Common Interview Questions

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.”

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? 

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.

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." 

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.

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.

Tips for answering this question:

No matter what kind of job you’re after, you will be asked to talk about yourself in the interview. This allows the company to evaluate whether your professional and personal qualifications are suited to the job.

This is your opportunity to make a positive impression. It’s important that you spend the time talking about your qualifications and present yourself in a positive light.

Aviod repetition and practise

This should only take a few minutes, so you must be prepared to talk about yourself and your background without trying to say too much. It’s a very good idea to write down a few keywords and follow the points you’ve thought about in advance. This will help you to avoid repetition and include all of the important details.

Always remember to practise what you want to say. You may want to ask someone you know – your spouse, partner or a friend – if they’ll listen to what you intend to say. This will let you practise your presentation and assess how it sounds.

Use the template below for your preparation:

- A little bit about your personal life

     Where you live, About your family etc.

- Work experience

     Your education and training

     Which companies have you worked for?

- Your qualifications for this job

     Professional qualifications for the job

     Personal qualities in relation to job

Leave out stories about your former boss treating you badly ,Or that because of the heavy workload and poor working environment you were off sick for a prolonged period.

All of this may well be true and be a part of your background, but keep your eyes on the goal.Talk about the positives in terms of work experience, professional skills and human qualities.

After your presentation, the company will usually ask you some questions.

Questions to expect from a head of department :

What do you know about our company?

Why do you want to work for us?

Why should we take you on?

What aspects of a job are most important to you?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What are your pay expectations?

How flexible are you?

Questions to expect from a HR officer :

Who are you?

What are your strengths/ weaknesses?

Would you mind taking a test?

What do you understand by a good working relationship?

What do you think of your current boss?

What would your former colleagues say about you?

How is your financial situation?

How many sick days have you had in the last year?

Are you willing to take further training?

What do you do in your spare time?

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.