Common Interview Questions

You're just as choosy about finding the right job as the interviewer is about hiring the right candidate. Don't whine or show that the search is upsetting you. If you've already fielded an offer or two,you might say

        " I have had an offer.But the situatioin was not right for me. I'm especially glad that I didn't accept, because I now have a shot at landing this position."

It's important to tell the truth, however, because the interviewer's next logical questions may be the following:

who made you an offer? For what type of position? At what salary?

If you've already lied, you're in hot water now! some interviewers will consider any admission of lying in these circumstances your "voluntary" offer to end the interview!

Many interviewers know a great deal about their competitors and which positions they're trying to fill. If you did the smart thing and told the truth, feel free to name the company.

It's important to stress that the position you turned down was very similar to the one you're applying for now. After all, if the job you are currently interviewing for is perfect for you-as you've undoubtedly already told the interviewer three or four times - why would be at all interested in something very different at the other company? 

Personality plays a role in behavioral interviews. Employers want to see that you are well balanced person that knows how to handle themselves. These types of questions are designed to see how you handled situations that can be very personally stressful. Try to share examples that reflect positively on all parties involved. “Once I was blamed for not double checking marketing data, which drastically impacted one of our campaigns. Though I was not the staff member in charge of the data collection and analysis, I knew it would be unproductive to try to pass blame, so I simply asked what steps I could take to help resolve the problem. Afterward I spoke with the staff member in charge of checking data and let them know of the error so that both of us could ensure it would not be repeated.”

If you're attempting to give an answer that is as unrevealing as possible, try something like this:

  " I have been a dedicated,loyal,hardworking employee throughout my career and nothing in my personal life-family obligations, hobbies, or volunteer work-has ever affected my performance. Nor would I ever expect it to." 

Purpose -
This question typically is asked by the interviewer to understand if you have the skills and experience for the job.

Approach -
The primary focus of your answer should be to match your qualifications, certifications, experience and skills with their job needs. Mention key strengths and give examples that connect with the company and the job requirements.

Pre-work -
You should do detail research on the company and job posting to effectively answer this question.

This is a very common interview question be prepared to answer it.

Why Are You Looking For A New Job?

Purpose - This question is asked to get some insights into your personality and your relationship with your last job, colleagues and employer. So you should be careful while answering this question.

1. Never bad-mouth your former employers.
Why? It is very simple as the interviewer will envision that you will bad-mouth them when you decide to leave, and nobody wants bad rumors about themselves or their company.

2. Never bad-mouth your previous co-workers.
Why? This world is too small, your co-workers could be a friend, relative of the interviewer.

3. Never bad-mouth about the responsibilities and tasks you performed at your previous job.
Why? Thinking that the new employer would give you great responsibilities and tasks and if you give a hate speech on the previous job responsibilities and activities and to your surprise if your interviewer is thinking about similar tasks for this position, you have already given a reason to quit the new job which you have not yet got. So guess, the chances of you getting the job is Nil.

Keep the answer short and try not to disclose too much. A straight answer is best and as stated above avoid negative statements about yourself, your work, or your ability to get along with others.

E.g.
My organization was forced to downsize.

Our department was eliminated due to corporate restructuring.

I am looking for a bigger challenge and to grow my career.

I am relocating to this area due to family ( Marriage, Kids Education etc...)

I received degree and want to utilize my new skills in this new position.

I am interested in a job with more responsibility and challenges.

I am seeking a position with a stable company with room for growth and opportunity for advancement.

Most people say "Yes" and do not add more to it. Use this opportunity to market yourself and express interests and activities that are aligned with job role you are applying.

How do you handle stress?

Wrong approach -
Do not say you are never under stress or I hate stress or you do exercise and meditation to take care of stress. Focus strictly on professional things that you do.

Right approach -
A good response is to say that pressure helps you focus and maintain your drive and like to handle challenges. Explain that some of your best efforts are the result of stress and pressure. Also inform that when pressure gets too intense, you know how to handle it.

Example -
Stress and pressure are a challenging part of the job and i know how to handle it. I handle it by focusing on proper planning and reporting, better time management, open communication, Hard work and prioritization.

When I was working on a software employment team at XYZ Company, we took over one more company and had to turn many clients to a new product in a short period of time. It took a lot of planning, hard work, time and effort, but we were able to finish the project in a timely manner.