Interviewer: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Candidate: Strengths - Along with strong technical skills, I am a team player and initiative
driven. I have proved my mettle as a team player both on the ground of sports and in other
extra-curricular activities.
Weakness: Straight forwardness which many a times proves to be detrimental.
Interviewer: Can you work under pressure?
Candidate: I fall in love with my work even before it begins and thus extra pressure doesn't
bog me down. With my inclination towards spirituality, I can strengthen my passion towards
work at my will. My belief system keeps suggesting me that extra pressure is adding more
dimensions to my skills.
Interviewer: Tell us something about yourself.
Candidate: Firstly I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity and it's my
pleasure to introduce myself. I am Deewakar from hyderabad, completed my BE with
specialization in IT with an aggregate of 71% from Pune University.
I'm a fresher with lots of enthusiasm and energy, have experienced wide exposure of
working and playing together as a team in school and college sports and other extracurriculum activities.
Along side college course, I have done crash course on various upcoming technologies
like .NET, sharepoint, cloud computing etc.
Interviewer: Ok, why should we hire you?
Candidate: I have read job profile deeply. I believe, barring a few, most of the skills you
require match my area of interest and knowledge. I need to work on a few areas to meet up
your expectations, which I can do pretty quickly.
Although I do not have the work experience but I have the skills required to be associated
with the project.

Someone wants to change the role simply because he/she has

been terminated from his/her previous job. What would be the
best answer for this question?
Termination or lay off may happen due to a lot of reasons. May be the company was not
doing that well or they were undergoing a restructuring and reorganization, or may be that
particular role was no longer required or may be the employee was not performing as per
the expectations.
If your role was terminated owing to the company not doing well or a restructuring at work,
you can explain the interviewer that this was in process since months and finally your role
also came under the axe along with others. This can happen anywhere and the interviewer
would be easily able to understand it.
If you were terminated for not performing well, you need to first of all analyze the reason and
solution to it yourself. If you lacked some skills that you were required to develop for that
particular role, try to develop them if you want to continue working in that area. When you
see the interviewer explain him that you were not able to pick up on that particular skill for
this particular reason and that you understand that it is important to possess this skill to be
successful in this profession & with your hard work you have already mastered the skill.
If you have been terminated for some reason, it should not bog you down. Rather, you
should give yourself an opportunity for self-analysis and improvement.
Changes in life should always be taken with a positive attitude as it takes you a step forward
to success.

1. "Tell Me About Yourself..."

This classic opening question should probably be put out to pasture but
its still one of THE most common interview questions youll face and it
still seems to trip up a ton of job seekers every year. (Plus I doubt its
going anywhere soon, so you need to prepare for it.) You can check out
our article ontell me about yourself for more in depth info.
DO:

Keep your answer succinct and to the point.

Be work specific and tell the hiring manager about where you
are now professionally, what you havelearned from your past
work experiences and then talk about what makes you excited
about this specific opportunity.

Do your company research and find out exactly

what strengths and qualities this specific company is looking for
and in your answer try and show the hiring manager you possess them
(You can discover these strengths or qualities in the job description or on
their website.)
DONT:

Dont dive into your life story.

The hiring manager doesnt want to hear about you growing up on

28th avenue down the road from the Trader Joes and how it was a
coincidence because you had a brother named Joe! (etc).

Dont go on about experience you may have that isnt related to the
job youre interviewing for.
Jeff's Tip
At the end of your answer try segueing into an insightful question for the hiring
manager that shows you understand exactly what issues or problems the company is
for looking for you to solve.

2. "Why Should We Hire You?"

This is another incredibly common question and it gives you a great
opportunity to stand out from the crowd and really show the hiring
manager how you can help the company.
The key thing to remember here is: be specific.

Leverage your company research and the job description to find

exactly why the company is hiring someone for this position. What
problem/pain points does the new hire have to solve? You need to show
that you are the perfect candidate that can solve those problems/pain
points.
We have written an in depth blog post on why should we hire you here.

DO:

Show the hiring manager that you are uniquely suited to

filling this position. Be the candidate thatsolves their
problems.

Show you know some significant details about the company and
their general practices because you have researched the firm and are
prepared.

Tell a success story that highlights how you have the qualities
needed to fill their specific needs.
DONT:

Dont get discouraged if the hiring manager mentions that they

have lots of very well qualified candidates before they lead into this
question. (Its a common lead in)

Dont be too modest. This is your chance to shine. Make it count.

On the flip side dont go too overboard and sound too arrogant.

Dont be wishy-washy or too general with your answer.

Dont answer with why you want the job. Answer with why you
are the perfect fit for the job.

Do you want a word-for-word sample answer to this

question? Well, youre in luck! Weve prepared a Job Questions
and Answers PDF Cheat Sheet that will give you perfect sample
answers to Why Should We Hire You as well as the other
questions on this page. Click Here To Get It Now

3. "What Is Your Greatest Strength?"

This is a fairly straight forward question to handle. Talk about a strength
that you know the company puts a lot of value in.
We have written an in depth blog post over at: What are your strengths
and weaknesses?
DO:

Grab hold of the opportunity this question gives

you. This question really lets you guide the interview where you want it
to go. This your chance to relate your most impressive success story, so
take advantage!

Highlight a strength that is crucial to the position. (As I

mentioned earlier)

Find out from your company research and from the job description
what strengths the company puts a lot of stock into.
DONT:

Dont make claims that you cant illustrate with a brief example or
fact.

Dont be overly modest but dont claim to be Superman or

Superwoman either.

Dont name a strength that is irrelevant to the job at hand.

4. "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"

This classic question freaks people out but it shouldnt. As long as you
pick a weakness that isnt a key competency for the job and you
show that you have taken steps to work on it, you will be fine. Dont
try and sidestep this question.
For a more thorough look at the what is your greatest weakness
question click here.
DO:

Show that you are aware of your weakness and what you have
done to overcome it.

Show that you are self-aware and that you have the ability to take
steps to improve yourself.
DONT:

Dont you DARE answer with the cliche Im a perfectionist

answer or any other such answer that the hiring manager can see right
through.

Dont highlight a weakness that is a core competency of the job.

(Know the job description inside and out.)

Dont dodge this question.

Do you want a word-for-word sample answer to this question? Well,

youre in luck! Weve prepared a Job Questions and Answers PDF Cheat
Sheet that will give you perfect sample answers to Whats Your Greatest
Weakness as well as the other questions on this page. Click Here To
Get It Now.

5. "Why Do You Want To Work For Us?"

The hiring manager is trying to get at your underlying motivations for
wanting this job. Are you here just for a paycheck or do you see yourself
becoming an integral part of the company and growing along with
it? You need to show them that you want to become
part of the family.
At the same time however, show how your wants coincide with their
needs.
For a more thorough look at this question, read our why do you want to
work for us blog post.
DO:

Talk about specific things you like about the company. Do your
homework before and find out the needs of the company and talk about
how youre passionate about fulfilling those needs.

Be complimentary. Most people enjoy being flattered. (Just dont go

overboard)

Show how your strengths perfectly align with the job position and
company culture.
DONT:

Dont come off as a hired gun who may be gone in a few months.
Dont say because I need the money. (Youd be surprised how
many job seekers think this is cute and actually answer this way.
Dont.)
Jeff's Tip
Bring up something specific that you've found during your company research phase and
tie it in with your answer. For example, if you discovered that theyrecently held an
inaugural live event bringing together people from around the country in their
niche, bring it up! The event (or anything else interesting you discover) can be an
example of why you admire the company and want to work for them. This tactic will
help you stand out from your competitors and get the hiring manager seeing you in the
job already.

6. "Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?"

This question can really make a lot of job seekers nervous. If you were
literally fired from your last job, youre going to have to own up to it and
show what you learned from the experience and what measures you
have taken to address the reasons you were let go.
If you left voluntarily be sure to explain why. For example:You wanted a
different challenge. Hint: A challenge offered by the company and
position youre interviewing for

We tackle this question in more depth in our blog post here.

DO:

If it was because you left voluntarily then reference a specific

characteristic that the company you are interviewing for
has that you are attracted to. One that your previous employer didnt
have.

If you were let go, be honest and explain the situation and own
it. Explain what you learned from the experience, because
the interviewer knows youre human, you make mistakes, and just wants
to see that you were able to do something about it

Words like downsizing and budget cuts and bad economy are
good defenses if they are true and are the reasons for departure from
the job.
DONT:

Dont bash your last company or boss or anything along those

lines.

Dont say, Its time for a career switch and Id like to try my hand at
the job you are offering or Im tired of doing the same old thing. Give a
pointed, Positive reason for why you want to head off in a new direction.
Dont lie if you were fired.
Do you want a word-for-word sample answer to this question?
Well, youre in luck! Weve prepared a Job Questions and
Answers PDF Cheat Sheet that will give you perfect sample
answers to Why Did You Leave Your Last Job as well as the other
questions on this page. Click Here To Get It Now

7. "What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?"

This is somewhat similar to the what is your greatest strength?
question and can be handled along the same lines. You want to pick
an accomplishment that shows you have the qualities

that the company puts value in and that are desirable for the
position youre interviewing for.
The fact is you may have several accomplishments you could pick from.
Pick one that will have the most impact.
DO:

Talk about an accomplishment that exhibits how you will be a

perfect fit for the company and for the position youre interviewing for.

Try and show some genuine passion when youre talking about
your accomplishment.
DONT:

Dont fall into the trap of thinking your accomplishment is too

small. The fact is, relating a small accomplishment that is inline with
what the company values can be more powerful than an unrelated
accomplishment. (Remember: Its not about you, Its about
them.)
Jeff's Tip
If your "greatest accomplishment story" highlights skills that would be useful in the job
you're interviewing for (which it should!), then you can highlight that fact. For example,
if you were relating an accomplishment that centered around "teamwork", you could
finish your answer with something like: "...which is why I'm so excited for the possibility
of working in this type of team environment. As you can see, I think I thrive in
collaborative situations and I'd love to bring that here to XYZ company..."

8. "Describe A Difficult Work Situation And What

You Did To Overcome It..."

This is one of those pesky behavior interview questions and is one of the
most common. You need to have a success story ready to go for this.
Relate a story where you dealt with a problem successfully. The key here
is to pick a success story that shows you exhibiting the qualities/skills
required at the job and company you are interviewing for.
DO:

Pick an example that shows you tackling a problem that could arise
at the new company youre interviewing for. This shows your value.
Be specific and fairly concise.
Use the S.T.A.R. Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result Read
our behavioral 101 article for explanation.)
DONT:

Dont bash anyone in your success story. (Coworker, boss or

customer!)
Dont ramble.
Jeff's Tip
To really stand out, tell a success story that not only shows you handling a problem that
could arise in the position you're interviewing for, but also shows you have multiple
other desired qualities you know from your research the company desires. For example,
you could tell a problem solving story about you handling a productivity problem at
your last job by exhibiting leadershipand your ability to handle conflict between
coworkers. (In other words, combine multiple desired qualities into one answer.)

9. "Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?"

This question catches a lot of job seekers off guard because on the
surface it seems simple enough but when you dig a little deeper youll
see that there are a couple of traps you could fall into.
You DO want to show that you are an ambitious person BUTyou need
to show that you dont have your head in the clouds and are focused
on the job at hand. For more in depth info on this question check out our
blog post: Where do you see yourself in 5 years.
DO:

Demonstrate when you answer the question your level of

commitment to the position they are interviewing you for.

After you have demonstrated your commitment to the role you are
interviewing for, outline a realistic growth strategy that is directly tied
to the role youre in and the needs and values of the
company.

Stress your interest in a long-term career at the company

DONT:

Dont exhibit ambition to the point of seeming like this particular job
is just a brief stepping stone for you. You need to show commitment.

Dont say you want to be CEO of the company in 5 years.

Dont say Actually I want to be in YOUR seat within the next 5

years. to the hiring manager.

10. "Do You Have Any Questions For Me?"

Around 75 percent of job seekers will say Nope, I think thats

everything to this question.
Terrible response.
This question gives you a fantastic opportunity to stand out from the
crowd and show your knowledge and passion for the company or
organization you are interviewing for. Always have a few questions
prepared and have one based around something you found during your
company research phase. For more in depth info, check out our blog
post: Top 14 questions to ask during an interview.
DO:

Focus your questions on the company and what you can do for
them.

Ask about something youve discovered in your company research.

This will show your passion and knowledge of the company.

Ask if there is any reason the hiring manager wouldnt hire you.
(This can be a little daunting to ask BUT can really pay off. It allows you
to address something they may be thinking in their head but havent
brought up.)
DONT:

Never say No, I think Im good. Always have questions

ready!

Dont focus your questions on yourself and what you can get from
them. (i.e.

Dont ask questions that you could easily find the answer to.

Dont ask about time off and benefits too early in the process.

Dont ask how soon you can start applying for other positions in the
company.
Jeff's Tip
Just because the interviewer may often ask you this question at the end of the interview
doesn't mean you shouldn't ask any questions beforehand. In fact, one of the best
ways to turn the interview from an "interrogation" into a "conversation
between colleagues" is to ask questions throughout the interview. Asking
questions throughout will make the interviewer see you as part of the team already and
it will calm your nerves (if you have any) significantly.

Conclusion
Ok there you have it. Our top list of job interview questions for 2017.
(Along with the Dos and Dont s on how to answer them.)
The key thing to remember is to focus on the needs of the company
instead of your own when answering any job interview question. As we
always say every job interview and every one of your answers to any job
interview question should be tailored to the company youre
interviewing with. The next thing you should download our free special
report that outlines the tailoring method and gives yousample
answers to 5 of the questions we went through in this
list!

Interviewer: What motivates you to do a good job?

Candidate: Self satisfaction and the urge to acquire new skills motivate me. When my effort
bear result, I get the taste of fulfilment and that drives me to keep extending best of my
service consistently and effectively.
Interviewer: Are you comfortable working in a team?

Candidate: Dedication, determination, deadline and discipline are the hallmark to be a team
player. I have them in abundance but since I'm fresher, I have no precedent to prove my
point. I have been associated with teams on many occasions - both at school and college
and have earned accolades as a team member. Interviewer: Are you willing to relocate
or travel?
Candidate: I am very much open to re-location. In this brisk pace global environment, I
would like and am willing to explore more geographic locations.
Interviewer: What are your goals?
Candidate: I believe in short-term goals which eventually transform into long-term benefits.
At the moment my utmost, desirous goal is to get associated with an organization and
extend my expertise that I have amassed during my academic life. I want to learn new
things to have strong foothold in the market. I want to take up the industrial challenges that
are changing and touching new height every day. Interviewer: Are you willing to relocate
or travel?
Candidate: I am very much open to re-location. In this brisk pace global environment, I
would like and am willing to explore more geographic locations.
Interviewer: Would you like to work in a team or on your own?
Candidate: I would definitely like to work in a team. It helps to learn new things, understand
new people, exchange ideas etc.
Interviewer: How do you feel about doing repetitive work?
Candidate: Repetitive work can get boring at times. However, the more you practice, the
better you get. If my work demands me to do repetitive work, Ill do it. However, I do expect
some creativity.
Interviewer: Do you want to ask us something about the company?

Candidate: How did the company handle recession?

Does the company have some provisions for the employees wanting to study further?
Interviewer: Has your career developed as you had liked?
Candidate: Its shaping yet. Im trying my best to shape it as I want it be. Being satisfied with
my job will be the most I can ask for.
Interviewer: Would you take up this job if we offered it to you?
Candidate: Yes. I would definitely take up this offer and which is why Im here. Im confident
the company will recognize my talent.
Interviewer: What would you do if your team ceased to perform?
Candidate: I would try and find the reason behind it. I will ensure that they are well
motivated to perform. Team may always not perform because they are not skilled. Digging
into the root cause should be the approach.
Interviewer: What motivates you at work?
Candidate: Trust, recognition, empowerment and working together with colleagues with
everyone sharing ideas and thus reaching the desired goal.
I am self-motivated but work well with others to get the needs of the job done, done well,
and done on-time.
Interviewer: How much salary do you expect?
Candidate: Sir, salary is important; work is much more. As a fresher, my primary concern is
to learn from you and enhance my knowledge. I want to build a career with work experience.
I will be happy with the package you will offer me as per the companys norms. Interviewer:
What is your style of management?

Candidate: I do not conform to a specific management style. I try to adjust my style of

management as per the situation and I have observed that it works best with current
dynamics.
Differences should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses. They add zest to life.
Interviewer: What would you do if you and your colleague have a different approach
to deal with a thing?
Candidate: I believe it is of utmost importance to stay professional, especially in the work
environment. We can have difference of opinion, but nothing as adults which we cant
discuss and come to an amicable agreement.
Interviewer: What irritates you about co-workers?
Candidate: While working in a team we cant afford to get irritated as it affects everybodys
productivity. I like to do my work with complete focus and punctuality. If someone doesnt do
his work honestly as per the agreed guidelines and on time - I definitely do not like it.
Interviewer: How would you compensate for the lack of experience you have for this
position?
Candidate: I agree that lack of experience is an area of concern, but I am quite abreast with
most of the required skills and have worked on similar projects in the college. Although
college projects cant be compared with the live projects; but they has earned me
confidence.
Interviewer: Are you speaking to some other companies? Or how is your job search
going on?
Candidate: Yes, I am in the final round of discussion with two other companies. My job
search is going fine and I hope it ends here.
nterviewer: How do you rate your communication skills?

Candidate: I would rate myself average here. I have been consistently addressing it and
improvement is evidently showing up.
Interviewer: You do not have all the skills we need for this position?
Candidate: Yes, I agree but at the same time you would see that I have most of the required
skills. Being a quick learner, I won't take much time to learn the other things.
Interviewer: What motivates you to do a good job?
Candidate: Self satisfaction and the urge to acquire new skills motivate me. When my effort
bear result, I get the taste of fulfilment and that drives me to keep extending best of my
service consistently and effectively.
Interviewer: Are you comfortable working in a team?
Candidate: Dedication, determination, deadline and discipline are the hallmark to be a team
player. I have them in abundance but since I'm fresher, I have no precedent to prove my
point. I have been associated with teams on many occasions - both at school and college
and have earned accolades as a team member.
Interviewer: Are you willing to relocate or travel?
Candidate: I am very much open to re-location. In this brisk pace global environment, I
would like and am willing to explore more geographic locations.
Interviewer: What are your goals?
Candidate: I believe in short-term goals which eventually transform into long-term benefits.
At the moment my utmost, desirous goal is to get associated with an organization and
extend my expertise that I have amassed during my academic life. I want to learn new
things to have strong foothold in the market. I want to take up the industrial challenges that
are changing and touching new height every day.