|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did
you get your last job?
A polished
answer is what is expected. Frame the answer in such a way that it shows how you
had planned to get the job. Make sure it was not by happenstance.
- What
was your position in your last employment?
Provide a
consistent answer. Precision will help you from answering the questions which
will follow from ambiguous answers.
- What is
the reason for you leaving your last job?
Answer the
question with confidence. Do not give a selfish answer. Frame the answer in a
broader way. Do not point out short comings of the company.
- How did
you hear about this position?
Be honest
with the answer. This will help you from complicating the interview by giving a
wrong answer later.
- Have
you received any other job offers?
A positive
answer can show that you are efficient. A positive answer should be true as it
may be verified.
- What do
you do with your spare time?
The
interviewer is looking for some insight into your personality by asking the
question. If you say something be ready to answer more question on the topic.
- What is
your current salary?
Answer
carefully. If you have filled up a form they would already know it.
- Have
you been denied a salary increase?
A positive
answer shows that you are a person with a problem.
- Have
you had a pay cut?
A detailed
explanation is needed it you agree you have had one. Be prepared for the follow
up questions .A negative answer is the best.
- Have
you been asked to resign?
Prepare in
advance how to answer the question if the answer is yes. Disclose the
circumstances objectively.
- Has
your work been criticized?
This
question asked by an experienced interviewer can give an insight into your
ability to communicate, your tolerance to take criticism, and the environment
you have been working. The ideal way is to describe a situation that shows your
work was criticized, but portray them as being borne out by situation itself.
- We find
gaps in your resume. What were you doing this time?
You should
be prepared to answer the question before hand. Make your answer crisp, brief
and focused on the point and but do not be defensive.
- Do you
have any objection to psychological testing?
You can
answer that you have no objection to being tested. The interviewer is probably
just trying to find out if you have any problems.
- Can we
contact your references?
Be sure
that the references you give are people who will stand strong in your favour.
You can therefore answer in the affirmative.
- Are you
looking for a temporary or a permanent job?
Prepare
your answer carefully before hand because it offers your potential employer
a clear chance to judge you by the statement you make.
- How
long have you been without work?
Answer the
question with a convincing tone with a positive touch. If possible narrate why
you were unable to work.
- What
career option do you have at the moment?
Be
specific with your answer. If you are answering to a human resource consultant
you may quote your interest if not stick on to what you have applied for because
the person may lose interest in you if you divert from the present context.
- What do
you look in your job?
Whatever
you say add that I am looking for a job where I can make meaningful
contributions and grow professionally.
- Describe
a major goal you have set for yourself?
Plan the
answer carefully. Select a concrete project either professional or personal. It
can be concerned with education or some personal development programme.
- How do
you feel about your career progress so far?
Be frank
with the answer. Keep it so straight forward that it becomes the answer to
demonstrate satisfaction to a point which is the reason for deciding to move in
the particular direction now.
- How do
you define success?
This is a
question which should be answered in a way to impress the interviewer. Example;
I define success as being able to financially provide for my family while
performing work that is tied to the success of the organization that employ me.
- What
personal trait is needed to be a success in this job?
Some of
the qualities that are to be included as you answer the question are
Persistence, Work Ethics, Loyalty, Truthfulness and Insatiable Curiosity. Be
ready for the follow up questions by preparing some instances where these
qualities were put to use.
- What
are your long range goals?
Aim for
the top and express it politely. Do not forget to be practical and realistic.
- What
will you do if this job is not offered to you?
Show your
disappointment. Simply express how you have a lot to loose .
- If you
could start your career again what changes will you prefer?
This is a
tricky question .Be careful with your answer. Just point out how you could have
improved your career rather than go for a change in career.
- What do
you know about the position you are applying?
Do a lot
of ground work before you attend the interview. This will help you to answer the
question with precision.
- What is
your learning style?
Even
though it may look to be a silly question if asked a definite answer should be
given .The question can be made use to project your systematic nature.
- How do
you keep update with the latest trends in your job?
This is a
question which throws light on your personality. It should be answered with
accuracy. Include the latest techniques available like the Internet.
- Why did
you choose the subject?
A simple
question but it will show how you determined your career and what aspects made
you choose the career that you are pursuing.
- Have
you worked for a difficult person?
This
question is aimed at you to show how you handle work pressure and how you will
satisfy tense situations as and when they arise.
- How
much time do you spend for your hobby?
A question
to be answered in a creative and subtle way that the time you spend will not
interfere with the working span.
- What
mode of communication do you prefer?
In the
present situation most of the big companies are with their communication on
line. Answer the question
considering the level to which you have applied for. Do not hesitate to say you
are well versed in all modes
- Do you
plan and organize before you start a work?
This
question is aimed at you to show how systematically you plan and proceed with
your projects. If you have experience give a systematic answer. Do not beat
around the bush as they are looking for a concrete stuff in your answer.
- How
were you evaluated in your last job?
Be brief
and honest. Clarify the evaluation with a system.
- What
are things that you find difficult to do?
The
question is asked to make you answer the thing you do not like to do. Remember
to have a piratical touch in your answers.
- What
is your relationship with your former employer?
It is a
question aimed at to know you better. The answer will throw light on how you
were in the last work place.
- Describe
a situation where you could not attain your goal?
Be ready
with the answer before hand or you may land in trouble. Choose one and give
correct details
- Can you
work overtime?
Do not be
intimidated. Agree if you are willing but clarify the details before making
commitments.
- Do you
have any questions?
Be casual
and clear all the doubts you have. Do not try out any question that will bring
forth any questions back to you.
- Have
you had difficulty getting along with others?
Give a
reply in the negative and bring forth the idea that you are easy to get along
with others.
- What
can you do for us that others cannot?
This is a
question that can be answered to bring out your talents and to prove that you
are efficient and dynamic.
- What
reservations do you have about working here?
Do not
have any negative at the moment to pint out. Answer the question with a positive
statement. Point out the organization as one where you really wanted to belong
and work.
- Why do
you want to work here with us?
Do a deep
study about the organization and have a list of merits ready so that you will be
able to give a steady and easy answer.
- This
job requires long hours will it be a problem for your spouse /children?
Frame the
answer in such a way that you give equal importance to your work and family. You
should be able to prove your credibility.
- Do your
spouse work?
The
question gives an insight if you are the only bread earner of the family. If the
answer is yes there will be follow up questions as to who takes care of the
children and the rest.
- Whom
should we notify in case of an emergency?
The
question gives a clear insight on whom you depend and trust .It is almost as
equal as giving a reference.
- Are you
in the habit of changing your jobs frequently?
Answer the
question with the resume you have given .If it shows many places worked give a
reply that you wish to stick to the present job applied for.
- What do
your parents do?
The
question is asked to understand the background of the applicant. If a parent has
a positive tie- in to the organization /industry that you are seeing, employment
you may mention this.
- Are
you a religious person?
An odd
question but if the organization is run by religious institutions your answer in
the positive will have real good effects.
- What
organizations do you belong to ?
You may
list the various organization in which you are a member. Make sure you do not
list any organization that can bring negative impact.
- How old
are you?
Just a
question asked to remind you that you are too old for the job or too young for
the job. Be aware and answer the question with accuracy.
- How
flexible are you ?
Be brief,
direct and focused with the answer. Prepare the answer and keep it ready.
- How do
you deal with change?
The ideal
answer is to give an idea that you can accept any change as long as it is for
the good. The answer also throw light on the personality. It also reflects how
dynamic you are.
- Do you
think you are too young for this post?
Convince
the maturity that you have will stand in good stead than the years of
experience.
- Will
you be willing to start at a lower salary because of your inexperience?
Deal with
the question by emphasizing the fact that inexperience will not come in the way
of doing the work efficiently. Have many justifications to prove it.
- Do you
have any disability?
This is a
broad question to be answered carefully. If you have any, disclose them.
- How
long have you been disabled?
A follow
up question of the previous one that can be supported with documents.
- Have
you filed a compensation claim with any company you worked for?
If the answer is yes it is better to say that you do not wish to answer the
question and end at it. There is no law that prevents one from getting a job
because of prior workers compensation claim.
- Have
you been a target of sexual harassment? Have you filed a complaint?
This
question is raised to determine your proclivity to take legal action at work
place. Be open and express yourself freely as the question came from them and it
was not you who initiated it.
- Have
you ever been arrested?
The
question can be answered negative unless you were arrested and proved guilty by
a court of law. This is because a person who is arrested is innocent until
proven guilty.
- Has any
court found you guilty?
This
question is asked to clear and clarify if any criminal record is present.
Read More
|
|
|