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www.jobinterviewquestions.org/ GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Questions start the minute the interview does, and to show that you are an exceptional candidate, you need to be prepared to answer not only the typical questions, but also the unexpected. You can expect questions regarding your qualifications, your academic preparation, career interests, experience, and ones that assess your personality. 1. Tell me about yourself The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. e careful that it does not sound rehearsed. !imit it to work"related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and #obs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. $tart with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

%. &hy did you leave your last #ob' $tay positive regardless of the circumstances. (ever refer to a ma#or problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co"workers or the organi)ation. *f you do, you will be the one looking bad. +eep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward"looking reasons. ,. &hat experience do you have in this field' $peak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. *f you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can. -. .o you consider yourself successful' You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. / good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others. 0. &hat do co"workers say about you' e prepared with a quote or two from co"workers. 1ither a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. 2. &hat do you know about this organi)ation' This question is one reason to do some research on the organi)ation before the interview. 3ind out where they have been and where they are going. &hat are the current issues and who are the ma#or players' 4. &hat have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year'

% Try to include improvement activities that relate to the #ob. / wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self"improvement. 5ave some good ones handy to mention. 6. /re you applying for other #obs' e honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. +eep the focus on this #ob and what you can do for this organi)ation. /nything else is a distraction. 7. &hy do you want to work for this organi)ation' This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organi)ation. $incerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. 8elate it to your long"term career goals. 19. .o you know anyone who works for us' e aware of the policy on relatives working for the organi)ation. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. e careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of. 11. &hat kind of salary do you need' / loaded question. / nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. $o, do not answer it. *nstead, say something like, That:s a tough question. ;an you tell me the range for this position' *n most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. *f not, say that it can depend on the details of the #ob. Then give a wide range. 1%. /re you a team player' You are, of course, a team player. e sure to have examples ready. $pecifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. .o not brag, #ust say it in a matter"of"fact tone. This is a key point. 1,. 5ow long would you expect to work for us if hired' $pecifics here are not good. $omething like this should work< *:d like it to be a long time. =r /s long as we both feel *:m doing a good #ob. 1-. 5ave you ever had to fire anyone' 5ow did you feel about that' This is serious. .o not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. /t the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. &hen it comes to the organi)ation versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organi)ation. 8emember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force. 10. &hat is your philosophy towards work' The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. .o you have strong feelings that the #ob gets done' Yes. That:s the type of answer that works best here. $hort and positive, showing a benefit to the organi)ation. 12. *f you had enough money to retire right now, would you' /nswer yes if you would. ut since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. .o not say yes if you do not mean it.

, 14. 5ave you ever been asked to leave a position' *f you have not, say no. *f you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organi)ation involved. 16. 1xplain how you would be an asset to this organi)ation You should be anxious for this question. *t gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. >ive a little advance thought to this relationship. 17. &hy should we hire you' ?oint out how your assets meet what the organi)ation needs. .o not mention any other candidates to make a comparison. %9. Tell me about a suggestion you have made 5ave a good one ready. e sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. =ne related to the type of work applied for is a real plus. %1. &hat irritates you about co"workers' This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. / short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great. %%. &hat is your greatest strength' (umerous answers are good, #ust stay positive. / few good examples< Your ability to prioriti)e, Your problem"solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on pro#ects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude . %,. Tell me about your dream #ob. $tay away from a specific #ob. You cannot win. *f you say the #ob you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. *f you say another #ob is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like< / #ob where * love the work, like the people, can contribute and can:t wait to get to work. %-. &hy do you think you would do well at this #ob' >ive several reasons and include skills, experience and interest. %0. &hat are you looking for in a #ob' $ee answer @ %, %2. &hat kind of person would you refuse to work with' .o not be trivial. *t would take disloyalty to the organi)ation, violence or lawbreaking to get you to ob#ect. Ainor ob#ections will label you as a whiner. %4. &hat is more important to you< the money or the work' Aoney is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer. %6. &hat would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is'

There are numerous good possibilities< !oyalty, 1nergy, ?ositive attitude, !eadership, Team player, 1xpertise, *nitiative, ?atience, 5ard work, ;reativity, ?roblem solver %7. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor iggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. *f you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. $tay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor. ,9. &hat has disappointed you about a #ob' .on:t get trivial or negative. $afe areas are few but can include< (ot enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction ;ompany did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility. ,1. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. >ive an example that relates to the type of position applied for. ,%. .o your skills match this #ob or another #ob more closely' ?robably this one. .o not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another #ob more than this one. ,,. &hat motivates you to do your best on the #ob' This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are< ;hallenge, /chievement, 8ecognition ,-. /re you willing to work overtime' (ights' &eekends' This is up to you. e totally honest. ,0. 5ow would you know you were successful on this #ob' $everal ways are good measures< You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful ,2. &ould you be willing to relocate if required' You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. .o not say yes #ust to get the #ob if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. e honest at this point and save yourself future grief. ,4. /re you willing to put the interests of the organi)ation ahead of your own' This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. .o not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Bust say yes. ,6. .escribe your management style. Try to avoid labels. $ome of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one si)e fits all.

,7. &hat have you learned from mistakes on the #ob' 5ere you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Aake it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. /n example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a pro#ect and thus throwing coordination off. -9. .o you have any blind spots' Trick question. *f you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. .o not reveal any personal areas of concern here. !et them do their own discovery on your bad points. .o not hand it to them. -1. *f you were hiring a person for this #ob, what would you look for' e careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have. -%. .o you think you are overqualified for this position' 8egardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position. -,. 5ow do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience' 3irst, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up< Then, point out Cif trueD that you are a hard working quick learner. --. &hat qualities do you look for in a boss' e generic and positive. $afe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. /ll bosses think they have these traits. -0. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others. ?ick a specific incident. ;oncentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled. -2. &hat position do you prefer on a team working on a pro#ect' e honest. *f you are comfortable in different roles, point that out. -4. .escribe your work ethic. 1mphasi)e benefits to the organi)ation. Things like, determination to get the #ob done and work hard but en#oy your work are good. -6. &hat has been your biggest professional disappointment' e sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. $how acceptance and no negative feelings. -7. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the #ob. Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organi)ation. 09. .o you have any questions for me' /lways have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organi)ation are good. 5ow soon will * be able to be productive' and &hat type of pro#ects will * be able to assist on' are examples.

O! S"E#I$I# QUESTIONS
#%n &ou 'o t(e job) *o &ou (%ve t(e +now,e'ge sets- s+i,, sets %n' .erson%, %ttributes to %,,ow &ou to 'o t(e job) Types of questions could include< &hat parts of your education do you see as relevant to this position' &hat prompted you to studyE..' Tell me about a time when you had to communicate information to a group of people. Tell me about a significant achievement in your life. Tell me about a time where you had to work towards a deadline. .id you meet it' *f not, what would you do differently next time' *o &ou w%nt t(e job) *o &ou w%nt to wor+ in t(is .osition/org%nis%tion) Are &ou wi,,ing to ,e%rn) Are &ou %/bitious %n' +een to su00ee') Types of questions could include< &hy do you want to work for us' &hat do you know about our companyFpracticeFbusiness' &hat are your short termFlong term goals' &here do you see yourself in five years time' .escribe a time where you set yourself a challenging goal' &hat happened' &hat would you do differently' Wi,, &ou 1it in) T(e interviewer w%nts to 'eter/ine i1 &ou wi,, be % goo' te%/ .,%&er- so/eone w(o wi,, be %bsorbe' into t(e org%nis%tion wit(out 'isru.tion to t(e e2isting te%/ '&n%/i0s.

Types of questions could include< .escribe a time where you had to work with a group of people to achieve a common goal' ;an you give me an example of working as part of a team. &hat was your contribution to the team and what was the outcome of this exercise' &hat would you do ifEEEEEEE' !est 1it between %..,i0%nt %n' job) W(%t /%+es &ou t(e best %..,i0%nt 1or t(is .osition) W(& s(ou,' t(e e/.,o&er t%+e &ou over ot(er %..,i0%nts) Types of questions could include< &hy do you think you are the best person for the #ob' &hat are your strengths and weaknesses' ;an you give me five words that best describe you' &hat skills and qualities can you bring to this position' Is t(ere %n&t(ing &ou wou,' ,i+e to %'') This is an opportunity to bring particular skills or qualities to the attention of the interviewer. 5ave you stated your ma#or selling points' &ere you unhappy about a particular answer during the interview' This is an opportunity to address that. &hy are you the best person for the #ob' Tell the interviewerG Is t(ere %n&t(ing &ou wou,' ,i+e to %s+ us) This is your opportunity to find out more about the #ob, the company, and the industry. You could ask questions like< &hat are the career prospects within your company'

&hat staff training and development opportunities are available' &ho would * be reporting to' &here would * be located' /void asking too many questions about salary and conditions of employment such as holidays but know what salary range you are prepared to accept.

QUESTIONS TO AVOI*
8egulations and H$ !aw provide extensive protection against discrimination in employment. Aany companies and organi)ations you will encounter state explicitly that they follow 1qual =pportunity 1mployer guidelines. asically, this means that they do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, religion, or sexual orientation, to name a few.

The ?ersons with .isabilities /cts also specifically protects people with physical or mental disabilities or handicaps in addition to providing special accommodations for them Ce.g. wheelchair accessD. ecause of these laws, organi)ations are increasingly careful about the way in which they ask questions in interviewingI no one wants to be the sub#ect of a lawsuit claiming discriminatory hiring practices. >enerally, employers must focus on what they need to know to ascertain whether the candidate is capable of doing the #ob. /ll questions must be directly relevant to the #ob for which the candidate is applying. &hile no specific federal, state, or local entity specifically provides a list of illegal interview questions, there is sufficient precedent Clegal historyD in court rulings, legislative decisions, regulations, and constitutional laws to govern certain categories of questions. $ome of these questions may be perfectly acceptable outside of the H$ and so, may appear to be benign. /s an interviewee, you should be aware of the types of questions that may be problematic in the H$ as well as how to handle them in an interview. ear in mind that both law and precedents continue to change. Therefore, the list of potentially illegal questions Cor their legal counterpartsD presented here is in no way exhaustive.

S%/.,e Interview Questions

"erson%, 3otiv%tion %n' Tr%its 5ow do you feel about your present workload' &hat motivates you to do your best work' 5ow can we best help you get your #ob done' Tell me about a time you went Jout on a limbJ to get the #ob done' &hat are the disadvantages of this line of work' &hat do you find most frustrating at work' Tell me about a pro#ect that got you really excited' 5ow do you define doing a good #ob' &hat makes a #ob en#oyable for you' Hnder what conditions do you work best' &hat is your greatest strengthFweakness or deficiency' Tell me about a work task you en#oy. Go%,s &hat are your 0"year goals' Tell me what JsuccessJ means to you. &hat does JfailureJ mean to you' .o you consider yourself successful' .o you set goals for yourself and how do you do that' #o//uni0%tion Tell me about a work situation you had that required excellent communication skills.

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.o you prefer to speak directly with someone or send a memo' 5ow would you grade your ability to communicate with upper level management, customers, and peers' &hat was more important on your #ob, written or oral communication' $,e2ibi,it& Tell me about the last change which occurred in your office. 5ow did you handle it' *:m interested in hearing about the last time you took a risk. &hat was it and in retrospect, was it the right decision' 5ow important is communication and interaction with others on your #ob' 5ow many departments did you deal with' &hat problems occurred' Tell me about a time when a work emergency caused you to reschedule your workFpro#ects. >ive me an example of the last time you went above and beyond the call of duty to get the #ob done *n what areas do you typically have the least amount of patience at work' Stress Tell me about a deadline you had to meet. 5ow much advance notice did you have' You have worked in a fast paced environment. 5ow did you like the environment' &hat kinds of decisions are most difficult for you' &hat is the most difficult work situation you have faced' &hat types of #obs do you have the most difficulty with' &hat do you do when you:re having trouble with your #ob' &hat do you do when you have a great deal of work to accomplish in a short period of time' 3%n%ge%bi,it&

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&hat do you do when you:re having trouble with a boss' *f your boss knew you were interviewing, what would he say' &hat do you feel an employer owes an employee' Your supervisor tells you do to something in a way you know is dead wrong. &hat do you do' *f your supervisor unfairly critici)ed you, what would you do' &ould you like to have your boss:s #ob' &hy or why not' Tell me about a time when your manager was in a rush and didn:t give you enough attention. &hat are some of the things about which you and your boss disagree' &hat are some of the things your boss did that you disliked' *n what areas could your boss have done a better #ob' * would be interested to hear about an occasion when your work or an idea was critici)ed, what was critici)ed, who critici)ed you, and how did you handle it' .escribe the best manager you ever had. The worst. &hat qualities did each of them have'

&hat do you think are the three key skillsFstrengths vital to this position' &hat characteristics do the achievers in this company seem to share' *s there a lot of team pro#ect work' &hat would * be expected to accomplish in the first six months on the #ob' in the first year' &hat are some of the departmentKs ongoing and anticipated special pro#ects'

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*dentify a typical career path in your organi)ation for someone with my qualifications. 5ow is an employee evaluated and promoted' &hat is the retention rate of individuals in the position for which * am interviewing' Tell me about your initial, as well as future training programs. &hat are the challenging facets of this #ob' &hat industry trends will occur in this company' .escribe the work environment. &hat are the companyKs strengths and weaknesses' &ho are your clients' Aay * talk with one' &ho are your competitors' &hat kinds of computers and programs do you use' &ill * have my own computer' 5ow would you describe your companyKs personality and management style' *s it company policy to promote within' Tell me the work history of your top management. &hat are your expectations for new hires' &hat is the overall structure of the department where this position is located' &hat qualities are you looking for in your new hires' *s this a new position or a replacement' &hat happened to the person who held it previously' *s there someone already employed by the firm who thinks they should have this position' &hat is the next step in the hiring process for this position' .o not ask about salary and benefits. &ill * work independently or with others' &ho directly supervises this position' &hat is his or her background' &hat:s he or she like' Aay * talk to other people who report to this person' /re there any recent or anticipated changes in the structure of the organi)ation Cmergers, cutbacksD' *f * want to further my education, does the organi)ation offer tuition benefits' ;an * provide you with any other information to help you in the decision making process' &ill * have a written employment agreement' .oes your company require that * sign a non"compete agreement' 5ow many women and minorities hold management positions in your company' &here do the other employees live' 5ow far away are these communities' ;an you describe them' &hat is the commute like' 5ow many other candidates are you considering for this position' &hat can you tell me about them' 5ow soon can * expect to hear from you'