Resources & Tools 
Frequently Asked Questions in Interviews

The following is a list of frequently asked questions during an interview.

While they may not be phrased in these exact words, you can be sure that in some way, many of the topics listed below will be covered.  Following each question is a list of reminders on different thing to consider when answering them. There is no standard or “right” way to respond to these questions -- Simply use this guide as a reference.

 

1) Why are you looking to change jobs and/or why did you leave your previous job?
Don't bash your current employer, as it is a surefire way to make a negative impression. Answers that point to a positive progressive career path are best.  Hopefully, most of your changes have been for a better career opportunity, but if it was because of downsizing, plant closure, or the sale of your company, tell them that.

 

2) What do you like most/least about your current job?
Mention the things about your current position that get you excited and provides you the with the most fulfillment. And be honest, but not overly critical, when asked about least favorite aspects.

 

3) Why should we hire you instead of someone else?
If you sell yourself effectively they won't want anybody else.  Cite specific, concrete attributes and accomplishments.

 

4) What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Focus on the strengths you have that are directly related to the position for which you are interviewing.  For weaknesses, pick an attribute you have most recently improved on and state it positively.  It is best to mention a "positive negative,” such as, "I drive myself too hard sometimes,” or, “I'm a perfectionist.”

 

5) What would be the first thing you would do if you were in this position?
If you have listened carefully to what they are looking for you should have no problem answering this question. Identify the areas that appear to be important to the company and match them up to your specific skills and experience.

 

6) What have you done that shows initiative?
Talk about the projects or ideas that you’ve put into action and the positive influence they’ve had on the company.  Mention the problems that you or the company has identified, the solution you came up with, and the results of those decisions.

 

7) What would your boss say about you?
Can your boss depend on you? Do you take some work off your boss's shoulders? What impressions have you made?

 

8) What are you looking for in a job?
This is a simple but thought-provoking question.  A good concise answer would be, “The opportunity to build my career.”

 

9) What do you know about our company?
Do your homework about the company -- The library, Internet, and your recruiter are all good resources.

 

10) Tell me about yourself.
Many people stumble on this question because they don’t know what the interviewer wants to hear. Realize that most interviewers use this question not only to gather information, but also to assess your poise, style of delivery, and communication ability.  Don't launch into a mini-speech about your childhood, schooling, hobbies, early career and personal likes and dislikes.  Instead, cite recent personal and professional work experiences that relate to the position you're seeking. 

 

11) Where do you see yourself in 1 year? In 5 years?
It is better to speak in terms of increased responsibility and value to the company rather than specific moves up the ladder or titles you want to have.  You could also mention general career goals you have set for yourself and facets of the business you would like to gain exposure to.

 

12) How do you handle difficult employees?
Recite specific examples if possible.

 

13) How do you handle difficult situations?
Again, sight specific examples and be honest.  Explain how you handled a situation, tailoring your response to the position you’re interviewing for.

 

14) What are some of your accomplishments?
Get specific. Have you increased productivity? Cut costs or downtime? Created programs?  Helped increase sales?

 

15) What can you do for our company?
This is your chance to "wow" them. Get them excited about you!  Mention the things that you have done for your current employer that you are most proud of and tell them that you can do the same (or more) for their organization.  Tell them what you’ve done to make the company money, save the company money, and/or improve a process to impact the bottom line.

 

16) Why do you want this job?
What was it initially about this job that caught your attention?  What have you heard about this job/company that has increased your interest level?  What are the opportunities in this job that you don't see in you current job?

 

17) You may be overqualified for the position we have to offer.
Strong companies need strong people. A growing, energetic company can often use more talented people. Emphasize your interest in a long-term association; pointing out that the employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more experience than required.

 

If applicable:
18) What is your management style?
This is your chance to talk about your management philosophy. Talk about your training methods and how you develop subordinates, mentioning how you delegate responsibility and empower the people that report to you.

 

Questioning the Interviewer

Even if you don't ask any questions during an interview, many employers will ask you if you have any. How you respond will affect their evaluation of you so be prepared with insightful questions about the organization.

 

Some Examples:

What can you tell me about the culture and environment of your company?

What is the management style?

What obstacles does the organization anticipate in meeting its goals in the upcoming year/5 years?

How have the organization's goals changed over the past three to five years?

What is a typical day like in this position?

What resources are available from the company and what must be found elsewhere to reach objectives?

 

Generally, it is not wise to ask about pay or benefits, because you may appear to be more interested in what the organization can do for you.  It ‘s also not a good idea to simply have no questions at all as this makes you appear passive rather than curious and interested.

 

The "ONE" question you must ask them:

During the interview process there is always a point near the end where interviewers will give you the chance to ask questions. This is when you ask the general questions you have about the company and the position.  However, your very last question of an interview should be:

"Do you feel I have the qualifications necessary for this position?"

Now, listen very carefully to how the interviewer responds. If they give you a resounding “yes”, you have done a good job of covering all the issues that are important to them.  If they say something like:

"You appear to have all the qualifications we're looking for, but..."

Whatever comes afterwards is an area in which you need to strengthen their view of your background. This might be your only one-on-one chance to counter those concerns, so try to go over your strong points and experiences in that area again.