Top 20 Flashcards
- Why did you leave your last job?
I left my last job because I knew the industry was facing an uncertain future. I researched this industry, saw the growth potential, and knew I could make a significant contribution.
- Tell me about yourself.
I attended PUP Sta Mesa Manila, where I earned my post baccalaureate degree in information technology two years ago. ( I also earned my undergraduate degree in Sociology from the same university seventeen years ago) I started working as a staff assistant after I graduated, held several operational roles in Accounting, Finance, Customer Service, and after five years I was assigned to form an IT Department and promoted to Information Management Officer specializing in operational security and compliance. I helped the company switch over to a new courier system. I was part of the team that selected the new system and I helped train our department in its use. In addition to my technical skills, I am adept at troubleshooting. I also work well with customers, helping to solve any problems that arise. I’m now ready to take on a job with more responsibility and I know I will make a ________
This candidate tells the interviewer about his skills and expe- rience and shows why he is qualified for the job. He doesn’t wander off course, revealing information that is irrelevant. The answer is relatively short and, more importantly, to the point.
3.Now that you’ve told me about yourself, can you tell me what you know about us?
RESEARCH AND CUSTOMIZE
Example: Costello Laboratories is a pharmaceutical company with annual sales of over $15 billion. The company recently introduced a new medication to treat bipolar disorder, and I read that it is working on a new cardiac medication.
- There are a lot of companies that can use someone with your skills. Why do you want to work at this company?
RESEARCH AND CUSTOMIZE
A. Home Warehouse has been more successful than any other company in the hardware industry. The company has seen steady profit growth over many years and it appears it will continue to do so. However, critics of the company are quick to point out that customer service is seriously lacking. As the director of cus- tomer service I will implement new procedures that will turn that negative image around.
- Do you know who our major competitors are?
RESEARCH AND CUSTOMIZE
A. Yes, I do. There are four big names in the communications industry. There’s BCD, DRG, Parrot, and of course, this company,
Chime.
- What would your previous co-workers say about you?
This is not the arena for full disclosure. You want to stay positive and add a few specific statements or paraphrase. Something like “Joe Blogs always mentioned how reliable and hard working I was” is enough.
My coworkers would say I’m very committed to my job. I work hard to contribute to each project’s success and I always share credit with everyone else who contributes to that success.
- How do you handle stressful situations and working under pressure?
* How do you handle pressure?
There are several ways of addressing this one. You may be the sort of person that works well under pressure; you may even thrive under pressure. Whatever the case, make sure you don’t say you panic. You want to give specific examples of stressful situations and how well you dealt with them. You may also want to list a few tools you use to help you, such as to-do lists, etc. It is alright to say that you will ask for assistance when the job is more than what you can handle. It is equally acceptable to say that you work best under pressure if this is indeed the case and relevant to the particular role.
A. I take a deep breath and figure out what needs to be done. Then I take care of it.
CUSTOMIZE:
One day my current boss came to me with a big research project that needed to be completed by the fol- lowing morning. It was already 4 P.M. I rounded up my team and divided the project among us. We got it done with enough time to get home to sleep for a few hours before returning to work in the morning.
- Are you applying for other jobs?
If you are serious about changing jobs then it is likely that you are applying to other positions. It is also a way of showing that you are in demand. Be honest but don’t go into too much detail; you don’t want to spend a great deal of time on this. If asked about names of who you have spoken to, it is absolutely legitimate to say you prefer not to disclose that information at this stage.
- What are you like working in a team?
* Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
Your answer is of course that you are an excellent team player; there really is no other valid answer here as you will not function in an organization as a loner. You may want to mention what type of role you tend to adopt in a team, especially if you want to emphasize key skills such as leadership. Be prepared to give specific examples in a very matter of fact sort of way.
I enjoy being a part of a team. I am an excellent team worker. Having a team to collaborate with works better especially for big projects.
CUSTOMIZE AN EXAMPLE
One day my boss ..about VPN
SHOW project management skills
- What sort of person do you not like to work with?
* What pet peeves do you have about coworkers?
This is not an easy one as you have no idea whom you would be working with. Even if you can immediately think of a long list of people who you don’t like to work with, you could take some time to think and say that it’s a difficult question as you have always gotten on fine with your colleagues
Well, its a difficult questions as I have always gotten on fine with my co-workers. Although there are times when pressure went underway, we tend to be negative. But too much negativity always bothers me. I think if you’re going to complain you should be able to offer some solutions to fix the things you think are wrong.
- What is your greatest strength?
This is your time to shine. Just remember the interviewer is looking for work related strengths. Mention a number of them such as being a good motivator, problem solver, performing well under pressure, loyal, positive attitude, eager to learn, taking the initiative, attention to detail. Whichever you go for, be prepared to give examples that illustrate this particular skill.
My greatest strength is my ability to see a project through from its inception to its completion. Each project I am assigned is important to me and I always make sure it gets the appropriate amount of attention.
Notice the interviewee said each project gets the “appro- priate amount of attention” and not “all my attention.” She clearly knows that not all projects need the same amount of attention and indicates that she knows how to prioritize.
- What is your biggest weakness?
This is a challenging question – as if you have no weaknesses you are obviously lying! Be realistic and mention a small work related flaw. Many people will suggest answering this using a positive trait disguised as a flaw such as “I’m a perfectionist” or “I expect others to be as committed as I am.” I would advocate a certain degree of honesty and list a true weakness. Emphasize what you’ve done to overcome it and improve. This question is all about how you perceive and evaluate yourself.
I am very dedicated to my job and I expect the same level of dedication from other people. Not everyone feels the same way about work and sometimes my expectations are too high.
Wouldn’t every boss love such a dedicated employee? This interviewee knew she had to find a weakness that her prospec- tive employer would see as a strength. Another option is to pick a weakness that is somewhat innocuous.
- What has been your biggest professional disappointment/achievement so far?
- Q. What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?
- Q. Name the two work-related accomplishments that you are the proudest of.
- Q. How do you handle failure?
If asked about disappointments, mention something that was beyond your control. Stay positive by showing how you accepted the situation and have no lingering negative feelings. If asked about your greatest achievement, choose an example that was important to you as well as the company. Specify what you did, how you did it and what the results were. Ideally, pick an example that can relate to the positions you are applying for.
Q. What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?
A. I think I was very successful in all aspects of my last job. I’m particularly proud of my work with new hires. I developed pro- grams that helped them integrate into the company and this helped our ability to retain them.
Q. Name the two work-related accomplishments that you are the proudest of.
A. I converted a manual payroll system to a computerized system, which cut down the amount of time we spent on payroll each week. I wrote a manual that explained all bookkeeping department pro- cedures in our company. New employees receive a copy of this manual, which helps them learn their job faster.
Q. How do you handle failure?
A. I give myself a short time to feel sad, but I don’t dwell on it. Who has time for that? Without spending too much energy on it, I do always try to figure out where things went wrong. If I don’t do that, I won’t know what I need to do to succeed next tim
- Regarding salary, what are your expectations?
* Q. What salary are you looking for?
This question is always a tricky one and a dangerous game to play in an interview. It is a common mistake to discuss salary before you have sold yourself, and like in any negotiation, knowledge is power. Do your homework and make sure you have an idea of what this job is offering. You can try asking them about the salary range. If you want to avoid the question altogether, you could say that at the moment, you are looking to advance in your career and money isn’t your main motivator. If you do have a specific figure in mind and you are confident you can get it, then it may be worth going for it.
A. From my research, I know the salary range for those with my experience working in this industry here in New York is $51,000 to $55,000. I’m confident we can agree on a salary that is acceptable.
This applicant has done her homework. She gives a range rather than an absolute number, showing her flexibility.
- Do you have any questions for us?
This one tends to come up every time. Have some questions prepared. This will show you have done some research and are eager to know and learn as much as possible. You probably don’t want to ask more than three or four questions. Try and use questions that focus on you becoming an asset to the company. A generic question might be “how soon can I start if I were to get the job.” Another idea is to ask what you would be working on and how quickly they expect you to be able to be productive. Remember to ask about next steps and when you can expect to hear back.
Bare in mind that the interview starts from the minute you walk into the building until you leave and are out of sight. Don’t think that just because you have left the meeting room, you are “off the hook.” You need to maintain an image of confidence, enthusiasm, competence, reliability and professionalism throughout.
What does one need to do to advance?
Are there any other opportunities for training?
How often are performance evaluations conducted and how are the evaluations made?
