CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1

Background
Mental fear of the unknown is often what produces the physical symptoms of
nervousness. In addition to preparing yourself physically, you need to prepare yourself
mentally. The best way to prepare mentally is to know what may be coming. Fear of the
unknown can only exist when there is an unknown. Take the time to understand some of
the standards when it comes to interviewing questions.
The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course
of your job interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple on the surfacesuch as
Tell me about yourselfbut these questions can have a variety of answers. The more open
ended the question, the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have become
practiced in your interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question
as a launching pad for a particular topic or compelling story.
Questions that revolve around potential negatives are always the toughest to
answer. Prepare for them by thinking about answers ahead of time. Type up answers or
write them out, and review them before going into the interview. It is like studying
concise, and then stopping and seeing if the interviewer wants to pursue it further.

CHAPTER 2
DISCUSSION
2.1

Discussion

Questions and Answers in job interview

1. Tell me about yourself
Typically the interviewer is looking for an overview of your related
experience. Provide an answer that shows a logical progression throughout your
educational/professional career. If your educational background led you in a
certain direction, include that in the overview. While this may be seen as an easy
question for some, quite a few solid candidates blundered on this simple
question. For those who have given it some thought, this is the right opportunity
to talk about your strengths such as your enthusiasm, leadership, self-confidence
and reliability, with a few real-life anecdotes thrown in to support your points.
Sample answers:
I love to jump into projects with both feet. I can concentrate on solving a
tech problem for hours, although I know to effectively use my time I need
to consult my colleagues for their expertise, and often convene brief project
team meetings bounce around a solution, plotting it out, and preparing a
presentation for my boss. Objectoriented technology [or any other skill] is
my newest challenge.
My background to date has been centered on planning myself to become
the very best ________ I can become. Let me tell you specifically how Ive
prepared myself
2. What are your greatest strengths?
You certainly have many positive qualities, but since you can only
choose a few, be careful as your answer will also reflect your values. Some
might say honesty, other reliability or a strong sense of leadership, but whatever
it might be, be ready to make reference to a situation where you have
demonstrated such strength. Examples help solidify and support your strengths.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

The most important thing to remember is that after you name your
weakness, you must discuss what you have done to overcome it. Pick a
weakness that is real but undestandable or relatively harmless.
Sample answers:
I used to have a tendency to procrastinate. So now I am always sure to set a
strict schedule for all of my projects well in advance and I set personal
deadlines. This organization has really helped.

 Once in a while, I focus too much on the details of the project. So now,
when Im working on a project, I always make sure at the end of the day to
sit back and take a few minutes to think about the general scope of my
work. It forces me to keep priorities straight and helps me keep the right
mindset.
I would say that my greatest weakness has been a lack of proper planning in
the past. I would overcommit myself with too many variant tasks, then not b
able to fully accomplish each as I would like. However, since Ive come to
recognize that weakness, Ive taken steps to correct it. For example, I now
carry my palm pilot at all times so that I can effectively plan my
appointments and to do list items.
4. Why did you leave your last job?
The secret is to stay positive and discuss your desire for growth. Hiring
managers love applicants who actively seek responsibility.
Sample Answer:
After several years in my last position, Im looking for a company wherea
I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment. I am interested
in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills and
experience in a different capacity than I have in the past. I recently received
my degree and I want to utilize my educational background in my next
position.
5. Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dont be
afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
Sample answer:
You should hire me because Im the best person for the job. I realize that
there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet
I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my
passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly
world class results. For example . . .
6. Arent you overqualified for this position?
The employer may be concerned that youll grow dissatisfied and
leave.
Sample answers:
I also believe that there could be very positive benefits for both of us in
this match.

 Because of my unusually strong experience in ________________ , I

could start to contribute right away, perhaps much faster than someone
whod have to be brought along more slowly.
Most important, Im looking to make a long term commitment in my
career now. Ive had enough of job-hunting and want a permanent spot at
this point in my career. I also know that if I perform this job with
excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for me right here. In
time, Ill find many other ways to help this company and in so doing, help
myself. I really am looking to make a long-term commitment.
7. Are you a team player?
Sample Answers:
Yes, Im very much a team player. In fact, Ive had opportunities in my
work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For
example, on a recent project...
Very much so. In fact, Ive had opportunities in both athletics and
academics to develop my skills as a team player. I was involved in _____at
the intramural level, including leading my team in assists during the past
yearI always try to help others achieve their best. In academics, Ive worked
on several team projects, serving as both a member and a team leader. Ive
seen the value of working together as a team to achieve a higher goal than
any one of us could have achieved individually. As an example
8. Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss
(company, management team, etc.)
Your interviewer doesnt care a whit about your previous boss. He
wants to find out how loyal and positive you are, and whether youll criticize
him behind his back if pressed to do so by someone in this own company. This
question is your opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to those you work
with.
9. Why do you want to work for our company?
Sample answers:
This is not only a fine opportunity, but this company is a place where my
qualifications can make a difference. As a finance executive well versed in
the new stock options law, I see this position as made to order. It contains
the challenge to keep me on my toes. That's the kind of job I like to
anticipate every morning.

 As a dedicated technician, I like doing essential research. Being part of a

breakthrough team is an experience I'd love to repeat.
10. What salary are you looking for? Or, what kind of salary do you think you
are?
Dont be too specific a range is often most comfortable for everyone
to work with. Even better, ask if the company has a salary scale and base your
answer on that. Remember, salary is related to market value. Research your
worth before you get into the interview. Also, interviews are not ignorant.
Research your market value and give a range.
Sample asnwer:
I checked a few sites on the internet and found that the average salary for a
web designer ranges from 45K to 60K per year in this geographic area,
depending on the responsibilities and duties involved. I am not set on a
specific number and am willing to negotiate.
11. What interests you most about this position?
Your education, training and experience

as

well

as

your

accomplishments should provide good references for answering that question.

Do not hesitate to stress the fact that this would represent a dynamic move,
while giving you the opportunity to grow, to increase your responsibilities and
knowledge of the field, and may possibly help you define and reach new goals.
12. Do you work well under pressure?
Of course everyone will say yes, but it is more convincing if you could
provide examples of situations when you have remained cool under fire. Be
careful not to choose a situation of crisis for which you were the one
responsible!
13. How has your education prepared you for your career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral
examples in your educational background which specifically align to the
required competencies for the career.
Sample answer:
My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but
also on the practical application of the information learned within those
classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we
gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you
more about the results...
14. What type of management / supervision do you prefer?

This question can come in many forms, but the meaning is always the
same: are you able to be managed by people with different styles? You probably
have reported to managers with vastly different approaches to management and
supervision, and have learned which styles you prefer. Since you probably do
not know the managers style at the prospective employer, talk about the
positive aspects of each style youve encountered.
15. Do you have any questions for me?
You always try to ask a thoughtful questions or two at the end of an
interview. It shows that youve been listening and that youve done your
research on the company.
Sample answer:
Im very interested in this job. Its exactly the kind of job that Im looking
for. What is the next step in the interview process?

How to Dress for Your Job Interview

The way you present yourself at an interview can play a large part in the first
impression you give off, so make sure you dress smartly and appropriately.
Knowing what to wear for a job interview is half the battle of the interview
itself. The old adage could never be so true, You never get a second chance to make
a first impression.
When youre going to a job interview, your appearance is extremely
important. Whether or not you look professional or sloppy could play a huge role in
whether your interview feels that you are suitable for the job.
1. Check out the company culture
When first deciding what to wear for a job interview, you should first
take into consideration the culture of the company you are interviewing with,
and dress accordingly. Are you interviewing with a company where the
employees wear suits everyday or do they wear t-shirts and jeans?
A suit is not always the best choice for a job interview. If you show up
wearing a suit and tie and all the employees are wearing shorts and flip-flops,
you will look out of place, feel uncomfortable and may give off the wrong
energy. The same is true of the opposite. If you show up wearing shorts and flipflops to a company that wears professional attire, it could give the impression
that you are not a good fit for the company.
The industry you are interviewing for should also be taken into
consideration, as the dress code for an accounting firm is likely to be different to
that of a construction company, for example.
2. Match the interviewer

If you want to get the job, your choice of what to wear for a job
interview should match or be slightly dressier than the dresscode of the
company. For example, if the normal work attire of the company is business
casual, its ok to wear a suit to impress. If the normal work attire is casual, its
ok to wear a business casual outfit to impress as well.
After you decide whether a professional, business casual, or casual
outfit is most appropriate for your interview, here are some guidelines you may
want to follow when deciding what to wear for your job interview.
The key is to wear clothing that you feel comfortable and look great in,
while at the same time matching the corresponding dress code of the company.
That way youll give off great energy and let your true personality shine
through.
3. Present yourself neatly
Make sure your clothes are clean and neatly ironed. Nothing gives
away the lack of attention to detail more than wrinkled or dirty clothing.
Select clothing that fits properly, as ill-fitting clothing can appear scruffy and
you wearing clothes that fit will help you to feel comfortable and relax in your
interview.
Good grooming and hygiene is essential, so make sure you have clean
hair, fingernails, fresh breath, deodorant, etc. Hair should be styled in a neat but
manageable style, as the last thing you want to be doing during the interview is
stressing about your fancy new up-do coming unpinned, however I recommend
you keep it pulled back from your face. Men, if you have facial hair, be sure to
give it a trim/comb through ahead of the interview, so that you look as neat and
tidy as possible.
Perfume and aftershave should be used sparingly, so that it is not
overpowering and the same goes for makeup, that should be kept subtle. Dont
wear flashy jewellery, as it may become distracting and youll want the
interviewer to pay attention to you, not your bling.
4. Avoid loud prints:
Its good to show a bit of personality in your outfit choice, however it is
best to stick to block colours, rather than loud, busy prints. Dont be afraid of
going for a slightly brighter shade, as it can help you to stand out and appear
more confident. Try to find a balance between smart and stylish.
Novelty ties and socks are best avoided. Yes, the interviewer will
notice!

5. Accessorise smartly:
You can inject a bit of personality into your outfit with the accessories
that you select, so if youd rather play it safe with your outfit choice, why no
pair it with a nice bag or pair of shoes?
Accessories should be kept smart, so if you are taking a bag with you, a
smart satchel, briefcase or handbag would be the better option over a backpack.
Shoes should be clean and newish looking. Keep heels at a sensible
height.

REFERENCES
The free online: http://materias.fi.uba.ar/7801/INTERVIEW.pdf, accesed on April 2016
The free online: http://www.oicwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ Interview-Questions-and
Answers.pdf, accesed on April 2016
The free online: https://soulsearch.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/64interviewquestions1.pdf,
accesed on April 2016
The free online: https://www.davenport.edu/system/files/Ten%20Tough%20Interview%20
Questions%20and % 20Ten%20Great%20Answers.pdf, accesed on April 2016
The

free

online:

http://www.elancolibrary.org/elanco/lib/elanco/images/employment/

interview/sample_intvw_questions.pdf, accesed on April 2016