Need a little bit more help? Here are some tips.
Job Interview Tips
- Bring only essential items to the interview (i.e., resume, references, portfolio, licenses, date-book, etc. ) Do not bring anything unrelated to the job into the interview.
- Arrive 15 minutes early so you can relax and review what you want to say.
- Be pleasant and friendly but businesslike to everyone you meet.
- Shake hands firmly. Be yourself. Use natural gestures and movements.
- Stress your qualifications without exaggeration. Emphasize experience and training related to the job opening.
- If your know about the company's products and services, you should refer to them as you answer questions. It is impressive if you have positive knowledge about the company. If the company is involved in any kind of problem (i.e., lawsuits, layoffs, etc.) do not bring it up.
- After being asked a question, it is okay to pause and think about your answer. Answer questions with more than a "yes" or "no". On the other hand, do not ramble. A successful interview occurs if the interviewer talks fifty-percent of the time.
- Speak positively of past employers and avoid discussing personal, domestic or financial problems.
- Know your salary range from your research. When asked "What are your ideas on salary?" answer with a question of the interviewer. i.e., "What do you pay people with my skills and experience?"
- Ask probing questions about the company plans, nature of the job, etc. Questions indicate interest and motivation. Questions are also helpful in getting the interviewer to talk.
- Be prepared if the interviewer says, "You're perfect for this job. When can you start?" Preparing for this question can prevent a snap decision. Most employers will allow you time to make this decision. But - what if they ask, "Can you start tomorrow?"
- Thank the interviewer even if they indicate that you are not right for the job. Ask about other companies that might be hiring.
- Get a name of someone to see.
- Send a brief thank you note immediately after the interview.
- Call a few days after the interview to see if a hiring decision has been made.
Interview Questions and Example Answers
General Questions
1. Tell me about you!
Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your resume summary as a base to start. Always be very positive. Never say anything negative. This is not confession time. This is a good time to use your 15-30 second “sound bite” that you have prepared. After you have answered this question, you may want to ask, “May I ask you a question?” “What exactly are you looking for in a person that will fill this position?”
2. What do you know about our company?
Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company.
3. Why do you want to work for us?
Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals. You should not say, “because its close to home or because a friend works there, etc.”
4. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer.
5. What about the job offered do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor.
6. Why are you interested in this position?
Relate how your goals and the job description posting relate to the position and how you see yourself contributing to the overall operations of the office.
7. Why should we hire you?
If the interviewer has not provided you an opportunity to verbalize on your strengths and attributes for the position, this is your opportunity to expound on accomplishments and all the positive qualities that you would bring to the office and utilize in the position. Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills.
8. What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.
9. Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you are being interviewed).
Keep it brief -- give an action- and results-oriented definition.
10. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Trick question — Be careful not to come across like gangbusters, ready to revamp the entire organization. Respond by stating that you cannot focus on an exact time or date, but that you are a quick learner and would make every effort to learn the operations as soon as possible. Or you can say, “Not long at all —I expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve.”
11. How long would you stay with us?
Testy question — Don’t give a time or yearly estimate. Instead indicate that you will stay as long as you are needed and can contribute to the mission of the organization.
12. What types of people tend to rub you the wrong way?
Trick question — Respond stating, “No one and that you are able to interact compatibly with all individuals at all levels”.
13. What do you think determines an individual’s progress on the job?
Don’t get creative on this one. Just give the good ol’ positive response. Hard-work, knowledge of the programs and operational methodologies, giving 110 percent of your best, taking on additional challenging assignments, attending job-related training courses and actively utilizing the information provided in daily work.
Experience and Management Questions
1. You may be overqualified for the position we have to offer.
Strong companies need strong people. A growing, energetic company is rarely unable to use its employees' talents. Emphasize your interest in a long-term association, pointing out that the employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more experience than required.
2. What is your management style?
(If you've never thought about this, it's high time you did.) "Open-door management" is best ... And you get the job done on time or inform your management.
3. Are you a good manager? Give an example. Why do you feel you have top managerial potential?
Keep your answer achievement- and task-oriented; emphasize management skills -- planning, organizing, interpersonal, etc.
4. What do you look for when you hire people?
Skills, initiative, adaptability.
5. Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it?
Give a brief example of a time when you faced this, and stress that it worked out well.
6. What do you see as the most difficult task in being a manager?
Getting things planned and done on time within the budget.
7. What do your subordinates think of you?
Be honest and positive...they can check your responses easily.
8. What is your biggest weakness as a manager?
Be honest and end on a positive note, e.g. "I don't enjoy reprimanding people, so I try to begin with something positive first."
9. What kind of things have you been criticized for in previous jobs?
Never state anything negative — may say you work too hard, take too much home, don’t take enough time for lunch, etc.
10. What kinds of decisions do you have difficulty making?
Trick question — Respond by stating “only items in which I am unfamiliar — in which case I make decisions once provided with all relevant information on the various aspects of the matter”.
11. What types of situations cause you to lose your temper?
Trick question — Respond by saying, “None, I am able to maintain my composure no matter how stressful a situation may become.”
12. What are your strengths?
This is what you have been waiting for. Be positive and don’t be afraid to use some the job descriptions that have been mentioned in the job posting. I’m resourceful, a hard-worker, strong in analytical abilities, able to communicate easily with others — both verbally and in writing.
13. What are your weaknesses?
Trick question— This is not confession time. NEVER admit a weakness! You must answer positively and not with any negative quips. Turn your “weaknesses” into strengths by stating such tings as, “I tend to get too involved in my work and take projects home and/or work through lunch hours if the assignment has a short turn around time”, or “I become involved in the organizational mission and tend to make suggestions to improve efficiency or effectiveness”. “I am a perfectionist (strength). I realize that this tends to slow me down a little (weakness), but I always meet deadlines and you can depend that my work will be done completely and accurately (strength). “Some may think my lack of experience is a weakness (weakness), but I am easily trainable and will do the job the way you want it don (strength). Or you may use a little humor,
Industry Trend Questions What important trends do you see in our industry?
Keep your answer to two or three trends.
If You Are Leaving a Job
1. Why are you leaving your present job?
Be Careful — trick question! Respond by saying that you felt as though this position would provide you with an opportunity to utilize your skills to their utmost capacity in achieving the ___________ goals of this organization. DO NOT mention because of promotion or proximity to residence. Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated. This is where the 15-30 second “sound bite” comes in handy. Be very positive and DO NOT criticize or castigate your previous company, employer, supervisor, or co-workers.
2. How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?
Concerned but not panicked.
3. Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.
One in which people are treated as fairly as possible.
4. How would you evaluate your present firm?
It's an excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences.
5. Do you work better by yourself or with others?
Trick question — respond by stating, “I can work equally well either way”.
6. Will your employer be unhappy when he/she learns of your leaving?
Trick question — you had better be saying, “yes” to this question. (If your employer wouldn’t be, why should the potential employer hire you?)
Quantifying Your Experience and Accomplishments
1. How have you helped increase sales? Profits?
Explain in some detail, citing figures and specific examples.
2. Have you helped reduce costs? How?
Describe in some detail with specifics.
3. How much money did you account for?
Give examples as to your responsibilities. Explain how the budget was determined, and your role in overseeing your department's portion.
4. How many people did you supervise on your last job?
Explain the structure of your department and your role as manager.
5. Do you like working with figures more than words?
Be honest but positive.
6. In your current or last position, what features did you like the most? Least?
Be honest but put a positive spin on your least favorite duties.
7. In your current or last position, what are or were your five most significant accomplishments?
Refer to the key accomplishments already identified on your resume.
8. What have you learned from some of the positions you have held?
Respond to this question by relating some positive learned gems, never negative, from previous positions that are applicable to this position.
9. Which of your positions did you like the best and why?
Respond by providing information regarding a similar position (to the one that is being applied for); working for the organization/ company (even if in another capacity); and/or working in a position where skills needed in this position were utilized.
10. What honors have you received?
Don’t be humble. Cite all awards, citations, and recognition, etc., giving organization, purpose and approximate year of receipt.
11. How do your skills relate to the needs of my organization?
Respond with definitive answers relative to past projects and/or assignments, providing samples. (Be sure that you can allow interviewer to keep sample if at all possible.) This is a good example of when a career catalog or portfolio would come in handy.
12. How do you feel about your career progress this far?
Good. Be very positive. You might say, “I have grown in knowledge and experience with each position to the extent that I am here today.”
Job Search Questions
1. Why haven't you found a new position before now?
Finding a job is easy; finding the right job is more difficult. Stress that you are being selective, and are looking for the right "fit."
2. Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If so, what do you think held you there?
Explain that your job is no longer challenging and that you feel your talents are best used elsewhere.
3. What do you think of your boss?
NEVER, Never, never, never say anything bad about your old boss or his company!!!! There was at least on quality that you liked about your old boss. Talk about that quality!!!!! Be as positive as you can, even if you don't really believe it.
4. What type of boss do you prefer?
This is pretty open — you may respond by saying, “someone who allows me to work independently, but is there to provide support when I need him/her”.
5. Would you describe a situation in which your work was criticized?
Be as positive as you can and emphasize what you learned from the situation.
6. What other types of jobs or companies are you considering?
Keep your answer related to this company's field, and don't give out specific company names. .
7. What do you expect to gain from this position?
Respond by relating your current and long range goals to the experience you will gain from working in the organization. Also relate your goals towards the overall objectives of the company/agency.
8. How have your previous jobs brought you to this point in your career?
Mention the historical progression of your skills from position to position as they relate to the position you are being interviewed for.
9. Why do you want to be in this field?
Cite your knowledge of the types of assignments indicative of the career field, the most appropriate temperament and your realization after “having done your homework” sometime ago that your strengths would best be utilized in this career field.
10. Do you want my job?
It is safe to respond by saying, “not your particular position, but perhaps a similar one like yours in the future.”
Your Work Habits and Style
1. If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Emphasize your skills, and don't be overly negative about your weaknesses. It's always safer to identify a lack of a skill as an area for improvement rather than a shortcoming.
2. Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.?
Yes, it's a way of life in business. Be sure to cite examples of your success.
3. How have you changed the nature of your job?
Explain how you have improved the efficiency, productivity, and the like.
4. Do you prefer staff or line work? Why?
It depends on the job and its challenges.
5. In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?
Keep it brief and don't brag.
6. Do you feel you might be better off in a different size company? Different type company?
It depends on the job -- elaborate slightly.
7. How do you resolve conflict on a project team?
Explain that communication is important, and that you would first you discuss the issues privately.
8. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
Try to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.
9. What personal characteristics do you think are necessary for this position?
Choose characteristics either mentioned in the job announcements or by previous incumbents, e.g. ability to get along with others, ability to resolve problems independently or technical proficiency in _________________.
10. Will you fight to get ahead?
Trick question — Employers don’t want employees who are not career-minded. Appropriate response is “yes”. However, an emphasis of being a team player is important too.
11. Do you have an analytical mind?
Yes.
12. How would your best friend describe you?
Indicate the types of characteristics prominent in the position — hard-working, dedicated, a reliable person, etc.
1. Tell me about you!
Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your resume summary as a base to start. Always be very positive. Never say anything negative. This is not confession time. This is a good time to use your 15-30 second “sound bite” that you have prepared. After you have answered this question, you may want to ask, “May I ask you a question?” “What exactly are you looking for in a person that will fill this position?”
2. What do you know about our company?
Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company.
3. Why do you want to work for us?
Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals. You should not say, “because its close to home or because a friend works there, etc.”
4. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer.
5. What about the job offered do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor.
6. Why are you interested in this position?
Relate how your goals and the job description posting relate to the position and how you see yourself contributing to the overall operations of the office.
7. Why should we hire you?
If the interviewer has not provided you an opportunity to verbalize on your strengths and attributes for the position, this is your opportunity to expound on accomplishments and all the positive qualities that you would bring to the office and utilize in the position. Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills.
8. What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.
9. Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you are being interviewed).
Keep it brief -- give an action- and results-oriented definition.
10. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Trick question — Be careful not to come across like gangbusters, ready to revamp the entire organization. Respond by stating that you cannot focus on an exact time or date, but that you are a quick learner and would make every effort to learn the operations as soon as possible. Or you can say, “Not long at all —I expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve.”
11. How long would you stay with us?
Testy question — Don’t give a time or yearly estimate. Instead indicate that you will stay as long as you are needed and can contribute to the mission of the organization.
12. What types of people tend to rub you the wrong way?
Trick question — Respond stating, “No one and that you are able to interact compatibly with all individuals at all levels”.
13. What do you think determines an individual’s progress on the job?
Don’t get creative on this one. Just give the good ol’ positive response. Hard-work, knowledge of the programs and operational methodologies, giving 110 percent of your best, taking on additional challenging assignments, attending job-related training courses and actively utilizing the information provided in daily work.
Experience and Management Questions
1. You may be overqualified for the position we have to offer.
Strong companies need strong people. A growing, energetic company is rarely unable to use its employees' talents. Emphasize your interest in a long-term association, pointing out that the employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more experience than required.
2. What is your management style?
(If you've never thought about this, it's high time you did.) "Open-door management" is best ... And you get the job done on time or inform your management.
3. Are you a good manager? Give an example. Why do you feel you have top managerial potential?
Keep your answer achievement- and task-oriented; emphasize management skills -- planning, organizing, interpersonal, etc.
4. What do you look for when you hire people?
Skills, initiative, adaptability.
5. Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it?
Give a brief example of a time when you faced this, and stress that it worked out well.
6. What do you see as the most difficult task in being a manager?
Getting things planned and done on time within the budget.
7. What do your subordinates think of you?
Be honest and positive...they can check your responses easily.
8. What is your biggest weakness as a manager?
Be honest and end on a positive note, e.g. "I don't enjoy reprimanding people, so I try to begin with something positive first."
9. What kind of things have you been criticized for in previous jobs?
Never state anything negative — may say you work too hard, take too much home, don’t take enough time for lunch, etc.
10. What kinds of decisions do you have difficulty making?
Trick question — Respond by stating “only items in which I am unfamiliar — in which case I make decisions once provided with all relevant information on the various aspects of the matter”.
11. What types of situations cause you to lose your temper?
Trick question — Respond by saying, “None, I am able to maintain my composure no matter how stressful a situation may become.”
12. What are your strengths?
This is what you have been waiting for. Be positive and don’t be afraid to use some the job descriptions that have been mentioned in the job posting. I’m resourceful, a hard-worker, strong in analytical abilities, able to communicate easily with others — both verbally and in writing.
13. What are your weaknesses?
Trick question— This is not confession time. NEVER admit a weakness! You must answer positively and not with any negative quips. Turn your “weaknesses” into strengths by stating such tings as, “I tend to get too involved in my work and take projects home and/or work through lunch hours if the assignment has a short turn around time”, or “I become involved in the organizational mission and tend to make suggestions to improve efficiency or effectiveness”. “I am a perfectionist (strength). I realize that this tends to slow me down a little (weakness), but I always meet deadlines and you can depend that my work will be done completely and accurately (strength). “Some may think my lack of experience is a weakness (weakness), but I am easily trainable and will do the job the way you want it don (strength). Or you may use a little humor,
Industry Trend Questions What important trends do you see in our industry?
Keep your answer to two or three trends.
If You Are Leaving a Job
1. Why are you leaving your present job?
Be Careful — trick question! Respond by saying that you felt as though this position would provide you with an opportunity to utilize your skills to their utmost capacity in achieving the ___________ goals of this organization. DO NOT mention because of promotion or proximity to residence. Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated. This is where the 15-30 second “sound bite” comes in handy. Be very positive and DO NOT criticize or castigate your previous company, employer, supervisor, or co-workers.
2. How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?
Concerned but not panicked.
3. Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.
One in which people are treated as fairly as possible.
4. How would you evaluate your present firm?
It's an excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences.
5. Do you work better by yourself or with others?
Trick question — respond by stating, “I can work equally well either way”.
6. Will your employer be unhappy when he/she learns of your leaving?
Trick question — you had better be saying, “yes” to this question. (If your employer wouldn’t be, why should the potential employer hire you?)
Quantifying Your Experience and Accomplishments
1. How have you helped increase sales? Profits?
Explain in some detail, citing figures and specific examples.
2. Have you helped reduce costs? How?
Describe in some detail with specifics.
3. How much money did you account for?
Give examples as to your responsibilities. Explain how the budget was determined, and your role in overseeing your department's portion.
4. How many people did you supervise on your last job?
Explain the structure of your department and your role as manager.
5. Do you like working with figures more than words?
Be honest but positive.
6. In your current or last position, what features did you like the most? Least?
Be honest but put a positive spin on your least favorite duties.
7. In your current or last position, what are or were your five most significant accomplishments?
Refer to the key accomplishments already identified on your resume.
8. What have you learned from some of the positions you have held?
Respond to this question by relating some positive learned gems, never negative, from previous positions that are applicable to this position.
9. Which of your positions did you like the best and why?
Respond by providing information regarding a similar position (to the one that is being applied for); working for the organization/ company (even if in another capacity); and/or working in a position where skills needed in this position were utilized.
10. What honors have you received?
Don’t be humble. Cite all awards, citations, and recognition, etc., giving organization, purpose and approximate year of receipt.
11. How do your skills relate to the needs of my organization?
Respond with definitive answers relative to past projects and/or assignments, providing samples. (Be sure that you can allow interviewer to keep sample if at all possible.) This is a good example of when a career catalog or portfolio would come in handy.
12. How do you feel about your career progress this far?
Good. Be very positive. You might say, “I have grown in knowledge and experience with each position to the extent that I am here today.”
Job Search Questions
1. Why haven't you found a new position before now?
Finding a job is easy; finding the right job is more difficult. Stress that you are being selective, and are looking for the right "fit."
2. Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If so, what do you think held you there?
Explain that your job is no longer challenging and that you feel your talents are best used elsewhere.
3. What do you think of your boss?
NEVER, Never, never, never say anything bad about your old boss or his company!!!! There was at least on quality that you liked about your old boss. Talk about that quality!!!!! Be as positive as you can, even if you don't really believe it.
4. What type of boss do you prefer?
This is pretty open — you may respond by saying, “someone who allows me to work independently, but is there to provide support when I need him/her”.
5. Would you describe a situation in which your work was criticized?
Be as positive as you can and emphasize what you learned from the situation.
6. What other types of jobs or companies are you considering?
Keep your answer related to this company's field, and don't give out specific company names. .
7. What do you expect to gain from this position?
Respond by relating your current and long range goals to the experience you will gain from working in the organization. Also relate your goals towards the overall objectives of the company/agency.
8. How have your previous jobs brought you to this point in your career?
Mention the historical progression of your skills from position to position as they relate to the position you are being interviewed for.
9. Why do you want to be in this field?
Cite your knowledge of the types of assignments indicative of the career field, the most appropriate temperament and your realization after “having done your homework” sometime ago that your strengths would best be utilized in this career field.
10. Do you want my job?
It is safe to respond by saying, “not your particular position, but perhaps a similar one like yours in the future.”
Your Work Habits and Style
1. If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Emphasize your skills, and don't be overly negative about your weaknesses. It's always safer to identify a lack of a skill as an area for improvement rather than a shortcoming.
2. Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.?
Yes, it's a way of life in business. Be sure to cite examples of your success.
3. How have you changed the nature of your job?
Explain how you have improved the efficiency, productivity, and the like.
4. Do you prefer staff or line work? Why?
It depends on the job and its challenges.
5. In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?
Keep it brief and don't brag.
6. Do you feel you might be better off in a different size company? Different type company?
It depends on the job -- elaborate slightly.
7. How do you resolve conflict on a project team?
Explain that communication is important, and that you would first you discuss the issues privately.
8. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
Try to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.
9. What personal characteristics do you think are necessary for this position?
Choose characteristics either mentioned in the job announcements or by previous incumbents, e.g. ability to get along with others, ability to resolve problems independently or technical proficiency in _________________.
10. Will you fight to get ahead?
Trick question — Employers don’t want employees who are not career-minded. Appropriate response is “yes”. However, an emphasis of being a team player is important too.
11. Do you have an analytical mind?
Yes.
12. How would your best friend describe you?
Indicate the types of characteristics prominent in the position — hard-working, dedicated, a reliable person, etc.