Interview
Questions: Work History
1. Name of company, position title and description,
dates of employment.
Interviewers expect a candidate for employment to be able to review
their work history in detail. Be
prepared to tell the interviewer the names of the companies you worked for,
your job title, your starting and ending dates of employment, how much you
earned and what your job entailed.
You'd be surprised how many job
applicants fumble when asked about prior employment. Don't be one of them!
Refresh your memory prior to the interview by reviewing your resume, so you can
speak about your prior work history in detail and accurately.
If you don't
have a resume, make sure what you tell the interviewer matches what you filled
out on your job application. The best way to prepare is to download a sample job
application ahead of time. Complete the sample application and
bring it with you when you are applying for employment. This way you will be
able to copy the information rather than having to remember dates and other
employment information.
2. What were your expectations for the job and to what
extent were they met?
In many cases,
interviewers will want to know what you expected from your last job when you
were hired, so be prepared to answer the interview question "What were
your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?"
There
isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. The best way to respond is to
discuss what you expected when you took the job and give examples of how the
position worked out for you. If the job wasn't exactly what you expected, it's
fine to mention that. However, you should focus on the job itself, not the
company, your boss, or your co-workers (if they were a problem). Do be careful
how you answer and don't focus too much on the negative. Instead, address the
highlights of the job.
When
responding, be specific. Prepare some examples to share with the interviewer in
advance. For example, if your job involved creating web applications, discuss
the specific programs you developed and the responsibilities you were given. If
you were provided training and opportunities for professional development to help
you achieve your goals, mention that, as well.
3. What were your starting and final levels of
compensation?
Interviewers expect a
candidate for employment to be able to provide the details of their
compensation history. Be prepared to tell the interviewer how much you earned
at each of your prior positions.
Make sure that what you tell the interviewer
matches what you listed on your job application. Refresh your memory prior to
the interview by reviewing your salary
history, so, you can speak in detail and accurately. Don't
exaggerate or inflate your earnings. Many employers will check references and
confirm your salary history prior to making a job offer. A discrepancy between
what you reported and what the employer says could knock you out of contention
for the job. The best way to prepare is to download a sample job
application ahead of
time. Complete the sample application and review it prior to the interview
4. What were your responsibilities?
When you are asked
questions related to your current or previous positions, it's important to be
specific and to be positive about what you did in your previous position(s).
The
best way to respond is to describe your responsibilities in detail and to
connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Try to tie your
responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new
position. That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications
necessary to do the job. Focus most on your responsibilities that are directly
related to the new job's requirements.
It's
also important to be honest. Don't embellish your job, because you don't know
who the hiring manager will be checking with when they check your references.
5.
What
major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
When asked the job interview question "How did you handle a
challenge?" be sure to include specific examples of how you handled a
particular difficult situation. Discuss how you researched the issue and
contributed to finding a solution. Examples of good responses include:
·
During a
difficult financial period, I was able to satisfactorily negotiate repayment
schedules with multiple vendors.
·
When the
software development of our new product stalled, I coordinated the team which
managed to get the schedule back on track. We were able to successfully
troubleshoot the issues and solve the problems, within a very short period of
time.
·
A
long-term client was about to take their business to a competitor. I met with
the customer and was able to change how we handled the account on a day-to-day
basis, in order to keep the business.
6. What have you learned from your mistakes?
When
asked the job interview question "What have you learned from your
mistakes?" be sure to give examples that turn a negative (a mistake) into
a positive.
Examples
of good responses include:
·
I think
one of the most important things I've learned is persistence. Not to give up
too soon, because the solution is probably right in front of me.
·
I have
learned to give every person a second chance, because first impressions can
often be misleading.
·
I used to
think that there was one best solution to a problem, but I've learned that that
kind of thinking limits the possibility of great success.
7. What did you like or dislike about your previous
job?
When you're asked what don't like about your previous job, don't be too
negative. The reason is that you don't want the interviewer to think that
you'll speak negatively about the new job or the company when you're ready to
move on, if you get this job. Rather, it makes sense to talk about yourself and
what you're looking for in a new role.
Sample Answer
·
I enjoyed
the people I worked with. It was a friendly and fun atmosphere and I actually
enjoyed going into work each morning. I felt the leadership team was great as
well. They knew all of their employees on a first name basis and tried to make
those personal connections. I also enjoyed that fact that the office tried to
do community outreach with local organizations.
·
One of
the reasons I am leaving is that I felt I was not challenged enough at the job.
As a fresh face in the working world, the company offers a great opportunity
for a good entry level position; however, after being there for so many years,
I felt I was not able to reach my full potential because of the lack of
challenge and there was no room for advancement in the company. While I did
enjoy working there and appreciate the skills I developed while with the
company, I feel my skill set can
be better utilized elsewhere, where my capabilities are more recognized and
there is the opportunity for growth.
8. What problems have you encountered at work?
Review sample answers to the interview question "What problems have
you encountered at work and how did you deal with them?" When you respond,
be sure to include a positive outcome to the problems you reference in your
answer.
·
I feel
that the best way to deal with any challenges is to meet them head on. When I
found that one of my colleagues was saying things that weren't true behind my
back, I went to him and talked it through. It turned out that he had
misunderstood what I had said, and I was able to set the record straight with
him, and my supervisor.
·
"Once
I found a major flaw in the work of one of the most senior members of the
department, which could have been very costly to the company if it had been
overlooked. I went directly to him, and called it to his attention so he could
fix it before it affected the final outcome.
Job Interview Questions About You
1. What is your greatest weakness?
When you're asked what your greatest weakness is there are several
different ways you can answer, including mentioning skills that aren't critical
for the job, skills you have improved on, and turning a negative into a
positive.
Non-Essential Skills
An alternative approach is to analyse
the key skills and strengths required for the position you are interviewing for
and then come up with an honest shortcoming which is not essential for success
in that job. For example if you are applying for nursing job, you might share
that you are not particularly adept at conducting group presentations. In this
case it will be critical to underscore your strength in one to one
communication with patients while providing an example of your difficulty with
presentations to large groups.
Skills You Have Improved
Another option is to discuss
skills that you have improved upon during your previous job, so you are showing
the interviewer that you can make improvements, when necessary. You can sketch
for employers your initial level of functioning and then discuss the steps you
have taken to improve this area and then reference your current, improved level
of skill.
If you use this strategy be sure
not to mention anything that you improved upon that is related to the job for
which you are interviewing. You don't want your qualifications for the job to
be questioned.
Turn a Negative into a Positive
Another option is try to turn a
negative into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to get projects
completed or wanting to triple-check every item in a spreadsheet can be turned
into a strength i.e. you are a candidate who will make sure that the project is
done on time and your work will be close to perfect.
Note that the term
"weakness" isn't used in the sample answers - you always want to
focus on the positive when interviewing.
2. What is your greatest strength?
"What is your greatest
strength?" is one of the easier interview questions you'll be asked. When
you are asked questions about your strengths, it's important to discuss
attributes that will qualify you for the job. The best way to respond is to
describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are
applying for.
Sample
Answers
·
When I'm
working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to
complete the project well ahead of schedule.
·
I have
exceeded my sales goals every quarter and I've earned a bonus each year since I
started with my current employer.
·
My time
management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in
excelling at my work.
·
I pride
myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be
difficult situations
3. How would you describe yourself?
Review sample answers to the
interview question "How would you describe yourself?" When you
respond, keep in mind the type of position you are interviewing for, the
company culture, and the work environment. Your answer should help show the
interviewer why you're a match for the job and for the company.
·
I'm a
people person. I really enjoy meeting and working with a lot of different
people.
·
I'm a
perfectionist. I pay attention to all the details, and like to be sure that
everything is just right.
·
I'm a
creative thinker. I like to explore alternative solutions to problems and have
an open mind about what will work best.
·
I'm
efficient and highly organized. This enables me to be as productive as possible
on the job.
·
I enjoy
solving problems, troubleshooting issues, and coming up with solutions in a
timely manner.
4. Do you work well with other people?
Hiring managers often mention that some of the interview questions which
don't typically get the best responses from job applicants are questions about
working with others. Companies want to know how you work well with other people
and you'll need to say more than you enjoy working with others, which is the
standard response.
It's important because even if
your role in the company doesn't require a lot of communication, you will still
need to deal with those you work with in a professional and personable manner.
In addition, regardless of the
job, employers don't want to hire people who are difficult to get along with
because that will cause workplace issues and conflicts. It can make sense to
screen out applicants who don't have strong people skills, even if they have
solid qualifications for the job.
Expanding Your Response
Candidates often say that they
"enjoy working with people" but don't explain or expand upon their
response. Anyone can say that they work well with people, but it's important to
show hiring managers how you accomplish it.
How can you avoid the pitfall of
giving a lame interview answer, but still make a viable point about your
suitability for jobs requiring lots of interaction with people - and even for
jobs which don't? What do you do that makes you a good people person at work?
That's what the interviewer wants to know.
What's important is to show your
prospective employer the skills you have and how you have used them in the
workplace, using real-life examples.
Keys to Responding to Questions
The first key is to specify the
types of interactions with people which are attractive to you or at which you
are particularly adept. In addition to specifying how you work well with
managers, co-workers, customers, vendors and others, you should also speak to
what you accomplish during those interactions. Here are some examples:
·
Assessing
the skills, personality traits and work ethic of candidates by applying
behavioral interviewing techniques.
·
Motivating
subordinates to improve performance.
·
Leading
group discussions in a way that incorporates diverse views and draws consensus.
·
Developing
a comfortable rapport with clients and determining their preferences for
products and services.
·
Listening
actively and emphatically to encourage clients to share their feelings and
problems.
·
Creating
and delivering training sessions which engage the audience in active learning.
·
Providing
difficult news to employees targeted for layoffs.
·
Mediating
conflicts between employees or with clients.
·
Resolving
customer complaints with patience and creativity.
Give Examples
The next key to interview success
is to give examples of situations at work where you have used these people
skills. Prepare concrete examples to convince employers that you actually
possess those strengths.
Your examples should convey how,
when, and where you applied your skills or interests and the outcomes.
Personalize your examples so they reflect your skills and experience as they
relate to the job for which you are applying.
5. Do you take work home with you?
Do you take work home
with you is a tricky question, be ready. The longer the answer, the bigger the
hole you've dug. Don't waffle and don't give an overly detailed answer with
lots of ifs, ands, or buts.
Best
Answer
When I need to, no
problem. I realize the importance of meeting deadlines and getting work done on
time.
6. How many hours do you normally work?
Be careful before you answer questions about how many hours a week you
work. You don't want to be construed as a slacker or as someone who works too
many hours. At some companies, the norm is a 40 hour week and everyone goes home
on time. At others, everyone might work 50 or 60 hours a week.
However, working a lot of hours
isn't necessarily a good thing - it could mean you're not productive enough to
get the job done in a reasonable amount of time.
So, unless you're sure about the
company culture and expectations, the safest answer is not to mention a certain
number of hours. Rather, mention that you work as much as necessary to get the
job done.
7. How do you handle stress and pressure?
A typical interview question,
asked to get a sense of how you handle on-the-job stress, is "How do you
handle pressure?" Examples of good responses include:
·
Stress is
very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate
way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good
stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive.
·
I react
to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and
doesn't become stressful.
·
I
actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a
challenging environment.
·
From a
personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every evening. It's a
great stress reducer.
·
Prioritizing
my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done when, has
helped me effectively manage pressure on the job.
·
If the
people I am managing are contributing to my stress level, I discuss options for
better handling difficult situations with them.
·
I find
that when I'm under the pressure of a deadline, I can do some of my most
creative work.
·
I'm not a
person who has a difficult time with stress. When I'm under pressure, I focus,
and get the job done.
·
I find it
exhilarating to be in a dynamic environment where the pressure is on.
·
I find a
past pace to be invigorating, and thrive when the pressure is on.
·
I've done
some of my best work under tight deadlines, where the atmosphere was very
stressful.
·
I'm the
kind of person who stays calm under pressure, and handles stress fairly easily.
It's a good idea to give examples
of how you have handled stress to your interviewer. That way, they get a clear
picture how well you can work in stressful situations.
8. What motivates you?
There isn't a right or wrong
answer to interview questions about what motivates you. The interviewer is
trying to understand the key to your being successful in the job he is
interviewing for, and wants to make sure it's a good fit. Consider, in advance
of interviewing, what actually does motivate you and come up with some specific
examples to share during the interview.
Your response will vary based on
your background and experiences, but, you will want to share your enthusiasm
and what you like(d) best about your job. Here are some examples:
·
I was
responsible for several projects where I directed development teams and
implemented repeatable processes. The teams achieved 100% on-time delivery of
software products. I was motivated both by the challenge of finishing the
projects ahead of schedule and by managing the teams that achieved our goals.
·
I've
always been motivated by the desire to do a good job at whatever position I'm
in. I want to excel and to be successful in my job, both for my own personal
satisfaction and for my employer.
·
I have
always wanted to ensure that my company's clients get the best customer service
I can provide. I've always felt that it's important, both to me personally, and
for the company and the clients, to provide a positive customer experience.
·
I have
spent my career in sales, typically in commission-based positions, and
compensation has always been a strong factor in motivating me to be the top
salesperson at my prior employers.
9. What are
your salary expectations?
Before you start talking pay (and salary negotiations) with a
prospective employer, you need to find out how much the job (and you) are
worth. You will need to take the time to research salaries. That way you
will be prepared to get what you're worth and to get a job offer that's realistic
and reasonable.
Salary Negotiations
Once you
know what you should be earning, how do you go about getting
it? Start by being very patient. When interviewing for a new position, do your
best not to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer. If
you're asked what your salary
requirements are, say that they are open based upon the
position and the overall compensation package. Or tell the employer you'd like
to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to
discussing salary.
Another
option is to give the employer a salary range based
upon the salary research you've done up front. Once you've received the offer
you don't need to accept (or reject) it right away. A simple "I need to
think it over" can get you an increase in the original offer.
And if you're ambivalent about
the position a "no" can bring you a better offer too. I turned down a
position I knew I didn't want, regardless of salary, and received three
follow-up phone calls upping the compensation package. Be careful though, if
you do definitely need that new job there's a risk that the employer may accept
your declining the position and move on to the next candidate.
10. Tell me about yourself.
You walk into the
interview room, shake hands with your interviewer and sit down with your best
interviewing smile on. Guess what their first question is? "Tell me about
yourself."
Do
you "wing it" and actually tell all manner of things about yourself?
Will you spend the next 5 minutes rambling on about what an easy-going, loyal,
dedicated, hard working employee you've been? If this is the case, you stand a
good chance of having bored your interviewer to death thus creating a negative
first impression.
Tell
Me About Yourself
Because
it's such a common interview question, it's strange that more candidates don't
spend the time to prepare for exactly how to answer it. Perhaps because the
question seems so disarming and informal, we drop our guard and shift into
ramble mode. Resist all temptation to do so.
Your
interviewer is not looking for a 10-minute dissertation here. Instead, offer a
razor sharp sentence or two that sets the stage for further discussion and sets
you apart from your competitors.
Your Unique Selling
Proposition (USP)
Give
them "your synopsis about you" answer, specifically your Unique
Selling Proposition. Known as a personal branding or a value-added statement,
the USP is a succinct, one-sentence description of who you are, your biggest
strength and the major benefit that a company will derive from this strength.
Here is an example of a Unique Selling Proposition: "I'm a seasoned Retail
Manager strong in developing training programs and loss prevention techniques
that have resulted in revenue savings of over $2.3Million for (employer's name)
during the past 11 years."
What
a difference you've made with this statement. Your interviewer is now sitting
forward in her chair giving you her full attention. At this point, you might
add the following sentence: "I'd like to discuss how I might be able to do
something like that for you." The ball is now back in her court and you
have the beginnings of a real discussion and not an interrogation process.
Be
Specific
The
key is that you must lead with your strongest benefit to the employer. Be
specific and don't wander about with some laundry list of skills or talents. Be
sure to put a monetary value on your work if at all possible and be ready with
details when you're called upon. Give an estimated value to the $$ you've
either helped to make or save for your employer.
Be
Prepared
When
you walk into an interview, remember to always expect the "tell me about
yourself" question. Prepare ahead of time by developing your own personal
branding statement that clearly tells who you are, your major strength and the
clear benefit that your employer received. The advantages of this approach are
that you'll quickly gain their attention and interest them in knowing more.
You'll separate yourself from your competitors. You'll also have a higher
chance of being positively remembered and hired.
11. What are you
passionate about?
When you're asked what you're passionate about during a job interview it's
a good opportunity to share what is important in your life. It's also an
opportunity to show your dedication and what's important to you.
Your response doesn't need to be
work focused, but do be sure that what you share isn't something that could
potential cut in to your working hours.
For example, you don't want to
say that you're a mountain climber with the goal of climbing Mountain Everest
or that you're getting ready for the Tour de France or looking to spend the
winter skiing in Aspen.
Sample Answers:
·
One of my
greatest passions is helping others. When I was younger, I've enjoyed helping
mom with household repairs. As I grew older, that habit grew and I desired to
help others as well. I like helping people find solutions that meet their
specific needs.
·
I'm
passionate about painting. I take an evening art class once a week and try to
find time each weekend to paint. Painting is a good way for me to relax and
even though I don't have much talent, I do it enjoy it.
·
I lost my
father to pancreatic cancer and ever since then, I have spent time volunteering
to help raise awareness and funding for cancer research. I volunteer for
PanCan, the advocacy group, and I'm part of their volunteer network. One of the
things I'm passionate is to assist in finding a cure, however I can.
·
I'm
passionate about making a difference. When I'm involved with a project at work
I want to do my best to achieve success. I feel the same way about what I do in
my personal life.
·
I'm an
avid skier and I like to spend weekends and vacations on the ski slopes.
12. If you could relive the last 10 years of your life,
what would you do differently?
When asking what you would do if you could relive your life, the
interviewer is looking for a flaw in your interview. Always remember, the goal
for the first few interviews is to get the next interview. For the interviewer,
it is to weed out as many applicants as possible. Here's where a personal
answer could work.
Personal Answer
I lost my
mother to Alzheimer's. I wish I'd known more about the disease to help me
through that difficult time.
Non-personal Answer
Really,
nothing. I've learned from each experience I've had.
13. Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
When the interviewer asks "Do you prefer to work independently or
on a team?" he or she wants to know if you're a team player or would
rather work on your own.
Best Answers
I am equally
comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. In researching the
LMN company, your mission statement and the job description, I could see
similarities to my previous position where there were some assignments that
required a great deal of independent work and research and others where the
team effort was most effective. As I said, I'm comfortable with both.
In high school, I enjoyed playing
soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required a different kind of
team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was
invaluable. I continued to grow as team member while on my sorority's debate
team and through my advanced marketing class where we had numerous team
assignments. I'm very comfortably working on a team, but I can also work
independently, as well.
14. Describe a time when your workload was heavy and
how you handled it.
The question "If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something,
how would you handle this?" is asked to find out how you deal with a
difficult situation.
Best Answers
·
An answer
that works well is: "It depends on the situation and the personality of
the supervisor." To elaborate, give examples:
·
My
present supervisor does not like to have his authority questioned. He's fairly
new on the job and almost all of the people he supervises have been on the job
longer than he has. He's never bothered to learn the procedures, how things are
done or how the computer system works. But if any of us tell him that how he
wants something done won't work, he gets extremely angry. So, I never tell him
he's wrong. Never. Whatever he tells me to do, I smile and say
"okay." Then if I know a way to get it done that will work, I do it
that way, give him the results he wants and never tell him I didn't do it the
way he told me to. He got the results and is happy. I saved myself the stress
of being yelled at and gave him what he wanted, so I'm happy.
·
My prior
superviser was more easy-going and if I told her "you know, I think it
might work better if I do what you asked in such and such a way," she say
"okay, try it."
·
If I were
a new hire on a job, I would probably not question a supervisor because I might
think I didn't know enough. Except on the new job I'm going to. The director
has admitted that she's new on the job and there are alot of things that a
secretary does that she doesn't know how to do, so she will be depending on me
to know how to keep the office running.
Job Interview Questions About the
New Job and the Company
1. What interests you about this job?
When you're asked what interests you about the position you are interviewing for, the best
way to respond is to describe the qualifications listed in the job posting,
then connect them to your skills and experience. That way, the employer will
see that you know about the job you're interviewing for (not everyone does) and
that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.
For example, if you were
interviewing for a Human Resources Manager job where you would be responsible
for recruiting, orientation, and training, you will want to discuss how you
were responsible for these functions in your past positions, and why you are
interested in continuing to develop your expertise in Human Resources
management.
Another example would be if you
were interviewing for a Programmer / Analyst position. In that case, you would
mention your interest in learning and excelling at new technologies, your
experience in programming new applications, and your interest in and your
ability to problem solve.
In all cases, you will want to
convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview, along with your solid
ability to do the job.
2. Why do you want this job?
Why do
you want this job? Are you prepared to answer this question in an interview?
Career expert and author, Joyce Lain Kennedy, shares her best job interview answers to
the question "Why do you want this job?"
Keep in mind that you can
customize these answers to fit your particular circumstances and the job you
are applying for.
Sample answers
·
This is
not only a fine opportunity, but this company is a place where my
qualifications can make a difference. As a finance executive well versed in the
new stock options law, I see this position as made to order. It contains the
challenge to keep me on my toes. That's the kind of job I like to anticipate
every morning.
·
I want
this job because it seems tailored to my competencies, which include sales and
marketing. As I said earlier, in a previous position I created an annual growth
rate of 22 percent in a flat industry. Additionally, the team I would work with
looks terrific.
·
I well
understand that this is a company on the way up. Your Web site says the launch
of several new products is imminent. I want be a part of this business as it
grows.
·
Having
worked through a college business major building decks and porches for
neighbors, this entry-level job for the area's most respected home builder has
my name on it.
·
As a
dedicated technician, I like doing essential research. Being part of a
breakthrough team is an experience I'd love to repeat.
·
This job
is a good fit for what I've been interested in throughout my career. It offers
a nice mix of short- and long-term activities. My short-term achievements keep
me cranked up and the long-term accomplishments make me feel like a billion
bucks.
·
I want
this job selling theater tickets because I'd be good at it. I'm good at
speaking to people and handling cash. I would like a job with regular hours and
I'm always on time.
·
Although
some companies are replacing Americans with imported low-wage workers, you are
standing tall. This company's successful strategies, good reputation and values
make it heads and shoulders above its competition.
·
I'd fit
right in as a counter clerk in your fine drycleaners. I have observed that the
counter clerk position requires competence at handling several activities in
quick order -- customer service, payments, bagging and phones. I like
multitasking and, as a homemaker, I have a lot of practice in keeping all the
balls in the air.
·
The work
I find most stimulating allows me to use both my creative and research skills.
The buzz on this company is that it rewards people who deliver solutions to
substantial problems.
3. What can you do for this company?
A typical interview
question to discover what assets you have that are specific to the company's
goals is "What can you do for this company?"
First
of all, be sure to have researched the company prior to the interview, so you
are familiar with the company's mission. Respond by giving examples why your
education, skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset for
the employer.
Take
a few moments to compare your goals with objectives of the company and the
position, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other jobs.
Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company, as well as the job.
4. Why should we hire you?
A typical interview question, asked to
get your opinion, or to validate the interviewer's opinion, on why you would be
the best candidate for the position, is "Why should we hire you?"
The best way to respond is to
give concrete examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best
candidate for the job. Take a few moments to compare the job description with
your abilities, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other
positions. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and the
position.
5. What do you know about this company?
A typical job interview question, asked to find out how much company
research you have conducted, is "What do you know about this
company?"
Prepare
in advance, and in a word, research, so, you can provide relevant and current
information about your prospective employer to the interviewer. Start by researching
the company online. Review the "About Us" section of
the company web site. Google the company, read blogs that mention it, and check
Discussion Boards and social networking sites.
If you're a college graduate
check with the Career Office at your school to see if you can get a list of
alumni who work for the company. That's an ideal way to get an insider's view
of the employer, and to get information that might not be available elsewhere.
Use the information you have
gathered to create a bulleted list of relevant information that you can easily
remember during the interview. Taking the time to research will help you make a
good impression with how much you know about the company.
6. Why do you want to work here?
A typical interview question, asked to ensure that you are seriously
interested in the job and the company, and to find out how much you know about
the company, is "Why do you want to work here?"
The best way to answer this
question is, first of all, to be prepared and knowledgeable about the company.
Spend some time researching the company (the About Us section of the web site
is a good place to start) so you can talk about the benefits of working for
this employer.
Compare your goals with
objectives of the company and the position, then reiterate why you would be an
asset to the employer. Let the interviewer know what you can do for the
company, if you get a job offer.
Even though the question is about
why you want to work here, you still need to convince the interviewer that
hiring you will benefit the company.
Here are sample answers you can
use to frame your own response:
·
This
company is internationally known for its (widgets), and my experience in the
(marketing/planning/production/etc.) of (widgets) has me intrigued by the
opportunity this position presents.
·
The
businesses in this area are known for their commitment to the community, and I
would like the opportunity to participate in making this a better place to
live.
·
I am a
(widget) connoisseur, and would love the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for
(widgets) with customers.
7. What can you contribute to this company?
A typical interview question to discover how hiring you would benefit
the company is "What can you contribute to this company?"
The best way to answer questions
about your contributions to the company is to give examples of what you have
accomplished in the past, and to relate them to what you can achieve in the
future.
Describe specific examples of how
effective you have been in your other positions, change you have implemented,
and goals you have achieved. Talk about the depth and breadth of related
experience that you have.
Also, relate your abilities to
the employer's goals. You will want to let the interviewer know that you have
the skills necessary to do the job they are hiring for, the ability effectively
meet challenges, and the flexibility and diplomacy to work well with other
employees and with management.
Sample Answers
·
I'm a
hard worker with the experience to get things done efficiently.
·
I can
contribute my organizational skills and my ability to work well in a group.
·
I have
the experience, contacts, and knowledge to contribute to the rapid growth of
this business.
·
Vision. I
am experienced in the areas this company needs to grow, and my ability to plan
ahead will help facilitate that growth.
8. Are you willing to travel?
When you are asked about your willingness to travel during an interview,
be honest. There's no point in saying "yes" if you would prefer to be
home five nights a week.
It is perfectly acceptable to ask
how much travel is involved. That way, you can weigh how much you would need to
be on the road and make an educated decision as to whether the amount of travel
required fits in with your lifestyle.
What's most important is to get a
good understanding of what's involved before you are offered the job, rather
than being (unpleasantly) surprised after you have already been hired.
9. How long do
you expect to remain employed with this company?
Review sample answers to the interview question "How long do you
expect to remain employed with this company?" When you respond, be sure to
frame your response so that it's positive.
I've heard applicants say that
they only want the job for a short amount of time or are planning to relocate
or go back to school. Responses like that aren't going to impress the hiring
manager who is looking to hire a long-term employee.
Sample Answers
·
I believe
that this company has the capacity to offer me a rich and satisfying career,
and I would like to remain employed here for as long as I am having a positive
impact.
·
I would
like to pursue my career here for as long as I have the opportunity to.
·
I would
like to remain employed here for as long as my services are needed.
10. Is there anything I haven't told you about the job
or company that you would like to know?
It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final
questions you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Have
interview questions of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply trying to get
this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this
company and the position are a good fit for you.
Here are questions to ask the
interviewer so you can ensure the company is a good match for your
qualifications and interests.
Interview Questions to Ask the
Employer
·
How would
you describe the responsibilities of the position?
·
How would
you describe a typical week/day in this position?
·
Is this a
new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
·
What is
the company's management style?
·
Who does
this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?
·
How many
people work in this office/department?
·
How much
travel is expected?
·
Is
relocation a possibility?
·
What is
the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
·
What are
the prospects for growth and advancement?
·
How does
one advance in the company?
·
Are there
any examples?
·
What do you
like about working here?
·
What
don't you like about working here and what would you change?
·
Would you
like a list of references?
·
If I am
extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
·
What can
I tell you about my qualifications?
·
When can
I expect to hear from you?
·
Are there
any other questions I can answer for you?
Interview Questions NOT to Ask
·
What does
this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)
·
If I get
the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to
mention prior commitments)
·
Can I
change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics
of getting to work don't mention it now...)
·
Did I get
the job? (Don't be impatient. They'll let you know.)
Interview Questions: The Future
1. What are you looking for in your next job? What is
important to you?
One of the interview questions you may be asked is what you are looking
for in your next job. The interview wants to know whether your goals are a
match for the companies needs.
Best Answers
You can
begin your answer with this question: Tell me, Mr./Ms. Interviewer, what is a
typical career path at OPL for someone with my skills and experience?
(Based on the answer you can then
respond to the original question using the phrases from the answer to frame
your response).
What is important to you? Two
things are very important to me. One is my professionalism at work; the second
is my family life.
2. What will you do if you don't get this position?
When you're
interviewing for an internal position within your company, you may be asked
what you will do if you don't get the job. The interviewer wants to know
whether you are concerned about just the advancement opportunity or the
company.
Best
Answer
I am committed to
this company and its advancement so, should I not be selected, I will work with
and support whoever might get selected. However, I do feel that my experience
in the department and with the team would make me the best candidate.
