Top 15 Interview QuestionsThursday, May 6th 2004

By Richard Serby

Read More About: gis jobs career

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Interviewing for a job can be one of the most uncomfortable events in your life. It is equally uncomfortable

for many managers who must interview candidates for a position. Preparation can make the task easier.

Here are some questions that are the most frequently asked, according to a ResumeDoctor.com survey

of 2000 corporate recruiters.

You should have answers prepared for these questions.

1. Describe your ideal job and/or boss.

2. Why are you looking for a job? Why are leaving your current position?

3. What unique experience or qualifications separate you from other candidates?

4. Tell me about yourself.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

6. Describe some of your most important career accomplishments.

7. What are your short-term/long-term goals?

8. Describe a time when you were faced with a challenging situation and how you handled it.

9. What are your salary requirements?

10. Why are you interested in this position? Our company?

11. What would your former boss/colleagues say about you?

12. What are the best and worst aspects of your previous job?

13. What do you know about our company?

14. What motivates you? How do you motivate others?

15. Are you willing to relocate?

Don't forget to write a brief ‘Thank You’ note to the person or people who interviewed you. You may be

the only candidate who performed this small courtesy!

The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interviewBeing prepared is half the battle.If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical

aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.

This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin, nation's major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."

Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.

6. Why should we hire you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].

Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?

Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?

Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?

You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction").

A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.

As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?

Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. What do you look for when You hire people?

Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?

Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?

Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.

The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?

Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?

Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?

Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?

Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?

Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"

If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.

If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.

If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.

If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)

Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.

But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. What are your long-range goals?

Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..."

25. How successful do you you've been so far?

Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.

Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence. 50 COMMON INTERVIEW Q&AAugust 19, 2006 by bhuvans

3,373digg

Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would

answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some

strategy suggestions with it.

(Excerpted from the book The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D,

published by The Management Advantage, Inc.)

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. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.

Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to

the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest

back and work up to the present.

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 organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep

smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an

opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking

reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field?

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for.

If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

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 the others.

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. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith

Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It

is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

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 are the current issues and who are the major players?

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 good ones handy to mention.

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 distraction.

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 will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term

career goals.

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.

11. What kind of salary do you need?

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if

you answer first. 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 cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,

say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide

range.

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 yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag,

just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

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.

14. 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 it when it is the

right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the

individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the

organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in

force.

15. 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 answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a

benefit to the organization.

16. 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.

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying

negative things about the people or organization involved.

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to

highlight your best points as they relate to the position being

discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

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.

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 is a real plus.

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 is great.

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 pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your

professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

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, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with

this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something

like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and

can’t wait to get to work.

24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

25. What are you looking for in a job?

See answer # 23

26. 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 whiner.

27. 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.

28. 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, Creativity, Problem solver

29. 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 well below the interview right there. Stay positive and

develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

30. What has disappointed you about a job?

Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:

Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did

not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

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.

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 want

another job more than this one.

33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?

This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:

Challenge, Achievement, Recognition

34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

This is up to you. Be totally honest.

35. 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 successful

36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?

You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if

you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get

the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems

later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself

future grief.

37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead ofyour own?

This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about

the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

38. 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 which management expert you listen to. The situational

style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the

situation, instead of one size fits all.

39. 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 would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and

thus throwing coordination off.

40. Do you have any blind spots?

Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind

spots. 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.

41. 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.

42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well

qualified for the position.

43. 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 learner.

44. 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 think they have these traits.

45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute betweenothers.

Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique

and not the dispute you settled.

46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

50. 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 I be able to be productive? and What type of projects

will I be able to assist on? are

examples. Why did you apply for this position?Tip: How do you think that you might fit into this 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?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

 How do you establish a working relationship with new people?Tip: Team skills 

 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 

 Top

How to Answer 23 of the Most Common Interview Questionsby Paul Michael on 4 October 2007193 comments

 

Photo: Marco Bellucci / Flickr

[Editor's note: If you recently lost your job, take a look at Wise Bread's collection

of tips and resources for the recently laid off.]

Let's face it; no one likes the interview process. Well, certainly not the people being

interviewed anyway. You have to be on your best behavior, you only get one chance

to get it right, and it's like taking your driving test all over again. Over the years I've

been to countless interviews. To get my first job out of college I attended some 15-

20 interviews a week. Whether it was in Britain or over here in the States, the

questions never really seemed to change from job to job. Not only that, but the

answers to them are usually the same, with your own personal interpretation of

course. Here I present 23 questions you're likely to be asked, and how I have

learned to answer them. Why 23? Because I had more than 20 and less than 25.

Remember, being interviewed is a skill, and if you do the preparation you should

ace it every time. (See also: 5 Tips to Acing an Interview)

1. So, tell me a little about yourself.

I'd be very surprised if you haven't been asked this one at every interview. It's

probably the most asked question because it sets the stage for the interview and it

gets you talking. Be careful not to give the interviewer your life story here. You

don't need to explain everything from birth to present day. Relevant facts about

education, your career and your current life situation are fine.

2. Why are you looking (or why did you leave you last job)?

This should be a straightforward question to answer, but it can trip you up.

Presumably you are looking for a new job (or any job) because you want to advance

your career and get a position that allows you to grow as a person and an

employee. It's not a good idea to mention money here, it can make you sound

mercenary. And if you are in the unfortunate situation of having been downsized,

stay positive and be as brief as possible about it. If you were fired, you'll need a

good explanation. But once again, stay positive.

3. Tell me what you know about this company.

Do your homework before you go to any interview. Whether it's being the VP of

marketing or the mailroom clerk, you should know about the company or business

you're going to work for. Has this company been in the news lately? Who are the

people in the company you should know about? Do the background work, it will

make you stand out as someone who comes prepared, and is genuinely interested

in the company and the job.

4. Why do you want to work at X Company?

This should be directly related to the last question. Any research you've done on the

company should have led you to the conclusion that you'd want to work there. After

all, you're at the interview, right? Put some thought into this answer before you

have your interview, mention your career goals and highlight forward-thinking goals

and career plans.

5. What relevant experience do you have?

Hopefully if you're applying for this position you have bags of related experience,

and if that's the case you should mention it all. But if you're switching careers or

trying something a little different, your experience may initially not look like it's

matching up. That's when you need a little honest creativity to match the

experiences required with the ones you have. People skills are people skills after all,

you just need to show how customer service skills can apply to internal

management positions, and so on.

6. If your previous co-workers were here, what would they say about you?

Ok, this is not the time for full disclosure. If some people from your past are going to

say you're a boring A-hole, you don't need to bring that up. Stay positive, always,

and maybe have a few specific quotes in mind. "They'd say I was a hard worker" or

even better "John Doe has always said I was the most reliable, creative problem-

solver he'd ever met."

7. Have you done anything to further your experience?

This could include anything from night classes to hobbies and sports. If it's related,

it's worth mentioning. Obviously anything to do with further education is great, but

maybe you're spending time on a home improvement project to work on skills such

as self-sufficiency, time management and motivation.

8. Where else have you applied?

This is a good way to hint that you're in demand, without sounding like you're

whoring yourself all over town. So, be honest and mention a few other companies

but don't go into detail. The fact that you're seriously looking and keeping your

options open is what the interviewer is driving at.

9. How are you when you're working under pressure?

Once again, there are a few ways to answer this but they should all be positive. You

may work well under pressure, you may thrive under pressure, and you may

actually PREFER working under pressure. If you say you crumble like aged blue

cheese, this is not going to help you get your foot in the door.

10. What motivates you to do a good job?

The answer to this one is not money, even if it is. You should be motivated by life's

noble pursuits. You want recognition for a job well done. You want to become better

at your job. You want to help others or be a leader in your field.

11. What's your greatest strength?

This is your chance to shine. You're being asked to explain why you are a great

employee, so don't hold back and stay do stay positive. You could be someone who

thrives under pressure, a great motivator, an amazing problem solver or someone

with extraordinary attention to detail. If your greatest strength, however, is to drink

anyone under the table or get a top score on Mario Kart, keep it to yourself. The

interviewer is looking for work-related strengths.

12. What's your biggest weakness?

If you're completely honest, you may be kicking yourself in the butt. If you say you

don't have one, you're obviously lying. This is a horrible question and one that

politicians have become masters at answering. They say things like "I'm perhaps

too committed to my work and don't spend enough time with my family." Oh,

there's a fireable offense. I've even heard "I think I'm too good at my job, it can

often make people jealous." Please, let's keep our feet on the ground. If you're

asked this question, give a small, work-related flaw that you're working hard to

improve. Example: "I've been told I occasionally focus on details and miss the

bigger picture, so I've been spending time laying out the complete project every

day to see my overall progress."

13. Let's talk about salary. What are you looking for?

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Run for cover! This is one tricky game to play in an interview. Even if you know the

salary range for the job, if you answer first you're already showing all your cards.

You want as much as possible, the employer wants you for as little as you're willing

to take. Before you apply, take a look at salary.com for a good idea of what

someone with your specific experience should be paid. You may want to say, "well,

that's something I've thought long and hard about and I think someone with my

experience should get between X & Y." Or, you could be sly and say, "right now, I'm

more interested in talking more about what the position can offer my career." That

could at least buy you a little time to scope out the situation. But if you do have a

specific figure in mind and you are confident that you can get it, I'd say go for it. I

have on many occasions, and every time I got very close to that figure (both below

and sometimes above).

14. Are you good at working in a team?

Unless you have the I.Q. of a houseplant, you'll always answer YES to this one. It's

the only answer. How can anyone function inside an organization if they are a

loner? You may want to mention what part you like to play in a team though; it's a

great chance to explain that you're a natural leader.

15. Tell me a suggestion you have made that was implemented.

It's important here to focus on the word "implemented." There's nothing wrong with

having a thousand great ideas, but if the only place they live is on your notepad

what's the point? Better still, you need a good ending. If your previous company

took your advice and ended up going bankrupt, that's not such a great example

either. Be prepared with a story about an idea of yours that was taken from idea to

implementation, and considered successful.

16. Has anything ever irritated you about people you've worked with?

Of course, you have a list as long as your arm. But you can't say that, it shows you

as being negative and difficult to work with. The best way to answer this one is to

think for a while and then say something like "I've always got on just fine with my

co-workers actually."

17. Is there anyone you just could not work with?

No. Well, unless you're talking about murderers, racists, rapists, thieves or other

dastardly characters, you can work with anyone. Otherwise you could be flagged as

someone who's picky and difficult if you say, "I can't work with anyone who's a

Bronco's fan. Sorry."

18. Tell me about any issues you've had with a previous boss.

Arrgh! If you fall for this one you shouldn't be hired anyway. The interviewer is

testing you to see if you'll speak badly about your previous supervisor. Simply

answer this question with extreme tact, diplomacy and if necessary, a big fat loss of

memory. In short, you've never had any issues.

19. Would you rather work for money or job satisfaction?

It's not a very fair question is it? We'd all love to get paid a Trump-like salary doing

a job we love but that's rare indeed. It's fine to say money is important, but

remember that NOTHING is more important to you than the job. Otherwise, you're

just someone looking for a bigger paycheck.

20. Would you rather be liked or feared?

I have been asked this a lot, in various incarnations. The first time I just drew a

blank and said, "I don't know." That went over badly, but it was right at the start of

my career when I had little to no experience. Since then I've realized that my

genuine answer is "Neither, I'd rather be respected." You don't want to be feared

because fear is no way to motivate a team. You may got the job done but at what

cost? Similarly, if you're everyone's best friend you'll find it difficult to make tough

decisions or hit deadlines. But when you're respected, you don't have to be a

complete bastard or a lame duck to get the job done.

21. Are you willing to put the interests of X Company ahead of your own?

Again, another nasty question. If you say yes, you're a corporate whore who doesn't

care about family. If you say no, you're disloyal to the company. I'm afraid that

you'll probably have to say yes to this one though, because you're trying to be the

perfect employee at this point, and perfect employees don't cut out early for

Jimmy's baseball game.

22. So, explain why I should hire you.

As I'm sure you know, "because I'm great" or "I really need a job" are not good

answers here. This is a time to give the employer a laundry list of your greatest

talents that just so happen to match the job description. It's also good to avoid

taking potshots at other potential candidates here. Focus on yourself and your

talents, not other people's flaws.

23. Finally, do you have any questions to ask me?

I'll finish the way I started, with one of the most common questions asked in

interviews. This directly relates to the research you've done on the company and

also gives you a chance to show how eager and prepared you are. You'll probably

want to ask about benefits if they haven't been covered already. A good generic

one is "how soon could I start, if I were offered the job of course." You may also ask

what you'd be working on. Specifically, in the role you're applying for and how that

affects the rest of the company. Always have questions ready, greeting this one

with a blank stare is a rotten way to finish your interview. Good luck and happy job

hunting.