Remember, interviewers ask tough questions to assess a candidate's ability to handle the actual situation.  We know that there are canned answers to questions we ask but when candidates stumble over the most obvious ones, the interviewer assumes that they are not prepared.  The interviewer assumes that if they come to an interview unprepared, they'll probably carry that trait over to their job.  So remember to be prepared!

QUESTION # 1

Tell me about yourself

This is a great opportunity to sell yourself.  Start with "I'm good at what I do " relate specific accomplishments and abilities to the company's needs.  How can you contribute to their success?

QUESTION # 2

What are your major strengths?

"Team player with strong people skills "Creative problem solver" "Proven dependability-- it gets done " "I take my job and career very seriously. Give examples.

QUESTION # 3

What are your major limitations?

Don't talk yourself out of a job "I have no major limitations that interfere with work. I sometimes set goals too high but I'm learning to set limits and better manage my time." Give example.

QUESTION # 4

What are some of your biases or hang-ups?

"People who don't take there work seriously and waste my time. I am biased in favor of organizations that challenge employees and encourage a team approach to problem solving.

QUESTION # 5

What is the nicest thing you have ever done in your life?

If you can’t think of anything, go do something nice! Offer to volunteer in a "Big Brother/sisters program" or donate some blood. Demonstrate a "big heart" and you'll have a competitive edge.

Question # 6

What was the toughest decision you ever had to make.

Think of a work-related decision that could have negatively affected other people. Describe how you evaluated the options and developed the best solution while minimizing employee concerns.

QUESTION # 7

What has been your biggest disappointment.

"Nothing major, mostly temporary setbacks " Describe a work-related situation where your expectations were not met. How did you overcome the problem and what did it teach you?

QUESTION # 8

Tell me about a time when you cut your foot it your mouth.

"A friend once overheard me talking about his surprise party I felt terrible ad as a result. I am now much more careful about what I say I am especially cautious with work related issues "

QUESTION # 9

What have you learned from your mistakes?

"That I can always learn and improve. I enjoy new challenges but realize that they include risk. My mistakes have taught me valuable planning and problem solving skills.'' Give examples.

QUESTION # 10

What are the biggest pressures in your present job?

Describe your constant efforts to increase efficiency and productivity while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. This is challenging and can be stressful at times."

QUESTION # 11

What areas of your job do you most dislike?

"I like most things about my job and have no major complaints. I feel that I make a valued contribution and wish everyone did. I do get annoyed with employees who complain or don’t work hard."

QUESTION # 12

Why are you leaving your present job?

Do not discuss negative issues, no matter how relevant. "I’d like to stay, but feel that I’ve outgrown the position. I’m looking for new challenges and better opportunity for growth."

QUESTION # 13

Describe the ideal supervisor.

"The ideal supervisor is a firm, but fair, leader who is goal-oriented and has high expectations. (he/she) provides guidance in meeting goals, yet allows me to work independently." Role-model.

QUESTION # 14

In what areas do you feel that your supervisor could do better.

"I’m fortunate to have a great supervisory. I attribute much of what I've learned and accomplished to (his/her) leadership abilities. I would like to receive feedback more frequently."

QUESTION # 15

What is the worst thing your supervisor could say about you?

The fear of legal liability may affect your supervisor’s response, so don’t assume the worst. If you are unsure, ask. You could say "I sometimes set goals to high" or "I get too involved in work"

QUESTION # 16

What is your idea of success?

"I measure success in terms of job satisfaction and happiness. I feel I’m successful we I’m valued as an employee and when I’m frequently challenged. I thrive on day-to-day successes."

QUESTION #17

What major trends do you see in the future for our industry?

Always stay abreast of industry trends by reading newspapers, trade magazines. etc. Be prepared to describe three positive trends and their potential impact on the future of the industry.

QUESTION # 18

Why do you want to work here?

Research everything about this company starting with a copy of their annual report. Discuss what you like about their products or services. Praise their reputation, performance record and quality.

Question # 19

If hired, how would you benefit the organization?

Knowledge of the organization will help you here. What problems can you solve? Discuss people skills, efficiency productivity, and unique abilities. Give specific examples of previous successes.

QUESTION # 20

How long would it take you to make a contribution to our company?

"It will take me a couple of weeks to settle-in and learn my way around. After that, I’ll take the initiative to prove my worth by offering my skills and abilities where they can be useful."

QUESTION # 21

If hired, how long will you work here?

Don't infer that you would never leave. "I would stay as long as I am making a valued contribution. I take my job and career very seriously and hope to be a long-term asset.

QUESTION # 22

What salary are you looking for?

The initial interview is a risky time to discuss money. "I intend to perform well and to be fairly compensated. I would prefer to discuss specifics after the position is offered."

QUESTION # 23

How sensitive are you to criticism?

"No one like blank criticism. I encourage constructive criticism because it helps me to learn and improve. By learning from my mistakes, I became a more skilled and valuable employee.

QUESTION # 24

Describe a situation where your supervisor criticized your idea.

Describe as idea that seemed good at the time. Emphasize how well you handled the criticism and worked with your supervisor to implement a variation of the idea. How did it benefit the company?

QUESTION # 25

What motivates you?

"I thrive from daily challenges and from the satisfaction of performing well. I particularly enjoy being part of a productive team and contributing to the overall success of the company."

If these aren't enough, here are more Questions:

What are your short-range objectives?
What are your long-range objectives?
What do you look for in a job?
Why are you leaving your present job?
Why did your business fail?
What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?  Why should we hire you?
How is your health?
Can you work under pressure?
What is your philosophy of management?
Do you prefer staff or line work?  Why?
What kind of salary are you worth?  Why?
What were your five biggest accomplishments in your present (or last) job?
What were your five biggest accomplishments in your career?  Why didn't you do better in college?
What is your biggest strength?
What is your biggest weakness?
What business, credit and character references can you give us?  How long would it take for you to make a contribution to our company?
How long would you stay with us?
How do you feel about people from minority groups?
If you could start again, what would you do differently?
How do you rate yourself as a manager?
What new goals or objectives have you established recently?  Why?
How have you changed the nature of your job?
What do you think of your boss?
What do your subordinates think of you?
Why haven't you obtained a job so far?
What features of your previous jobs have you liked?  What features of your previous jobs have you disliked?  Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized?
Would you object to working for a woman?
How would you evaluate your present firm?
Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you?
How would you describe the essence of success?
What was the last book you read?
What interests you most about the position we have?
Don't you feel you might be better off with a different size organization?
Why aren't you earning more?
Will you be out to take your boss's job?  Are you a leader?
How would you describe your personality?
Have you helped increase profits?
Have you helped reduce costs?
Have you hired people before?  What do you look for?
Have you fired people before?  Why?
 

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