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1. If offered to you, how long do you plan to stay in this
role?
I
approach every new job with a long-term view. I would like
to think that I can make a positive contribution to XYZ Corp
for the foreseeable future.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Recruiting, hiring and training a new employee is an
expensive process and represents a major investment by an
employer. The interviewer wants to ensure that your goals
are compatible with the firm's investment.
2. What kind of salary are you seeking?
Answer1: I would expect a salary which reflects the
experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What
range do you have in mind?
Answer 2: I've got a strong background in this industry and
my skills are a perfect match for this role. I would expect
my compensation to be at the upper end of the position's
salary band. Can you tell me what that salary band is?
Answer 3: Based on the information I have about the
position, a salary in the range 28,000-32,000 would reflect
the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
When
preparing for the interview you should try to discover the
salary range for the job from the recruitment consultant or
human resources department. This information can put you in
a strong position when the time comes to negotiate a salary.
Unless pressed, you should not give a specific number here.
Instead you should specify your value relative to a 'salary
band'. Most firms have salary bands for each position. You
should aim to negotiate a salary towards the peak of the
range for the position in which you are interviewing.
If
you are pushed for a specific salary, respond with a target
range. This will help lay the groundwork for future
negotiations. You should qualify yourself by specifying that
your answer is based on the information that you have to
hand about the job. Do not give the actual range that would
satisfy you, as your prospective employer may try to bargain
you down at a later point. For example, if your target
salary range is 26,000 - 30,000, you should specify a higher
range such as 28,000-32,000.
I
think that determination, a willingness to work hard and a
desire to excel in everything you do are key attributes for
a successful employee in a company like XYZ Corp. A
successful employee would also need to handle pressure well,
be a great communicator and an excellent team member. These
are attributes that have helped me succeed in my past
positions and ones that I would like to apply in XYZ Corp..
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to know if you're prepared to give what it
takes to contribute to the firm. The question also alludes
to your understanding of the firm's ethos, and how well you
will fit in.
Use
this question to highlight the qualities that you bring to
the firm.
3. What do you think it takes to be successful in an
organization like this?
I
think that determination, a willingness to work hard and a
desire to excel in everything you do are key attributes for
a successful employee in a company like XYZ Corp. A
successful employee would also need to handle pressure well,
be a great communicator and an excellent team member. These
are attributes that have helped me succeed in my past
positions and ones that I would like to apply in XYZ Corp..
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to know if you're prepared to give what it
takes to contribute to the firm. The question also alludes
to your understanding of the firm's ethos, and how well you
will fit in.
Use
this question to highlight the qualities that you bring to
the firm.
4. What do you know about this organization?
I
know that XYZ Corp. has been in existence for four years. It
was founded by John Rush in his garage and he has built it
into the third largest office supplies firm in the state
with aspirations to make it number one within two years.
It's renowned as an ambitious and highly progressive company
and I believe it has a very bright future. I also like the
fact that XYZ Corp isn't a company that rests on its
laurels.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to know how hungry you are for this job.
If you haven't even prepared for the interview, by doing the
most basic research, then the chances of you getting the job
are close to zero. You can be sure that other candidates
will have done their research.
Check out the firm's website (if they have one) and business
directories in your local library. You should also contact
the firm itself, through their Public Relations department.
5. What do you know about the position you've applied for?
What
duties do you think this job entails?
The
Media Marketing Co-ordinator reports to the Marketing
Director. Her role is to co-ordinate all media advertising,
particularly print, radio, and television. The Co-ordinator
works with Media agencies to profile advertising
opportunities, then, working within a strict budget, she
organizes cross-media advertising campaigns. An important
aspect of the role is to disseminate the customer response
to the adverts in order to measure its success and thus
improve future campaigns.
At
my last job in ABC & Co I worked closely with several
different media agencies, including some that specialized in
new media platforms such as the Internet. I also gained
invaluable experience as a member of the team that
established ABC & Co as a national brand by launching ABC
DooDaa nationwide. I feel that I can bring this expertise to
the Media Marketing Co-ordinator role and help XYZ Corp
achieve it's goal of doubling it's customer base every year
for the next three years.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
You
should gather as much information as possible about the job
you're applying for. If you don't even know what the job is,
how can you possibly claim to be the best candidate for it?
Researching the position demonstrates initiative,
determination and good preparation and is a great way to
impress the interviewer at the start of the interview.
When
answering this question make sure to include references to
your skills and how they match the requirements of the job.
You
can gather more information about the position from the
location where you learnt about the opening - a job center /
recruitment poster etc. If you have the name of an
appropriate contact, for example a person in the firm's
Human Resources department, you should contact them and
request further information. You should also gather
information concerning the role in general from a careers
directory in a library or on the Internet.
6. What do you know about this industry?
The
telecommunications industry is currently going through a
period of rapid expansion. The major industry players are
positioning themselves for the delivery of the next
generation of telecommunication services. New developments
in mobile, broadband and satellite communications mean that
it's an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry. I've
no doubt that the telecommunications industry will be a
driving force of the worldwide economy in the 21st century.
I know that XYZ Corp intends to be a frontrunner in that
expansion. For that reason, this job is highly attractive.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
question assesses the depth of your knowledge about the
industry in question. If you are new to the area, you may
have to research this question before you attend the
interview. You should not spend a long time answering the
question. After all, the interviewer already knows the
answer. Give a brief synopsis of the industry and where you
believe the firm sits within the industry.
Use
this question to inform the interviewer of your desire to
work in this industry. Try and inject your enthusiasm into
the answer.
7. Why would you like to work for me?
I've
been aware of your reputation for some time. You're regarded
as an innovator within the industry and beyond. I appreciate
that your team's success is due to a number of factors, not
least of which is hard work. I'm an excellent team player,
I'm a very good problem solver, and I work hard to get the
job done. For these reasons, I'm confident I'd be an asset
to your group. I hope that my experience shows I'm suitably
qualified to fulfill the position.
I
know that your position within this firm speaks for itself.
My ideal manager is someone that fosters excellence,
innovation, and success, as well as personal and
professional growth. It's widely recognized that XYZ Corp's
strongest asset is its staff thanks to its strong belief in
training and development. For these reasons, this is a
highly desirable role.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
There are two approaches to answering this question. If you
know the interviewer personally or by reputation you can
allude to qualities in him that you respect and the
complimentary qualities you could bring to him and his team.
If you do not know the interviewer, answer this question by
referring to how your qualities would match those of a
suitable, hypothetical manager.
8. What challenges do you think you'll face in this job?
What
problems do you think you'll face in this job?
Having worked in a similar role at ABC & Co, I expect that
this job will present regular deadlines to meet, strains on
resource availability, conflicting priorities, and budgetary
concerns to name but a few issues. These are challenges that
I've successfully tackled in the past and I'm sure that
record would continue here. I relish a challenge and there's
nothing that I've seen in this job that intimidates me in
any way.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to extract your real fears and
apprehensions about the problems you would face in this
role. Demonstrate confidence in your own abilities and
anticipation rather than apprehension for the job in
question
9. What salary do you think you deserve?
Having worked in the advertising industry for seven years, I
bring a valuable combination of expertise, experience and
dedication to each new job. I expect that a compensation
towards the top of the salary range for this position would
adequately reflect the value of my skills.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is similar to the question What kind of salary are you
seeking with one significant twist - you are being asked to
justify the salary you believe you are worth. Do not panic
by the way the question has been framed. As part of the task
of selling yourself, you should be fully prepared to
highlight your qualities while talking about monetary
compensation.
10. What is your salary history? Do you expect that pattern
to continue?
Answer 1 (Candidate with good salary increases)
In
the four years of my employment at ABC & Co I was very happy
with my salary growth. My most recent increase was a 15%
rise after the successful completion of a year-long project.
I feel that the increase reflected my performance and the
extra responsibilities I assumed during the course of the
project. I hope XYZ Corp is an organization that rewards
excellent performances in a similar fashion. Is it?
Answer 2 (Candidate with disappointing salary increases)
My
average salary increase during the course of my career has
been 6%, although as I moved jobs and assumed extra
responsibilities that increase has invariably been higher.
Unfortunately I was disappointed with the salary increases
at my last job, which averaged 2.5% . This was due to a
firm-wide rigid salary structure that I felt did not reward
excellent employees over those that made a significantly
worse effort. This is one of the reasons that I have decided
to look for a job with a more ambitious company where I will
be rewarded according to my performance.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to establish the scale of your salary
increases during your career and estimate your performance
as indicated by your rate of progress. The interviewer is
also attempting to gauge your current salary.
This
is a very tricky question. If you give specific numbers,
they will undoubtedly be used in any salary negotiations
that follow. If your salary increases have been
disappointing, you must explain the reasons to your
interviewer in order to avoid her making incorrect
judgments.
11. What concerns you about this job?
I
have no concerns about this job. I believe it closely
matches my skill set and is a natural progression in my
career. I look forward to the challenge but am confident
that I can make a success of this role.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to assess how well you think this job
matches your skills and personality. The more concerns and
doubts you have, the more you're telling the interviewer how
you're the wrong person for the job.
12. What concerns you about this company?
I
have no concerns about this company. My research has shown
that ABC Corp is dedicated to the development and
advancement of its staff. I've also learnt that the benefits
package is one of the best within the industry.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to assess how well you think this
company matches your needs and goals. The more concerns and
doubts you have, the more you're telling the interviewer how
you're the wrong person for the company (and the job).
13. How long would it take before you could contribute to
this company?
I'd
need to get a better idea of the full responsibilities
associated with this job, along with an idea of the
complexities of each.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
I'd
need to understand the full range of responsibilities
associated with this job, along with an idea of the
complexities of each.
14. When would you expect your next promotion?
It's
difficult to give an exact time without knowing the
personnel structure within XYZ Corp and specifically the
line of responsibility associated with this position.
However, I'm an ambitious person and through hard work,
dedication, and with the guidance of a good manager, I aim
to gain my next promotion as soon as possible, ideally ahead
of 'normal' timeframes.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a question that could easily catch you out. Be sure not
to cross the fine line between ambition and arrogance in
your answer. Avoid giving glib answers e.g. 'In three months
time', that may reduce your credibility. Try to tell the
interviewer how you will achieve your next promotion, e.g.
through hard work, rather than when.
15. Why are you seeking a new job?
I've
worked with ABC & Co for three years. During that time I've
achieved all of the goals I set myself and I've enjoyed
every minute. Now, however, my aspirations extend beyond
those of ABC & Co. I would like to tackle a new challenge in
a different environment.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
While this is a straightforward question, you should make
sure to accentuate the positive in your answer. Do not tell
the interviewer that you're bored with your current job!
16. Where do you see this company going?
XYZ
Corp is the number three firm in the corporate security
sector. The company does not hide the fact that it wants to
lead the sector within two years. I believe that the firm
can achieve this. It's a young company with a dynamic
workforce and a tremendous growth rate. XYZ Corp's bright
future make it a very attractive place to work.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to find out how much you know about
the firm's future plans and corporate vision - after all,
you're interviewing to be part of that vision. If you know
about the industry in question this could be a
straightforward question to answer. If you don't have the
knowledge to hand, contact the firm's Press or Public
Relations office. Most firms, even small ones, have
corporate mission or policy statements that will help color
your answer.
17. If you were offered this job, what factors will dictate
whether you accept it or not?
I'm
at various stages of the interview process with a number of
firms at the moment. My preferred position will be in a
company that offers a challenging environment, a prospect
for promotion, and a rewarding working experience. It's
important to me that I work for a company with bright
prospects and strong desire for success. Obviously XYZ Corp
is one of my preferred companies.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to know what you are looking for in a job,
and how well you think the position on offer matches your
desires. This is a great opportunity to add value to your
own stock by reminding the interviewer that this is not the
only job you have applied for. With knowledge that her firm
is in competition for your talents, if you are the chosen
candidate, the interviewer will know that she must offer an
attractive package to you as soon as possible. However, be
careful not to sound as if you are bigger than the firm
interviewing you.
Do
remember, the more firms that are in competition for your
signature, the stronger your hand when negotiating.
18. This is a much bigger company than you've ever worked
at. How do you feel about that?
I'm
very excited. I've worked at three small or medium sized
companies during my career and while there have been
different challenges at each, I've always been successful.
I'm looking for a new challenge in a large organization
where I can apply my talents. This position in XYZ Corp
certainly matches what I'm looking for.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to know whether you feel overwhelmed by
the position you're applying for or indeed whether you've
given the challenges arising from working in a large
organization any thought. A sensible reply would show that
you believe you have the experience to tackle the position
and also that you're excited by the challenge ahead.
19. This is a much smaller company than you've ever worked
at. How do you feel about that?
It's
great. I've learnt a lot working in a large organization and
I'm looking forward to applying my knowledge and experience
in a smaller arena. I'm under no illusions that the task
ahead will be every bit as challenging as my previous role,
if not more so, but it's a challenge that I'd relish.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to assess your approach to a move to a
smaller organization. Candidates that convey a belief that
they're in for an easier ride or display a laissez-faire
attitude will lose credibility rapidly.
20. What do you know about our products?
I
know that XYZ Soft specialize in the development of software
solutions for small and medium sized businesses. The firm's
best-selling products are leaders in the field - the XYZ
Project Management Tool and the XYZ Personnel Management
Tool. I feel that XYZ Soft has a solid product and customer
base upon which it can build in the future. I understand
that the firm's aim is to develop existing and new products
with the aim of breaking into the Corporate sector. It's an
ambitious aim but one that I believe XYZ Soft are more than
capable of achieving. A major attraction of this position is
the opportunity it offers to be a part of the challenging
and exciting times ahead at XYZ Soft.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to discover whether you have done the
necessary groundwork to lay the foundation for a successful
interview or you have been lazy and taken the easy route.
This could be a strong indication of your work ethic and
future behavior. The interviewer is also trying to assess
how genuine your desire to work for this firm is. After all,
why would you want to work for a company whose products are
unknown to you.
You
shouldn't go into too much detail about each and every
product here. Demonstrate your knowledge of the firm's major
product(s) and how you perceive they fit into the firm's
future strategy. You can also use this question to express
your strong desire to work for the firm by illustrating a
desire to be involved in the development of these and future
products.
You
can learn about the firm's products from its Public
Relations department, its website, a business directory in
your local library or even by searching on the Internet.
21. Why did you apply for this job?
Why
do you want this position?
What
interests you about this position?
I've
worked in the travel industry for five years and I've
enjoyed every minute. I'd like to work for XYZ Corp because
they are industry leaders and I want to work with the best
people and the best products I can. There are exciting times
ahead for the firm, particularly in light of the firm's
recent announcement that it was expanding it's product range
by 25% over the next 24 months. I feel that my drive,
creativity and determination will be an asset to the firm
and will enable me to succeed in this role. This position
would enable me to apply my skills in an exciting and
challenging environment. I think this position is a perfect
match for my talents and my career goals.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a great chance to sell yourself but don't waste the
opportunity by reciting your resume. You should describe the
assets you bring with you to the company and express the
depth of your interest in this job. Your answer should be
direct and unequivocal. Leave the interviewer in no doubt
that you are the perfect person for the job.
22. What separates this company from our competitors?
ABC
Corp spent much of the eighties and nineties among the top
seven engineering companies in the state. It is now the
undisputed leader in five states with aspirations to become
the leading company in the sector countrywide. That tells me
that the company is highly ambitious, with a commitment to
excellence in every department that enables it to meet, and
indeed surpass, its aspirations. ABC Corp is now the company
that its competitors aspire to become. That is what
separates this company from its competitors.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Don't forget that the interviewer knows the company inside
out. You may be lucky enough to escape this question with
some general statements that could apply to any company.
However, the more pointed your answer, the better the
impression you will make. If you've done your homework on
this company you should know exactly what separates this
company from its competitors
23. What attracts you to this company?
What
interests you about this company?
ABC
Corp is a leading national software vendor. It has set
itself aggressive targets to achieve in the near to medium
term. In particular, the firm aims to become the leading
vendor on the Internet within three years. I respect the
history of the firm from a small start-up to one of the
largest employers in the state. I also respect the
principles upon which it has grown. The firm has achieved
magnificent results to date and I would like to help it
achieve its goals in the future.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
There is not very much to this question. You could use it as
an opportunity to demonstrate the research you have
performed. Try not to over-extol the virtues of the company
as it may be thought insincere
24. Do you feel overqualified for this job?
I
don't think there's such a thing as being over-qualified for
a job. Every position brings with it a new environment, new
people and new challenges. I feel that the skills I would
bring to a new job can only help me to do a better job, and
would in no way hinder the challenges I would face.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Don't let this question distress you. It's seldom meant as
an indication that the interviewer thinks you're not right
for the job, rather it's a 'placed' question to test your
response. The interviewer wants you to prove that you will
not be bored by the job on offer. Remember, people are
seldom perfectly qualified for a job. If you are
over-qualified, you should be capable of showing that you
will enjoy other challenges that the job presents.
25. Do you feel underqualified for this job?
I
don't think I'm underqualified to the extent that I will be
unable to do the job expected of me. Every job requires some
degree of training and I am fully prepared to learn whatever
is necessary so I can succeed at my job. Of course I have a
wide range of skills that I could bring with me to this
position.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Don't let this question distress you. It's seldom meant as
an indication that the interviewer thinks you're not right
for the job, rather it's a 'placed' question to test your
response. The interviewer wants you to prove that you are up
to the job on offer. Remember, people are seldom perfectly
qualified for a job. If you are under-qualified, you should
be capable of showing that you are willing to learn the
necessary skills to perform the job.
26. What courses/classes have you taken to stay ahead in
your field?
I
attended weekend computer courses at my local district
college for three years. It has changed me from someone who
was scared of using a computer into a very competent
computer user. My training has enabled me to gain promotion
into a senior administrative role in my current job.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Employers like a candidate who has attended additional
classes or courses to further their education and career.
You will impress your interviewer even more by showing that
you have attended courses of your own volition or on your
own time. Do not lie when answering this question. School
and college results are usually, and easily, verified by
employers. Be sure to highlight how your training has
directly improved your ability to perform your job.
27. What educational goals do you currently have?
I
enjoy sailing very much. In the near future I plan to begin
studying in order to become a qualified yachtsman. My
ultimate goal is to become sufficiently experienced that I
could skipper a crew in a competitive race.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
keyword in this question is Goals. In other words, you can
respond with an answer that describes an educational
achievement you have yet to even commence! Be creative, yet
be realistic too. Do not feel compelled to respond with a
classroom-based answer. You will gain respect for an unusual
answer that demonstrates the desire to attain a skill that
will benefit your career
28. Have you completed your education?
I
believe that I've finished my formal school and college
education. Right now I'm focusing on my career and on being
as good at my job as I possibly can. I enjoy learning and I
think it's essential in both personal and career
development. Ideally, I hope that the firm I join will
encourage growth and learning through in-house and/or
external training. I strongly believe that the most
important component of learning occurs 'on the job' where
you learn from your peers, manager and others around you. In
summary, my answer is 'No', I very much hope that my
education is not over.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to assess your attitude towards
learning and your willingness to take on board new ideas and
new skills. As a new employee in an unfamiliar environment
there will be much to learn. You should demonstrate your
capacity for learning and your desire to take on new
knowledge
29. What did you like most about college?
I
enjoyed many things about college. It was a new challenge
and an opportunity for me to expand my horizons both
educationally and personally. Perhaps the most enjoyable
aspect was the chance to meet new people from different
backgrounds. Of course the social aspect of college was
immense fun, but I also relished collaborating with other
people with different specializations from me.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Use
this question as an opportunity to highlight skills you
attained or used to good effect in college. Answers
referencing education, teamwork or work experience (if it
was part of your curriculum) will command respect.
30. What did you like least about college?
I
enjoyed my college experience so it's difficult to pick out
something I didn't enjoy. If I had a chance to change any
aspect of my degree program, I'd expand the duration of the
work experience program from three months to six or even
nine months. I learnt many things during my work experience
at ABC Corp that I could never have learnt in a classroom.
Note: This answer would almost guarantee a follow on
question from the interviewer: Describe one thing you learnt
at ABC Corp that you could not have learnt in a classroom.
Make sure you have an answer ready!
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Like
all negative questions in an interview, be sure to highlight
a positive slant in your answer. Do not be tempted to
overly-criticize your place of education, professors etc.
Negative comments could tell the interviewer more about you
than about the thing you are criticizing. Try to deliver a
'positive negative' answer, i.e. a negative answer which
casts you in a positive light.
31. What skills do you need to develop most?
It
may seem a bit premature, but I would very much like to
develop my project management and team leadership skills. I
would very much like to take responsibility for a project or
team in the next twelve months and I think developing those
skills now would make the transition easier.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
hidden question the interviewer is asking you is: What
skills do you need to develop most? Be careful answering
this question. The best way to answer is by highlighting the
skills you already have. A good answer would allude to a
skill which would not be expected of someone at your
position in the organization. This could demonstrate
ambition, forward planning and a desire to learn.
32. Do you have any financial qualifications?
Answer 1
Yes,
I took a finance module for two semesters in college. I've
been surprised how useful my financial knowledge has been
during my career. It has helped me schedule project budgets,
analyze financial reports and prepare financial projections.
There's no doubt that I'm a better manager for having this
knowledge.
Answer 2
I
haven't had the opportunity to take any formal financial
training yet. However I've had an informal training through
the various project management roles I've fulfilled. I've
gained some very good experience projecting budgets and
preparing financial statements and I would feel comfortable
undertaking similar duties.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a straightforward question but following the principle of
selling yourself, make sure not to answer with a simple
'Yes' or 'No'. You'll waste a great opportunity.
If
your answer is 'Yes' then describe, briefly, your
qualification and how it has helped you in your career.
However if you have had no formal financial qualifications
you can still impress the interviewer by describing your 'on
the job' training such as being responsible for the budget
of a project or even balancing the household budget.
33. Do you have any IT (Information Technology)
qualifications?
Answer 1
Yes,
I took a computer applications module for two semesters in
college. It's helped give me a better knowledge of how
computers, operating systems and a wide range of software
packages work. I've been able to apply this knowledge when
tackling problems.
Answer 2
I
haven't had the opportunity to take any formal IT training
yet. However, I've used computers extensively at every job
I've had and I'm very much at home using a word processor,
spreadsheet, database and project management software. I
have a computer at home too which I use to track my family's
finances and to access the Internet. I'm very comfortable
using computers.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a straightforward question but following the principle of
selling yourself, make sure not to answer with a simple Yes
or No. You'll waste a great opportunity.
If
your answer is Yes then describe, briefly, your
qualification and how it has helped you in your career.
However if you have had no formal financial qualifications
you can still impress the interviewer by describing your on
the job training such as being responsible for the budget of
a project or even balancing the household budget.
34. Would you object to attending training seminars in your
own time?
Not
at all. I'm looking for a company with an active training
program, and I'm always willing to attain new skills. Other
company's I've interviewed with host training within the
working day. Is it XYZ Corp company policy to always hold
training outside of working hours?
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to assess you attitude towards
training, and the sacrifices you're willing to make for your
career and for the company. Firm's like their employees to
be flexible in regard to training, especially if you usually
work inflexible hours. If you have reservations about
out-of-hours training, volley the ball back into the
interviewer's court by asking her about the firm's training
policy, particularly if you compare it with another firm
that you're interviewing with.
35. Why did you select your college or university?
I
was glad to be accepted at my number one choice college. I
spent quite a lot of time researching colleges with
biochemistry faculties. It became obvious that this college
commanded a tremendous reputation for its pioneering work
and is one of the best in its field in the country.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
In
most cases, the honest answer will suffice. Avoid obvious
clangers such as 'Because I heard it had a great party
scene' or 'To get away from my parents'. If your answer
needs an emergency repair, highlight the strengths your
college possesses. Your interviewer will (rightly!) assume
that those qualities were impressed upon you during your
education.
36. What are your strengths? How do they help you?
I'm
well motivated, I've got a strong desire to succeed, and I'm
always ready and willing to learn new information and
skills.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Resist the temptation to expound your greatest qualities to
the interviewer. Keep your answer brief, naming no more than
three of your qualities. Know when to stop or you will
invalidate your entire answer.
37. What are your weaknesses? How do you overcome them?
I'm
always ready to learn new skills and adapt my methods to
become better at what I do. If I become aware of a weakness
in my knowledge base or in the way I perform my duties, I do
my best to fill that gap whether through formal training,
informal training, or directly from my colleagues.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Avoid directly answering this question, if possible. Naming
a weakness will only invite a response like If you're aware
of this weakness, why haven't you taken corrective measures
to fix it? A popular approach is to name a positive weakness
such as I'm too persistent or I'm too ambitious. Make sure
that your answer is sincere and not too glib, or you will be
revealing a weakness without even knowing it.
38. What makes you think you're qualified for this job?
I
studied for a diploma in computers which I enjoyed
immensely. In my last job I was able to apply knowledge I'd
gained on the course to do my job better. I streamlined many
of the department's manual tasks by moving them from paper
to a computer-based solution. I've also got an advanced
sailing certificate. This has helped me build many
team-working skills. When I worked at XYZ Corp I voluntarily
attended a series of in-house personal development training
programs.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is an opportunity not only to specify your relevant
educational and professional qualifications but also to
describe their relevance to this job. A 'qualification' in
the context of this question is not restricted to a
certificate/diploma/degree. Feel free to include relevant
work and/or leisure experience which makes you a better
candidate for this job.
39.
Tell me about yourself.
I'm
an ambitious, self-motivated account executive and I'm very
happy in my life right now. I'm looking to change jobs
because I feel I've achieved all of the goals I set out for
myself when I embarked in my previous role, six years ago.
I've still got a strong appetite for success and I'm looking
for a job that will provide fresh challenges and rewards.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a deceptively difficult question to answer. The key to
answer this question is staying focused on your primary
objective here - selling yourself as an employee. With this
in mind, answer this question in light of your overall
interview strategy. Don't describe your record collection,
your favorite movies or you pets' names. Do, for example,
describe what motivates your career and drives your
passions.
40.
Do you like to work as part of a team or alone. Why?
I
work very well when I'm part of a team, I value the ability
to bounce ideas off other people and also provide my input,
whenever it's wanted. Of course I'm more than capable of
working alone whenever I'm required to do so too.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Team-work is an important aspect of any job. You should be
capable of convincing your employer that you're a team
player, while at the same time demonstrating to her that you
are capable of carrying yourself and your workload and that
you will not be dependent on others to do your own job.
41.
What motivates you?
I
need very little motivation in work or any other aspect of
my life. I have a strong natural drive and I take great
pride in my work. I want to be successful at everything I do
and I will not settle for second best. That is all the
motivation I need.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Employers love self-motivators. If you make the interviewer
think that you must be constantly motivated in order to get
the job done, you will seriously harm your interview
chances. Be unequivocal in your response.
42.
How do you handle stress?
I'm
not the type of person that becomes stressed very easily.
However, if in an extreme circumstance I did start to become
stressed, I would look to the cause of it and attempt to
identify a solution. I would certainly not be afraid to look
to others for their input and assistance. In a working
environment I think stress comes around from pressurized
situations. In such cases the best solution is often one of
situation management until the crisis abates.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a difficult question to answer. You shouldn't respond
that you've never been stressed, because the interviewer
will wonder whether you've ever been put in a challenging or
stressful position. On the other hand, you shouldn't
describe how your therapist and a course of strong drugs
help you overcome your stress.
43.
I'm worried about your lack of _____ experience.
don't feel you've anything to worry about. While I've only
been a designated team leader for one year, I've spent
eighteen months as the most experienced member of the team
and in many situations I effectively led the team. I very
much enjoy team management and am confident in my own
abilities.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is challenging you. Don't worry. In the hands of
a competent interviewee, this is an opportunity to shine. A
good approach to answering this question is to politely
disagree with the interviewer, show how you do have the
experience required, and then finish with a statement
showing how hungry you are to gain more experience.
44.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I
enjoy participating in and watching most sports. I
discovered golf at college and find it a great way to relax
and spend time with friends. I also enjoy playing football
and tennis. I was captain of the school swimming team and I
try to keep that up as best I can too. I also enjoy
listening to music, watching movies, and being around my
friends.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Employers like rounded employees that have a balanced life
with interests out of the workplace. Believe it or not the
perfect employee does not work eighteen hours a day, seven
days a week and employers realize that. They're looking for
an employee that will spend a number of successful years at
the company, not someone who will burnout in no time.
Most
honest answers are acceptable here. Be sure to include
outdoor and team pursuits. Someone whose only pastimes are
playing computer games and listening to their personal
stereo may give the perception that they're insular in
nature and would not fit in well in a team environment.
Any
pursuits that can be perceived to bring benefit to the
workplace (such as captain of a sports team) are greatly
respected.
45.
You've been in the same firm for a number of years. How do
you think you'll adjust to a new one?
I'm
looking forward to the challenge. Even in this day and age
there is a lot of value in staying in the one company for a
prolonged period of time. In my current role I have had an
opportunity to work with many people throughout the company
and build great working and personal relationships. In
addition, I had enough time in each area I worked to make a
real and lasting difference.
Also, I'd also like to think the firm's decision to retain
my services for so long is indicative of the esteem in which
I'm held. However, it's now time for me to move on so I can
take the skills I've attained at ABC Corp and apply them in
a new environment.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a great question to answer. The interviewer is offering
you a clean slate upon which to espouse the benefits that a
prolonged stay at one firm allows you to bring to your next
role. If you've been at one firm for a long period, you must
be prepared for this question.
46.
How often do you miss deadlines?
As
infrequently as possible. In the reality it may be
impossible to achieve every single deadline, however in my
experience good planning and project management can
alleviate late deliveries.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a difficult question as the interviewer is asking you to
provide a response that could reflect badly on your time,
project or resource management. As with all negative
questions, the key here is to respond in the affirmative, by
providing an answer that shows a positive side to your
business skills.
47.
Why should we hire you?
I
believe that I've got the skills and enthusiasm required to
fulfill the role that's available. I think I'd be a valuable
asset to the firm and, from my experience, I'm sure I'd make
a positive contribution to the company's ambitions.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Keep
your answer short and to the point. If you're asked this
question at the end of an interview, your answer should
summarize the points you've made during the course of the
interview. If you're asked this question at the start, you
should set out your assets, and then go on to demonstrate
them as the interview progresses.
48.
How do you measure 'success'?
I
measure my own personal success by how well I've achieved
the goals I set myself. I feel I've been successful to date
- I attended my college of choice, I graduated with a
degree, and I've spent three successful years at XYZ Bros.
The key in being successful is to set challenging yet
attainable goals, while always remaining focused on what you
hope to achieve. My current goal is to succeed at this
interview.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
There is a subtle difference between this question and How
do you define 'success'? The former asks what measurements
you use to measure your own personal success. The latter
asks what it means to you for something to be successful.
49.
In what kind of work environment are you most productive?
I
think the modern workplace is so varied, it's important to
be capable of productivity in a diverse range of
environments. My favorite environment would be one with good
communication and great teamwork, but that's usually
something you must work to build, rather than expect to find
it ready-made.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
At
first appearances this may seem like a great opportunity to
espouse how well you perform in your favorite working
environment. But if you go down that road with your answer,
what signals are you sending the interviewer about your
ability to work in different environments? What if this role
is in a completely different environment to the ideal
situation you've just described?
The
best bet is to play it safe by prefixing any answer with the
statement that you work well in every environment
50.
How do you handle pressure?
I'm
the type of person who genuinely revels when under pressure.
I enjoy the challenge and the adrenalin rush when the chips
are down and a big effort is required. Through good
management and work practices I try to avoid a situation
becoming pressurized, however when I am under pressure I'm
always confident that I can complete the job successfully.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
may seem similar to the question: How do you handle stress?.
There is a subtle difference: Stress is a difficulty or
strain felt from within. Pressure is a strong external
influence. We may not all feel stressful, but pressure is an
expectation in many modern jobs. Pressure could come from
your customers, your boss, or even your colleagues.
Answering this question in the negative, e.g. I'm never
under pressure may suggest that you avoid pressure and the
responsibility that if often entails. It also tells the
interviewer that your reactions, if pressure is applied, are
unknown even by yourself.
51.
How do you respond to criticism?
I
respond very well to criticism, especially if it's
constructive. Accepting constructive criticism and advice
from colleagues is one of the best ways to learn. I'd like
to think that I learn quickly from any advice that I'm
given.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to assess your willingness to take advice
and to learn from others. She is also trying to discover how
manageable you will be, and whether you can cope with
answering to authority.
52.
Name three adjectives that can be best used to describe you.
Respond with any three of the following or any similar
adjectives you care to mention:Reliable, hard-working,
conscientious, innovative, smart, intelligent,
communicative, organized, diligent, energetic, likable.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a tough question made easier through preparation. The
interviewer will learn most about you by considering why you
chose the three adjectives you did - and not any others -
rather than what those adjectives actually are.
Avoid adjectives with a possible double-edged sword such as
ambitious.
53.
What are your hobbies?
I
have run a successful film club for the last 3 years. I
started it as a way to meet new people who share my love of
movies. We now have more than a hundred members and a
waiting list to join. It's been a terrific excuse to
socialize with people I would not otherwise have met. I also
enjoy working with other organizations such as distributors,
film clubs and local film festivals to show interesting and
foreign films that would otherwise have been missed by the
local multiplexes.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
may seem an identical question to What do you do in your
spare time? However there is a slight distinction.
Specifically: a hobby is a specific activity or pastime in
which you participate regularly. Listening to music or
watching TV are not hobbies, merely things you do.
Individuals with hobbies, particular an unusual one, are
regarded as diverse and well-rounded with a healthy outlook
on life. These are attractive personal traits valued by many
modern employers. Hobbies that can also demonstrate a
business or personal development benefit are of most value.
54.
What type of a work environment are you seeking?
I'm
looking for a challenging working environment in which my
abilities will be regularly tested. It's important to me
that I work in an environment where teamwork is fostered and
I can learn and share with those around me.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is once again trying to learn more about you,
than the actual work environment you're seeking. The reason
the question is framed this way is because most employees
will describe an environment which best matches their
talents. Focus on keywords such as 'challenging',
'innovative', 'hardworking' and 'team-driven'.
55.
Do you like to be praised? Why?
It's
nice to be praised but it's certainly not something I rely
on to motivate me. If I'm praised it means that I must be
doing the right thing. But often some constructive criticism
is more helpful.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to discover whether you require frequent
praise and attention in order to drive yourself and
therefore require close supervision or whether you're a
self-starter that can be left to get on with the job without
constant attention. Every manager's time is precious - if
you're a constant drain on that time then you may be a
liability to the firm.
56.
Do you like to be criticized? Why?
I
don't enjoy being criticized but I certainly recognize the
usefulness of constructive criticism. It's an invaluable way
to learn what I'm doing wrong and to find out how to
improve.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to discover whether you are open to
another person's opinions and suggestions. This question
relates to your manageability and your communication
skills.
57.
Name three adjectives that best describe your ideal work
colleague.
It's
difficult to think of an 'ideal' work colleague. I'd like to
think I work well with most people. If I had to choose three
adjectives I'd say: Communicative, intelligent, likeable.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
If
you thought being asked to give three adjectives to describe
yourself was difficult, this variation is arguably harder.
The key to answering this question is to hedge your answer
with a preface declaring that you think you work well with
most people, then give three adjectives that would describe
the best employee / colleague you can think of. The
qualities you look for in a colleague will be seen to
reflect your own qualities.
58.
Do you fear criticism? Why?
I
certainly don't fear being criticized. Constructive
criticism is an invaluable way to learn what I'm doing wrong
and to find out from supervisors and colleagues how I can
improve.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer wants to discover whether you are open to
another person's opinions and suggestions. This question
relates to your manageability and your communication
skills.
59.
How would your supervisor motivate you?
I'm
extremely self-motivated, I don't think that my supervisor
would need to do very much in order to motivate me further.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Are
you a self-starter or do you need to be pushed by your
supervisor in order to produce results? An ideal candidate
requires little motivation to proceed with the job.
60.
What would you do with your life if money was not a concern?
I
wouldn't change anything. I enjoy all aspects of my life. I
have a good home life and I enjoy my work immensely. It
would be very hard to replace the challenges and
satisfaction I derive from my work. I'd also miss the
camaraderie of my colleagues.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Another way of phrasing this question is, If you could quit
tomorrow, would you? The interviewer is trying to assess how
much you enjoy working, how dedicated you are to your job
and how strong a work ethic you possess.
61.
Do you interact well with people?
I'm
a very social person. I enjoy being around people and I get
on very well with people.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
answer here has to be 'Yes'. During the course of your work
you will deal with colleagues, clients and/or customers.
Social skills are essential in any modern working
environment.
62.
Do you generally get along with your co-workers?
Yes,
always. I'm a very social person. I've never had a problem
getting along with any co-worker.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
answer here has to be 'Yes'. If you have had problems
getting on with colleagues in the past you will need to
evaluate the reasons for the bad feelings and address them.
You will work with a diverse range of people whichever
company you work for. It is essential that you get along
with everyone you work with.
63.
What type of people do you find difficult to get along with?
I'm
a very social person. I enjoy being around people and I get
on very well with people. I don't think there's any type of
people that I don't get along with.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
During the course of your work you will deal with
colleagues, clients and/or customers. Social skills are
essential in any modern working environment. You should be
capable of getting along with everyone.
64.
What type of people find you difficult to get along with?
I'm
a very social person. I enjoy being around people and I get
on very well with people. I don't think there's any type of
people that don't get along with me.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
During the course of your work you will deal with
colleagues, clients and/or customers. Social skills are
essential in any modern working environment. You should be
capable of getting along with everyone.
65.
Do you enjoy working?
Of
course! I do something I enjoy very much. I've been lucky
enough to work with some great people, and each day brings
new challenges and new experiences. I'd hate not to enjoy
work.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
There is only one answer to this question. It has to be an
emphatic 'Yes'. Any hesitation on your part will send out
loud warning signals to the interviewer.
66.
Are you competitive? Is that good or bad?
I'm
quite a competitive person, but not overly so. I'd say the
person I compete with most is myself. I work hard to achieve
the goals and targets I set myself.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a difficult question to answer as competitiveness is a
trait that can be both positive and negative. Almost all
people that achieve success - in any field - will extol the
virtues of a healthy amount of competitiveness. Do the same
in your answer without getting carried away.
Over-competitive employees sometimes have difficulty getting
along with their colleagues.
67.
How do you cope with taking instructions?
I'm
good at taking instructions. One of the reasons I'm a good
team player is because I can accept the lead and guidance of
a supervisor. It's also important to me to accept the advice
of colleagues from whose experience I can learn.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is assessing how manageable an employee you will
be. The interviewer is trying to weed out candidates that
may have problems with authority or a general stubbornness
towards taking instructions.
68.
Have you ever terminated an employee? Why?
Yes,
I have. Terminating an employee is a difficult task but it's
one of the responsibilities of leadership. I was responsible
for the performance of my team and the person I terminated
was having an adverse effect on the rest of the team. He was
persistently underperforming and he refused offers of advice
and further training. After his departure there was a
noticeable improvement in team morale and productivity. The
candidate I hired to replace him was a tremendous success.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to assess your managerial experience,
in particular with regard to one of the less palatable tasks
that come with responsibility. If your answer is positive,
be sure to explain to the interviewer the rationale behind
your decision and how your team/firm benefited from
termination.
69.
Can you work in a team?
Absolutely. I feel very comfortable working in a team. I
feel I have the necessary skills to communicate my own ideas
and also to illicit contributions from my fellow team
members. It's hard to imagine a project I've worked on where
teamwork has not been key.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
There is only one answer to this question - Yes. If you're
not a team player, it will be difficult to land the job. If
you tell the interviewer that you're not a team player, it
will be impossible to land the job. Take this opportunity to
explain what makes you a great team player.
70.
Would you be willing to take a pay decrease?
I am
not opposed to taking a pay cut, under the right
circumstances. If I could be compensated by other benefits
or if there is a strong possibility of achieving promotions
within the organization, I would be willing to negotiate.
Not
really. I have worked extremely hard to climb the salary
ladder and I do not want to undermine those efforts. I
believe that the salary I'm trying to achieve is very
reasonable and in line with industry standards. Of course, I
am willing to negotiate a salary within reasonable limits.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to establish your willingness to
negotiate a salary with the company. Does your desire to
work with the company overcome your desire to increase your
salary? If your answer is negative, try to justify it with a
positive spin, e.g. that your salary is highly competitive
as it is.
71.
How often are you late for work?
As
little as possible. I always err on the side of being early.
I dislike being late for any occasion.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
No
employer wants to hear that a prospective employee is
regularly late. Tardiness is a sign of a bad attitude and
perhaps of a more deep-rooted problem that could strike in
the future.
72.
You've been out of work for a long time, haven't you?
I
chose to spend time evaluating my options before deciding on
my next career move. I have been offered jobs since my last
employment but I wanted to wait until I found a job that
fulfilled my career goals.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
can be a very difficult question to answer. Evaluate your
situation carefully and consider all the reasons you have
been out of work. In this day and age many people take brief
career breaks. Do not be afraid to state this in an
interview. Highlight any achievements (e.g. travel, personal
projects) you made between jobs as these can speak to new
abilities you gained between jobs.
73.
What did you dislike most about your last job?
If I
was forced to name a dislike about my last company, I'd say
it was their lack of commitment towards employee training
and advancement. I know that XYZ Corp have an excellent
corporate training program and it has a reputation for
rewarding outstanding employees. I'm certainly not
over-ambitious but I would relish the challenge of working
to the best of my abilities within such a rewarding
environment.
I
enjoyed my last job very much and I really don't have any
feelings of dislike towards it. The reason I decided to
leave was because I wanted to join a multinational company
where I could expand my horizons and broaden my experience
on an international platform.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to anticipate problems you may present
based on your previous employment. If you decide to mention
a dislike, make sure you list only one. It is acceptable to
say you had no dislikes, but your answer will be stronger if
you qualify it.
74.
What did you like most about your last job?
I
really enjoyed my time at ABC & Co. It was a great company,
with a lot of very talented people. I was probably most
impressed by their training program. The three training
courses I was allowed to take definitely added to my skills
and enabled me to improve my job performance. However I felt
it was time to move on and take the skills I have learned
and apply them in a more challenging environment.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Interviewers look for candidates that will fit in as easily
as possible. The best answer to this question is that you
enjoyed everything about your previous job. You can
highlight your favorite element or aspect of the job. Be
wary of making your previous job sound too idyllic or you
will draw a follow-up question as to why you are leaving.
75.
What is the most difficult challenge you've faced? How did
you resolve it?
When
I assumed the role of Regional Development Manager at ABC
Corp, team morale was low, users were dissatisfied, and
deadlines were repeatedly being missed. The first step I
took was to set a realistic timeline for improving the
situation. I knew that creating unrealistic expectations
would only increase the chances of failure and exacerbate
the situation. Next, I re-organized the team structure to
improve customer and product focus. I also worked with the
business users to prioritize the work schedule. This allowed
us to reduce the number of products we were developing,
which in turn enabled us to better focus on our core
deliverables. Six months later the business users were happy
and the team was happy.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a terrific opportunity to shine. You should certainly
prepare an answer to this question prior to the interview.
If your mind goes blank during the interview you will give
an impression of inadequate interview preparation and hint
at a lack of challenging experience in your past.
76.
What accomplishment has given you most satisfaction? Why?
I
joined XYZ Corp as a junior administrator. At the time I was
very 'green' and knew very little about the business.
However I enjoyed what I did and decided to learn more. I
worked extra hours, attended training courses in my own
time, and worked closely with experienced members of the
team to gain from their knowledge. I now manage a team of
three people and have a recognized qualification in Customer
Relationship Management. I'm proud that I've accomplished
these achievements through my own endeavor and hard work.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a great opportunity to impress the interviewer. You
should certainly prepare an answer to this question prior to
the interview. If you have to strain to think of a suitable
incident during the interview, the interviewer will assume
that you've got very little to be satisfied about.
77.
Describe a situation where you've used your initiative to
solve a problem.
I
once received two last minute requests from separate
managers. The reports required by each were quite different,
and there was no way that I could deliver both reports on
time. Rather than get to the work straight away and hope
that a miracle happened, I instead went back to each manager
and suggested changes to their requirements that would
provide a better solution for them. Of course, the
improvements I suggested also brought the reports closer
together. By increasing the overlap of the reports, I
managed to reduce the effort required and produced both
improved reports ahead of time.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a gilt-edged opportunity to impress the interviewer. You
should certainly prepare an answer to this question prior to
the interview. If you have to 'hum' and 'haw' in front of
the interviewer while trying to think of a suitable
experience, she will assume that you've got very little to
boast about.
78.
How would your subordinates describe you?
I
think they would describe me as being a tough but fair boss
who is easy to approach, open to suggestions, and driven to
achieving success.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to assess how your future subordinates
will look upon you based on the views of those at your last
job. This is an opportunity for the interviewer to get an
insight into your managerial approach and skills.
79.
How do you feel about your current employer?
I
very much enjoyed my time at ABC & Co. We parted on very
good terms and I still have some great friends there. I
learnt a lot during my stay at the company - it was a very
rewarding experience. I decided to leave because I wanted to
move to a company with greater ambitions where I could
continue to fulfill my career goals.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Be
honest in your appraisal of your former employer. You should
not be too critical or too gushing. Use this opportunity to
describe the skills you attained at your previous
employment. You should also state the terms, hopefully good,
which you currently enjoy with your former employer.
80.
What difficult decisions have you made?
A
difficult decision I've made recently was to leave ABC & Co.
I enjoyed my job and I'd learnt a lot during my three years
with the firm. Although I thought long and hard about my
decision to move on, this decision was made all the more
difficult when I was offered a promotion and pay rise in
return for staying with the firm.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
question could and should be prepared ahead of the
interview. It is a great chance to give the interviewer an
insight into your analytical skills and your ability to take
responsibility for tough decisions.
81.
What would your references say about you?
I'm
sure my references will be very complimentary. They will
likely state that I'm a very hard-working, conscientious
employee with a strong desire to succeed, who operates at
her best in a team-centric environment.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Provided that you've worked for a few years, you should have
some strong referees on your resume. Most people will use
this question as an opportunity to extol their own virtues,
and hope that their referees do likewise.
82.
Does your current employer know that you've been
interviewing for another job?
Answer 1: No. I'm sure they're aware of my discontentment,
however, I do not plan to tell them that I'm interviewing.
Once I have a firm job offer that meets my expectations I
will announce my decision to leave.
Answer 2: Yes, I have an excellent relationship with my
current employers and felt it was only fair to allow them to
start preparing for my position to be vacated. I was offered
an increased salary in return for staying, which I turned
down. I'm confident it's time to move on.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
In
most cases your employer will not know that you are
interviewing. If you state that your employer is aware of
your intention to depart, your interviewer will immediately
wonder why they are not doing more to retain your services.
Be prepared for such a follow-up question.
83.
What has been you favorite job?
It's
hard to pick a single favorite job because there's been
aspects of every job that I've enjoyed, each for different
reasons. My ideal job would involve working in a challenging
environment for an ambitious, forward-moving company. I get
most satisfaction from a job well done, and from
contributing to the success of a progressive organization.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Your
answer can lead to trickier questions such as 'If it was so
good, why did you leave the job?' and 'What was your worst
job?'. Your answer will also cause the interviewer to use
your favorite job as an indication of your demands and
expectations of any new job. A better answer could involve
selecting your favorite aspects of a number of jobs.
Alternatively you could highlight the features of your ideal
job.
Remember even though the question seems to refer to your job
history, the interviewer is in fact trying to find out more
about you. However you answer the question make sure to
promote yourself as best you can.
84.
Will your employer be surprized that you're leaving?
I
think they will be surprized, but not shocked. My managers
have been aware of my desire to take a more senior role,
with greater responsibilities, and more managerial
supervision. However opportunities for such advancements are
not frequent in such a relatively small firm with a large
number of long-standing senior staff.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Unless there is bad feeling, most employees will have
discussed the reasons that led to their decision to start
interviewing with their existing employers (e.g. lack of
advancement, training, poor salary etc). Of course, the
decision to leave is not conveyed to the existing employer
until a firm job offer is on the table.
85.
Have you ever turned down a salary increase?
No,
I work hard and I'm grateful if my efforts justify a salary
increase.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Unsurprisingly, the answer to this question will almost
always be an emphatic 'No'. The most likely reason for
turning down a salary increase is if the terms under which
you were offered it were dubious or unethical. Foruntately
such occasions are extremely rare.
86.
Have you ever turned down a promotion?
No,
I haven't. I've worked hard to achieve the promotions I've
received and have always felt I was the right woman for the
job. However, if I was ever offered a promotion for which I
was sure I wasn't ready, I'd like to think I would have the
courage to decline the offer at that moment but to be
reconsidered if the situation arose in the future. I would
not put myself in a position where I jeopordised the people
working for me, or those for whom I worked, for the sake of
vanity.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a very tough question. Most people will never be in a
situation where they would consider turning down a
promotion. However, many employees would respect an employee
who were aware of their own limits.
87.
What job have you really disliked?
I
haven't disliked any of my past jobs. Obviously I've
preferred some jobs to others but each job has presented a
different set of challenges and I've enjoyed each for
different reasons. Often the toughest jobs are also the ones
where I've learnt most.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to discover what kind of work you
dislike. She is also trying to assess any bad attitudes you
may have towards working in such environments. The
interviewer is particularly interested in any risks these
attitudes may bring to this job. Don't be negative and don't
slate a past work experience.
There is no such thing as a bad work experience. All
experience, even that which we perceive to be tough, can
teach us a great deal. Give an example of a difficult job
you've had, how you dealt with it and what you learnt from
the experience.
88.
Have you ever been disciplined by your supervisor or
employer?
In
my very first job after college I was disciplined for being
late for work too often. I feel the disciplinary action was
very harsh, at the same time I realised there was room for
improvement in my attendance. I changed my working hours
immediately, making a conscious effort to arrive for work by
eight AM. My manager commended the change in my behaviour
and it's a habit I maintain to date.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
You
should give an honest answer to this question as the truth
could easily come out before - or even worse after -
employment. If the answer to this question is 'yes', you
should be sure to provide a strong explanation.
89.
Would you like your supervisor's job?
Naturally I'd like to be promoted through the company.
However, this is a goal rather than an expectation. I hope
that by working hard and proving my value to the firm I'll
be rewarded with more responsibility.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Don't be tempted to fall into the trap of a glib one-word
answer. Sell yourself by using this opportunity to notify
the interviewer of your qualities such as ambition and work
ethic.
90.
What did you think of your last manager?
My
last supervisor was a highly competent project leader and an
excellent people manager. He fostered a spirit of training
among his team, which resulted in my attendance of three
training courses, and he led by example. I feel that I
learned a lot from him.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Unless you feel you are unable to do so, you should not say
anything negative about your previous employer as there is a
strong chance it will reflect badly on you. A skilled
interviewee can use this question to promote themselves.
91.
How do you define 'success'?
That's very easy. For me, success is achieved if you attain
the goals you have set for yourself or the goals that have
been set for you. I believe that's true whether you're
talking about a student, a managing director or even a large
corporation. I know that ABC Corp has set itself the target
of being the number one telecoms firm in the country within
five years. If the firm achieves that goal, it will most
certainly be judged 'a success'.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
There is a subtle difference between this question and How
do you measure 'success'? The former asks what it means to
you for something to be successful. The latter asks what you
use to measure your own personal success.
Success means different things to different people. If
you've done your homework, you can impress the interviewer
by referring to the company mission statement (or corporate
goals etc) in your response
92.
How have your career goals changed over time?
For
me, the most important aspect of goal-setting is to always
keep your goals fresh, and to ensure you're always
challenged. My career goals have changed and developed over
time to match my progress. For example, when I was promoted
to a management role earlier than I anticipated, I set
myself new goals to ensure that I would have new aims and
aspirations relevant to the role.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a very straightforward question. The most important thing
to keep in mind is that employers like goal-driven people
that like to challenge themselves. Admitting that you don't
have any career goals would be tantamount to telling the
interviewer that you're the wrong person for the job. Use
this opportunity to show the interviewer that you're a
hard-working individual who regularly exceeds both personal
goals and goals set for you by others.
93.
What do you expect to be doing five years from now? What are
your medium-term career goals?
I
would like to be in a managerial role, ideally working
closely with external clients. I have worked in
client-facing roles for more than two years and I enjoy the
challenge of keeping the customer satisfied. I think it's
something I'm good at. I would also like to take on
additional responsibility within this area, and possibly
other areas such as _____. Finally, I'd like to be on the
right career path towards eventually becoming a Senior
Manager within the company. I'm very aware that these are
ambitious goals, however I feel through hard work and
dedication they are quite attainable.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer is trying to gauge your ambition and your desire
to succeed. She is also attempting to discover how much
thought you have given to your future career plans.
Avoid glib responses such as To have your job or To be a
manager. Quantify your aspirations and how you plan to go
about achieving them.
94.
What are the most important rewards you expect in your
career?
Being a valuable part of a successful organization is a
reward in itself. Within the organization I feel that
advancement and responsibility are suitable rewards. While
salary is important, I hope it would reflect my role and
responsibilities within the firm.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Expressing the rewards you hope to achieve will give the
interviewer an insight into the strength of your ambition
and your desire to succeed. Be ambitious in your aspirations
without being unreasonable
95.
What is most important to you - salary or advancement?
Answer 1:
Of
course, salary is important, but I don't believe that it's
the most important aspect of any job. I'd rather be promoted
with the aim of making a greater contribution to the firm's
goals. Ideally I would hope that my salary would reflect my
position within the company and the contribution I made to
the organization.
Answer 2:
Could you tell me more about how salary or advancement
occurs within the company?
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a tough question but not a trick one. You should be
honest in expressing your preference, providing you are
willing to back it up with solid reasoning. Be wary of
coming across as greedy or power-hungry.
96.
What are your ideal job specifications?
My
ideal job would involve working in a challenging environment
for an ambitious, forward-moving company. I get most
satisfaction from a job well done, and contributing to the
success of a progressive organization.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The
interviewer will try to match the description of your ideal
job with the job on offer. Do not be too specific in your
description.
97.
What size organization do you prefer to work for? Why?
There are advantages to working for a small company and
advantages to working for a large company. Size is not the
critical factor when I choose an employer. It's more
important to me that the organization I work for is an
ambitious, forward-moving company. I want to help it attain
it's goals and contribute towards it's growth and
development.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
In
some questions, the key to a great answer is in
understanding the importance of the context in which the
question is posed. This is one such question. Measure your
answer to this question in light of the company you are
interviewing for. It would be unwise, to say the least, if
you express a preference for small companies while
interviewing for a multi-national and vice versa.
98.
Are you willing to travel?
Yes,
I enjoy traveling a lot. I realize there's a big difference
between traveling for leisure purposes and on business,
nonetheless I would be very interested in visiting other
cities/countries/offices and would look upon it as a
learning experience.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
You
should be honest in your answer to this question. There are
very few jobs where this question would have a bearing on
the interview. However, if you were to say that you were
willing to travel in an interview, but then refused once you
joined the firm, you would likely create an environment of
mistrust with your new employers. In almost every case, you
are asked this question for informational purposes only.
99.
Would you be willing to relocate, if required?
Yes,
I've lived in Austin for three years but I would be open to
the possibility of relocating to another city.
or
I'm
afraid not. I just moved to Fort Lauderdale last year along
with my family. At this point I wouldn't like to uproot them
so soon.
or
I
hadn't planned to relocate, but depending upon the timing
and circumstances I would certainly give it serious thought
if the opportunity arose.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This
is a very personal question and one to which you must give
serious thought. If you had not considered the possibility
of relocating before the interview, remain calm and let the
interviewer know that you were not sure and while not ruling
it out, you would like to give it some more thought.
Otherwise, answer the question truthfully. If relocation
were an imperative part of the job for which you're
applying, you would have been told by the firm's human
resources representative, your agent or recruiter before the
interviewer.
100.
Do you expect to work regular hours?
Would working irregular hours cause a problem?
I
don't have a problem working overtime. I understand that in
today's competitive marketplace there is a need for
flexibility in regard to working hours.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
In
today's modern working environment most jobs require
flexibility with respect to your working hours. By
expressing your willingness to work irregular hours or do
overtime you will impress upon the interviewer your
eagerness to succeed and contribute to the firm.
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아래 내용들의 순서
캐나다에서 일자리를 잡을 수 있을까?
취업전략 1 - 적극적인 구직활동
