50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it. 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 !obs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. "tart with the item farthest back and work up to the present. 2. Why did you leave your last ob! "tay positive regardless of the circumstances. #ever refer to a ma!or problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors$ co workers or the organi%ation. &f you do$ you will be the one looking bad. 'eep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity$ a chance to do something special or other forward looking reasons. ". What e#$erien%e do you have in this field! "peak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. &f you do not have specific e(perience$ get as close as you can. &. 'o you %onsider yourself su%%essful! You should always answer yes and briefly e(plain why. ) good e(planation is that you have set goals$ and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do %o(wor)ers say about you! Be prepared with a quote or two from co workers. *ither a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. +ill ,lark$ a co worker at "mith ,ompany$ always said & was the hardest workers she had ever known. &t is as powerful as +ill having said it at the interview herself. *. What do you )now about this or+ani,ation! This question is one reason to do some research on the organi%ation before the interview. -ind out where they have been and where they are going. .hat are the current issues and who are the ma!or players/ -. What have you done to im$rove your )nowled+e in the last year!
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the !ob. ) wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self improvement. 0ave some good ones handy to mention. .. Are you a$$lyin+ for other obs! Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. 'eep the focus on this !ob and what you can do for this organi%ation. )nything else is a distraction. /. Why do you want to wor) for this or+ani,ation! This may take some thought and certainly$ should be based on the research you have done on the organi%ation. "incerity is e(tremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long term career goals. 10. 'o you )now anyone who wor)s for us! Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organi%ation. 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 )ind of salary do you need! ) loaded question. ) nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. "o$ do not answer it. &nstead$ say something like$ That1s a tough question. ,an you tell me the range for this position/ &n most cases$ the interviewer$ taken off guard$ will tell you. &f not$ say that it can depend on the details of the !ob. Then give a wide range. 12. Are you a team $layer! You are$ of course$ a team player. Be sure to have e(amples ready. "pecifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. 2o not brag$ !ust say it in a matter of fact tone. This is a key point. 1". 0ow lon+ would you e#$e%t to wor) for us if hired! "pecifics here are not good. "omething like this should work3 &1d like it to be a long time. 4r )s long as we both feel &1m doing a good !ob. 1&. 0ave you ever had to fire anyone! 0ow did you feel about that! This is serious. 2o not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. )t the same time$ you will do it when it is the right thing to do. .hen it comes to the organi%ation versus the individual who has created a harmful situation$ you will protect the organi%ation. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force. 15. What is your $hiloso$hy towards wor)!
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. 2o you have strong feelings that the !ob gets done/ Yes. That1s the type of answer that works best here. "hort and positive$ showing a benefit to the organi%ation. 1*. If you had enou+h money to retire ri+ht now1 would you! )nswer yes if you would. But since you need to work$ this is the type of work you prefer. 2o not say yes if you do not mean it. 1-. 0ave you ever been as)ed to leave a $osition! &f you have not$ say no. &f you have$ be honest$ brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organi%ation involved. 1.. 2#$lain how you would be an asset to this or+ani,ation. You should be an(ious for this question. &t gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. 5ive a little advance thought to this relationship. 1/. Why should we hire you! 6oint out how your assets meet what the organi%ation needs. 2o not mention any other candidates to make a comparison. 20. Tell me about a su++estion you have made. 0ave a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. 4ne related to the type of work applied for is a real plus. 21. What irritates you about %o(wor)ers! This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. ) short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great. 22. What is your +reatest stren+th! #umerous answers are good$ !ust stay positive. ) few good e(amples3 Your ability to prioriti%e$ Your problem solving skills$ Your ability to work under pressure$ Your ability to focus on pro!ects$ Your professional e(pertise$ Your leadership skills$ Your positive attitude 2". Tell me about your dream ob. "tay away from a specific !ob. You cannot win. &f you say the !ob you are contending for is it$ you strain credibility. &f you say another !ob 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 like3 ) !ob where & love the work$ like the people$ can contribute and can1t wait to get to work.
2&. Why do you thin) you would do well at this ob! 5ive several reasons and include skills$ e(perience and interest. 25. What are you loo)in+ for in a ob! "ee answer 7 89 2*. What )ind of $erson would you refuse to wor) with! 2o not be trivial. &t would take disloyalty to the organi%ation$ violence or lawbreaking to get you to ob!ect. :inor ob!ections will label you as a whiner. 2-. What is more im$ortant to you: the money or the wor)! :oney is always important$ but the work is the most important. There is no better answer. 2.. What would your $revious su$ervisor say your stron+est $oint is! There are numerous good possibilities3 Loyalty$ *nergy$ 6ositive attitude$ Leadership$ Team player$ *(pertise$ &nitiative$ 6atience$ 0ard work$ ,reativity$ 6roblem solver 2/. Tell me about a $roblem you had with a su$ervisor. Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. &f you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss$ you may well below the interview right there. "tay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor. "0. What has disa$$ointed you about a ob! 2on1t get trivial or negative. "afe areas are few but can include3 #ot enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction ,ompany did not win a contract$ which would have given you more responsibility. "1. Tell me about your ability to wor) under $ressure. You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. 5ive an e(ample that relates to the type of position applied for. "2. 'o your s)ills mat%h this ob or another ob more %losely! 6robably this one. 2o not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another !ob more than this one. "". What motivates you to do your best on the ob!
This is a personal trait that only you can say$ but good e(amples are3 ,hallenge$ )chievement$ Recognition "&. Are you willin+ to wor) overtime! 3i+hts! Wee)ends! This is up to you. Be totally honest. "5. 0ow would you )now you were su%%essful on this ob! "everal ways are good measures3 You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful "*. Would you be willin+ to relo%ate if re4uired! You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. 2o not say yes !ust to get the !ob 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. "-. Are you willin+ to $ut the interests of the or+ani,ation ahead of your own! This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. 2o not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. +ust say yes. ".. 'es%ribe your mana+ement style. Try to avoid labels. "ome of the more common labels$ like progressive$ salesman or consensus$ can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management e(pert you listen to. The situational style is safe$ because it says you will manage according to the situation$ instead of one si%e fits all. "/. What have you learned from mista)es on the ob! 0ere you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. :ake it small$ well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. )n e(ample would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a pro!ect and thus throwing coordination off. &0. 'o you have any blind s$ots! Trick question. &f you know about blind spots$ they are no longer blind spots. 2o not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. 2o not hand it to them. &1. If you were hirin+ a $erson for this ob1 what would you loo) for!
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have. &2. 'o you thin) you are over4ualified for this $osition! Regardless of your qualifications$ state that you are very well qualified for the position. &". 0ow do you $ro$ose to %om$ensate for your la%) of e#$erien%e! -irst$ if you have e(perience that the interviewer does not know about$ bring that up3 Then$ point out ;if true< that you are a hard working quick learner. &&. What 4ualities do you loo) for in a boss! Be generic and positive. "afe qualities are knowledgeable$ a sense of humor$ fair$ loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. )ll bosses think they have these traits. &5. Tell me about a time when you hel$ed resolve a dis$ute between others. 6ick a specific incident. ,oncentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled. &*. What $osition do you $refer on a team wor)in+ on a $ro e%t! Be honest. &f you are comfortable in different roles$ point that out. &-. 'es%ribe your wor) ethi%. *mphasi%e benefits to the organi%ation. Things like$ determination to get the !ob done and work hard but en!oy your work are good. &.. What has been your bi++est $rofessional disa$$ointment! Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. "how acceptance and no negative feelings. &/. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the ob. Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organi%ation. 50. 'o you have any 4uestions for me! )lways have some questions prepared. =uestions prepared where you will be an asset to the organi%ation are good. 0ow soon will & be able to be productive/ and .hat type of pro!ects will & be able to assist on/ are e(amples. )nd -inally 5ood Luck
-. What have you done to im$rove your )nowled+e in the last year! Try to include improvement activities that relate to the !ob. ) wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self improvement. 0ave some good ones handy to mention. .. Are you a$$lyin+ for other obs! Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. 'eep the focus on this !ob and what you can do for this organi%ation. )nything else is a distraction. /. Why do you want to wor) for this or+ani,ation! This may take some thought and certainly$ should be based on the research you have done on the organi%ation. "incerity is e(tremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long term career goals. 10. 'o you )now anyone who wor)s for us! Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organi%ation. 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 )ind of salary do you need! ) loaded question. ) nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. "o$ do not answer it. &nstead$ say something like$ ThatBs a tough question. ,an you tell me the range for this position/ &n most cases$ the interviewer$ taken off guard$ will tell you. &f not$ say that it can depend on the details of the !ob. Then give a wide range. 12. Are you a team $layer! You are$ of course$ a team player. Be sure to have e(amples ready. "pecifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. 2o not brag$ !ust say it in a matter of fact tone. This is a key point. 1". 0ow lon+ would you e#$e%t to wor) for us if hired! "pecifics here are not good. "omething like this should work3 &Bd like it to be a long time. 4r )s long as we both feel &Bm doing a good !ob. 1&. 0ave you ever had to fire anyone! 0ow did you feel about that! This is serious. 2o not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. )t the same time$ you will do it when it is the right thing to do. .hen it comes to the organi%ation versus the individual who has created a harmful situation$ you will protect the
organi%ation. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force. 15. What is your $hiloso$hy towards wor)! The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. 2o you have strong feelings that the !ob gets done/ Yes. ThatBs the type of answer that works best here. "hort and positive$ showing a benefit to the organi%ation. 1*. If you had enou+h money to retire ri+ht now1 would you! )nswer yes if you would. But since you need to work$ this is the type of work you prefer. 2o not say yes if you do not mean it. 1-. 0ave you ever been as)ed to leave a $osition! &f you have not$ say no. &f you have$ be honest$ brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organi%ation involved. 1.. 2#$lain how you would be an asset to this or+ani,ation You should be an(ious for this question. &t gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. 5ive a little advance thought to this relationship. 1/. Why should we hire you! 6oint out how your assets meet what the organi%ation needs. 2o not mention any other candidates to make a comparison. 20. Tell me about a su++estion you have made 0ave a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. 4ne related to the type of work applied for is a real plus. 21. What irritates you about %o(wor)ers! This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. ) short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great. 22. What is your +reatest stren+th! #umerous answers are good$ !ust stay positive. ) few good e(amples3 Your ability to prioriti%e$ Your problem solving skills$ Your ability to work under pressure$ Your ability to focus on pro!ects$ Your professional e(pertise$ Your leadership skills$ Your positive attitude 2". Tell me about your dream ob. "tay away from a specific !ob. You cannot win. &f you say the !ob you are contending for is it$ you strain credibility. &f you say another !ob 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 like3 ) !ob where & love the work$ like the people$ can contribute and canBt wait to get to work. 2&. Why do you thin) you would do well at this ob! 5ive several reasons and include skills$ e(perience and interest. 25. What are you loo)in+ for in a ob! "ee answer 7 89 2*. What )ind of $erson would you refuse to wor) with! 2o not be trivial. &t would take disloyalty to the organi%ation$ violence or lawbreaking to get you to ob!ect. :inor ob!ections will label you as a whiner. 2-. What is more im$ortant to you: the money or the wor)! :oney is always important$ but the work is the most important. There is no better answer. 2.. What would your $revious su$ervisor say your stron+est $oint is! There are numerous good possibilities3 Loyalty$ *nergy$ 6ositive attitude$ Leadership$ Team player$ *(pertise$ &nitiative$ 6atience$ 0ard work$ ,reativity$ 6roblem solver 2/. Tell me about a $roblem you had with a su$ervisor Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. &f you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss$ you may well below the interview right there. "tay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor. "0. What has disa$$ointed you about a ob! 2onBt get trivial or negative. "afe areas are few but can include3 #ot enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction ,ompany did not win a contract$ which would have given you more responsibility. "1. Tell me about your ability to wor) under $ressure. You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. 5ive an e(ample that relates to the type of position applied for. "2. 'o your s)ills mat%h this ob or another ob more %losely! 6robably this one. 2o not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another !ob more than this one. "". What motivates you to do your best on the ob! This is a personal trait that only you can say$ but good e(amples are3 ,hallenge$ )chievement$ Recognition
"&. Are you willin+ to wor) overtime! 3i+hts! Wee)ends! This is up to you. Be totally honest. "5. 0ow would you )now you were su%%essful on this ob! "everal ways are good measures3 You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful "*. Would you be willin+ to relo%ate if re4uired! You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. 2o not say yes !ust to get the !ob 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. "-. Are you willin+ to $ut the interests of the or+ani,ation ahead ofyour own! This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. 2o not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. +ust say yes. ".. 'es%ribe your mana+ement style. Try to avoid labels. "ome of the more common labels$ like progressive$ salesman or consensus$ can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management e(pert you listen to. The situational style is safe$ because it says you will manage according to the situation$ instead of one si%e fits all. "/. What have you learned from mista)es on the ob! 0ere you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. :ake it small$ well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. )n e(ample would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a pro!ect and thus throwing coordination off. &0. 'o you have any blind s$ots! Trick question. &f you know about blind spots$ they are no longer blind spots. 2o not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. 2o not hand it to them. &1. If you were hirin+ a $erson for this ob1 what would you loo) for! Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have. &2. 'o you thin) you are over4ualified for this $osition! Regardless of your qualifications$ state that you are very well qualified for the position. &". 0ow do you $ro$ose to %om$ensate for your la%) of e#$erien%e! -irst$ if you have e(perience that the interviewer does not know about$
bring that up3 Then$ point out ;if true< that you are a hard working quick learner. &&. What 4ualities do you loo) for in a boss! Be generic and positive. "afe qualities are knowledgeable$ a sense of humor$ fair$ loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. )ll bosses think they have these traits. &5. Tell me about a time when you hel$ed resolve a dis$ute betweenothers. 6ick a specific incident. ,oncentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled. &*. What $osition do you $refer on a team wor)in+ on a $ro e%t! Be honest. &f you are comfortable in different roles$ point that out. &-. 'es%ribe your wor) ethi%. *mphasi%e benefits to the organi%ation. Things like$ determination to get the !ob done and work hard but en!oy your work are good. &.. What has been your bi++est $rofessional disa$$ointment! Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. "how acceptance and no negative feelings. &/. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the ob. Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organi%ation. 50. 'o you have any 4uestions for me! )lways have some questions prepared. =uestions prepared where you will be an asset to the organi%ation are good. 0ow soon will & be able to be productive/ and .hat type of pro!ects will & be able to assist on/ are e(amples.
2#am$le 6ob Interview Questions and Answers ,ongratulationsC You have applied for a !ob and now you are getting ready for that important !ob interview. Your *nglish is e(cellent and you are looking forward to making a good impression on your future ;hopefully< boss. #ow$ you need to make sure that you also have the right type of *nglish for that !ob interview. The !ob interview in *nglish contains specific questions and appropriate answers. &t also requires a certain fle(ibility in your usage of tenses. This feature provides tips on !ob interview questions and answers in *nglish. .hen you walk in the room the very first impression you make on the interviewer can have a great influence on the rest of the interview. &t is important that you introduce yourself$ shake
hands$ and are friendly. The first question is often a Dbreaking the iceD ;establish a rapport< type of question. 2on1t be surprised if the interviewer asks you something like3
0ow are you today/ 2id you have any trouble finding us/ .hat do you think of the weather lately/
2on1t be surprised by the friendly tone. The interviewer wants to put you at ease ;help you rela(<. )nswer the question without going into too much detail. The language you use should be simple but polite$ for e(ample; 0ow are you today/ <==' &1m fine thank you$ and you/ &1m well thank you. >A' "o$ so 4' #ot so well What is most im$ortant! Talking about your e(perience and credentials ;qualifications< is the most important part of any !ob interview. Your qualifications include your education from 0igh "chool on and any special training you may have done in the past. Your e(perience is any work that you have done that is directly or indirectly related to the !ob you are applying for. 2du%ation Remember that your education took place in the past. Therefore you need to use the past tenses$ for e(ample3 & attended the Eniversity of 0elsinki from >?FG to >??9. & graduated with a degree in agricultural planning. *tc. &f you are currently a student you should use the following present tenses3 & am currently studying at the Eniversity of #ew York and will graduate with a degree in *conomics in the spring. & am studying *nglish at the Borough ,ommunity ,ollege. *tc. Remember to include any training you may have had when talking about your education. This includes any computer training$ correspondence courses$ etc. :ake sure to mention your *nglish
studies. This is very important as *nglish is not your first language and the employer may be concerned about this fact. )ssure the employer that you are continuing to improve your *nglish skills by any courses you may be taking$ or by saying that you study a certain number of hours a week to improve your skills. 2#$erien%e and Qualifi%ations .ork e(perience is by far the most important topic of any !ob interview ;at least in the Enited "tates and Britain<. Therefore$ it is important to e(plain what e(perience you have in detail. 5enerally$ employers want to know e(actly what you did and how well you accomplished your tasks. This is not the time to be modest. Be confident$ and talk freely about your accomplishments in past employment. The tenses you should use are the following: .hen talking about current employment be careful to use the present perfect or present perfect continuous. This signals that you are still performing these tasks at your current !ob$ for e(ample3 "mith and ,o. have employed me for the last 9 years as a salesperson. & have been creating customer contacts for Amonths. *tc. .hen talking about past employers use the past tenses to signal that you are no longer working for that company$ for e(ample3 & was employed by +ackson1s from >?F? to >??8 as a clerk. & worked as a receptionist at the Rit% while & was living in #ew York. *tc. Tal)in+ about ?es$onsibilities :ost importantly$ you will need to demonstrate your qualifications and skills$ which are required for the !ob you are applying for. The !ob skills that you have acquired in the past may not have been for the same e(act !ob. Therefore$ it is important to show how the capabilities you do have relate to the !ob you are applying for. & remember a wonderful e(ample of adapting skills to fit the !ob desired. & had a student from :oscow who had worked as the manager of an important theater in :oscow. Enfortunately$ he had to start from the beginning in #ew York and therefore wanted to get a !ob as a rodent e(terminator ;someone who kills ratsC<. .hen asked what kind of e(perience he had$ he replied that$ as the manager of the theater$ he had had to make sure that the theater was always rodent free and was therefore capable of doing the !ob wellC This is a fantastic e(ample of the type of adaptability most employers in the Enited "tates are looking for. 4n the ne(t page you will find a list of appropriate vocabulary to use in the !ob interviewing process. 5ood luckC
Use the Right Word Below is a list of great verbs to help you express just exactly what you did with impressive vocabulary. These verbs are used to express responsibilities and tasks performed: acted accomplished adapted administered advanced advised allocated analyzed applied approved arbitrated arranged assisted attained blended brought built carried out catalogued changed classified collaborated compared completed computed conceived conducted constructed consulted contracted controlled cooperated coordinated corrected counseled created dealt decided
decreased defined delegated derived designated detected developed devised directed discovered distributed documented doubled edited encouraged engineered enlarged escalated established estimated evaluated examined expanded experienced explored facilitated finalized formulated founded functioned governed grouped guided handled harmonized harnessed headed identified implemented improved increased indexed initiated inspected
installed instituted interpreted introduced invented investigated justified led localized located made managed maintained mechanized merged moderated motivated negotiated opened operated organized originated overcame perceived performed pioneered planned prepared presented presided processed programmed promoted provided purchased raised recommended recorded recruited rectified redesigned repaired replaced restored
reversed reviewed revised saved screened selected serviced set up solved sorted sparked specified started stimulated strengthened summarized supervised supported systematized tested trained transacted transcribed transformed tripled upgraded validated varied verified vitalized won wrote To describe your skills the following adjectives are useful accurate active adaptable adept broad-minded competent conscientious creative dependable
determined diplomatic discreet efficient energetic enterprising enthusiastic experienced fair firm genuine honest innovative logical loyal mature methodical motivated objective outgoing personable pleasant positive practical productive reliable resourceful self disciplined sense of humor sensitive sincere successful tactful trustworthy se these verbs and adjectives and really sell yourself. !ou only have a few minutes to show how good you really are. By using this precise vocabulary and being confident can help you make the best impression possible.