Q#1 – How long have you been looking for a job?

(Concern – is there something wrong with you

that other employers have picked up?)
A#1 – “After I was laid off from my last job, I took the opportunity to take some time out to
examine my career goals and where I was going with my life. I have just begun my search in the
last few weeks. I have a definite goal in mind and have been selective about the positions I
consider. Your company and this position are of great interest to me.”

Q#2 – How did you prepare for this interview? (Concern – are you interested enough to do some
research, or are you going to “wing it”?)
A#2 – “When I found this position posted on the internet (monster.com) I was immediately
interested. I checked out the company website and mission statement, looked at the bios of
company founders and executives, and was impressed. Once I had the interview appointment, I
talked with friends and acquaintances in the industry. And, I’m sure I’ll find out a lot more in
today’s meetings.”

Q#3 – What is your salary expectation for this job? (Concern – Can we afford you? Can we get
you for less than budgeted?)
A#3 – “I’ll need more information about the job and the responsibilities involved before we can
begin to discuss salary. Can you give me an idea of the range budgeted for this position?”

Q#4 – How do you keep current and informed about your job and the industries that you have
worked in? (Concern – Once you get the job do you continue to learn and grow – stay challenged
and motivated?)
A#4 – “I pride myself on my ability to stay on top of what is happening in my industry. I do a lot
of reading – the business section of the newspapers and magazines. I belong to a couple of
professional organizations and network with colleagues at the meetings. I take classes and
seminars whenever they are of interest, or offer new information or technology.”

Q#5 – Tell me about a time when you had to plan and coordinate a project from start to finish.
(Concern – behavioral questions – seeking an example of specific past behavior)
A#5 – ” I headed up a project which involved customer service personnel and technicians. I
organized a meeting to get everyone together to brainstorm and get his or her input. From this
meeting I drew up a plan, taking the best of the ideas. I organized teams, balancing the mixture
of technical and non-technical people. We had a deadline to meet, so I did periodic checks with
the teams. After three weeks, we were exceeding expectations, and were able to begin
implementation of the plan. It was a great team effort, and a big success. I was commended by
management for my leadership, but I was most proud of the team spirit and cooperation which it
took to pull it off.”

Q#6 – What kinds of people do you have difficulties working with? (Concern – ability to be
flexible and work in a diverse environment?)
A#6 – “In my last three jobs I have worked with men and women from very diverse backgrounds
and cultures. The only time I had difficulty was with people who were dishonest about work
issues. I worked with one woman who was taking credit for work that her team accomplished. I
had an opportunity to talk with her one day and explained how she was affecting the morale. She
became very upset that others saw her that way, and said she was unaware of her behavior or the
reactions of others. Her behavior changed after our talk. What I learned from that experience is
that sometimes what we perceive about others is not always the case if we check it out.”

Q#7 – We expect managers to work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have a problem with that?
(Concern – are you a work-aholic or a person who requires balance?)
A#7 – “I have no problem working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour days. What I have
found works for me is to work smarter, not necessarily longer. My goal is to get the job done,
whatever that takes, in the most efficient manner.”

Q#8 – When have you been most satisfied in your career? (Concern – what motivates you? Or
demotivates you?)
A#8 – “The job before the one I am currently at, was my most rewarding experience for me. I
worked in a wonderful team environment. There was a lot of camaraderie. I worked with a team
of four people and we did some really original thinking. It is that kind of environment I want to
be involved in again.”

Q#9 – Why do you want this job? (Concern – are you using the shot-gun approach to job search
or do you really know what you want?)
A#9 – “I’ve been very careful about the companies where I have applied. When I saw the ad for
this position, I knew I found what I was looking for. What I can bring to this job is my seven
years of experience, and knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to communicate and build
customer relationships. That, along with my flexibility and organizational skills, makes me a
perfect match for this position. I see some challenges ahead of me here, and that’s what I thrive
on. I have what you need, and you have what I want.”

Q#10 – We are ready to make an offer. Are you ready to accept today? (Concern – we don’t
want you to go away and think about it and change your mind – we want you.)
A#10 – “Based on my research and the information I have gathered during the interview process,
I feel I am in a position to consider an offer. I do, however, have a personal policy that I give
myself at least 24 hours to make major life decisions. I could let you know by tomorrow.”
There is no way you can accurately predict the questions that will be asked in an interview, but
you can be ready and prepared by thinking about the factors that might concern an interviewer or
employer before the interview.

1. Tell me about yourself:

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in
your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless
instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the
position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management
and never speak ill of supervisors, co- workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one
looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a
chance to do something special or other forward- looking reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field?

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.

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

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.

5. What do co-workers say about you?

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.

6. What do you know about this 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?

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

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.

8. Are you applying for other jobs?

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. Anything else is a distraction.

9. Why do you want to work for this organization?

This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the
organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your
long-term career goals.

10. Do you know anyone who works for us?

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 are
well thought of.

11. What kind of salary do you need?

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. Then give a wide range.

12. Are you a team player?

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often
perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude.
Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

13. How long would you expect to work for us 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.

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the
same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization
versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization.
Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

15. What is your philosophy towards work?

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.

16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not
say yes if you do not mean it.

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

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

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization.

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.

19. Why should we hire you?

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other
candidates to make a comparison.

20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made.

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.

21. What irritates you about co-workers?

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.

22. What is your greatest strength?

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize,
Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on
projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

23. Tell me about your dream job.

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. 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.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

25. What are you looking for in a job?

See answer # 23

26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

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.

27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?

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

28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

There are numerous good possibilities:

Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard
work, Creativity, Problem solver

29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.

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.

30. What has disappointed you about a job?

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.

31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the
type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?

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

33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?

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

34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

This is up to you. Be totally honest.

35. How would you know you were successful on this job?

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

36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?

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 uture grief.

37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

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

38. Describe your management style.

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.

39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

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.

40. Do you have any blind spots?

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.

41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

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

42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

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

43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

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.

44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?

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.

45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.

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

46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

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

47. Describe your work ethic.

Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work
hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

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

49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

50. Do you have any questions for me?

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? and What type of projects will I
be able to assist on? are examples.

"Tell me a little about yourself."

When responding to this request, you should focus on both your personal and professional values.
Always be honest, but talk about your best traits only, especially those that relate to the position
for which you are applying. Highlight experiences and accomplishments you are most proud of.
Here's an example:

"I'm an experienced communications specialist with extensive knowledge of public information

tools and techniques. I've developed comprehensive communication plans for major public
events, written dozens of articles accepted by worldwide publications, and created specialized
educational programs for adults and students. I am always eager to learn new methods and
procedures, and have implemented continuous improvement techniques in my past positions that
saved money and increased productivity. I like working with people and enjoy group projects,
but am also a self-starter who doesn't mind working on my own. I'm a volunteer with the local
chapter of Special Olympics and enjoy participating in community events. My goals are to
complete my Master's Degree and broaden my experiences with community relations."

Remember to tailor your response to the specific job. By studying the job announcement, you'll
get a good idea of the skills and experience being sought. Work those into your response.

Consider this your own personal commercial. If the interview consisted of only this ONE chance
to sell yourself, what would you say?

"What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"

Choose one example from your past that was important to you and helped the company you
worked for. Give specific details about what you did, how you did it, and what the results were.
Try to pick an accomplishment that relates to the position for which you are applying. Employers
like to hear about accomplishments that reduced expenses, raised revenues, solved problems or
enhanced a company's reputation.

"What is your greatest strength?"

This is a great chance to highlight your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on your top three or
four. Some examples are: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills.
Determine which strengths would fit best with the position for which you are applying. For
example, if the job announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say:
"I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management. But my greatest strength
is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines."

"What is your greatest weakness?"

Be careful with this one. Most interview guides will tell you to answer it with a positive trait
disguised as a weakness. For example, "I tend to expect others to work as hard as I do," or "I'm a
bit of a perfectionist." Interviewers have heard these "canned" answers over and over again. To
stand out, be more original and state a true weakness, but then emphasize what you've done to
overcome it. For example: "I've had trouble delegating duties to others because I felt I could do
things better myself. This has sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could
handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I've taken courses in time management and
learned effective delegation techniques, and I feel I've overcome this weakness."

IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element of the position!

"How do you handle stressful situations?"

Give some examples of stressful situations you've dealt with in the past. Tell how you use time
management, problem-solving or decision-making skills to reduce stress. For example, tell them
that making a "to-do" list helps. Site stress-reducing techniques such as stretching and taking a
break. Don't be afaid to admit that you will ask for assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed.

If it's true, say you actually work better under pressure.

"What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?"

Try to make this about a problem that faced your company and not just you or your particular
work group. The bigger the problem, the better. Give specific examples of the skills and
techniques you used to resolve this problem. Emphasize the successful results. Be generous in
sharing credit if it was a team effort, but be sure to highlight your specific role.

"Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle it?"
This is a likely question if the position for which you are applying requires supervisory duties.
Explain how you used problem-solving skills, listening skills, and coaching skills to help the
employee. If those techniques turned the employee around, be sure to say so. If those techniques
failed, tell how you followed the company's policies and what the end result was.

"Why do you want this position?"

Here's where your research about the company will help you stand out among the other
candidates. Explain how you've always wanted the opportunity to work with a company that...
provides a vital public service, leads the industry in innovative products, whatever...
find something specific about that company that you can tie in with your answer. Explain how
your qualifications and goals complement the company's mission, vision and values (use specific
examples). If you are applying for a position in a company for which you already work, explain
how you'll be able to apply and expand on the knowledge and experience you've gained from
your current position, and will be able to increase your contributions and value to the company
through your new responsibilities.

"Why are you the best person for this job?"

As with all other questions, be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this. Don't try to say
you are the best qualified person, because you don't know the qualifications of the other
applicants. Instead, emphasize several reasons why you should be hired. For example: "I've got
extensive experience in [name the appropriate field] and have the specific skills you are looking
for. I'm a fast learner who adapts quickly to change and will hit the ground running. I'm
dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company meet its goals, and will provide top-
quality results with minimal oversite. I'm an outstanding performer who takes pride in my work.
You won't have any regrets when you hire me."

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Be sure the person you ask actually works for the company. Some organizations, especially
public agencies, have interview panels in which employees from other agencies participate.

Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this
job?

If they do mention something that's bothering them about you, such as lack of specific
experience, this gives you a last-ditch effort to change their opinion about you. If you've thought
about your possible weaknesses in advance, you should have a prepared answer to those
weaknesses. For example, "I know I have limited experience in this field, but what I lack in
specific experience I make up for in enthusiasm and desire to excel. I'm a fast learner and I'll
work harder than anyone else to be a top producer on your team."

When do you expect to make your final decision?

Be sure to ask that! Failure to do so may give the impression that you're not that interested, and
you need to know when to follow up.

1. Tell Me Something About Yourself

Now, this is a golden classic used at the start of interviews to break the ice and to get you to give
them a good initial run down of who you are and your "hidden" characteristics, demonstrated in
the way you present this self-story.

You should prepare a 2 to 3 minute presentation that briefly introduces your self (where you're
from), your personal interests (hobbies, community involvement etc), your work history, and
recent career experience. The most time should be spent on the accomplishments in the last two
areas.

Interviewers look out for three things:

1. If you are able to give a brief, sequential summary of your life and career that relates
to the job for which you're interviewing. Don't ramble on aimlessly on irrelevant nitty
gritty details though. If you find yourself at the 5 minute mark talking about your high
school days, you are WAY off the mark!
2. Your conversational style, your confidence level, your ability to organize and present
information.
3. An idea of the person your are behind the suit.

2. Why Do You Want To Join This Company?

OK, now they want to know your motivations for joining the company. And this is usually where
they can read between the lines in your answer, so think carefully when answering.

First, do your research on the company, its culture and market. Not enough job seekers do
enough or ANY of this which is a real no-no! Make sure you understand who you are being
interviewed by.

Second, DON'T give answers such as "Oh, because its such a cool place to work!", "I like
your salary and benefits package," or "My friends are already there and it makes it easier for
us to hang out together." OK, so maybe I exaggerate a little bit, but you should get the picture.

These answers seem "give-me" oriented and do not show the interviewer how your skills and
experience deliver what the company needs.

Third, DO demonstrate to them how you can contribute to the company's goals and how your
skills and experience match their requirements. Use concrete examples as if you were already
working there. For instance, when I interviewed with JobStreet.com for the role of Editor, I drew
up a list of things that would add value to the job seeker. Similarly, if research shows that the
company is trying to be market leader, tell them how your experience/skills will be able to let
you contribute to adding market share for the company.
3. Why Are You Looking For A New Job?
This may seem like a straightforward question to answer, but look again. It is very easy to slip up
here if you are unprepared. Most people seek another job because they are unhappy/unsatisfied
with their current employment. But relating ANYTHING in a negative light at an interview is
bad form. Most interviewers don't look so much for the reason you left, but they way you deliver
your response. So, always be honest and positive.

Even if you got fired from your last job, try to keep it brief yet honest. If you start ranting on
about how your ex boss/company was a terrible employer, they may be thinking "Is he still
dealing with bitter or sad feelings, or has he been able to focus his energy on the future and the
next position? Does she place total blame on others for her situation or does she accept at least
some responsibility for it?" Further, most terminations happen because of an ill-fit between
company and employee, not so much performance. So, try to take this angle.

If you left voluntarily, don't dwell on the negative reasons for leaving, and focus on how you can
contribute better to your new company/role.

Some examples of answers that would work are below. But again, don't just memorize these
answers and throw them out again without being really honest. Interviews never work if you
approach them like textbook exams.

1. I wanted to move my career in a new direction. (Make sure you mention what this new
direction is.)
2. My company was restructuring and I chose to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
3. I want to keep developing new skills but was unable to pursue this in my previous
company. I decided to make a change to allow this to happen.

4. What Kind Of Position Are You Looking For?

Avoid vague answers such as "I want an exciting job" or "I want to grow my skills in this
area." It shows lack of focus and motivation for your career objective.Instead, focus on your
desired position and how your skills and experience can help you be an asset within that position.
For example, "I have a strong ability to communicate and market a product as proven in my 2
years experience as marketing officer at University/company A. I believe that I understand the
consumer industry and can add value to your company's marketing efforts."

5. What Do You Consider Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This is a time to be honest, but don't go to extremes either way. You don't want to start telling
them that you are really terrible at organizing and can never be on time. Neither do you make
yourself out to be the next best thing since sliced bread.Instead, be clear and concise about
qualities that demonstrate you take responsibility for your work ethic, actions, and experiences
learned (or failures) on the job, problem-solving ability, and values.

6. What Do You Know About Our Company?

This is where your research has come in handy. It is a way to demonstrate that you are serious
about joining the company and was motivated enough to learn about it before the interview.
Don't respond by repeating each and every fact you learnt about the company, because it can
seem arrogant and memorized. Do mention its major product, markets and latest
development. Keep things positive. Also try to show your eagerness to learn more about the
company by asking some questions to the interviewer him/herself.

7. What Do You Consider Your Greatest Achievements?

Try to mention about 2-3 achievements. This is a way for interviewers to gauge how you
managed people/projects/yourself in a successful manner - which can translate into how you may
be able to succeed in the company if they hire you. Try to choose a set of achievements that
allow you to display a variety of strengths. Ie. A successful event that you set up showing your
organizational skills, successfully resolving a situation at work which demonstrates your problem
solving skills and delivering an important report under difficult circumstances which shows your
ability to handle pressure.

8. Where Do You See Yourself One / Five Years From Now?

Respond to reflect your confidence and drive to reach a level of work that will be rewarded for
your success. State realistic expectations and propose a real plan of where you intend to go
within the company. Never sound overly confident, fearful or confused.

9. What Type Of Job Assignments Did You Perform In Your Last Job?
Be honest and to the point answering this, even if the assignments performed don't exactly match
those required in the new position. However, also take the opportunity to mention any projects
your volunteered for, special projects you took on outside your work scope or elected positions
held in committees in other past jobs/university. The key point here is to try to tell them about
experience gained in areas that might be relevant to your new position.

10. When You Start A New Job, How Do You Establish Good Relationships With Your
New Colleagues and Supervisors?
It is important here to be enthusiastic and positive. Tell them how you worked well with your
past colleagues or peers in projects etc. Networking skills is important so show how you used
yours in your past to good stead.

So that wraps out the countdown! The bottomline is, be prepared, do your research, and
understand the job you are being interviewed for and how your skills / personality / experience
match the job's requirements. Close the interview with any last questions, pass on your namecard
if you have one, thank them for their time and give a firm handshake before smiling and saying
good bye.

The first interview is just a lead into the second interview or offer to a job. Not everyone is suited
for the job or the company. So don't be discouraged if you were not offered a position right away.
Keep your chin up and your cool, and don't give up on yourself!

Besides, things could be a lot worse at interviews and you could be asked a question like the one
used by Goldman Sachs in the USA, "There are eight balls, one of which is slightly heavier than
the others. You have a two-armed scale, which you are allowed to use only twice. Which ball is
heavier?" Now where is my physics textbook again...