Preparing for the interview
Hello friends,
Those of you who are looking for a change in their job and those of you who are looking for opportunities to start their careers, the common step is to excel in the interview so that u are successful in getting your ‘dream job’ . the below mentioned are few of the most commonly asked questions during the interviews and the answers provided are indicative as to what might be the most appropriate way to handle such questions. Hope this helps in preparing well for the interview and boosts up the confidence of the interviewees.
Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and career related.
Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, "I need more money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move."
Q. What are your strengths?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job.
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related. Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it.
Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview
Q. Why do you want to work for us?
A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as, "Because it's a great company." Say why you think it's a great company.
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from management.
Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.
Q. What makes you want to work hard?
A. Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play. But again, focus more on achievement and the satisfaction you derive from it
Q. What type of work environment do you like best?
A. Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also enjoy working independently. If you're required to attend regular project planning and status meetings, then indicate that you're a strong team player and like being part of a team.
Q. Why do you want this job?
A. To help you answer this and related questions, study the job ad in advance. But a job ad alone may not be enough, so it's okay to ask questions about the job while you're answering. Say what attracts you to the job. Avoid the obvious and meaningless, such as, "I need a job."
Q. How do you handle pressure and stress?
A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.
Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.
A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show for solving it.
Q. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now?
A. Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in how he, she or the company will benefit from you achieving your goals than what you'll get from it, but it goes hand in hand to a large degree. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or her job, but its okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position.
Q. What qualifies you for this job?
A. Tout your skills, experience, education and other qualifications, especially those that match the job description well. Avoid just regurgitating your resume. Explain why.
Q. Why did you choose your college major?
A. The interviewer is likely fishing to see if your are interested in your field of work or just doing a job to get paid. Explain why you like it. Besides your personal interests, including some rock-solid business reasons might show you have vision and business sense.
Regards,
Ramya
From India, Mumbai
Hello friends,
Those of you who are looking for a change in their job and those of you who are looking for opportunities to start their careers, the common step is to excel in the interview so that u are successful in getting your ‘dream job’ . the below mentioned are few of the most commonly asked questions during the interviews and the answers provided are indicative as to what might be the most appropriate way to handle such questions. Hope this helps in preparing well for the interview and boosts up the confidence of the interviewees.
Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and career related.
Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, "I need more money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move."
Q. What are your strengths?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job.
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related. Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it.
Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview
Q. Why do you want to work for us?
A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as, "Because it's a great company." Say why you think it's a great company.
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from management.
Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.
Q. What makes you want to work hard?
A. Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play. But again, focus more on achievement and the satisfaction you derive from it
Q. What type of work environment do you like best?
A. Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also enjoy working independently. If you're required to attend regular project planning and status meetings, then indicate that you're a strong team player and like being part of a team.
Q. Why do you want this job?
A. To help you answer this and related questions, study the job ad in advance. But a job ad alone may not be enough, so it's okay to ask questions about the job while you're answering. Say what attracts you to the job. Avoid the obvious and meaningless, such as, "I need a job."
Q. How do you handle pressure and stress?
A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.
Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.
A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show for solving it.
Q. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now?
A. Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in how he, she or the company will benefit from you achieving your goals than what you'll get from it, but it goes hand in hand to a large degree. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or her job, but its okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position.
Q. What qualifies you for this job?
A. Tout your skills, experience, education and other qualifications, especially those that match the job description well. Avoid just regurgitating your resume. Explain why.
Q. Why did you choose your college major?
A. The interviewer is likely fishing to see if your are interested in your field of work or just doing a job to get paid. Explain why you like it. Besides your personal interests, including some rock-solid business reasons might show you have vision and business sense.
Regards,
Ramya
From India, Mumbai
I agree with most of the points.
Except , with the weakness.
Even if the employer mentions the word "weakness",
the applicant should use the word " areas for improvement".
In this way, you remove the perception of negativeness,
and turn it a positive one by saying you are working on
improving your not so strong areas.
regards
LEO LINGHAM
From India, Mumbai
260Except , with the weakness.
Even if the employer mentions the word "weakness",
the applicant should use the word " areas for improvement".
In this way, you remove the perception of negativeness,
and turn it a positive one by saying you are working on
improving your not so strong areas.
regards
LEO LINGHAM
From India, Mumbai
hi Friends...
The above article was very good. I would like to indicate my views on the same too. Hope you find them useful.
I have copied the above article and have added my comments adn views in bold lettering.
I have omitted the questions/answers where I did not have any significant contribution to add.
************************************************** *******************************************
Preparing for the interview
Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and career related.
This the BEST Question you could be asked. With this question, you could at least get some control of the Interview. The interviewers generally ask this question to make the candidate comfortable and also to get some pointers to ask further question. You should be thouroughly prepared to answer this question in a manner beneficial to both sides. Give the inerviwers enough food for thought to ask you questions. Give more pointers on those grounds where you are comfortable. Feed areas to the interviewers where you would like the interview to move.
Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, "I need more money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move."
Even before attempting to answer this question for the Interviewer, Answer it to yourself. HONESTLY. This may not be the answer you give to the interviewer but be sure of what you are doing.
Q. What are your strengths?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job.
Be ready to justify your strengths. Be ready to relate an incident in your life where you displayed/discovered this strength.
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related. Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it.
Be ready with 'What you are doing to overcome the weakness.' This speaks a lot about you. you might have a 'bad memory' , but as long you are doing something about it, its good enough. You are good enough.
Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.
Discuss this with your close friends. They might be able to help. We hardly know ourselves ;-)
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview
Newspapers, Magazines, Website, Annual Report, Google Search, yahoo Search .... Be Prepared. This will also help you in answering a question like "How can you contribute to the company" or "Why should we take you". You will be able to highlight yourself in relation to the requirements and business of the company rather than some general cliche qualities.
Q. Why do you want to work for us?
A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as, "Because it's a great company." Say why you think it's a great company.
Well ... same as above ...
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from management.
Know the JOB well ... ASK them about the job ... What is it all about ... Roles adn Responsibilities adn then HEAR / LISTEN very carefully.
Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.
Be prepared with 2/3 major accomplishments. Remember, you should be highlighting or projecting your strengths through these accomplishments. Choose well. Technical or Leadership qualities or pure academic / analytical qualities. Your choice. But BE PREPARED
Q. How do you handle pressure and stress?
A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.
Use some of the incidents in your life to ilustrate the same. Also, have some quick technique to handle stress. You should find scores of them on the net. Be prepared to be questioned on those techniques.
Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.
A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show for solving it.
Incidents help here too. Take them thro the logical reasoning process you followed. talk about Team work involved (if it did). Project you role and creativity in solving the problem.
Well .... some more pointers from shoOOonya .....
--> Go after a job You really want to do. rather than what everybody wants to do. You will not survive in it or be successful in doing something you dont want to do.
--> Try to be HONEST to yourself as well the Interviewer. Twisting facts might get you the job, but you might find yourself un-fit for the job soon. This pointer is in direct connection to the first one above.
: : ALL THE BEST : :
. . . shoOOonya . . .
From Switzerland, Geneva
The above article was very good. I would like to indicate my views on the same too. Hope you find them useful.
I have copied the above article and have added my comments adn views in bold lettering.
I have omitted the questions/answers where I did not have any significant contribution to add.
************************************************** *******************************************
Preparing for the interview
Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and career related.
This the BEST Question you could be asked. With this question, you could at least get some control of the Interview. The interviewers generally ask this question to make the candidate comfortable and also to get some pointers to ask further question. You should be thouroughly prepared to answer this question in a manner beneficial to both sides. Give the inerviwers enough food for thought to ask you questions. Give more pointers on those grounds where you are comfortable. Feed areas to the interviewers where you would like the interview to move.
Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, "I need more money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move."
Even before attempting to answer this question for the Interviewer, Answer it to yourself. HONESTLY. This may not be the answer you give to the interviewer but be sure of what you are doing.
Q. What are your strengths?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job.
Be ready to justify your strengths. Be ready to relate an incident in your life where you displayed/discovered this strength.
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related. Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it.
Be ready with 'What you are doing to overcome the weakness.' This speaks a lot about you. you might have a 'bad memory' , but as long you are doing something about it, its good enough. You are good enough.
Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.
Discuss this with your close friends. They might be able to help. We hardly know ourselves ;-)
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview
Newspapers, Magazines, Website, Annual Report, Google Search, yahoo Search .... Be Prepared. This will also help you in answering a question like "How can you contribute to the company" or "Why should we take you". You will be able to highlight yourself in relation to the requirements and business of the company rather than some general cliche qualities.
Q. Why do you want to work for us?
A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as, "Because it's a great company." Say why you think it's a great company.
Well ... same as above ...
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from management.
Know the JOB well ... ASK them about the job ... What is it all about ... Roles adn Responsibilities adn then HEAR / LISTEN very carefully.
Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.
Be prepared with 2/3 major accomplishments. Remember, you should be highlighting or projecting your strengths through these accomplishments. Choose well. Technical or Leadership qualities or pure academic / analytical qualities. Your choice. But BE PREPARED
Q. How do you handle pressure and stress?
A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.
Use some of the incidents in your life to ilustrate the same. Also, have some quick technique to handle stress. You should find scores of them on the net. Be prepared to be questioned on those techniques.
Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.
A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show for solving it.
Incidents help here too. Take them thro the logical reasoning process you followed. talk about Team work involved (if it did). Project you role and creativity in solving the problem.
Well .... some more pointers from shoOOonya .....
--> Go after a job You really want to do. rather than what everybody wants to do. You will not survive in it or be successful in doing something you dont want to do.
--> Try to be HONEST to yourself as well the Interviewer. Twisting facts might get you the job, but you might find yourself un-fit for the job soon. This pointer is in direct connection to the first one above.
: : ALL THE BEST : :
. . . shoOOonya . . .
From Switzerland, Geneva
I found this article and the subsequent replies extremely useful and insightful. I'm always fascinated by the employer asking about weaknesses. It lends itself to a bit of game-playing or dishonest reponses.
Your collective thoughts on how to respond are indeed practical. I would say however, that if you are aware of significant weaknesses, or areas for improvement, that you act on them NOW and make them less of an issue. Not only will that improve your performance, but how positive it would be to say "I identified that an area for improvement in my performance was XXX. To address this is I have undertaken study/training and development/worked with a mentor to achieve significant improvements in this aspect of my work."
Progress Enterprise
http//:
From Australia, Ballarat
Your collective thoughts on how to respond are indeed practical. I would say however, that if you are aware of significant weaknesses, or areas for improvement, that you act on them NOW and make them less of an issue. Not only will that improve your performance, but how positive it would be to say "I identified that an area for improvement in my performance was XXX. To address this is I have undertaken study/training and development/worked with a mentor to achieve significant improvements in this aspect of my work."
Progress Enterprise
http//:
From Australia, Ballarat
Community Support and Knowledge-base on business, career and organisational prospects and issues - Register and Log In to CiteHR and post your query, download formats and be part of a fostered community of professionals.
Thing syou should avoid in interview.pptx
Interview-ebook _181.zip
Interview Evaluation.doc