Learn From Every Interview

answering interview questions

Categories of Difficult Question
There is an almost infinite range of possible questions you might get asked. Difficult questions can be divided into three main categories:
Role Related Questions: Here you have the opportunity to answer in a way that gives you a good opportunity to mention your major strengths in relation to the vacancy.
Personal Questions: You should frame your answer to these so that you are providing information about your experience and skills set that are directly relevant to the position.
Dangerous Questions: If any one of these are not answered carefully, your application may come to an abrupt end. It is important to understand how to answer the direct objections that the interviewer may raise.

Anticipating difficult questions and having pre-prepared answers can significantly improve your performance and help you to stand out as a star candidate. Understanding the rationale of how to approach them will help you become more confident at dealing with any difficult questions.

Role Related Questions
Those which are role related give you the opportunity to answer in a way that enables you to sell your major strengths. Here are some examples of this category of question:

What kind of experience do you have to benefit this particular job?
This represents a golden opportunity to sell yourself but the interviewer will be looking for an individual who is a problem solver and can 'hit the ground running'. The answer to this lies in understanding the role when it is first described to you and taking the trouble to ask lots of questions about tasks involved. This opens the door for you to respond with suitable skills and experience showing you could accept the role with confidence. In effect they are really asking 'how much training and instruction are we going to have to give you before you are up to speed in this role?'

What interests you most about this job?
Answering this properly requires that you fully understand the job description, and by asking plenty of questions you should then be able to respond with some specific explanations that show your enthusiasm. Some good responses include: challenging, exciting, scope for learning and developing, departmental growth, teamwork etc.

What are you looking for in your next job?
You want a role where your skills and experience can be put to best use in contributing to the company. Answering this is all about understanding yourself, and how this relates to the job description. Avoid an over emphasis on what you hope the organization can do for you.

Why should we hire you?
Be careful not to answer with a broad description. Keep it brief and to the point. Each point should be a direct link between your skills and experience and the demands of the role. A precise answer shows that you accurately understand the role and what you can bring to it.

Personal Questions
Those which are personal give you the opportunity to answer in a way that enables you to provide focused information about your skills and abilities. Here are some examples of this category of question:

Do you consider yourself a natural leader?
The ideal answer to this is 'yes', but in reality not all of us possess the confidence required to lead. You can substitute 'natural' with either 'competent' or 'conscientious', focusing more on leading by example with good organizational and interpersonal skills. Most professional jobs require an element of leadership that you should be taking the trouble to cultivate, whether it comes naturally or not.

Tell me about yourself
This can be a frustratingly open question, but it does give you an excellent opportunity to communicate your skills and experience. Aim to keep your answer professionally-orientated, specific to the characteristics that the interviewer may want to hear. Although your objective is to show you've got the perfect profile to fulfil the role, try to do so in a friendly manner so that you can show the interviewer that you have an agreeable personality.

What are your biggest accomplishments?
Answers to this should always be job-related, impressive but also hinting that your best work is yet to come. Don't be hesitant or vague when answering this question. Show that you have a clear idea of your achievements to date.

Dangerous Questions
These give you the opportunity to overcome direct objections that the interviewer may have with your application. If these are not addressed, you will effectively rule yourself out as a serious candidate. Here are some examples of this category of question:

What did you dislike about your last job?
Ideally you would answer 'there was nothing I disliked', although this may not be realistic. Hiring someone who easily fits into the existing complement of staff is very important; therefore steer clear of criticizing former colleagues or managers. Once again, if you pay attention to the company culture when they described the role to you, you can mention factors that would be likely to impress them.

How long have you been looking for another position?
If you are currently unemployed and have been looking for some time, try to minimize the 'time gap' by mentioning any other activities in which you have been involved, such as study or charity work. If your work is of a specialist nature and you've been determined to continue in that field, point this out provided that it isn't at odds with the demands of the new role. A resourceful answer here can certainly score you points, instead of putting you at a disadvantage.

Why aren't you earning more at your this stage of your career?
This is another implied negative, which can be turned into a positive by emphasizing your desire to gain solid experience instead of continually changing jobs for the sake of money. This question gives you scope to ask; "How much do you think I should be earning?" This could possibly lead to an offer.

Why have you changed jobs so frequently?
This is another question that can prove difficult. The best response can be to blame it on your need to gain experience and grow. Emphasize that the variety of jobs has been good experience and that you're now more mature and settled. Questions like this can be turned around, but be careful not to dwell too much on the subject, or over-justify yourself.

Why were you made redundant?
If you were made redundant as a result of a re-organization; then this is a legitimate excuse that most recruiters will understand - they have probably been involved with laying off people themselves at some time. Try to give acceptable reasons, such as downsizing or restructuring. Try to be brief and to matter-of-fact , encouraging the interviewer to move on.

Why were you fired?
If, however, you were fired and cannot realistically pass it off as a redundancy, then it's advisable to be open and honest whilst minimizing the reason for your dismissal. Try to portray the incident as 'one of those unlucky things that happens to the best of us' and modestly explain how you've learnt from the experience and the steps you've since taken. The objective is to put the interviewer at ease in the hope that they won't place too much importance on a reference check. It is however a good idea to reconcile with your former employers and ask them to at least give you a fair reference.

Maintain Professionalism at all Times
Generally speaking, interviewers tend to believe that people behave in interviews the same way as they do at work. Whilst this is evidently not true, because the interview is an unusual and highly charged environment, it does confirm that you should never become confrontational with the interviewer. The golden rule in an interview is to never argue, but to talk them round. If you disagree with something that your interviewer says, check your understanding first. Ask a question or questions to clarify their meaning as this demonstrates that you are keen to clarify the precise facts, ahead of making your point. Whilst the interviewer is in control during an interview, this does not mean that you should agree with everything they say. Some questions may be asked to see how you handle disagreement and you do not want to appear weak or characterless. When you are stating your opinion, do so in a way that is polite and gracious. This demonstrates that you do not see any major issue, you simply have different views. This is how the interviewer will picture you behaving in the working environment.

Empathize with the Interviewer
It was explained earlier in the course how people like people who remind them of themselves. This gives rise to various tactics in both verbal and non-verbal communication. If you find yourself disagreeing with the interviewer you can counteract the effect by expressing surprise, as if you expected to agree with them. This reinforces the similarities between you and highlights the point of contention as an unusual event. Just ahead of disagreeing, say that you are surprised and reinforce this with your body language, perhaps raising your eyebrows and looking a little perplexed.

Here are some examples of how to start this process:
‘I’m surprised, I’ve always thought that……’
‘That’s interesting, because my experience leads me to believe….’
‘Really, I know quite a few people say that, but I ….’
‘Well, it’s funny that you say that because…….’
Whilst it is good to show understanding and empathy towards the interviewer this should never run the risk of being seen as false, or the interviewer will deduce that you are attempting to ingratiate yourself with them.

Prepare Your Questions
It is quite acceptable to have a prepared list of questions. You should write these in order of priority so that you ensure you ask the most important ones first. Intelligent and unique questions can leave a positive impression on the interviewer and help to set you apart from the other candidates. Useful questions topics include:
1. What are the key tasks and responsibilities of the job?
2. How are performance reviews conducted?
3. The attitudes of your future line manager
4. What scope there is for promotion within the company?
5. Training and development opportunities
6. Other expectations of the employer, such as travel etc
7. Why the position has become vacant?
8. What is the largest challenge facing this section at present?
9. The decision-making process and line of authority issues

Manage Your Question Session
At the point you start asking questions, you are effectively taking charge of the proceedings for the first time. Remember that you need to reinforce the impression that you would be a positive addition to the organizations team, so remain friendly and react positively to their replies. When asking your questions don’t interrogate the interviewer. Whilst the interview is a two-way process there is an inherent balance of power and you are in the weaker position. Only ask questions that you think the interviewer is capable of answering. Asking inappropriate questions can lead to embarrassment and cause a rift between you. An example of this would be asking detailed technical questions of an interviewer from the HR department. Don’t ask questions that could have easily been answered by your own research ahead of the meeting. For example, asking about the organizations geographical offices or an overview of their product lines would be the type of question that a bright and inquisitive candidate should know before attending interview. You must use your judgement to decide when to bring your questions to a close. Be aware of the time and the interviewer’s body language - if they start shuffling, clock watching or looking uncomfortable the time has come to wrap up quickly.

Factors Effecting Salary Negotiations
It is up to you to ensure that the employer recognizes your value and the contribution you can make to the organization. Remember, once you accept an offer, your salary is unlikely to change significantly until you get promoted. The actual negotiation process depends on the following factors:

1. The goals and interests of the parties.
2. The personalities of the people involved.
3. The persuasive ability of each party.
In any negotiation, your two major objectives are:
1. To change the other party's impression of the strength of your position.
2. To change the other party's impression of the strength of their position.

Most candidates are overly concerned with the power of the employer and the extent of the competition for the job. It is quite common for candidates to psyche themselves into a weak position by focusing on their misconceptions of these two critical issues.

Do Your Homework
Before going into the negotiation make sure that you've done your homework. This will add to your confidence - an attribute that is vital when negotiating. Assess your market value based on advice from recruiters, adverts for similar jobs; the demand for people with your skills set, salary surveys in trade magazines and advice from colleagues who have a similar role to yours. The golden rule is never to be the first party to mention a figure. Sometimes this can be difficult, but you can respond vaguely by talking about 'a package in the region of…' The purpose of this tactic is to avoid selling yourself short. Usually the job description will carry a salary range, but you will obviously want to get as much as you possibly can. Once they have mentioned a figure, you must assess whether or not it is reasonable. If so, you should aim to maximize the package that you can secure. If it is not, you can then begin levering them with comments such as; "How much room do we have for negotiation?", "What benefits does that include?", or even call their bluff by saying, "I'm really keen on the position, but I'll have to weigh it up against another offer I have been made."

Assessing the Whole Package
If their opening offer is unacceptable then you could make comments such as "I'll have to go away and consider if I can justify that salary to myself" or "I'm not sure if that's a very competitive salary". This will indicate that they should consider an immediate improvement or the negotiations may stall. Sometimes, a surprisingly effective tactic is to look the interviewer straight in the eye and ask, "Is that the best you can offer?" Not all remuneration is made as payment. Some benefits do have a genuine value, while others may even leave you out of pocket in the long-run. Be well informed about common 'sweeteners' such as company cars, share options, profit share and pensions. Many of these are based on performance or the buoyancy of the economy. Finally, take the time to consider and accept the right offer. Don't be afraid to turn down an offer and move onto another interview with added confidence. Beware of fancy titles, expectations of unpaid overtime, open promises and so-called 'opportunities for promotion'.

Leave a Positive Final Impression
The interviewer will make it clear when the interview is over. Remember, let them take the lead; stay seated until they stand up. However, you can start gathering your personal items together, to avoid any awkward pauses. Avoid taking a last drink, as this can appear a bit nervous and rushed. Now is the time to create a positive impression, by using a parting shot that you have committed to memory. For example you could say something like ‘It’s been a pleasure meeting you and finding out more about what you do here’. Unless they have already made it clear you must clarify precisely what happens next - a further interview, psychological tests, a medical, etc. You also need to establish what timeframe they are working to. Without this information you will be left in limbo, not knowing what happens next, or if and when to approach them for an update. Requesting this information not only helps you to prepare for the next phase but it also shows them that you are professional and organized; you are demonstrating precisely the sort of approach that they will value in a candidate.

Key Final Questions to Ask
Key questions to ask, as the interview closes, include:
1. When will I hear from you?
2. How will I be informed?
3. Do you need any more information from me?
4. Is there anyone else I should speak to?

Learn From Every Interview
You should always review your interview experience as soon as possible after the interview. Treat every interview as a learning experience, so that you can continue improving your performance. Ask yourself questions such as:
Were you asked questions that caught you by surprise?
Why did these questions surprise you?
Could you have answered some questions better?
How do you think you handled the non-verbal communication aspect?
What kind of rapport did you manage to establish with the interviewer?
This approach will also help you to cope better with interview rejections, as you will still see that you gained something positive from them. Even if you do get the job, you will be better prepared to handle your next promotion!

Handling & Answering Interview Questions for All Types of Interviews

The type of interview you attend, will determine how answering interview questions should be handled.

Generally you are not going to know prior to arriving for an interview, which type to expect.

If you’ve been out of the job market for awhile, just starting out or you are preparing for a mid-career change; it may come as a surprise to you that there are actually many different types of interviews and you need to be prepared for all of them.

Most employers are not going to come right out and tell you which type of interview they will be conducting. However, if you take the time to learn about the different types of interview, as well as the purpose of each, you’ll be able to immediately recognize the type of interview the employer will be conducting within moments of your arrival.

This knowledge can be critical in helping you understand how to successfully
negotiate the interview and land the job.

Screening Interviews

Answering interview questions about screening interviews ...

A screening interview will generally be used at the beginning of a company or organization’s selection process. This type of interview will occur after the resumes have been received and initially screened.

If you make the cut for the initial resume screening
you may be called in for a screening interview.

Be aware that if you are called in for a screening resume, chances are that a number of other persons were called in as well. A screening interview is used to ‘weed’ through a large number of candidates.

Screening interview questions most often focus on the negative, rather than the positive; as a way of trying to eliminate you from the short list.

The best way to handle this type of interview is to
answer questions directly and honestly.

Telephone Interviews

Answering interview questions about telephone interviews ...

A telephone interview is also commonly used in the beginning phases of the selection process. This type of interview may or may not be combined with a screening interview.

Employers sometimes use a telephone interview when you are
located a significant distance away from the employer.

They can then decide whether to bring you in for a sit-down interview; especially if it will involve significant travel.

Again, if the purpose of this type of interview is to screen you out, the interviewer will most often question you about reasons why you left previous jobs, job gaps and any other data that might make you an unsuitable candidate.

Informational Interviews

Answering interview questions about informational interviews ...

This type of interview can be used during a telephone interview or may be utilized during an initial one-on-one interview.

The primary purpose of an informational interview is to follow up on the information
you presented on your resume and to dig a little further.

If you satisfy the interviewer during an informational interview; you will likely be called back for a subsequent meeting.

Directive Interviews

Answering interview questions about directive interviews ...

A directive interview is commonly used in organizations or corporations where individuals are hired on a regular basis and the senior human resources department has a specific procedure and agenda for interviews.

The directive interview usually follows what may appear to be a script,
with interview questions already composed.

In this type of interview, all candidates are asked the exact same questions. While this makes the process more democratic and eliminates the possibility of the employer being at risk for any type of discrimination, it can make it difficult for the conversation between the job seeker and the interviewer to evolve naturally.

The best way to handle this type of interview is to go along with the interviewer and save any information that you feel was not asked of you until the end of the interview, when you should be able to touch upon it.

Meandering Interviews

Answering interview questions about meandering interviews ...

The meandering interview can either be a job seeker’s worst nightmare or a golden nugget in the field of job mining. How you look upon it depends on how well you have prepared ahead of time.

Questions posed in meandering interview are
generally broad in scope and open ended.

If you have taken the time to categorize your strengths and weaknesses as well as prepare sample interview responses, you should be well prepared for these types of interview questions.

Stress Interviews

Answering interview questions about stress interviews ...

The stress interview is just what the name implies-stressful. You will generally be able to tell the moment you arrive if this type of interview is being used.

Besides the fact that employers may make you wait for an absurd amount of time,
with no explanation, before bringing you back to begin the interview.

It is also quite common for the interviewer to be excessively rude during this type of interview.

Tension can be quite strong and the urge to run out the door can be overwhelming. Just keep in mind that the interviewer is simply attempting to determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in a business environment that may be frequently hostile.

If you don’t-it’s better for everyone that
you find your calling elsewhere.

Behavioral Interviews

Answering interview questions about behavioral interviews ...

The behavioral interview is very easy to spot and fortunately, also very easy to prepare for. Behavioral interview questions generally focus on strengths and skills which you possess and may have demonstrated in prior positions.

You will commonly be asked to ‘Describe a time when you….’
Or ‘Tell me about a situation in which you…’

Taking the time to become familiar with your own strengths and weaknesses as well as committing a few stories describing your prior accomplishments to memory will help you to ace a behavioral interview.

Just remember to keep your answers short and to the point.

Audition Interviews

Answering interview questions about audition interviews ...

While an audition interview takes its name from the entertainment field, it is also commonly used in the business world. In this type of interview, you will be asked to perform a task that will be essential to the job duties of the person who fills the open position.

This may include some type of computer programming or coding,
typing, driving or operating a vehicle and numerous other tasks.

If you have fibbed on your resume, even a little, this is where you will be discovered.

Make sure you are proficient in all skills and tasks you mention on your resume before you send it out, stay on top of them and you should be fine.

Group Interviews

Answering interview questions about group interviews ...

Group, panel and tag-team interviews are all very similar. Numerous interviewers are used with all of these types of interviews. Depending on the organization, a candidate may meet with five or six people at a time.

It can be very unnerving to interview with even one person, let alone a half dozen; however this type of interview is often used to determine how well you interact in unexpected situations as well as in groups of people.

This type of interview is also frequently utilized to
obtain multiple perspectives of a job candidate.

Just remember to remain calm and focused.

Meal Time Interviews

Answering interview questions about meal time interviews ...

A meal time interview is used when companies and organizations want to get a feel for how you interact in social settings and on an interpersonal basis. If the position for which you are applying will involve frequent socializing, the company is interested in whether you are a natural people person as well as if you have the ‘right’ social etiquette to mingle in diverse groups.

When you are job searching, you should always
be prepared for this type of interview.

Brush up on your meal time etiquette to make sure you use the right utensil; if necessary.

During the interview follow the lead of your host, make sure you are polite, try not to be overtly picky about your food and food service and make sure you let your natural people skills shine through.

Follow-Up Interviews

Answering interview questions about follow-up interviews ...

With the follow-up interview, anything goes. You may be called back multiple times to meet with entirely different people before a decision is made on a job.

Each time may involve different interview tactics ...
... remember to be flexible and prepared.

When you are returning for a follow-up interview it’s also always a good idea to have some questions prepared to pose to the interviewer relating to the job as well as to be ready to discuss salary; if the subject is broached by the employer.

Good luck in answering interview questions successfully!

55 most frequently asked interview questions

Tell me about yourself. Use “Picture Frame Approach”	Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, don’t ramble. Touch on these four areas: How many years, doing what function Education – credentials Major responsibility and accomplishments Personal summary of work style (plus career goals if applicable) Prepare in advance using this formula: “My name is…” “I’ve worked for X years as a [title]” “Currently, I’m a [title] at [company]” “Before that, I was a [title] at [company]” “I love the challenge of my work, especially the major strengths it allows me to offer, including [A, B, and C]”. Second, help the interviewer by focusing the question with a question of your own: “What about me would be most relevant to you and what this company needs?”
Did you bring your resume?	Yes. Be prepared with two or three extra copies. Do not offer them unless you’re asked for one.
What do you know about our organization?	Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Do your homework, and you’ll score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends that work there. “But I would love to know more, particularly from your point of view. Do we have time to cover that now?
What experience do you have?	Pre-interview research and PPR Career will help you here. Try to cite experience relevant to the company’s concerns. Also, try answering this questions with a question: “Are you looking for overall experience or experience in some specific area of special interest to you?” Let the interviewer’s response guide your answer.
According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far? (Is this person mature and self aware?)	Be prepared to define success, and then respond (consistent record of responsibility)
In your current or last position, what were your most significant accomplishments? In your career so far?	Give one or two accomplishment statements
Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If yes, what do you think held you there?	Refer to positive aspects of the job, advancement opportunities, and what you learned.
Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized?	Give only one, and tell how you have corrected or plan to correct your work.
If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he or she say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?	Be consistent with what you think the boss would say. Position the weakness in a positive way (refer to #12)
How would you describe your personality?	Keep your answer short and relevant to the job and the organization’s culture.
What are your strong points?	Present three. Relate them to that particular company and job opening.
What are your weak points?	Don’t say you have one, but give one that is really a “positive in disguise.” I am sometimes impatient and do to much work myself when we are working against tight deadlines.” Or “I compliment and praise my staff, but feel I can improve.”
How did you do in school? (Is the person motivated? What are his/her values, attitudes? Is there a fit?)	Emphasize your best and favorite subjects. If grades were average, talk about leadership or jobs you took to finance your education. Talk about extra-curricular activities (clubs, sports, volunteer work)
In your current or last position, what features did you like most? Least?	Refer to your satisfiers for likes. Be careful with dislikes, give only one (if any) and make it brief. Refuse to answer negatively. Respond that you “like everything about my current position and have acquired and developed a great many skills, but I’m now ready for a new set of challenges and greater responsibilities.”
What do you look for in a job?	Flip this one over. Despite the question, the employer isn’t really interested in what you are looking for. He’s interested in what he is looking for. Address his interests, rather than yours. Use words like “contribute,” “enhance,” “improve,” and “team environment.” Fit your answer to their needs Relate your preferences and satisfiers/dissatisfiers to the job opening.
How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?	“Not long, because of my experience, transferable skills and ability to learn.”
How long would you stay with us?	“As long as I feel that I’m contributing, and that my contribution is recognized. I’m looking to make a long term commitment.”
If you have never supervised, how do you feel about assuming those responsibilities?	If you want to supervise, say so, and be enthusiastic.
Why do you want to become a supervisor?	“To grow and develop professionally, to help others develop, to build a team and to share what I have learned.”
What do you see as the most difficult task in being a supervisor?	“Getting things planned and done through others and dealing with different personalities.” Show how you have done this in the past.
You’ve been with your current employer quite a while. Why haven’t you advanced with him?	Let’s assume the interviewer has a point here. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with the negative terms of the question. Answer: “What I like about my present position is that it’s both stable and challenging. But it’s true that I’ve grown about as much as I can in my current position. (This response also turns the issue of salary on its head, transforming it from What more can I get? to What more can I offer?)
Why are you leaving your present position?	Never answer with negative reasons, even if they are true. However, some companies have financial problems which may preclude you from staying with them. Frame your answer positively by answering why you want to move to the target company instead of why you left or want to leave your most recent job. For example, instead of answering, “I don’t get enough challenges at [company],” respond, “I am eager to take on more challenges, and I believe I will find them at [hiring company]. ”I’m not unhappy (at my present employer). However, this opportunity seems to be particularly interesting and I am interested in pursuing it further. Never personalize or be negative. Keep it short, give a “group” answer (e.g. our office is closing, the whole organization is being reduced in size). Stick to one response; don’t change answers during the interview. When applicable; best response is: I was not on the market when PPR Career contacted me and explained what you are doing, it peaked my interest.
Describe what would be an ideal working environment?	Team work is the key.
How would you evaluate your present firm?	Be positive. Refer to the valuable experience you have gained. Don’t mention negatives.
Do you prefer working with figures, or with words?	Be aware of what the job requires and position your answer in that context. In many cases it would be both.
What kinds of people do you find difficult to work with?	Use this question as a chance to show that you are a team player: “The only people I have trouble with are those who aren’t team players, who just don’t perform, who complain constantly, and who fail to respond to any efforts to motivate them.” The interviewer is expecting a response focused on personality and personal dislikes. Surprise her by delivering an answer that reflects company values.
How would your co-workers describe you?	Refer to your strengths and skills.
What do you think of your boss?	If you like him or her, say so and tell why. If you don’t like him or her, find something positive to say.
Why do you want to work in a company of this size. Or this type?	Explain how this size or type of company works well for you, using examples from the past if possible.
If you had your choice of jobs and companies, where would you go?	Refer to job preferences. Say that this job and this company are very close to what best suits you.
Why do you want to work for us?	You feel you can help achieve the companies objectives, especially in the short run. You like what you’ve learned about the company, its policies, goals and management: “I’ve researched the company and people tell me it’s a good place to work.”
What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?	Think this through. Your answer should be compatible with accepted norms.
What are you doing, or what have you done to reach your career objectives?	Talk about formal courses and training programs.
What was wrong with your last company?	Again, choose your words carefully. Don’t be negative. Say that no company is perfect, it had both strengths and weaknesses.
What kind of hours are you used to working? (Does the person match job and criteria?)	“As many hours as it takes to get the job done.”
What would you do for us?	Relate past success in accomplishing the objectives which are similar to those of the prospective employer.
What has your experience been in supervising people?	Give examples from accomplishments.
Are you a good supervisor?	Draw from your successes. Yes, my people like and respect me personally and professionally. They often comment on how much they learn and develop under my supervision.
Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it?	If you haven’t, say so, but add that you could do it, if necessary.
How have you helped your company?	Refer to accomplishments.
What is the most money you ever accounted for? Largest budget responsibility?	Refer to accomplishments. If you haven’t had budget responsibility, say so, but refer to an accomplishment that demonstrates the same skill.
What’s the most difficult situation you ever faced on the job?	Remember, you’re talking to a prospective employer, not your best friend. Don’t dredge up a catastrophe that resulted in a personal or corporate failure. Be ready for this question by thinking of a story that has a happy ending – happy for you and your company. Never digress into personal or family difficulties, and don’t talk about problems you’ve had with supervisors or peers. You might discuss a difficult situation with a subordinate, provided that the issues were resolved inventively and to everyone’s satisfaction.
Describe some situations in which you have worked under pressure or met deadlines?	Refer to accomplishments. Everyone has had a few of these pressure situations in a career. Behavior-related questions aim at assessing a candidate’s character, attitude, and personality traits by asking for an account of how the candidate handled certain challenging situations. Plan for such questions by making a list of the desirable traits relevant to the needs of the industry or prospective employer and by preparing some job-related stories about your experience that demonstrate a range of those traits and habits of conduct. Before answering the questions, listen carefully and ask any clarifying questions you think necessary. Tell your story and conclude by explaining what you intended your story to illustrate. Finally, ask for feedback: “Does this tell you what you need to know?”
How do you handle rejection?	Rejection is part of business. People don’t always buy what you sell. The tick here is to separate rejection of your product from rejection of yourself: “I see rejection as an opportunity. I learn from it. When a customer takes a pass, I ask him what we could do to the product, price or service to make it possible for him to say yes. Don’t get me wrong: You’ve got to makes sales. But rejection is valuable, too. It’s a good teacher.”
In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?	Refer to accomplishments
Give an example of your creativity.	Refer to accomplishments.
Give examples of your leadership abilities.	Draw examples from accomplishments.
What are your career goals?	Talk first about doing the job for which you are applying. Your career goals should mesh with the hiring company goals.
What position do you expect to have in two years?	Just say you wish to exceed objectives so well that you will be on a promotable track.
What are your objectives? (How does the person handle stress? What is their confidence level?)	Refer back to question #48 on goals.
Why should we hire you?	This may sound suspicious, negative, or just plain harsh. Actually, it’s a call for help. The employer wants you to help him/her hire you. Keep your response brief. Recap any job requirements the interviewer may have mentioned earlier in the interview, then, point by point, match your skills, abilities and qualifications to those items. Relate a past experience which represents success in achieving objectives which may be similar to those of the prospective employer.
You may be over-qualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer.	“A strong company needs a strong person.” An employer will get faster return on investment because you have more experience than required.
Why haven’t you found a new position before now?	“Finding the right job takes time. I’m not looking for just any job.”
If you could start again, what would you do differently?	No need to be self-revealing. “Hindsight is 20/20; everyone would make some changes, but I’ve learned and grown from all my decisions.”
How much do you expect if we offer this position to you?	Be careful. If you don’t know the market value, return the question by saying that you would expect a fair salary based on the job responsibilities, your experience and skills and the market value of the job. Express your interest in the job because it fits your career goals – Receptive to a reasonable and competitive offer – don’t talk $’s. It’s always best to put off discussing salary and let PPR Career handle that. ANSWER: I’m open to a competitive offer. I’d prefer to discuss the opportunity and allow my recruiter to handle any salary questions.

Interview Questions to Expect and Prepare For

by VENKATESULU

Congratulations! You’re scheduled for your first job interview. You already know the importance about arriving on time, wearing neat, clean clothes and spitting out your gum. Here comes step two: answering those tricky interview questions. The following are some typical questions you might be asked. The whole idea of an interview is to talk about your positive traits. Don’t worry if you don’t have much job experience. You can simply tie in the answers to experiences at home or school. Employers want to know how you handle problems and if you are a team player.

Read the following answers carefully and adapt them to your particular situation.

Question: Tell me about yourself.

Typical answer: Well, I was born in Seattle, but we moved to Portland when I was three. I have a dog and like to swim.

Borrrrring! That answer doesn’t tell the employer anything about you that relates to the job. You want to use every opportunity to show that you are a smart, hard working potential employee.

Better Answer: Last year in school, I played on the basketball and soccer team. It kept me busy, but I learned to manage my time. I’m also involved in volunteering with my sister’s Girl Scout troop. That’s been a great experience in learning how to work as a team with other leaders plus plan activities.

See what you’ve just done? You’ve shown the employer you are involved in positive activities, work as a volunteer and know the importance of teamwork. Who wouldn’t want to hire you?

Question: How would your teachers describe you?

Average answer: Oh, I guess they’d say I was an OK student.

Better answer: My teachers would tell you I work hard to get my assignments in on time and I’m not afraid to ask for help if I need it. They’d also tell you I try to be friendly to shy kids in my class.

Question: Why should I hire you over the other 8 students waiting to be interviewed?

Average answer: I really need the money to buy a new CD player and my mom said I have to do something constructive this summer.

Better answer: I’m a reliable person. I’ll arrive to work on time and do the best I can on the job. I’ve done volunteer work, but now I’d like to gain actual work experience. If you hire me, you’ll get someone who isn’t afraid to learn.

Question: Tell me about a time you had a problem and how you solved it.

Average answer: My parents and I don’t always get along. I usually yell and then go to my room for a few hours.

Better answer: There was a boy at school that really bothered me. He bumped into me and would slam my locker shut when he walked by. He’d also say sarcastic things to me. I talked to a teacher about it and she offered to be a mediator. She brought both of us into her class and basically let me tell the boy I wanted him to stop being a bully. I confronted him in a strong way. The situation is much better now.

Question: What do you like best about school?

Average answer: I really like hanging out with my friends.

Better answer: I especially like working on projects together with my friends. I just got done being in charge of decorating for our school dance. I organized my friends and we worked together to set up the gym with a Hawaiian theme. I also like participating in school events like sports teams and student government.

There you have it. Five questions employers might ask you. Try to answer every question with a positive answer. Demonstrate that you are an honest, hard working person.

Good luck on that interview and don’t forget to send a thank you note afterwards!

Phone Interviews: Tips to Get Called Back

Find a Happy Place

In the absence of sight, hearing becomes sharper. And interviewers can easily hear distraction over the phone.

Once you've scheduled a phone interview, locate a calm, quiet place where you can focus. Make sure you're not near a computer, TV or anything that will draw your attention away from the interview. Tell anyone who has access to the space that you are not to be disturbed unless catastrophe strikes.

Next, have a pen and paper handy to take notes during your interview. You should also have a copy of your resume so that when the interviewer refers to your experience, you can both literally be on the same page.

Finally, consider your attire, particularly if you're interviewing from your home. It's your prerogative to wear sweats, but may we suggest something closer to business attire? You'll feel more professional -- and, thus, you'll sound more professional.

Speak Easy

As soon as you answer the phone, you're on!

You want to start your phone interview off right. And, because the interviewer can't see you, she's listening even more carefully.

Make a conscious effort to sound upbeat and enthusiastic.

Smile. Interviewers can hear you smile -- and smiling can put you in a better state of mind. (Don't believe it? Try smiling when you're in a bad mood.)

If you feel your confidence wane, stand up. Standing can make your voice sound more powerful.

And always remember to breathe. It will help you stay calm and sound more relaxed.

Sounds of Silence

A phone interview isn't just about speaking. It's about listening.

To listen carefully, try closing your eyes when the interviewer is speaking so you can focus on what is being said.

This technique can also help you read the interviewer's mood. Is he interested and enthusiastic, or bored and distracted? Is the interview conversational? Are questions and answers flowing easily?

Listen hard after your responses. Did your response prompt additional questions or make the interviewer hesitate?

If the interviewer seems distracted, use one of the powerful questions you were saving for the "Do you have any questions?" section of the interview. A well-chosen question can re-engage him and put the interview back on track.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to prepare for a phone interview: Practice.

Have a friend play the role of interviewer on the phone.

Provide her with some practice questions to ask. Give her a copy of your resume and have her come up with her own questions too.

Test different techniques while you're talking to her. Close your eyes while listening, stand while talking, smile while speaking. With her feedback, decide what works best.

You should also consider taping the conversation and listening to yourself afterward. You may be very surprised by what you hear. Finally, ask yourself, "Would I hire this person?"

If the answer isn't a resounding "yes," get back on the phone and get better prepared.