick learner [insert example from the past here].

• I know that a lot of companies in this industry require years of experience. But there are benefits to being fresh. I am very passionate about what I do. Everything is new to me, so I am that much more excited to learn everything. Experienced people, even though they’re probably successful, are not as willing to change. In fact, I don’t think they’re as passionate about the job, because everything is normal to them.

Question 47: What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Answer tips

Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards.

All bosses think they have these traits.

Answer samples

Following is the few qualities but not limited to, that I would look for in a Boss:

• Treat me with respect, dignity and equally.

• Have a honest and open communication with me.

• Recognize me for my efforts and the value I provide to the company.

• He has a proper quality to guide his/her employee. He has decision taking tendency and can control his team & team members. He has capacity to lead the team according to

circumstances.

Question 48: Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.

Answer tips

Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

Question 49: What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

Answer tips

Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

That sort of depends on the job you are going for, but for the most part be honest without being negative towards what you don’t prefer to do.

Try to learn as much as you can about the job. What does it involve on a day-to-day basis and how much will you need to work independently as opposed to collaborating with others?

Answer samples

• Honestly, I hope, but you can hedge a little: “I like to work with a group, but have a part of the project that is my personal responsibility.” Of course, if you are applying for a position as a lighthouse keeper, you definitely prefer to work alone. If you are going to Antarctica, you definitely want to be a team player.

• Honestly with my personality, I perfer being in charge of team projects. Only because I know I would be most likely the only person who can get the job done right.

Question 50: What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

Answer tips

Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.

That I did not go back for further education when I was younger and had the chance. It could have made a big difference in my career. I was too complacent at the time and burned out on more “schooling”.

Other interview tips

• Determine trends that is happening in your industry and how to face/solve them.

• Attributes/traits/abilities related to this job and how to get them.

• Review job specs, job description in job ads for this position and try to think how to prove your capabilities.

• Research the employer profile thoroughly, the aims of their recruitment and what are your task/roles.

Question 51: Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

This is one of common job interview questions.

Answer tips

• Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

• Try to talk about events related to your tasks/job.

• Trying to show it makes you happy on the workplace.

• Trying to show people that you are a sense of humor.

Question 52: What are the most difficult decisions to make?

This is one of the most typical behavioral questions in an interview. With this question, the interviewer is planning to examine your behaviors under a problem and how you handle it. You may answer as sincerely as you wish, but there is one tip that you should notice: what you did in the past is not the indication of how you will behave in the future. The key is learning.

First, you address the difficult situation you were in and describe it. Then, tell the interviewer how you did resolve it (or acted under such situation). Remember to keep a positive tone (for example, when you talked about those who had made mistakes) and be specific about details of your solution. Finally, tell the interviewer of what you have learn from such experience.

You may even scan your memory for many problems and consider them as challenges and how you resolved them in a professional manner. But eventually, don’t forget to tell the interviewer what you have learn from all of those.

Question 53: Give some examples of teamwork?

Following are some sample answers to this question:

• In my last job when I was a member of a software development team, I worked very well with my teammates and developed successfully software A, which was a very sales-success at that time. Then, I was assigned to a training team specializing in training the clients about how to operate the software and such. Our team performance received much acknowledgement from the clients.

• In one occasion, I was assigned to evaluate and choose the right vendor for a contracting package. At that time, I had to work closely with many departments and parties including market research department, customer relationship department, the vendors, clients and authorities. I even directed a team to perform related tasks. I did the job quite well and selected the qualified vendor for the package.

• During my high school, I participated in many clubs such as soccer team, marching band, etc. which trained me very well about teamwork skills. I believe teamwork is something very valuable to a company. It not only helps with developing individual performance, but also makes more contribution to the organization in general.

Question 54: Do you prefer to work Independently or on a team?

Answer tips/answer samples:

You should pay special attention to this question if your potential employer is one that requires much teamwork such as those working in sales & marketing areas.

Best answer:

• I can work well both individually and in a team. I believe your company is recruiting just exact candidates as I have read from the job descriptions, there are some duties that require teamwork while others require individual skills to complete. Therefore, I totally believe that I can do the job well.

• During my high school, I played for a soccer team, where I have built up my teamwork skills very well. I applied those in my part-time works and it turned quite exceptionally well. Therefore, I think I am more of a team player than an individual. I had performed many projects in the past where I worked with many teams, and I believe, my performance in the future will be very impressive.

Question 55: How would you describe your work style?

This is the chance for you to impress the interviewer if such a question like this is asked. Work style is important to every firm and you may expect this question in the interview. So, remember to check this out as it will do you nothing bad but good. Impressing the interviewer by your skills and competencies, and look at these samples answer below for reference:

• When I work, I focus all my attention to the work. Thanks to that, I am able to complete my work very quickly and effectively.

• I am very careful. I keep records of my work all the time so that I can check the performance every time and avoid repeating something. And even more, I can check for mistakes and make corrective actions as necessary.

• I am an organizing person. I can organize my work very effectively. That’s why my record has proven my efficiency in dealing with multi-tasks.

• Individually, I am always on the top of the best performance. However, to achieve that position, I work very closely with my colleagues and cooperate well with my team members. That’s given me much advantages in dealing with tasks.

Question 56: Describe a typical work week?

When an interviewer asks you about your previous job, he may raise such a question as “please describe a typical work week of yours”. Hearing the answer and the interviewer may have an overview about you and your performance at work. So, it is very useful to look at this question beforehand if you have stated some related experience in your CV as to the current job.

First thing to remember is you have to prepare the answer before so that there is no non-related activities included in your answer. You may talk about what happened with your behavior or skills at work, such as the times when you were late due to some reasons or how well you communicated with other employees in the former company, how much you focused on the work, and so on. But don’t mention anything technically such as how you process an order, supervise a work…. If such is not related to your current application job.

Question 57: How Will Your Greatest Strength Help You Perform?

Answer tips/answer samples:

It is good to look at sample interview questions about your greatest strength while preparing for an interview and work out the most suitable and effective answers for you beforehand. Following the below sample answers will greatly help you with that.

Sample answers:

• I can effectively work with many people, learn from them and share my ideas with them. We communicate very well in a team. I think, that’s the greatest strength of mine.

• I am a very attentive person. During working, I work very hard and focus all my skills and attention to the work, which in turn results in a very high performance. That’s my greatest strength.

• I think my greatest strength is my focus at work. When I am working, I spend all my attention to the work and am never distracted by anything, even personal matters.

• I think organizational skill is my greatest strength. Thank to it, I am able to handle multi-tasks at the same time and double the productivity of my work.

Question 58: Describe a time when your workload was heavy?

Following are some sample answers to this question:

• During the time while I was still working for HKL factory. The factory received a special order of a huge number of j-ball bearings. That was quite a sudden increase in quantity that we had to manufacture in a short period of time. However, as the client was a new but very potential one and we couldn’t afford to lose this one, we had sit down together, me, the production supervisor, the supply manager, and labor union representatives. In several days, we had developed an ultimate plan to maximize the productivity, utilize to the max the supply of materials, and keep the workers working for a moderate number of hours. Under such a pressure, but all of us agreed to cooperate very closely to complete the order.

• I remembered when I was still working for ABC company, the time when it was planning to take over another company. there was much work to do, dealing with internal workforce, workforce of the acquired company, cultural differences, maintaining the relationship with clients. That was quite a stressful situation, however, we managed to get over it very successfully.

Question 59: How will you achieve your goals?

Basing on this question the interviewer wants to know how you plan on achieving your goals for the future and what you are going to accomplish. In order to respond to it you could see examples of good responses included:

• I have intention to acquire additional skills by taking part in relevant class to the job and keeping my involvement with various professional associations. 

• I see myself that FFA Corporation is going to offer in-house training for employees and I would prefer to attend related classes to enhance my skills. 

• Taking participation in conferences, seminars, meetings and upholding my education will be effective ways to continue my professional development. 

Question 60: What can you contribute to the company?

This is a special interview question used to discover how you would contribute to the company if you are hired. The interviewer would like to know how much your capacity is.

Giving concrete examples of what you have gained in the past job will be the best way for responding to this question. By this way, you should show the interviewer that you are looking forward to undertaking this position with the best effort. 

You also give description of specific examples of how effective you have been in your other positions, what you done to achieve your goals. How did you utilize your abilities for the company’s goals? Have you had necessary skills to do the job the company is hiring for, and are you confident to say that you absolutely meet new job challenges waiting you? You have to prove these. In addition to your contribution description, do not forget to talk about the depth and breadth of related experience that you have. 

Sample answers

• I am hard-working worker with achievement of accumulated experience to undertake tasks efficiently. 

• I am confident that I will contribute my skills and abilities to growth of the company. 

• I have solid experience and comprehensive knowledge to fulfill the whole of tasks that I will be responsible for. 

Question 61: What challenges are you looking for?

The employer asks candidates this typical question for the purpose of determining what they are looking for next job and whether they would match the position being hired for or not.

As a candidate, which way would you choose to respond to this question? The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking may be to how you will facilitate your skills and experience to wait for and welcome upcoming challenges next job. 

In addition, you need to demonstrate your motivation, enthusiasm and willingness to confront with the challenges. The abilities, flexibility and skills are crucial for you to effectively meet and handle a challenge job. 

Besides, you should tell the employer about specific experience of facing challenges and handling them in the past. 

Question 62: Who was your best boss? 

Answer tips/answer samples:

The interviewer wants to know that whether you blame or judge badly about your previous boss by asking the question “Who was your best boss and who was the worst?”

Best Answer

• Each boss that I worked for taught me a good lesson. What to do from the advice of good ones and what not to do from the challenging ones.

• From the beginning of my job, a mentor assisted me a lot, and now we still keep in touch. Truly speaking, I have learned something from each boss that I have worked for.

Question 63: Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?

Review sample answer to the interview question “Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?” Be careful when talking about your previous managers. You don’t want to come across as difficult, and you want to express any of your previous experiences in the most positive way.

• I had an unsmooth beginning with a manager, because we didn’t have the same thought for the flow of the workday. When we discussed about it, we recognized that our targets fitted each other, and we were able to cooperate successfully together for many years.

• I have realized that if I spend my time discussing with my manager at the beginning of the project, we could make it easily go through every challenge.

• I am able to say that I have rarely had a trouble with anyone. I try to find out the common between us and then adapt with everyone’s different personality.

Question 64: What were your starting and final levels of compensation?

Interviewers want to know about the details of candidates’ compensation history. Be pleased to show the interviewer about the amount that you earned at each of your previous positions.

Ensure that the amount that you show the interviewer is exact with the amount in your job application. Prepare carefully your compensation in advance before entering an interview, so basing on it you can describe it in detail and exact. Do not bring the exaggeration and magnification to your earnings. Before offering you a job, the interviewer will probably check and approve your salary history. The difference between your report and the reference which the interviewer took time to check could kick you out of the job.

Prepare a perfect job application by downloading a sample as a reference. Fulfill the sample application and review it before joining the interview.

Question 65: How do you deal with conflict?

As everyone knows, conflict is a common issue at workplace. It occurs in every organization now and then. An employee cannot perform his duties well all the time if he is unable to deal with the smallest conflict at work. What about you? Do you have the necessary skills to deal with the most basic conflict at work? Do you avoid it or face it? what do you think are the best techniques to deal with conflicts at any time?

You should know that there are various types of conflict at work. It may be a small disagreement between two colleagues, or a total misunderstanding of the boss, or a frustration caused by other’s behavior. In this question, you should first state a conflict at your level, choose an example and adopt your skills in resolving such conflict. Then demonstrate how you do it to the interviewer.

Question 66: How would you tackle the first 90 days?

With this question, the interview purports to examine your attention to the job for the initial period, how you learn about the process and appreciate the values of the organization. Another question that you should consider together with this is that “how do you think about your job?” which is more direct and more challenging.

It is a common belief when new candidates will talk about how they review the company’s regulations and rules for the first months in answering this question. However, it should be a wiser way to address specific details of the job itself, such as challenges, potential development opportunities… also, it is better to assure with the interviewer about your potential abilities that shall contribute to the company. Tell him that you want to work in a team, to take over more responsibilities, to contribute your best efforts. That’s much better than just saying, for example, “I spend the first three months adapting to new environment, learning the procedures….”

But remember, unless you are asked to do so, don’t suggest any initiative or give any suggestion. Your knowledge of the company is not solid enough for you to do such a thing and for the interviewer to consider such a thing in an interview.

Question 67: Tell me about a time you faced an ethical dilemma?

In this question, you have to demonstrate your high ethical standards and honesty personality.

Telling that you haven’t met any ethical issue is not a good way to deal with this question. In fact, people always face with the problem of ethic sometimes in their life. For example, when you discovered a wrongdoing, or a fraud by anyone, any violation of regulations, any cheating or any lie, all are ethical to you. So, don’t avoid this question.

At work, ethical problems are frequent, subject to your knowledge of them, though. An accountant makes a wrong statement, a security fails to comply with the procedures, a director fails to delegate, or a colleague makes some personal gain by cutting corners on a project.

In answering this question, you may mention the problem, but don’t mention the name of the person or else it may generate negative feelings. You should be flexible in dealing with the problem: some may require immediate action to stop, but as for others, you may act gently and resolve the problem in peace.

Question 68: What did you like or dislike about your previous job?

Answer tips/answer samples:

Do not be too negative when answering the question about your dislike of your previous job. Surely you do not want the interviewer to think that they will receive the same negative comments about the new position or the company from you when you leave it, in case you are offered this job. It is helpful when you talk about yourself and what you will do in the new position.

Sample answer

I was in the harmony with the people I worked with. They are very friendly and funny and I loved to go to the company every morning. The leadership team was very perfect as well. They comprehended all of their juniors even the first name and tried to connect those individuals. And I also liked the fact that the office was familiar to do community further with the local organization.

The reason that makes me quit is that my previous company does not have enough challenges for me. Being a new company in the working world, the company gave me a great chance for a perfect position, however, after working there for many years, I realized that I had no chance to use all of my ability because there were not many challenges and there was no space for advancement in the company. I used to enjoy working there and I contributed my skills for the company, but I realized that my abilities could develop better at another place where can understand deeply my ability and there are more opportunities to go further.

Question 69: What was the biggest accomplishment in this position?

Your interviewer will want to know about what you performed and what you could not complete in your present or previous position.

The best answer is to show an example of any duties that you perfectly completed and it is suitable with the position that you are applying for. Check your resume and the job posting. Find the closest common and use it to express that what you perform will bring benefit to the company which you are applying for.

If you wrote a targeted cover letter, remember to add information related to the duties that you did to make your answer perfect when you apply for a job. For example, if you are applying for a position in a school, where you will have to register students, tell the interviewer how you controlled student registration for courses, designed and managed registration software, and handled customer issues.

If you didn’t have any mistakes, remember to mention about that. If you want to give an example, ensure that it is a good one and take it to the positive side. For example, if you were making a project that was out of deadline, tell the interviewer how you drove the workload and the timeline to get back on track and on-time of schedule.

Question 70: What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

This question is about your weaknesses. In fact, it is a very hard question for a candidate to answer as it is very difficult to be honest with oneself and say out loud about negative comments on himself. 

The method here is to approach the weaknesses, or particularly the comments on those weaknesses, in a positive manner. For example, your weaknesses are working too hard, or tend to perfection at work… those, in fact, are strengths, but negative sometimes, and that “sometimes” should be included in the examples following your answer.

For example: “My old boss told me I was such a workaholic. But I didn’t think that was a weakness, though there was sometimes it caused me quite a ruckus when I took over too many tasks at the same time. Anyway, I have learn since then the skill to delegate and cooperate with others to complete the job more effectively.

Question 71: Give me an example of a time when you had to think out of the box?

The interview is expecting to see if you are a man of initiative, innovation and dynamism or not. You are supposed to not only demonstrate your creative idea, but also describe how you came up with that idea, and how that idea helped your success. But remember, not every idea is suitable in answering this question. You should screen your memory for an example of idea which may be useful to the current job so as to prove to the interviewer that you are totally able to think of something for the new job.

Question 72: Tell me about your proudest achievement?

This is one of the most common questions that you may have the chance to face with during an interview. The proudest achievement may determine your standards of success and willingness to develop with your career. So remember to tell the interviewer a great story.

You are being asked to demonstrate a past experience of yours which you value the most. So, it is proper to tell the interviewer about an important project, for example, that you have performed in the past, with success and much value. Tell about your role in such a project, how you performed, and how was the success. Tell about your feelings, how you felt proud of such a success, and how you valued such success as your most rewarding experience.

Question 73: Tell me about a project you worked on that required heavy analytical thinking?

This is one of those behavioral interview questions about your competency.

The best way for an interviewer to examine if the potential candidate possesses the right analytical mind for the job is to consider a real example stated by the candidate and raise question. Not only the interviewer is able to hear a situation that the candidate dealt with his analytical skills, he is also able to witness the demonstration of such skills by the candidate himself by answering those questions raised by him. As a candidate, you should be double-careful with this type of question.

Related questions to this interview question may be: what formal and informal analysis did you do? How did you scan the situation? How did you do to overcome such obstacles? What did you think is the best lesson from such experience.

Question 74: Tell me about a time when you failed?

Answer tips/answer samples:

It is certainly that anyone fails sometime, especially at work. For example, fail to comply with the regulations, fail to meet the deadline, fail to persuade others, fail to meet the goals….What matters more is what you learn from such failure, and the interviewer is planning to investigate that.

There are various reasons to failure: objective or subjective, a fraud, a wrong action, an omission or a lack of capacity…you don’t need to be too cautious about these, as if you learn from your failure, then there is nothing to worry about.

In answering this question, first, state a situation when you fail to do something (It is better if the reason is not your subjective intention). Then state how you realized that and dealt with that. And finally, how you learn from that.

Question 75: Do you have any questions for me?

Answer tips

Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? What type of projects will I be able to assist on? 

The best approach is to ask an open-ended question that will generate further conversation and allow an exchange of ideas to take place. Open-ended questions generally begin with “who”, “why”, “how”, or “when”.

Avoid questions that can be answered with a straightforward “yes” or “no”. Closed-ended questions typically start with:

–Is

–Does

–Did

–Would

–Has

List of interview questions

1. What does the company value the most, and how can my work further these values?

2. What kinds of processes are in place to help me work collaboratively?

3. What can I do to homogenize and build team spirit?

4. Do team members usually eat lunch together, or do they eat at their desks?

5. What’s the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment?

6. Do you have any concerns about my ability to perform this job?

7. When top performers leave the company, why do they leave and where do they usually go?

8. What’s the organization and structure of my team? Am I going to be a mentor or will I be mentored?

9. In your opinion, what are my strongest assets and possible weaknesses? Do you have any concerns regarding my suitability that I need to clear up in order to be the top candidate?

PART III: TOP 10 COMPETENCY BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Competency-based interview questions require interviewees to give specific examples of times in which they demonstrated particular skills or attitudes. Generally, these questions require interviewees to describe a problem or situation, the actions they took to handle the problem, and the results of the situation. Such questions allow the employer to quickly evaluate an interviewee’s mindset, and to gauge how the interviewee handles certain situations.

1. Teamwork interview questions:

Now onto the more generic skills, such as your ability to work in a team. No matter how big or small the team is, the hiring manager will want to know that you can develop a strong working relationship with them, as this is essential for productivity and achieving company goals. You may be asked something like the below in order to test if you are a strong team player:

Question: Give an example of team leading in past employment

Answer: You should summarise the task and nature of the group but focus primarily upon your role as team leader. List the personal qualities you possess which made you ideal for leading this team and how you achieved success. Conclude your answer by giving examples of the lessons you learnt while leading this team.

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2. Communications skills interview questions:

Your ability to communicate effectively and influence others to act in support of your own and team goals will be examined. An ability to adapt your communication methods depending on situations and individuals is important here.

Question: Provide an example of how you explained a technical concept to a client or co-worker lacking your technical expertise.

How to Answer: Competency based interview questions are meant to determine how well you communicate with others, including your ability to simplify difficult concept. The customer service question about negative feedback is meant to determine whether or not you’re capable of dealing with customer comments that aren’t all that positive in a courteous, constructive manner. With a few of your examples, briefly discuss what you learned from those interactions.

3. Decision making interview questions:

Decision making is a skill that requires the ability to process information and filter this information to ensure you produce a sound and valid decision. You should be able to provide examples of situations where this skill has been tested. Use examples where an obvious answer is not immediately apparent.

Question: Can you tell me about a time when you consulted others when making important project decisions?

How to Answer: You’ll notice that interviewers tend to want specific examples to illustrate your abilities. It’s not unusual for questions to be fairly complex in nature, often involving multiple, related parts. Don’t get overwhelmed. Instead, answer questions one point at at time by providing relevant, easy to digest examples. If you forget the rest of the question, politely ask the interviewer to repeat it.

4. Drive for results interview questions:

This competency assesses your personal motivation and how you approach challenges.

Question: What is your biggest achievement?

Answer: Ideally, use a work-related example to illustrate your key career achievement. Highlight exactly why you consider it important, with details of the role you played. If your biggest achievement in life is related to your personal life, use commercial references such as budget slashing, determination, commitment and team work to communicate all the associated positive aspects.

5. Planning and organizaing interview question:

Auestion: Give me an example of a time when you had to plan a project or a large piece of work.

Tips for Successful Answers:

+ Demonstrate how you have worked in a structured and methodical way.
+ Show real detail about the steps you have taken to plan.
+ Explain how you have amended or flexed the original plans you’d made.
+ Talk about how you built pre-emptive solutions to potential problems

6. Customer focus interview question:

Your ability to understand and believe in the importance of customer focus will be tested here. You must display a competency for understanding the difference between internal and external customers.

Question: What about important clients, or complex or sensitive customer relationships?

Answer: If you can show that through your customer service orientation you saved the company from losing something of value (a big client, $X amount of revenue, 20 man hours a week) then you will really demonstrate your customer focus. Or did you save the company a political, organizational, or image problem? Write it out. What was the situation? What action did you take? How did you communicate to your teammates and how did you communicate with the customer? What was the result? … I hope this gets you thinking.

7. Leadership interview questions:

Leadership is a competency employers look for in candidates who are applying for jobs that require them to lead, motivate and/or develop other people, usually team leader and management positions

Question: Describe a time you took a leadership position when you did not have the title of a leader.

Answer: In this question, take an example from a situation where you were in a group and took responsibility to delegate to achieve goals. Show how you gained from the other members to follow your lead and the result of your leadership.

For instance, in college, we were put into groups of four to complete a marketing project. We had to prepare a 15-page paper and 10-minute presentation on a new product. We want to introduce that outside the U.S. I took the initiative among the group to lead a discussion on how we should split up the work when we meet throughout the semester and deadlines for each person’s part of the work. Because I was the one to take the lead the discussion and had a plan in mind, I gained the buy in of the other members quickly. I took everyone’s e-mail address and created a group email to help us all keep track of our progress and so we could help each other outside of class and our meetings. By the end of the semester, my group achieved a 95% on our project.

7. Conflict resolution skill interview questions:

Conflict resolution skills and the ability to disagree with others professionally and politely are necessary for successful contribution in organizations. If every employee employer hire is willing to engage in conflict resolution, more new ideas and better approaches to solving problems will take place in your organization.

Question: Give an example of a time you handled conflict in the workplace

Answer: Your interviewer will assess your adaptability and gauge the constructiveness of your approach towards conflict, tension and differences of opinion. Your example(s) should highlight the importance of your role in resolving these issues.

8. Creative skills interview questions:

Question: Give me an example of your creativity?

Answer sample:

One of my key creative accomplishments occurred in my current job, when I had to increase market share for a new product without increasing our existing marketing budget. I kicked off with some internal brainstorming on how to maximize the use of our resources and be more creative in the way we market. I worked with our two interns, both of whom were creative writing majors, on creating a blog for our website, plus Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages for the company’s new product. I tasked the interns with managing the pages, and the three of us came up with relevant content for each social page. The ultimate aim was to create a community of fans and buzz around the new product.

Through product teasers on Twitter, the timely answering of questions on Facebook, and brief video tutorials on Instagram, we grew a fan base of 2,500 people in just three months. When the product was released, first day sales exceeded all expectations, and sales continued on a steady incline for the rest of the year. A lot of the success was attributed to the online fan base we developed, where positive word-of-mouth spurred an influx of customers to purchase the product through the trackable online sales page we created in-house with our design and dev teams.

9. Time management interview questions:

Question: Explain a time when you were not able to meet a deadline?

Answer: Use an example were you where not able to meet a deadline due to outside factors. For instance, there was a big project that my team was working on, and I had split up the work among some members and myself. During that time, one member of the team had to leave due to their spouse getting a position in another city. He left at a critical time, and I had to re-assign his duties to someone else. I make the new person work to speed with the progression of the project and due to this, was not able to complete it on time. We were still able to complete the project a few days after the deadline even with the change in the team member.

10. Problem solving interview questions:

The old adage goes that managers want people who come to them with solutions, not problems, and for me, I couldn’t agree more. The employees who can rise to a challenge and think of innovative ways to solve a problem are the ones who go on to achieve great things both for themselves and the business. Taking this into account, your manager may ask something like:

Question: Give an example of a challenge you faced in the workplace, and how you overcame it

Answer: If you are entering the workplace direct from school, college or university, this question will be geared towards your academic experiences.

Provide a great example of a task that involved using as many skills and abilities as possible. An ideal answer to this question enables you to demonstrate your ability to work in a team, display leadership skills and handle pressure.