Job Interview Questions

Why do you wish to leave your present job?

[The safest track to take is to indicate a desire for greater responsibility and challenge, or the opportunity to use talents you feel are under-used.]

What are you proud to have accomplished at your last job?

[opportunity to show off your strengths]]

What makes you excited about Mondays?

[share what makes you most passionate about the career you have]

How would your boss from your last job describe you?

[talk about your work ethic and how your personality fit into your previous position]

"If I were to poll everyone you've worked with, what percent would not be a fan of yours? Then, if I were to interview these people, what words would they most frequently use to describe you?"

At work, you can't please everyone all the time. The answer to this question will help you find out if your candidate has enough drive and conviction to have alienated a small percentage of their colleagues, but not so many that they are a polarizing figure.

Why are you working in this industry?

[Share a story about a defining moment in your path to this career]

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.

[add how you handled it]

What would you say is your greatest achievement at your last job?

"It's not about you, it's about them." What does that mean? It means that you have to tailor your entire interview, and more specifically your answers to the questions, to the company you are interviewing for. Think about it this way. Every single company that you are interviewing with will have a Perfect Candidate (PC) in mind, and their "PC" must have specific knowledge, skills and abilities...or what we like to call "Qualities". Candidate B chose to focus on and present a Quality that they KNEW their company put high value in. In doing this, the candidate has essentially aligned themselves with the company's idea of the Perfect Candidate and basically rewired the Hiring Manager's brain so that they see them as the only person for the job!

Why Did You Leave Your Last job?

(Desired PC Quality: decisiveness) 123 Company requires that a person in this position must be able to make decisions quickly. While overall my experience at the West Coast Box Company was a positive and rewarding journey, over time I felt like my style of working did not align well with their style. my managers preferred the free flow of ideas with very loose time management standards and it made my job quite difficult.

What's Your Biggest Weakness?

(Desired PC Quality: detail-oriented) XYZ Company values individuals who are highly organized and pay great attention to every detail. I am an extremely thorough and particular individual, who places a large amount of importance on getting all aspects of a project done properly. This tremendous focus on the details can sometimes require more time than is originally allotted for a project, which in certain situations can be troublesome. I'm conscious of the ramifications of this behavior and do my best to strike a balance between perfection and efficiency. (So first of all, notice how the answer "pivots" and turns the weakness into a positive.

"Tell Me About Yourself."

(Desired Perfect Candidate Quality: multi-tasking) ABC Company values the ability to manage several different tasks or responsibilities at the same time as an essential part of this position. [I think the best way to describe myself would be that I'm a passionate, dedicated worker who thrives off of balancing several projects at the same time, which I believe I showed in my last position. I love being critically involved on multiple levels on projects and I think I thrive in this type of environment, it keeps my mind sharp, active and engaged. (Notice how the answer is presenting a strength that is perfectly aligned with what the company values.)

Describe to me a time you were faced with a problem and how you dealt with it?

(desired PC Quality: calm under pressure) I can certainly remember a heated situation during my time as VP of the Student Union at Washington State University, where two separate groups of students were at each others throats as a result of budget cuts at the school. I think I really was able to showcase one of my biggest strengths, my ability to remain calm under pressure, when I organized and lead a mediation between the two groups that resulted in a handshake agreement.

"If you had $40,000 to build your own business, what would you do?"

First, the type of business they choose to talk about can reveal a lot about their interests, values, and how creative they are. Second, it'll give you insight into how business-savvy they are. By giving them a specific amount to work with (in this case, $40,000), they have the opportunity to parse out how they'd spend that money.

"Is it better to be perfect and late, or good and on time?"

For most companies, the correct answer is "good and on time." It's important to let something be finished when it's good enough. At some point, you've just got to ship it. Most managers don't want someone who can't hit deadlines because they're paralyzed by perfection.

"What's the biggest decision you've had to make in the past year? Why was it so big?"

Here's a great way to figure out how a candidate approaches decision-making. Were they quick to make that big decision, or did it take them a long time? Did they spend most of their time reflecting on it by themselves or fleshing it out with others? How did they make a plan? Their answer could be work-related or personal

What brings you to this interview?

[This is where the interviewer wants to see how well you have researched this position, how committed you really are to the company and why you are looking for a new job in the first place.]

What is your biggest flaw?

I tend to be a bit too polite. When you're too nice, people perceive you as a bit of a pushover. While I would never be rude to anyone, I try to keep the small talk from become excessive in order to maintain a "no-nonsense" reputation.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I would hope that by then my hard work and enthusiasm would have led to increased recognition and responsibility within the company..

Why are you seeking a position with our company?

Indicate that from your study of the company, many of the activities and problems are the sort that would give you a chance to contribute to the company through your experience and skills.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Indicate your desire to concentrate on doing the immediate job well - and your confidence that the future will then be promising. You do not want to convey that you have no desire to progress, but you need to avoid statements that are unrealistic, or that might threaten present incumbents.

The acronym STAR provides you with a guide to effectively answer behavioral based interview questions. Explain it?

S = Situation (Describe the situation, be specific?) T = Task (What needed to be done?) A = Action (What action did you take?) R = Result (What was the result of your action?)

'Tell me about yourself."

The interviewer wants to know that you can do the job, that you fit into the team, what you have accomplished in your prior positions and how can you help the organization." [Think of your response as a movie preview,"The movie preview always relates to the movie you're about to see. So the 'tell me about yourself" answer needs to directly fit the concerns of your prospective employer." Starting with your most recent employment and explaining why you are well qualified for the position.

"Describe A Difficult Work Situation And What You Did To Overcome It..."

The key here is to pick a success story that shows you exhibiting the qualities/skills required at the job and company you are interviewing for. DO: Pick an example that shows you tackling a problem that could arise at the new company you're interviewing for. This shows your value. Be specific and fairly concise. Use the S.T.A.R. Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result For example, you could tell a problem solving story about you handling a productivity problem at your last job by exhibiting leadership and your ability to handle conflict between coworkers. (In other words, combine multiple desired qualities into one answer.)

"Who is the smartest person you know personally? Why?"

These questions test what the candidate values and aspires to by forcing them to think of a real person they know, and then articulate what makes that person smart. Ideal answers vary, but could include specific examples of the person they've chosen's ability to think ahead several steps and execute. They could also touch on the person's decision-making skills, ability to connect, desire for learning, or application of the things they learned.

"Tell me about a time you screwed up."

This is a tried-and-true test for self-awareness. (Honestly, well-prepared candidates should see it coming and have an answer ready.) Someone who takes ownership of their mess-up and learns something from it is usually humble and mindful.

What do you hope to accomplish within the next year?

[ highlight your skills and strengths that will bring you success, reference accomplishments in previous jobs to show that you have what it takes to be successful in a new position]

What have you done professionally that you succeeded at, but isn't an experience you'd want to repeat?"

[A candidate's answer to this question will give you an idea of how they viewed work they weren't very happy with] Something menial (e.g. envelope-stuffing). Pay attention to whether they understand the value of this getting done for the business, or whether they just think they're too good for a job like that. Something really hard. Why was it hard? Was it because it was poorly planned, poorly executed, or something else? Where do they put the blame on it being such an unpleasant experience? Something team-related. Follow up with questions about the team, what their role on the team was, and so on.

What's your salary and when can you start?

[A good trick is to be sketchy and give them a salary range and say that you can't really give a definite answer until you can compare the benefits to what you have already. Indicate that you will be flexible and that there will be a way to work out both the financials and start date, should you get to that stage.]

How will you advance this company?

[A: My expertise in accounting has saved thousands and, in some cases, millions of dollars for the different companies I've worked with. With the welfare of the very infrastructure at stake, every penny counts, and I make it my priority to account for each of those pennies. As noted on my resume, I was responsible for sourcing a funds leak disguised as a supplies expense account at Innitech Corp. I can bring that same relentless scrutiny to the books here.]

Why have you had X number of jobs over the last X years?

[Answer this question by focusing on the job experiences that shaped your career in a positive way.]

What is your greatest weakness?

[Be honest with yourself about your professional areas of challenge. Own them. Self-awareness is a soft skill]

What do you dread most about going to work?

[Deflect this negative question with something positive, like "having to leave work at the end of the day."]

What do you need to work on?

[Discuss your need for further training in some aspect of your profession that is not tied directly to performing the responsibilities in this position and, therefore, being successful in it. ] "One area that I am strengthening is my knowledge of X computer application. To that end, I've enrolled in a seminar on the subject."

Tell me about a project that forced you to be innovative and creative.

[Display your abilities to give outside the box solutions and think on your feet with this answer - think of one anecdote beforehand that can highlight this.]

Why are you the best person for this position?

[Don't say anything self deprecating. Focus on this position in this company. Why shouldn't they hire someone else?]

"Tell me about the relationships you've had with the people you've worked with. How would you describe the best ones? The worst?"

[Each team is different, so this question helps you tease out whether the candidate would be happy, productive, and well liked on your team. Their answer will tell you how they interact with others -- and which kinds of interactions they want to happen.]

Can you work well with the team?

[Elaborate on how well you get on with people from all walks of life. Tell them how you have a strong opinion of your own, but always make compromises and move forward for the best interest of the team and the company.]

What qualifies you for this job?

[Employers are looking for a fluent description of your background, prepare some success stories for each and drop them in casually as though they were spontaneous thoughts. Always make your opening line your most major achievement]

What's the worst problem you've ever faced?

[First of all, the question doesn't confine itself to the workplace, so there is temptation to reveal a personal problem. Don't! Restrict yourself to employment matters only. Second, you are being asked to reveal a weakness or error again. You must have a good response ready for this question. Always show a problem you have solved and concentrate your answer on the solution not the problem.]

What specific goals, including those related to your occupation, have you established for your life?

[I want to be working for an excellent company like yours in a job in which I am managing information. I plan to contribute my leadership, interpersonal, and technical skills. My long-range career goal is to be the best information systems technician I can be for the company I work for. ]

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

[I'd like to still be learning in ten years. I'd like to have contributed enough useful programs to provide a whole new generation of coders with the tools they need to make life easier. I don't really believe in retirement either, so I plan on doing this as long as I'm up and running.]

Why did you choose this company?

[I've been building up my experience and developing my talent so that I could qualify for a position here. you value progress and cultivating a community of learning, and the focus is on quality work The sense of responsibility and high standards fits in perfectly with my values.]

"Tell me about a time you set difficult goals. What did you do to achieve them? Walk me through the process and purpose."

[If you're looking for a candidate who is goal-oriented and results-driven -- as most hiring managers are -- then this question will help you gauge whether they'll be able to handle the audacious goals you have in store for them. A great answer shows they understand what difficult goals are, and they put a lot of effort into attaining their goals while maintaining a high standard of work quality.]

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

[Interviewers ask this in order to gain perspective on your personality and values. Talk about how your hobbies contribute to who you are]

"Tell Me About Yourself..."

[Keep your answer succinct and to the point. Be work specific and tell the hiring manager about where you are now professionally, what you have learned from your past work experiences and then talk about what makes you excited about this specific opportunity. Do your company research and find out exactly what strengths and qualities this specific company is looking for and in your answer try and show the hiring manager you possess them]

What value will you add to our company?

[List your main skills and how these will be directly applicable if you get the job. Back your claims up with achievements from your previous jobs, preferably quantified, Forget what you want to get out of the job you are interviewing for, this is all about what they will get from you.]

What is something you don't want me to know about you?

[Make your answer lighthearted and clever, hobbies or a fun guilty pleasure

How would you describe yourself?

[My background to date has been centered around preparing myself to become the very best financial consultant I can become. Let me tell you specifically how I've prepared myself. I am an undergraduate student in finance and accounting at ———— University. My past experiences has been in retail and higher education. Both aspects have prepared me well for this career. ]

What is the question you were hoping I wouldn't ask today?

[Prepare for this question so that you're not left stumped, What is your greatest weakness? Why are you leaving your previous job? What was the last thing you Googled?]

What can you offer us that other candidates can't?

[Relate your accomplishments to the problems of your prospective employer. This is an opportune time to discuss your problem-solving abilities.]

What are your limitations?

[Respond with a strength which, if overdone, can be a detriment and become a weakness.] "My desire to get the job done sometimes causes me to be overzealous with high expectations. I am aware of this problem and am able to keep it in check."

"Why Should We Hire You?"

[Show the hiring manager that you are uniquely suited to filling this position. Be the candidate that solves their "problems". Show you know some significant details about the company and their general practices because you have researched the firm and are prepared. Tell a "success story" that highlights how you have the 'qualities' needed to fill their specific needs.]

"What's your definition of hard work?"

[Some organizations move at very different paces, and this question is an effective way to tell whether your candidate will be able to keep pace with the rest of the team. It also helps you identify someone who is a "hard worker in disguise," meaning someone who might currently be at a slow-moving organization or in a role that is not well-suited to them, but wants to work somewhere where they can really get their hands dirty.]

What are your weaknesses?

[The best "weaknesses are disguised as strengths, such as "I dislike not being challenged at work". Another good approach is to mention a weakness that is irrelevent for the job or one that can be overcome with training, explaining why you think it is a weakness and what you are doing to overcome the problem]

What are your strengths?

[Your answer should highlight the qualities that will help you succeed in this particular job. (Back up each point with something specific) You should also demonstrate reliability, and the ability to stick with a difficult task yet change courses rapidly when required.]

Tell me about a time you made a mistake.

[add what you learned from it]

How many pizza places are in New York City?

[asked to measure your ability to think on the spot, talk them through your thought process, being careful to mention all the assumptions you're making in order to answer the question.]

What do you value most about our culture and vision?

[have a firm understanding of the company's values, and be able to talk about how those values align with your own.]

What qualifications do you have that you feel would make you successful here?

[have sufficient information about the position, talk about two or three of your major skills (supported by accomplishments) which you believe will be useful in the position. If the question is asked earlier, talk about two or three of your major skills and relate them to the extent that you can to the company. ]

What is special about you?

[in order to be credible you will have to give specific examples from when you have achieved greatness in the past. Tell them about when you solved that huge issue for your company]

Do you prefer to work alone or with others?

[job candidate will fit in with the company's culture]

Why do you want to work for this company?

[know the company inside and out. You will now have the chance to demonstrate that you've done your research, so reply mentioning all the positive things you have found out about the organisation and its sector]

Would you quit your job if you won the lottery, even if you loved your current position?

[more excited about the job or the paycheck, give reasoning behind answer]

Tell me about a time when you messed up at work. How did you fix your mistake?

[opportunity for the interviewer to assess your damage control and problem-solving capabilities]

What is your five-year plan?

[opportunity for the interviewer to assess your long-term potential]

Tell me about yourself.

[opportunity for you to give your elevator pitch]

"What single project or task would you consider your most significant career accomplishment to date?

[the single, best interview question that will reveal whether to hire or not hire a candidate -- and this was the one. Candidates' answers will tell you about their prior success and sense of ownership. A great answer will show they are confident in their work and professional choices while being humble and giving credit to others.