Interview

15. What are the qualities of a good leader?

A leader sets a good example for others and is trustworthy. They are enthusiastic and confident. Good leaders can remain calm in crisis situations and are committed to success. http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobposter/small-business/article.aspx?articleid=ATL_0082INTERVIEWQUESTIONS

7. What type of apparel is inappropriate for the interview?

Do not bring a backpack or fanny pack, wear sunglasses on your head, or have headphones around your neck. You shouldn't wear skirts that are too short or more than one pair of earrings. Stay clear of bright colored clothing and heavy makeup. You shouldn't wear sneakers, open-toed shoes, or sandals. http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-462-Getting-Hired-What-Not-to-Wear-to-an-Interview/

45. How do you alleviate stress?

Do not say you don't have any or you don't do anything about it because that will make them think you don't know how to manage your stress. Don't turn to substances or dangerous activities, instead look for positive activities or hobbies to deal with stress. http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobposter/small-business/article.aspx?articleid=ATL_0082INTERVIEWQUESTIONS

23. When do you say your elevator speech?

If the interviewer says "If you have time, I want to hear more", that is a good time to say your elevator speech. Also, if the interviewer says "tell me more" that is a good time to say it. They also may ask you to come in the next day to meet with them. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/3-steps-to-a-great-elevator-pitch-HA010074786.aspx

21. What should you do when you can't answer a question?

If you can't answer the question because you aren't an expert in the field, you should tell the interviewer that you lack expertise in this field. They will appreciate your honesty and they will have a positive impression of you. You must keep your composure and handle the situation with confidence. http://zoominterviews.com/job/resources/interview-guides/when-you-dont-know-the-answer.php

12. Do you have any experience in this position?

If you do not have any experience, you can try to explain how you used communication skills, teamwork skills, organizational skills, etc in volunteer work or other activities. If talking about negative things, try to put a positive spin on it. http://www2.elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/exercises/jobinterviewquestions.htm

3. What should you wear to an interview?

Men: Long sleeved working shirt, a tie, a suit or sportcoat, neatly pressed dark colored slacks, dark colored shoes, and neatly groomed beard or mustache Women: Conservative blouse, business suit, closed toe shoes or pumps, conservative hairstyle, and non revealing clothing. http://my.jobsdb.com/MY/EN/V6HTML/jobseeker/111_career.html

17. How would you handle an angry customer?

Most employers look for people who can handle situations without getting frustrated. You could describe a scenario and how you would deal with it or ask for a real-life example and explain to them how you can solve the problem. http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobposter/small-business/article.aspx?articleid=ATL_0082INTERVIEWQUESTIONS

49. Should you lie during the interview?

No. You can be fired or you won't be hired if they find out you lied. http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-04-10/news/31316765_1_job-interview-severance-package-wyatt-jaffe

35. Should you talk about your personal life?

Not unless it is related to past jobs or work experience. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

9. What are your strengths?

The interviewer wants to see if you know yourself and how well you can express yourself. There is no right or wrong answer but you should talk about what the interviewer would find the most interesting about you and what is important to the job you are applying for. http://www.workcoachcafe.com/2007/06/26/job-interviews-whats-your-greatest-strength/

11. What do you know about our company?

Research the company before the interview so you are prepared for this question. Try to gather information about the working conditions, pay, and tasks the position includes. You should find this out so you can match your qualifications and skills with what you need to be able to do. http://blog.jobstheword.co.uk/2011/11/01/what-do-you-know-about-our-company-research-for-interview-success/

38. What are your ideas about salary?

Research typical salary ranges for the position you are applying for. https://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/TypicalQuestions.html

37. Why should I hire you?

Stress what you have to offer to the organization. Show why you are a good fit for the position. https://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/TypicalQuestions.html

39. What are your weaknesses?

The employer is looking for self-awareness. You can identify a weakness that isn't relevant to the job or you can address how you are improving your weaknesses. Show how you work well with people with strengths in your weaker areas. https://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/TypicalQuestions.html

24. What makes you a proper candidate?

The fact that I have years of experience in this field. Because I am a team player, I believe that my working for you will be beneficial to both of us. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_qualifies_you_or_makes_you_a_good_candidate_for_this_position

34. How should you respond when the interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself?

The interviewer is looking for information about previous work, education, and extracurricular activities. https://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/TypicalQuestions.html

26. Why shouldn't you eat or drink?

The interviewer is looking for proper etiquette and it may come off as being sloppy or rude. http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/careerinfo/pdf/20_Reasons_Why_People_Don't_Get_Hired.pdf

13. What are your short term goals?

The interviewer is looking to see if the job position and company are a good fit for the candidates goals and motivations. They are looking to see why you want this job and if it can help you in the next few years. It also shows what the person is interested in and it allows you to focus on how to achieve professional desires. http://www.resumedoctor.com/Int_Artical_7.htm

43. Why should you act respectful in the waiting room?

The receptionist is watching to see how you behave to give the interviewer a heads up. The interview begins as soon as you enter the waiting room. http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-04-10/news/31316765_1_job-interview-severance-package-wyatt-jaffe

33. How do you work under pressure?

They are looking to see whether or not you are suitable for certain aspects of the position. http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/careerinfo/pdf/20_Reasons_Why_People_Don't_Get_Hired.pdf

36. What are your plans 5 years from now?

They are looking to see your goals and ambitions, and they want to see your thought process. https://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/TypicalQuestions.html

41. What are some common reasons people don't get hired?

They may have a poor personal appearance, be overaggressive, not interested, unable to express ideas clearly, or making excuses. http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/careerinfo/pdf/20_Reasons_Why_People_Don't_Get_Hired.pdf

44. How would a friend describe you?

This question indicates how a person wants to be viewed by others. They may ask to talk to your friend to see if you were being truthful. They can tell if you were being truthful by your body language though they may or may not be interested in talking to your friend. Asking this at the beginning of the interview will help them get truthful answers throughout the rest of the interview. http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-04-10/news/31316765_1_job-interview-severance-package-wyatt-jaffe

14. What techniques or tools do you use to stay organized?

This question will make the person prove that they are organized. It is expected that you use something to stay organized. Using tools like a planner shows you are responsible and trustworthy. http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobposter/small-business/article.aspx?articleid=ATL_0082INTERVIEWQUESTIONS

20. Do you need to answer all the questions?

While applicants are under no obligation to answer inappropriate questions, they may choose to address these questions in a manner that supports appropriate question. http://law.duke.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_files/dl_file-career-pdf-inappropriate-interview_1.pdf

32. What motivates you to put forth your best effort?

You should say you are motivated by success and be honest about what makes you put forth your best effort. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

22. When should you send a thank you letter?

You should send a thank you letter as soon as you can to show your appreciation for the interview. It can be sent through an email or by mail. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

40. How should you address the interviewer?

You should address them by their proper title and last name if you don't know them personally. If you do know them personally, you can address them by their first name. Be careful not to pronounce their name wrong. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

19. How many questions should you ask during the interview?

You should ask questions that reflect that you are interested, intelligent, and thorough. You should ask questions about the organization, position, and work environment. You can get ideas for questions by visiting the companies website. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

28. What should you do if you're not sure who the interviewer will be?

You should ask the secretary who will be interviewing you. You can also call ahead of time or research the company. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505143_162-57496304/5-reasons-you-didnt-get-hired/

4. What topics should you research for the position?

You should be able to answer questions regarding the company while other people may not be. You will have an edge over your competition. You should also research your interviewer to target your presentation. http://careerplanning.about.com/od/companyresearch/a/comp_research.htm

1. What do you bring to an interview?

You should bring your portfolio which includes your resume, job application, and references to show you are responsible, organized, and honest. You should bring a pen and paper to take notes on what they're saying to show respect and company research. http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-preparation/interview-take-along-checklist/article.aspx

6. If you are late, what should you do?

You should call and tell them you will be late and be sure to explain why. Provide a short reason and then proceed with the interview. http://www.cvtips.com/interview/interview-follow-up-what-to-say-if-you-were-late-to-the-interview.html

46. Why should you follow-up after an interview?

You should call them if you have not been notified about a position within a reasonable time. This should be done two to three weeks after the interview. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

18. What is proper interview etiquette?

You should dress appropriately and make sure to shake the interviewer's hand and pronounce their name correctly. You should wait until they direct you where to sit. You should have good posture and keep good eye contact with them. Don't eat, drink, chew gum, or have your cell phone out. Don't talk too much and be respectful at all times. http://www.thinkenergygroup.com/think.nsf/InfoNFR/InterviewEtiquettefortheJobSeeker?Opendocument

42. Why should you write a thank you letter after the interview?

You should either send them an email or a typed letter. Reiterate your strengths and enthusiasm for the position and include any other requested information like references or transcripts as soon as possible. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

10. What would be your ideal work environment?

You should express whether you work best in a group environment or alone and how you feel about supervision. You should research the company and how the staff interacts. You should also think about what you liked about past work environments and about your personality including which you felt most comfortable and were the most productive. http://work.chron.com/describe-ideal-work-environment-job-interview-5050.html

16. How would you describe your work style?

You should focus this answer on whether you like working alone or with other people, how you like to work with your boss, how you communicate with others, what hours you work, and explaining how you plan your day. The interviewer is looking to see if you communicate through emails or phone calls and if you and your boss will work well together. http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-questions/describe-your-work-style-question/article.aspx

2. Why do you think you are qualified for this job?

You should have the required experience, education, and qualifications and you should also have the right skills. You can use this to talk about your qualifications and strengths that would benefit the position. http://www.job-interview-site.com/why-do-you-think-you-are-suitable-for-this-job.html

47. Should you keep anything from the interview once it ends?

You should keep all important information from the interview including a log that you should write that contains any advice you were given and your impressions. If you get a second interview, you should review this before you go. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

29. Where should you keep your phone during the interview?

You should keep you phone either off or on silent and away in your bag. It will leave a poor impression if it goes off during the interview. http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/careerinfo/pdf/20_Reasons_Why_People_Don't_Get_Hired.pdf

48. What should you review before the interview?

You should look over your resume and a list of your positive qualities before the interview. Bring extra copies of your resume to the interview. Also, look at the companies website so you are prepared about what is required for the position. http://www.iona.edu/studentlife/career/expo/interviewing-tips.cfm

30. What nonverbal cues should you be careful of doing?

You should not slouch, roll your eyes, cross your arms, play with your hair or anything else that may show you aren't interested. http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/careerinfo/pdf/20_Reasons_Why_People_Don't_Get_Hired.pdf

25. How should you introduce yourself to the interviewer?

You should shake the interviewer's hand. Don't be a bone crusher or a dead fish. If you personally know the interviewer, you can call them by their first name, but if you have never met the interviewer, you should call them by their correct article. Make sure you pronounce their name correctly. http://www.thinkenergygroup.com/think.nsf/InfoNFR/InterviewEtiquettefortheJobSeeker?Opendocument

5. How early should you be to the interview?

You should show up about 10 minutes early. Any earlier than 15 minutes is usually too early because they might be busy or they might not be at the desk. http://www.spd.org/student-outreach/2012/06/ask-the-pros-2.php

50. What should you do if you arrive early and you have to wait for the interviewer?

You should wait in the waiting room and either read, look over your resume, or practice what you're going to say. You also can brush your hair and teeth in the bathroom and make sure you look and smell okay for the interview. http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-04-10/news/31316765_1_job-interview-severance-package-wyatt-jaffe

27. Should you chew gum?

You shouldn't chew gum because it can be distracting and it can be seen as rude. http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/careerinfo/pdf/20_Reasons_Why_People_Don't_Get_Hired.pdf

8. Why do you want this job?

Your answer should reflect that you researched the company and that you thought about what you want to do. You should think of reasons why this job suits your skills and qualifications. http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-questions/why-do-you-want-to-work-here/article.aspx

31. Why should you have good posture while being interviewed?

Your posture will give out a lot of information. Based on your body language it can be seen if you come across as insecure or self-assured. It can also show if you are a busy or a quiet type and it helps give an impression of whether you are speaking truthfully or not. http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Marwijk1.html