Scribd
Upload
33 views

Interview Questions

The document provides advice for answering common interview questions. It suggests that for the question "What can we expect from you in your first three months?", the response should focus on determining how the job creates value, learning to serve all constituents, focusing on one's skills, and making a difference through commitment and teamwork. For the question "What do you like to do outside of work?", it advises focusing on activities that indicate growth and weaving in personal details, like learning Spanish during commutes.

Uploaded by

shakil ahmed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
33 views

Interview Questions

The document provides advice for answering common interview questions. It suggests that for the question "What can we expect from you in your first three months?", the response should focus on determining how the job creates value, learning to serve all constituents, focusing on one's skills, and making a difference through commitment and teamwork. For the question "What do you like to do outside of work?", it advises focusing on activities that indicate growth and weaving in personal details, like learning Spanish during commutes.

Uploaded by

shakil ahmed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Show that you were professional.

Show that you raised your concerns in a


productive way. If you have an example that proves you can effect change, great --
and if you don't, show that you can support a decision even though you think it's
wrong (as long as it's not unethical, immoral, etc.).

Every company wants employees willing to be honest and forthright, to share


concerns and issues ... but to also get behind a decision and support it as if they
agreed, even if they didn't.

16. "Tell me how you think other people would describe you."
I hate this question. It's a total throwaway. But I did ask it once, and got an answer I
really liked.

"I think people would say that what you see is what you get," the candidate said. "If I
say I will do something, I do it. If I say I will help, I help. I'm not sure that everyone
likes me, but they all know they can count on what I say and how hard I work."

Can't beat that.

17. "What can we expect from you in your first three months?"
Ideally the answer to this should come from the employer: They should have plans
and expectations for you.

But if you're asked, use this general framework:

 You'll work hard to determine how your job creates value -- you won't just stay busy, you'll stay
busy doing the right things.

 You'll learn how to serve all your constituents -- your boss, your employees, your peers, your
customers, and your suppliers and vendors.

 You'll focus on doing what you do best -- you'll be hired because you bring certain skills, and
you'll apply those skills to make things happen.

 You'll make a difference -- with customers, with other employees, to bring enthusiasm and focus
and a sense of commitment and teamwork.

Then just layer in specifics that are applicable to you and the job.

18. "What do you like to do outside of work?"


Many companies feel cultural fit is extremely important, and they use outside
interests as a way to determine how you will fit into a team.

Even so, don't be tempted to fib and claim to enjoy hobbies you don't. Focus on
activities that indicate some sort of growth: skills you're trying to learn, goals you're
trying to accomplish. Weave those in with personal details. For example, "I'm raising
a family, so a lot of my time is focused on that, but I'm using my commute time to
learn Spanish."

19. "What was your salary in your last job?"


This is a tough one. You want to be open and honest, but frankly, some companies
ask the question as the opening move in salary negotiations.

Try an approach recommended by Liz Ryan. When asked, say, "I'm focusing on jobs
in the $50K range. Is this position in that range?" (Frankly, you should already know -
- but this is a good way to deflect.)

Maybe the interviewer will answer; maybe she won't. If she presses you for an
answer, you'll have to decide whether you want to share or demur. Ultimately your
answer won't matter too much, because you'll either accept the salary offered or you
won't, depending on what you think is fair.

20. "A snail is at the bottom of a 30-foot well. Each day he


climbs up three feet, but at night he slips back two feet. How
many days will it take him to climb out of the well?"
Questions like these have become a lot more popular (thanks, Google) in recent
years. The interviewer isn't necessarily looking for the right answer but instead a little
insight into your reasoning abilities.

All you can do is talk through your logic as you try to solve the problem. Don't be
afraid to laugh at yourself if you get it wrong -- sometimes the interviewer is merely
trying to assess how you deal with failure.

21. "What questions do you have for me?"


Don't waste this opportunity. Ask smart questions, not just as a way to show you're a
great candidate but also to see if the company is a good fit for you -- after all, you're
being interviewed, but you're also interviewing the company.

You might also like