Interview Questions
Interview Questions
Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, don’t ramble. Touch on these four areas:
Yes. Be prepared with two or three extra copies. Do not offer them unless you’re asked for one.
Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question.
Do your homework, and you’ll score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people,
especially any friends that work there. “But I would love to know more, particularly from your point of view.
Do we have time to cover that now?
Pre-interview research and PPR Career will help you here. Try to cite experience relevant to the company’s
concerns. Also, try answering this questions with a question: “Are you looking for overall experience or
experience in some specific area of special interest to you?” Let the interviewer’s response guide your answer.
5. According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?
6. In your current or last position, what were your most significant accomplishments? In your
career so far?
7. Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If yes, what do you think held you
there?
Refer to positive aspects of the job, advancement opportunities, and what you learned.
8. Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized?
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Give only one, and tell how you have corrected or plan to correct your work.
9. If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he or she say are your greatest strengths and
weaknesses?
Be consistent with what you think the boss would say. Position the weakness in a positive way (refer to #12)
Keep your answer short and relevant to the job and the organization’s culture.
Present three. Relate them to that particular company and job opening.
Don’t say you have one, but give one that is really a “positive in disguise.” I am sometimes impatient and do to
much work myself when we are working against tight deadlines.” Or “I compliment and praise my staff, but feel
I can improve.”
(Is the person motivated? What are his/her values, attitudes? Is there a fit?)
Emphasize your best and favorite subjects. If grades were average, talk about leadership or jobs you took to
finance your education. Talk about extra-curricular activities (clubs, sports, volunteer work)
14. In your current or last position, what features did you like most? Least?
Refer to your satisfiers for likes. Be careful with dislikes, give only one (if any) and make it brief. Refuse to
answer negatively. Respond that you “like everything about my current position and have acquired and
developed a great many skills, but I’m now ready for a new set of challenges and greater responsibilities.”
Flip this one over. Despite the question, the employer isn’t really interested in what you are looking for. He’s
interested in what he is looking for. Address his interests, rather than yours. Use words like “contribute,”
“enhance,” “improve,” and “team environment.” Fit your answer to their needs Relate your preferences and
satisfiers/dissatisfiers to the job opening.
16. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
“As long as I feel that I’m contributing, and that my contribution is recognized. I’m looking to make a long term
commitment.”
18. If you have never supervised, how do you feel about assuming those responsibilities?
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“To grow and develop professionally, to help others develop, to build a team and to share what I have learned.”
20. What do you see as the most difficult task in being a supervisor?
“Getting things planned and done through others and dealing with different personalities.” Show how you have
done this in the past.
21. You’ve been with your current employer quite a while. Why haven’t you advanced with him?
Let’s assume the interviewer has a point here. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with the negative terms of
the question. Answer: “What I like about my present position is that it’s both stable and challenging. But it’s true
that I’ve grown about as much as I can in my current position. (This response also turns the issue of salary on its
head, transforming it from What more can I get? to What more can I offer?)
Never answer with negative reasons, even if they are true. However, some companies have financial problems
which may preclude you from staying with them. Frame your answer positively by answering why you want to
move to the target company instead of why you left or want to leave your most recent job. For example, instead
of answering, “I don’t get enough challenges at [company],” respond, “I am eager to take on more challenges,
and I believe I will find them at [hiring company]. ”I’m not unhappy (at my present employer). However, this
opportunity seems to be particularly interesting and I am interested in pursuing it further. Never personalize or
be negative. Keep it short, give a “group” answer (e.g. our office is closing, the whole organization is being
reduced in size). Stick to one response; don’t change answers during the interview. When applicable; best
response is: I was not on the market when PPR Career contacted me and explained what you are doing, it
peaked my interest.
Be positive. Refer to the valuable experience you have gained. Don’t mention negatives.
Be aware of what the job requires and position your answer in that context. In many cases it would be both.
Use this question as a chance to show that you are a team player: “The only people I have trouble with are those
who aren’t team players, who just don’t perform, who complain constantly, and who fail to respond to any
efforts to motivate them.” The interviewer is expecting a response focused on personality and personal dislikes.
Surprise her by delivering an answer that reflects company values.
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If you like him or her, say so and tell why. If you don’t like him or her, find something positive to say.
29. Why do you want to work in a company of this size. Or this type?
Explain how this size or type of company works well for you, using examples from the past if possible.
30. If you had your choice of jobs and companies, where would you go?
Refer to job preferences. Say that this job and this company are very close to what best suits you.
You feel you can help achieve the companies objectives, especially in the short run. You like what you’ve
learned about the company, its policies, goals and management: “I’ve researched the company and people tell
me it’s a good place to work.”
32. What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?
Think this through. Your answer should be compatible with accepted norms.
33. What are you doing, or what have you done to reach your career objectives?
Again, choose your words carefully. Don’t be negative. Say that no company is perfect, it had both strengths and
weaknesses.
Relate past success in accomplishing the objectives which are similar to those of the prospective employer.
Draw from your successes. Yes, my people like and respect me personally and professionally. They often
comment on how much they learn and develop under my supervision.
39. Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it?
If you haven’t, say so, but add that you could do it, if necessary.
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Refer to accomplishments.
41. What is the most money you ever accounted for? Largest budget responsibility?
Refer to accomplishments. If you haven’t had budget responsibility, say so, but refer to an accomplishment that
demonstrates the same skill.
42. What’s the most difficult situation you ever faced on the job?
Remember, you’re talking to a prospective employer, not your best friend. Don’t dredge up a catastrophe that
resulted in a personal or corporate failure. Be ready for this question by thinking of a story that has a happy
ending – happy for you and your company. Never digress into personal or family difficulties, and don’t talk
about problems you’ve had with supervisors or peers. You might discuss a difficult situation with a subordinate,
provided that the issues were resolved inventively and to everyone’s satisfaction.
43. Describe some situations in which you have worked under pressure or met deadlines?
Refer to accomplishments. Everyone has had a few of these pressure situations in a career. Behavior-related
questions aim at assessing a candidate’s character, attitude, and personality traits by asking for an account of
how the candidate handled certain challenging situations. Plan for such questions by making a list of the
desirable traits relevant to the needs of the industry or prospective employer and by preparing some job-related
stories about your experience that demonstrate a range of those traits and habits of conduct. Before answering
the questions, listen carefully and ask any clarifying questions you think necessary. Tell your story and conclude
by explaining what you intended your story to illustrate. Finally, ask for feedback: “Does this tell you what you
need to know?”
Rejection is part of business. People don’t always buy what you sell. The tick here is to separate rejection of
your product from rejection of yourself: “I see rejection as an opportunity. I learn from it. When a customer
takes a pass, I ask him what we could do to the product, price or service to make it possible for him to say yes.
Don’t get me wrong: You’ve got to makes sales. But rejection is valuable, too. It’s a good teacher.”
45. In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been
overlooked?
Refer to accomplishments
Refer to accomplishments.
Talk first about doing the job for which you are applying. Your career goals should mesh with the hiring
company goals.
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Just say you wish to exceed objectives so well that you will be on a promotable track.
(How does the person handle stress? What is their confidence level?)
This may sound suspicious, negative, or just plain harsh. Actually, it’s a call for help. The employer wants you
to help him/her hire you. Keep your response brief. Recap any job requirements the interviewer may have
mentioned earlier in the interview, then, point by point, match your skills, abilities and qualifications to those
items. Relate a past experience which represents success in achieving objectives which may be similar to those
of the prospective employer.
52. You may be over-qualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer.
“A strong company needs a strong person.” An employer will get faster return on investment because you have
more experience than required.
“Finding the right job takes time. I’m not looking for just any job.”
No need to be self-revealing. “Hindsight is 20/20; everyone would make some changes, but I’ve learned and
grown from all my decisions.”
Be careful. If you don’t know the market value, return the question by saying that you would expect a fair salary
based on the job responsibilities, your experience and skills and the market value of the job. Express your
interest in the job because it fits your career goals – Receptive to a reasonable and competitive offer – don’t talk
$’s. It’s always best to put off discussing salary and let PPR Career handle that. ANSWER: I’m open to a
competitive offer. I’d prefer to discuss the opportunity and allow my recruiter to handle any salary questions.
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where improvements can be made. Convince the person that you can be relied on and you will not get
bored with what you do with time.
• How many days where you absent from work?
Give a solid attendance record. But at the same time show you were not responsible . Convince that
you are willing to take up responsibility.
Egg: I was absent 7 days. 4 days due to conjunctivitis and one day due to the death of a close relative
and 2 days had to accompany my parents for their check up.
• Tell me about a time you had to deal with an irritate customer, how did you handle the solution?
The question is aimed at you to hear from yourself how you handle people when others loose their
temper. Here the best answer you can give to describe a situation and show how you handled it with
maturity and diplomacy.
• How do you manage stress in your daily work?
You can describe a situation of how you had managed stress in your previous work if you had one or
narrate how you can find time in your busy schedule to relax a bit.
• Describe a professional skill you have developed in you?
It will be better if you be specific with your answer. Narrate some thing you worked for to fulfill your
work more efficiently. Describe how you attended a seminar and brought about the changed in your
work.
• How do you manage your work to meet dead lines
Answer the question effectively . Describe in detail how your plan out, set priorities, determine
schedules, how you follow out to see the progress and meet the dead line.
• What books you read?
Do not ever say you have read a book which you have not. Here your suggestion can lead the
interviewer to know your taste and interest. It can also hint on how you take your profession.
• What are the most rewarding aspect of you most recent job?
The best way to answer it is to focus in what you do efficiently, keep in mind the position you are
applying for.
• What aspects of this job do you feel most confident?
Narrate what you are good and match it with the present job requirements. You may ask questions to
clear if that particular skill will add benefit to the company
• What can motivate you?
The Interview expects an answer to know you better .Keep in tune with your job and work you have
applied for. Do not beat around the bush.
• Whom do you choose as your reference and why?
Name the references and how you know them. You can also show that you are a person who care for
relationships and how you stand in good stead with them.
• Can we call all your references?
If you have given your present boss as your reference you can tell that you prefer to call your current
boss only after you receive a confirmed offer as he may not like you changing the job.
• Do you have any questions?
Be prepared to answer this question in advance. List out a few questions you wish to know more about.
After you have faced the interview your logic will guide you to ask the question you really want to
know more about.
• How do you handle criticism
Here the interview is on the look out for your accountability and professional character.
Simply explain a situation that caused a problem and narrate how you faced it and overcame it.
• Tell me about a situation that upset you at work
Her the interview is trying to find out how you deal with pressure. Be diplomatic and objective with
your answer. Prepare the answer so that the answer comes as a smooth reassurance
• Have you ever been fired?
If the answer is negative, the answer is simple. But if you have been fired, you need to be prepared to
the answer the follow up questions that my come up.
If the termination was for reason beyond your control narrate it. If not do not try justifying yourself. If
you had a fault, admit it and convince the interview that you have corrected it.
• Do you change your job frequently?
Be honest and if you had changed the jobs frequently there could be ample reasons to do so. Put them
up as contracts that expired at the stipulated time.
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Be convincing when you say that you long to have a steady and long lasting relationship with the
present job you are applying for.
• What is the toughest job you had?
Avoid making any negative statements especially about your previous employer. Change the question
with a positive outlook and answer it with a satisfied remark of your outcome.
• How do you handle tension?
Answer with ease that in any job and any situation that tension is a part of it. Relax before putting the
f act you are very used to such type of works.
• What is your current salary?
Do not bluff. Be specific on the answer. Do not hesitate to say the benefits you enjoyed in the previous
job. It may be verified so never mention the benefits you have not got.
• Will you be willing to accept transfer?
Tell you preference but do not specify that you will be not willing to work else where.
• What is your weakness?
Turn the question to a positive one. Simply say that you are a perfectionist and your commitment to
output of high quality perfect work. Say this is your weakness.
• How did you get your last job?
A polished answer is what is expected. Frame the answer in such a way that it shows how you had
planned to get the job. Make sure it was not by happenstance.
• What was your position in your last employment?
Provide a consistent answer. Precision will help you from answering the questions which will follow
from ambiguous answers.
• What is the reason for you leaving your last job?
Answer the question with confidence. Do not give a selfish answer. Frame the answer in a broader way.
Do not point out short comings of the company.
• How did you hear about this position?
Be honest with the answer. This will help you from complicating the interview by giving a wrong
answer later.
• Have you received any other job offers?
A positive answer can show that you are efficient. A positive answer should be true as it may be
verified.
• What do you do with your spare time?
The interviewer is looking for some insight into your personality by asking the question. If you say
something be ready to answer more question on the topic.
• What is your current salary?
Answer carefully. If you have filled up a form they would already know it.
• Have you been denied a salary increase?
A positive answer shows that you are a person with a problem.
• Have you had a pay cut?
A detailed explanation is needed it you agree you have had one. Be prepared for the follow up
questions .A negative answer is the best.
• Have you been asked to resign?
Prepare in advance how to answer the question if the answer is yes. Disclose the circumstances
objectively.
• Has your work been criticized?
This question asked by an experienced interviewer can give an insight into your ability to
communicate, your tolerance to take criticism, and the environment you have been working. The ideal
way is to describe a situation that shows your work was criticized, but portray them as being borne out
by situation itself.
• We find gaps in your resume. What were you doing this time?
You should be prepared to answer the question before hand. Make your answer crisp, brief and focused
on the point and but do not be defensive.
• Do you have any objection to psychological testing?
You can answer that you have no objection to being tested. The interviewer is probably just trying to
find out if you have any problems.
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question considering the level to which you have applied for. Do not hesitate to say you are well versed
in all modes
• Do you plan and organize before you start a work?
This question is aimed at you to show how systematically you plan and proceed with your projects. If
you have experience give a systematic answer. Do not beat around the bush as they are looking for a
concrete stuff in your answer.
• How were you evaluated in your last job?
Be brief and honest. Clarify the evaluation with a system.
• What are things that you find difficult to do?
The question is asked to make you answer the thing you do not like to do. Remember to have a piratical
touch in your answers.
• What is your relationship with your former employer?
It is a question aimed at to know you better. The answer will throw light on how you were in the last
work place.
• Describe a situation where you could not attain your goal?
Be ready with the answer before hand or you may land in trouble. Choose one and give correct details
• Can you work overtime?
Do not be intimidated. Agree if you are willing but clarify the details before making commitments.
• Do you have any questions?
Be casual and clear all the doubts you have. Do not try out any question that will bring forth any
questions back to you.
• Have you had difficulty getting along with others?
Give a reply in the negative and bring forth the idea that you are easy to get along with others.
• What can you do for us that others cannot?
This is a question that can be answered to bring out your talents and to prove that you are efficient and
dynamic.
• What reservations do you have about working here?
Do not have any negative at the moment to pint out. Answer the question with a positive statement.
Point out the organization as one where you really wanted to belong and work.
• Why do you want to work here with us?
Do a deep study about the organization and have a list of merits ready so that you will be able to give a
steady and easy answer.
• This job requires long hours will it be a problem for your spouse /children?
Frame the answer in such a way that you give equal importance to your work and family. You should
be able to prove your credibility.
• Do your spouse work?
The question gives an insight if you are the only bread earner of the family. If the answer is yes there
will be follow up questions as to who takes care of the children and the rest.
• Whom should we notify in case of an emergency?
The question gives a clear insight on whom you depend and trust .It is almost as equal as giving a
reference.
• Are you in the habit of changing your jobs frequently?
Answer the question with the resume you have given .If it shows many places worked give a reply that
you wish to stick to the present job applied for.
• What do your parents do?
The question is asked to understand the background of the applicant. If a parent has a positive tie- in to
the organization /industry that you are seeing, employment you may mention this.
• Are you a religious person?
An odd question but if the organization is run by religious institutions your answer in the positive will
have real good effects.
• What organizations do you belong to ?
You may list the various organization in which you are a member. Make sure you do not list any
organization that can bring negative impact.
• How old are you?
Just a question asked to remind you that you are too old for the job or too young for the job. Be aware
and answer the question with accuracy.
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• Have you been a target of sexual harassment? Have you filed a complaint?
This question is raised to determine your proclivity to take legal action at work place. Be open and
express yourself freely as the question came from them and it was not you who initiated it.
• Have you ever been arrested?
The question can be answered negative unless you were arrested and proved guilty by a court of law.
This is because a person who is arrested is innocent until proven guilty.
• Has any court found you guilty?
This question is asked to clear and clarify if any criminal record is present.
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PREPARING TO INTERVIEW:
Know Yourself
Prepare Yourself
Practice
Review attached list of questions most asked during an interview as well as list of questions to prospective employers.
Practice answering interview questions (out loud).
Schedule a mock interview, through the Office of Career Services, to gain experience and feedback.
Be aware of your body language…what is your body language under pressure?
Remember to smile and be yourself!
Checklist
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Before the job interview, you should research the organization. It is easier to convince an employer that you would be
of benefit to the organization if you are knowledgeable about it. In addition, information obtained through research
can help you decide whether you want to work for a specific organization.
One of the best ways to find company information is on the Internet. You should be able to find plenty of information
to get you started by exploring the Web with a good browser and search engine. Just entering the company name in
the search engine will usually result in success.
Here are five things that most employers want to know about you.
5. They want to know if you want their job with their company.
What are you looking for in a position?
Who else are you interviewing with?
Why are you interested in this position?
What do you know about the company?
Would you tell us what attracts you to a career with us? How
do you see your studies, skills, experience and personal
qualities contributing to the work of the organisation?
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Tip: How do you think that you might fit into this company
Describe a time when you had to deal with conflicting demands. How did you deal with this situation and what was
the outcome?
Tip: STAR
Can you describe a time where you have been required to perform as part of a team? What was the situation? What
part did you play in the team and what was the outcome of the exercise?
Tip: STAR
Where do you expect to be in 5 years time? What will you do if you are not successful in gaining this position?
Tip: Demonstrate to the interviewer that you have thought about what it is you want from work and what you hope to
achieve. Let them know you are flexible however, and willing to explore new opportunities.
What particular skills and qualities do you bring to the workforce? What other skills would you like to develop in the
future?
Tip: Strengths and weaknesses
Tell me about a challenging situation you have faced. What was the situation and how did you cope with it?
Tip: STAR
Is there an achievement of which you are particularly proud? What is it? Why is it significant?
Tip: STAR
Imagine that you are a member of a small team responsible for the development and production of an internal
publication. Your team is dependent on another workgroup to provide the data which will form the basis of your
publication. The deadline for completing this project is not able to be relaxed. (a) What factors do you think might
affect the team's ability to meet the publication deadline? (b) What could the team do to ensure the project is
completed on time?
Tip: Hypothetical questions allow the interviewer to identify key competencies deemed important by the employer. No
right or wrong answer
What are the key elements of measuring performance and how can you establish whether an outcome represents a
success? (Answer this in terms of your own work or study experience.) More specifically, what do you think might be
some key indicators of the successful performance of a national agency?
Tip: STAR (Behavioural +Situational question)
You have demonstrated in your CV that you have knowledge of entomology. Could you please expand on your
experience and tell us what you think your strengths are in this field. An important component of the position will be
the maintenance of water quality parameters within acceptable limits for the species. Can you outline your experience
in water quality testing? What do you feel are the most important water quality variables?
Tip: Multi-part question
The ability to work independently within a structured team is essential to the position. This will require the successful
applicant to be self-starting, able to prioritise tasks, be a good communicator, as well as showing considerable
initiative. Can you give us some examples where you have worked within a team environment and demonstrated these
abilities?
Tip: STAR + multi-part question
What do you feel is the potential for aquaculture in Australia and what are some of the major impediments to its
development? What are some of the major aquaculture species cultured in freshwater? As well as the position
involving general maintenance of the aquaria and pond facilities, a significant component will involve participation in
scientific experiments through the collection and collation of research data. Can you describe previous experience you
have had in the day to day running of scientific experiments?
Tip: STAR + multi-part question
The research project and facilities the successful applicant will be involved with receives considerable attention from
the general public. Therefore, a component of the job will involve liaising with the general public and media. This
requires the delivery of information in a simple precise manner. How confident do you feel you are in delivering
sometimes complex information in a simple manner?
Tip: give examples
What computer programs are you familiar with, and more specifically, what programs would you use to write a report,
enter research data, and to prepare a poster or seminar.
Tip: give examples of where you have applied the use of these programs.
You have had an opportunity to look at the statistical table from the publication (this was supplied before the
interview). (a) Imagine you were asked to write a commentary on the information in the table. Are there any
significant or curious or interesting features revealed by the data which you think should be highlighted, and if so,
what might you say about them? Can you offer any suggestions to explain these features? (b) What is your opinion of
the general layout of the table? How might it be improved?
Tip: multi-part question.
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Experience questions:
Tell me about your last position and what you did.
Tell me about the last time you made a mistake and how you corrected it.
If you don't leave your current job, what will happen there? How far can you advance?
Of all the work you have done, where have you been most successful?
I see you were unemployed for a period of time. Tell me about it.
Give me an example of when you've demonstrated your customer service skills.
How do you define continuous improvement? What is the last new procedure you integrated into your job?
What makes you stand out among your peers?
What have you done to reduce your department’s operational costs or to save time?
What would your current supervisors say makes you most valuable to them?
If I asked your boss to evaluate your performance, what would he or she say?
Have you held positions similar to this one? If so, tell me about them.
What is the most important thing you learned at a previous job?
What did/do you enjoy most/least about your last/present job?
If there were two things you could have changed about that job, what would they be?
How did your job change while you held it?
Describe your supervisor’s management style.
What kinds of people do you deal with on the job?
What qualifications do you have that make you successful in this field?
What have you learned from previous jobs?
Describe a typical day at work.
How have your previous positions prepared you for this one?
What parts of your job do you consider most important?
What job tasks do you feel most successful doing?
What special skills or knowledge have you gained to help in this job?
Describe an important project you worked on.
What sort of person do you enjoy working for?
Define excellent customer service.
You have a lot of experience. Why would you want this job?
What do you consider your greatest strength?
What is your most significant professional accomplishment?
What was the last job related book you read?
What was your favorite job? Why?
You've stayed with the same organization for years. Why have you decided to leave?
http://www.newinterviewquestions.com/list.htm
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