INTERVIEW

What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?

Focus on two words: leadership and vision. Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.

If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

For example: Although Im overall very happy with where Im at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship… …then provide examples.

What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?

The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .

6. What are you career goals?

Employers want to know this to see what positions you might grow into later on if you were to be hired. They also want to know this to see how long you might stay with the company if hired. The company may be looking for a candidate they can groom into their next Senior VP. However, you are only looking for a job to cover you for the next couple of years, it might not be the best match.

3. What are you strengths

Figure out 2-3 things about yourself that you really like about yourself and elaborate. Always give an example after you say your strength. For example, you may say you are dedicated. Then you should follow up with an instance when at your last you job, you had an important project due and you worked extra hours to make sure it got done.

If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

For example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .

2. Why would I hire you?

For this answer you need to realize that the better answer you give, the easier it is for the employer. It's up to you so give the employer a reason to hire you. This is a great time to tell the interviewer about any past work experience you have. You might say, "When I was working at XXX, I did XXX. I feel that experience will allow me to excel at this position I am applying for." Even better, think of a specific example or story to tell about a situation you have been in before and how that could be useful to the company.

Why would I hire you?

I feel that experience will allow me to excel at this position I am applying for." Even better, think of a specific example or story to tell about a situation you have been in before and how that could be useful to the company.

5. What is the most important thing to you in a job?

If there is something really important for you to have in a job, be honest and say it. Remember, a job interview is a tool to reveal the best fit for the company. If something is really important to you that the company doesn't offer, it is best to reveal it now.

Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.

In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it. Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaborativel

1. Tell me about yourself.

Perhaps this the most common and famous interview question of all interview question.

If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?

This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if theyre willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation. Then you can answer the question like this: I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation? So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation

1. Tell me about yourself.

This question prompts an answer that gives the interviewer a general answer of why you would be good for this job. Your answer may reveal some of your greatest achievements or how your past experience might relate to the job you are applying for.

4. What are your weaknesses?

When answering this question, you always want to give an answer that isn't really a weakness. You may say, "I don't speak a second language," or "when I start a project, I can't focus on anything else until I get it done." This shows that you are dedicated and hard working. You never want to truly bash yourself when answering this question. That isn't the point. The following examples here are easy to discuss and can lead to talking about future growth and learning.