Need some preparation, I have a big interview next week!
2007-01-11 14:59:41 · 8 answers · asked by Who Knew! 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I am a headhunter and I always provide the following list of sample questions to my candidates before they go into an interview:
Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. Talk about your skills and good work habits Keep it mostly work and career related. And keep it short.
Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you eave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Don’t say bad things about former employers. Make general statements, like, "It's a career move."
Q. What are your strengths?
A. Point out your positive qualities that are related to the job.
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses. Keep it work-related and give strength that makes up for it.
Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A. Be positive and keep it work related. Use words like conscientious, hard working, honest and courteous.
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. Be sure to research the company before you go to the interview. This shows the interviewer you are interested.
Q. Why do you want to work for us?
A. Same as above.
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Point out your strengths again and the good job you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from current or previous employers
Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A. Talk about work projects that made you proud or received praise from your boss. Include a pay raise or a promotion you got because of the project.
Q. What makes you want to work hard?
A. Focus on how recognition for a job well done makes you feel. You can talk about material rewards such as salary but stress your achievements.
Q. What type of work environment do you like best?
A. Match your answer to the job. If the job is part of a team, say you work well with others. If the job means you work by yourself a lot, say you work well on your own and as part of a team when needed.
Q. Why do you want this job?
A. Say what attracts you to the job. Avoid statements like, "I just need a job."
Q. How do you handle pressure and stress?
A. Don’t say you kick the cat! Indicate more positive ways of handling job pressures, such as exercise, reading, getting together with friends, or turning stress into energy to get the job done.
Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.
A. Describe an example of your problem-solving skills.
Q. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now?
A. Talk about your career goals and how the job fits into those plans.
Q. What qualifies you for this job?
A. Point out your skills, experience and other qualifications that will help you do the job well.
2007-01-11 15:08:54 · answer #1 · answered by angihorn2006 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
A lot of big companies are using "behavioral interviews" now. I had one like that once and it was tough. They ask questions like "Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills" or "Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem." It can be very difficult to come up with a quality answer off the top of your head, so you really need to prepare. You can do some research online to find the most popular questions that are asked.
2007-01-11 23:20:41 · answer #2 · answered by acage123 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think I've actually been asked a bad one, not that I can remember anyway. But I can give you a few tips:
1. They WILL ask what are your weaknesses. Everyone does. Give them something non-serious but show them you do NOT think you are perfect. Tell them how you are working to improve it.
2. Always, always, always give examples of how you did something at work (or in your life) to resolve a situation. Never answer with just a yes or no!
3. Try to have more of a "conversation" than a one-way interview. After answering a question, ask one. Ask what they value, how they do something, what their policies are, etc.
4. Show that you are a good listener. They will ask questions based on what THEY need. If you are listening and detect a pattern, you will give answers that show YOU are good at what it is THEY are looking for.
5. If you have provided a resume, most of the questions are usually about the skills and experience you put on it. So be ready!
2007-01-11 23:18:38 · answer #3 · answered by clueless_nerd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give us a clue as to what field your interview is in.
Worst question I have ever been forced to ask: Interviewing candidates for a no benefit position, most of whom had limited English skills, I had to ask, "If you were to get a job with benefits such as sick leave, how much sick leave would you take in the upcoming year?"
2007-01-11 23:14:15 · answer #4 · answered by ditsyquoin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Worst interview questions. "What is your religion?" "Do you have children?" "Do you go to church?" The list goes on. Be confident, this line of questioning in an interview is illegal. If the interviewer insists, ask if the question has anything to do with the position.
2007-01-11 23:18:55 · answer #5 · answered by seeitknowit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So when they ask you
"why do you want to work for us?"
You say
"First off, I want you to know that I don't need the money. I want to make a difference and I am hoping I get that chance through your agency."
2007-01-11 23:05:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you a homosexual?
Do you talk loudly
Are you mentally prepared
2007-01-11 23:12:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Can you say: "Will that be with or without Fries?"
That's a bad one!
2007-01-11 23:02:44 · answer #8 · answered by smiling_freds_biz_info 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋