40) If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
15) Have you ever had to fire anyone?
How did you feel about that? This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do i...
46) Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
31) Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
45) What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out. (Ed Says personally, if you know they are looking for one specific job, then you...
43) What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses thin...
41) Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.
25) What are you looking for in a job?
Same as Tell me about your dream job. Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credi...
1) Tell me about yourself.
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Li...
30) Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may...
48) Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
20) Tell me about a suggestion you have made.
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for...
7) What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some go...
6) What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What...
19) Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
What is your energy level like? Describe a typical day.
...
11) What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most ca...
24) Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
4) Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve...
26) Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
44) Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.
36) Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
21) What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks...
16) What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of an...
5) What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work.
12) Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for your...
What are the reasons for your success in this profession?
I attribute may success to 3 things: first I've always received support from my team and peers, which encourages me to be cooperative and look at my j...
9) Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and...
22) What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under...
34) How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success. Your boss tell you that you are succes...
23) Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it,...
2) Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the or...
49) Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will you make and decision o...
42) How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick lea...
17) If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it. (Ed - I would say NO -...
13) How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.
What is your greatest strength?
...
8) Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distra...
32) Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may wantanother job more than this one. What motivates you to do your best on the job? T...
33) Weekends?
Say yes - you can always turn the job down later.
14) What are your greatest strengths, weaknesses?
Be prepared and give specific examples.
What are the broad responsibilities of your job?
Explain your day-to-day responsibilities, whom you are serving, and how your function serves the profit motive of the organization.
27) What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a wh...
10) Do you know anyone who works for us? Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization.
This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
47) What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.
37) Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on w...
3) What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for.
18) Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid sayingnegative things about the people or organization involved. Explain how you woul...
35) Would you be willing to relocate if required?
I would say Yes ... you can always say no later.
28) What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
38) What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example...
39) What are your bad points?
Trick question. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
29) What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise,Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativ...
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