10 Killer Job Interview Questions and
Answers
Copyright (c) 2006 Carole Martin
The Interview Coach
http://www.intervie wcoach.com/
Behind every interview question there is a concern or another question.
Your job is to process the question thinking about what the interviewer' s
concern might be. In other words, why is the interviewer asking you this
question?
Q#1 - How long have you been looking for a job?
(Concern - is there something wrong with you that other employers have
picked up?)
A#1 - "After I was laid off from my last job, I took the opportunity to
take some time out to examine my career goals and where I was going with
my life. I have just begun my search in the last few weeks. I have a
definite goal in mind and have been selective about the positions I
consider. Your company and this
position are of great interest to me."
Q#2 - How did you prepare for this job interview?
(Concern - are you interested enough to do some research, or are you going
to "wing it"?)
A#2 - "When I found this position posted on the internet (monster.com) I
was immediately interested. I checked out the company website and mission
statement, looked at the bios of company founders and executives, and was
impressed. Once I had the interview appointment, I talked with friends and
acquaintances in the industry. And, I'm sure I'll find out a lot more in
today's meetings."
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Q#3 - What is your salary expectation
for this job?
(Concern - Can we afford you? Can we get you for less than budgeted?)
A#3 - "I'll need more information about the job and the responsibilities
involved before we can begin to discuss salary. Can you give me an idea
of the range budgeted for this position?"
Q#4 - How do you keep current and
informed about your job and the industries that you have worked in?
(Concern - Once you get the job do you continue to learn and grow - stay
challenged and motivated?)
A#4 - "I pride myself on my ability to stay on top of what is happening
in my industry. I do a lot of reading - the business section of the
newspapers and magazines. I belong to a couple of professional
organizations and network with colleagues at the meetings. I take
classes and seminars whenever they are of
interest, or offer new information or technology."
Q#5 - Tell me about a time when you had
to plan and coordinate a project from start to finish.
(Concern - behavioral questions - seeking an example of specific past
behavior)
A#5 - " I headed up a project which involved customer service personnel
and technicians. I organized a meeting to get everyone together to
brainstorm and get his or her input. From this meeting I drew up a plan,
taking the best of the ideas. I organized teams, balancing the mixture
of technical and non-technical people. We had a deadline to meet, so I
did periodic checks with the teams. After three weeks, we were exceeding
expectations, and were able to begin implementation of the plan. It was
a great team effort, and a big success. I was
commended by management for my leadership, but I was most proud of the
team spirit and cooperation which it took to pull it off."
Q#6 - What kinds of people do you have
difficulties working with?
(Concern - ability to be flexible and work in a diverse environment? )
A#6 - "In my last three jobs I have worked with men and women from very
diverse backgrounds and cultures. The only time I had difficulty was
with people who were dishonest about work issues. I worked with one
woman who was taking credit for work that her team accomplished. I had
an opportunity to talk with her one day
and explained how she was affecting the morale. She became very upset
that others saw her that way, and said she was unaware of her behavior
or the reactions of others. Her behavior changed after our talk. What I
learned from that experience is that sometimes what we perceive about
others is not always the case if we check it out."
Q#7 - We expect managers to work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have
a problem with that?
(Concern - are you a work-aholic or a person who requires balance?)
A#7 - "I have no problem working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour
days. What I have found works for me is to work smarter, not necessarily
longer. My goal is to get the job done, whatever that takes, in the most
efficient manner."
Q#8 - When have you been most satisfied in your career?
(Concern - what motivates you? Or demotivates you?)
A#8 - "The job before the one I am currently at, was my most rewarding
experience for me. I worked in a wonderful team environment. There was a
lot of camaraderie. I worked with a team of four people and we did some
really original thinking. It is that kind of environment I want to be
involved in again."
Q#9 - Why do you want this job?
(Concern - are you using the shot-gun approach to job search or do you
really know what you want?)
A#9 - "I've been very careful about the companies where I have applied.
When I saw the ad for this position, I knew I found what I was looking
for. What I can bring to this job is my seven years of experience, and
knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to communicate and build
customer relationships. That, along with my flexibility and
organizational skills, makes me a perfect match for this position. I see
some challenges ahead of me here, and that's what I thrive on. I have
what you need, and you have what I want."
Q#10 - We are ready to make an offer. Are you ready to accept today?
(This is a Second or Third Level Interview Question)
(Concern - we don't want you to go away and think about it and change
your mind - we want you.)
A#10 - "Based on my research and the information I have gathered during
the interview process, I feel I am in a position to consider an offer. I
do, however, have a personal policy that I give myself at least 24 hours
to make major life decisions. I could let you know by tomorrow."
There is no way you can accurately predict the questions that will be
asked in an interview, but you can be ready and prepared by thinking
about the factors that might concern an interviewer or employer before
the interview.
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Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can
give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE
9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at
http://www.intervie wcoach.com
What Questions are being asked in a first
or second Interview - For More Second Level Interview Questions:
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