DESTINATION SUCCESS

2009-03-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

I am really sorry to my readers for my absence over the past few weeks... Due to some or the other engagements, I have been unable to share my views with you... Anyways from now on I will not disappoint you. So select any of the options below and wish you a happy stay on my blog.

1. HR QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

2. GROUP DISCUSSIONS TIPS

3. CV WRITING TIPS

4. QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

5. TECHNICAL BUZZ AND SUPPORT

kEEP vISITING mE :)

HR QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

2009-01-19T04:07:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of frequently asked questions in various interviews... Click on the questions to view the requisite solutions... I would love to receive your comments and suggestions regarding this endeavor of mine... You can subscribe to my posts via email too...Do not forget to cast your vote... These statistics keeps me charged up to improvise and develop this blog...Do remember to mail me at sampat.honey@gmail.com / patnaik.sampat@gmail.com / sampat.patnaik@sun.com

01: Tell me about yourself ?

02: What are your greatest strengths ?

03: What are your greatest weaknesses?

04: Why should I hire you?

05. What are your Short Term Goals?

06: What are your Long Term Goals?

07: How do you evaluate success ?

08: What is your Salary Expectation ?

09: How many hours a week do you normally work?

10: Are you willing to travel?

11: How do you feel about working nights and weekends?

12: The “Silent Treatment”

13: What good books have you read lately?

14: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

15: Describe your ideal company, location and job.

16: Who has inspired you in your life and why?

17: Why do you want to work for us?

18: What do you know about this company?

19: Can you work under pressure?

20: What makes you angry?

21: Aren’t you overqualified for this position?

22: Would you lie for the company?

23: Tell me something negative you’ve heard about our company !!!

24 : Demonstrate Your Skills : Sell this stapler,etc or some object on the desk

25: What are your goals?

26: What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

27: The “Hypothetical Problem” – What would you do if… ?

28: What do you worry about?

29: Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skill…managing ability, etc.)

30: How could you have improved your career progress?

31: What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?

32: Looking back, what would you do differently in your life?

33: How do you feel about reporting to a younger person (minority, woman, etc)?

34: The “Fatal Flaw” question

35: What are your outside interests?

36: What are your career options right now?

37: Do you prefer to work alone or as a team player?

38: What made you choose your major?

39: Why didn’t you pursue a career in your major?

40: What do you seek from a job?

41: Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.

42: Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized.

43: What changes would you make if you came on board?

44: I’m concerned that you don’t have as much experience as we’d like in…

45: What would you say to your boss if he’s crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?

46: Why aren’t you earning more money at this stage of your career?

47: Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had.

48: What do you see as the proper role/mission of a good (job title you’re seeking) in serving the community

49: What would you do if a colleague wasn’t pulling his/her weight…and this was hurting your department?

50: POSSIBLE FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:

51: What’s the most difficult part of being a (job title)?

52: Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?

53: Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)…

54: CONFIDENTIAL ISSUES

55: Could you have done better in your last job?

56: You’ve been with your firm a long time. Won’t it be hard switching to a new company?

57: Why have you had so many jobs?

58: May I contact your present employer for a reference?

59: Have you considered starting your own business?

60: THE ILLEGAL QUESTION

61: THE SECRET ILLEGAL QUESTION

62: What was the toughest part of your last job?

63: Looking back on your last position, have you done your best work?

64: Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote someone from within?

65: Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had experience firing many people?

66: What do you for when you hire people?

67: Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?

68: Why have you been out of work so long?

69: If you won A $10 million lottery, would you still work?

70:Is there anything else that we should know about you that would impact our decision?

71: During your performance reviews, what criticism do you hear the most?

72: If I tell you, you are an IDIOT, a FOOL, a RASCAL; can you think anything positive about it?

73: Suppose I tell you I don’t like your face? Then why should I select you?

74: What will you do if you are asked to give a bribe?

75: If your boss is taking all the credits for your work, what will you do?

76: Suppose you find yourself in a deserted island. What three things you will need to survive?

77: How do you think you conducted or performed during this interview?

78: On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer.

Group Discussion

2009-01-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

What is a group discussion?

A set of persons brought together to express their opinion and the subsequent exchange of views on the allocated subject is called a group discussion. Group discussions are held as a part of recruitment process, as a part of eliciting opinions /ideas on any subject or plan of action, as part of decision making, problem solving, as part of reaching a consensus.

Skills assessed in a GD:

1. Communication skills
2. Presentation skills
3. Soft skills
4. Interpersonal skills
5. Team working skills
6. Leadership
7. Team working skills
8. Negotiation skills
9. Observation skills

TIPS:

• Knowledge of the subject and ability to put across this knowledge in a logical and convincing manner with good delivery.

• Be assertive and forceful in your arguments

• Keep a watch on the time and just before the end time try to sum up the proceedings.

• Interruption in the middle of candidates’ arguments in not viewed kindly but if the trend of discussion is drifting away from the subject do not miss the opportunity of bringing it back on the rails by interruption.

• Do not fumble or vacillate. Keep shifting your gaze while speaking in order to rivet other’s attention towards you.

• In case your knowledge on the subject is limited –listen to few speakers and develop fresh ideas on their points or refute them.

• Knowledge and power of expression are two most important requirements in a group discussion. Hence you must study and gather knowledge on contemporary topics.

• Remember, communication skill and confidences have overriding influence and not so much whether you are in favour or against the topic.

Hints:

Introduction

• Friends, I do not think we can have a more interesting topic than this.

• The subject given to us is very interesting…

• In my opinion this is a very controversial and challenging topic.

• The subject we have before us is of tremendous importance.

• I wish you a very good morning. I hope we shall have a very insightful deliberation among ourselves on such a significant topic.

Interrupting

• Well friends, excuse me for interfering at this point..

• I love the point Mr.XYZ made but what I would like to say is…

Concluding remarks:

• I suggest a few measures in this regard…

• Gentleman we have had some excellent suggestions and our friend gave us some original ideas.

• I think we have discussed fairly in detail…

• Thanks friends, I am both surprised and pleased to hear such interesting points from the speakers .I don’t think I have anything to add.

• Dear friends, thank you all for your nice observations. Being the last speaker I have strong points, both in favour of and against the topic.

• I hope you will appreciate my idea that…

Agreement

• It is absolutely true that…

• I agree with…

• I (do) appreciate the feelings expressed by…but the

• Gentleman I must congratulate our friend no.8 who gave us the other view of the topic.

• I endorse and support the views of…

Opinion

Friends, I am really surprised and also happy to observe that all of you are so widely aware of the…and that you have put forward cogent and valid arguments on the…

Disagreement

• I think we are slightly off the actual point..

• The emphasis in this regard should be…

• We should be analytical and inquisitive to find out the truth…

• I think our friend is deviating from the main point…let us not waste our time on…side issues…

• Gentlemen, no.6 has not grasped the problem…so let us first find out how we can avoid it and thereafter discuss other alternatives..

• Please give me a chance to finish my views on the subject. you have enough time to give yours …

• I think we are forgetting one aspect of …

• I strongly oppose what…

• Thank you no.2 but I strongly disagree with no.1

• Your idea seems interesting, but in fact, this is against…

In GD, both the kind of group you are in and the topic you are given play a significant role in how you would approach the discussion and how you would be perceived by the selection panel.

Remain calm and confident. Don’t let anyone to dominate you .This doesn’t mean you try to hog all the air all the airtime; that will work against you.Be alert without being artificial.

Initiation : this usually conveys a positive impression , but make sure you do it only if you have understood the topic properly.If you start the GD despite having only a fuzzy idea of the topic’you risk taking the whole discussion along an incoherent or irrelevant path.In later stages ,when everybody wants to put forth their own points ,you have to fight to be listened to.It generally works well to define the topic first,before starting to interpret it.Usually people tend to place the events only in the current socio-economic milieu. Break out of that mould.

If you don't agree with a statement or idea that has been presented by other another member, address the issue in a polite manner. Instead of attacking their idea directly, why not come up with a better idea instead? It is also important avoid interrupting other members when they are speaking. This is extremely rude. If you feel the need to interrupt someone while they are speaking, try to interject as politely as you can. In some discussion groups, you may be required to raise your hands after someone has finished making a statement.

It is important to avoid putting down the ideas that are presented during the discussion. This is especially important if the group is brainstorming ideas. When you put down ideas that are presented by someone else, you are humiliating them in front of the other members, and you are disrupting the brainstorming process. In addition to this, you can create conflict between you and the person you are ridiculing. Never attack the idea of someone else. It can cause other members to be uneasy about sharing their own ideas, because they may fear being ridiculed.

CHRONOLOGICAL CV

2009-01-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

The chronological CV is named thus as it details your career history most commonly in reverse chronological order with the most recent employment detailed first and working backwards. A complete record of career history is detailed along with a complete education record. It is the most frequently used CV and is usually 2 sides of A4 in length.

Job Titles and company names are emphasized with skills, duties and achievements detailed under each job title. A chronological CV is most useful if you are staying within the same industry and wish to show career progression.

Most employers prefer the chronological CV format, as it is easy to see who you have worked for and what you did in each particular job. If you do not have many achievements, you can take the emphasis off this fact when using a Chronological CV.

Reasons why a chronological CV may not be the best format include:

If you are changing direction and the most recent employer is not relevant to your new chosen career.
If your career history shows gaps in your employment due to poor health, unemployment, having children, etc. or that you have changed jobs frequently.

WHAT IS A CV ?

2009-01-08T08:52:00.001-08:00

A CV or Curriculum Vitae is:

Your Life History
Your Job History
Your Achievements
Your Skills

A CV or curriculum vitae is a marketing tool. With your CV you will be able to promote yourself.

Imagine the CV as being a brochure that will list the benefits of a particular service. The service being your time and skills!

When writing a CV look at it from your employers point of view. Would you stand out against the competition and would the manager want to talk to you for a possible job? You have to ask yourself these questions when writing your CV or curriculum vitae.

Networking and interviewing are essential for your job hunt and your CV is just the first step in the job search. However, a CV will be your first contact with potential employers and will open the door. If you are invited for an interview, you would then be in a position to explain and expand on what is in your CV.

A CV is an essential tool in your job search. When applying for a vacancy, you generally first have to send your CV to present yourself to the prospective employer.

MOST IMPORTANT POINTS FOR A CV

2009-01-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

In today’s competitive and fast-moving job market, you only have 30 seconds to impress a potential employer with your CV. To give yourself the best chance of securing an interview, you need to make sure your CV works for you. By following a few simple rules, you can maximise your chances and stand out from the other applicants.

To make the most of any job opportunity your CV should :

• Market and sell you by clearly representing your work history, skills and experience.
• Have its content free of spelling and grammatical errors.
• Use the document format all employers, agencies and personnel departments prefer.
• Be made easily and readily available for job applications and interviews including those at short notice or by telephone.
• Be compatible with the major online job boards as well as email and print friendly.
• Make a good impression by detailing your capabilities and strengths in a positive way.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR YOUR RESUME

2009-01-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Your resume is your ambassador to the work world. It opens doors to opportunities you didn't even know existed. But not all resumes are alike or are used alike today with all the electronic means available to reach your potential employer.

Here are the most important issues to consider as you prepare your resume:

1. Write your resume in your own words. It may be challenging but if you write your own resume and don't hand it off well in your interview,what next !!! If you do hire an expert to help you, work closely with that person to be sure your resume realistically reflects your abilities.

2. Put your best foot forward. People remember what they see first and last, so place your least important information in the middle.

3. Make a list of all the work or volunteer experiences you have had that support your candidacy for the job. Select the best ones and write them so that they show what Problems you've solved, Actions you've taken to do this, and the bottom line - Results you've achieved.

4. Use resume etiquette. The word resume does not belong any place on the document. Never use "I" to start out a sentence. The language of your resume should be specific, clear, succinct, positive, and exciting. Make it easy for someone to contact you. Of course references are available.

5. Know what format to use. The two most commonly used and accepted resume formats are the chronological and the functional. Often elements of both are combined. A chronological resume is most widely used and preferred by recruiters and interviewers. It is good for someone with a consistent work history. A functional resume focuses attention on your accomplishments and is often used more successfully if you are often switching careers.

6. Tell the truth. If you lie about your education, job experience or any other element of your work history, you will probably live to regret it.

7. Know your audience. Your resume and every interaction in your job search should answer the question to the employer - "Why should I hire you?" Communicate the information necessary to evaluate your ability to do the job. Use language that is appropriate to the industry or field, but be aware that extreme jargon may not speak to those who are intermediaries between you and the ultimate hiring manager.

8. Get some objective feedback. Have others who have not worked as closely with the resume as you have read it for accuracy and typographical errors before you submit it. Ask questions about whether the resume communicates what you intended. Does your resume support your claim of being qualified for the job? Does it address the requirements of a specific job description you're after? Does it need to be modified to fit the situation exactly?

9. Know your parts of speech. Action verbs are the bedrock of good writing. Use them liberally throughout your resume to communicate your accomplishments: Developed, streamlined, pioneered, implemented, produced...

10. Hit the highlights. Remember that your resume is only one element of your job search strategy. It's important and needs to get you in the door.Be prepared to give more detail later. Think of your resume as your personal brochure.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

2008-12-25T23:16:00.000-08:00

01: Tell me about yourself ?

02: What are your greatest strengths ?

03: What are your greatest weaknesses?

04: Why should I hire you?

05. What are your Short Term Goals?

06: What are your Long Term Goals?

07: How do you evaluate success ?

08: What is your Salary Expectation ?

09: How many hours a week do you normally work?

10: Are you willing to travel?

11: How do you feel about working nights and weekends?

12: The “Silent Treatment”

13: What good books have you read lately?

14: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

15: Describe your ideal company, location and job.

16: Who has inspired you in your life and why?

17: Why do you want to work for us?

18: What do you know about this company?

19: Can you work under pressure?

20: What makes you angry?

21: Aren’t you overqualified for this position?

22: Would you lie for the company?

23: Tell me something negative you’ve heard about our company !!!

24 : Demonstrate Your Skills : Sell this stapler,etc or some object on the desk

25: What are your goals?

26: What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

27: The “Hypothetical Problem” – What would you do if… ?

28: What do you worry about?

29: Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skill…managing ability, etc.)

30: How could you have improved your career progress?

31: What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?

32: Looking back, what would you do differently in your life?

33: How do you feel about reporting to a younger person (minority, woman, etc)?

34: The “Fatal Flaw” question

35: What are your outside interests?

36: What are your career options right now?

37: Do you prefer to work alone or as a team player?

38: What made you choose your major?

39: Why didn’t you pursue a career in your major?

40: What do you seek from a job?

41: Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.

42: Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized.

43: What changes would you make if you came on board?

44: I’m concerned that you don’t have as much experience as we’d like in…

45: What would you say to your boss if he’s crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?

46: Why aren’t you earning more money at this stage of your career?

47: Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had.

48: What do you see as the proper role/mission of a good (job title you’re seeking) in serving the community

49: What would you do if a colleague wasn’t pulling his/her weight…and this was hurting your department?

50: POSSIBLE FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:

51: What’s the most difficult part of being a (job title)?

52: Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?

53: Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)…

54: CONFIDENTIAL ISSUES

55: Could you have done better in your last job?

56: You’ve been with your firm a long time. Won’t it be hard switching to a new company?

57: Why have you had so many jobs?

58: May I contact your present employer for a reference?

59: Have you considered starting your own business?

60: THE ILLEGAL QUESTION

61: THE SECRET ILLEGAL QUESTION

62: What was the toughest part of your last job?

63: Looking back on your last position, have you done your best work?

64: Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote someone from within?

65: Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had experience firing many people?

66: What do you for when you hire people?

67: Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?

68: Why have you been out of work so long?

69: If you won A $10 million lottery, would you still work?

70:Is there anything else that we should know about you that would impact our decision?

71: During your performance reviews, what criticism do you hear the most?

72: If I tell you, you are an IDIOT, a FOOL, a RASCAL; can you think anything positive about it?

73: Suppose I tell you I don’t like your face? Then why should I select you?

74: What will you do if you are asked to give a bribe?

75: If your boss is taking all the credits for your work, what will you do?

76: Suppose you find yourself in a deserted island. What three things you will need to survive?

77: How do you think you conducted or performed during this interview?

78: On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer.

2008-12-25T23:11:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Give a perfect “10,” and you’ll seem too easy to please. Give anything less than a perfect 10, and he could press you as to where you’re being critical, and that road leads downhill for you.

BEST ANSWER: Once again, never be negative. The interviewer will only resent criticism coming from you. This is the time to show your positivism.

However, don’t give a numerical rating. Simply praise whatever interview style he’s been using.

If he’s been tough, say “You have been thorough and tough-minded, the very qualities needed to conduct a good interview.”

If he’s been methodical, say, “You have been very methodical and analytical, and I’m sure that approach results in excellent hires for your firm.”

In other words, pay him a sincere compliment that he can believe because it’s anchored in the behavior you’ve just seen.

77: How do you think you conducted or performed during this interview?

2008-12-25T23:10:00.001-08:00

I think I have conducted myself in the best possible manner by satisfying your queries through my specific answers which I feel were logical, systematic and to the point. Through my answer my true worth as a dynamic and competent professional has come out fair and square and I am happy with my performance which would ensure my selection in this esteemed organization

76: Suppose you find yourself in a deserted island. What three things you will need to survive?

2008-12-25T23:08:00.000-08:00

Food, Water and HOPE (that one day I will definitely come out from this island).

75: If your boss is taking all the credits for your work, what will you do?

2008-12-25T23:07:00.000-08:00

Even if my boss takes credit for my work, I would not mind because if I am a good worker my contribution will be definitely noticed by the organization. Secondly if I remain in the good books of my boss, I can encash this towards my career promotions and growth.

74: What will you do if you are asked to give a bribe?

2008-12-25T23:06:00.001-08:00

If I am asked to do so then I will feel very uncomfortable to do so just in case the company has strong core competency, best practices and a strong value system. So I strongly feel the company can do business purely on these merits and not through bribery or commissions.

If the interviewer presses you hard to say either yes or no then you can say:

However even if a condition comes to pay a bribe to get a good contract then I shall refer the case to my seniors for their valid suggestions upon which I can act.

73: Suppose I tell you I don’t like your face? Then why should I select you?

2008-12-25T23:05:00.000-08:00

Even if you don’t like my face, you definitely would agree that I have other qualities that appealed you, for which you are now interviewing me.

There’s a saying

“A book is not judged by its cover but it is judged by its contents”.

A man’s face is not the index of his abilities.

72: If I tell you, you are an IDIOT, a FOOL, a RASCAL; can you think anything positive about it?

2008-12-25T23:03:00.000-08:00

I - Intelligent.
D - Determined.
I - Innovative.
O - Optimistic.
T - Truthful and Talented.

F - Faithful.
O - Optimistic.
O - Obedient.
L - Loyal.

R - Religious.
A - Adaptable.
S - Simple and Sober.
C - Competent, Capable and Co-Operative.
A - Adept.
L - Loyal.

71: During your performance reviews, what criticism do you hear the most?

2008-12-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

No one likes to be criticized. But as a young professional, you will experience the barbs of negative feedback in both your personal as well as professional life. Here the interviewer is on the look out for your accountability and professional character. Generally this question is for people with experience. You shouldn’t answer it directly by saying all the criticism you had faced during your tenure, rather try to mould the answer to show your positive attitude towards the critics.

Always remember “You can’t please everyone, so just please yourself. You are your best critic. Some people are just not going to like you. Accept it.”

You can answer as:

1) I believe criticism should be dealt with positive attitude because it gives us information on how to improve. The criticism I heard during my tenure was to voice my opinions, ideas and suggestions in group meetings. My manager always liked my suggestions whenever I personally met him, but in group meetings I usually let him speak. Now, I feel more confident that I can suggest my ideas and opinions in groups.

2) My boss has always appreciated my work and told me that I did my projects well and within the stipulated time. But he asked me to send more updates and that too frequently so that he can report to his seniors and managers.

3) My colleagues criticized me for being an introvert. I usually go to office and concentrate on my work. But I took the criticism positively and now I am trying to interact with people around me and simultaneously concentrating on my work. I realized that I have to be social.

70:Is there anything else that we should know about you that would impact our decision?

2008-12-25T22:53:00.000-08:00

This question gives you a final chance to impress the interviewer. If you felt you didn’t show that much enthusiasm, here is your chance. If you felt you missed out one of your strong traits, you have a chance to state it.

Your answers can be:

1) I am a continuous learner and I try to keep myself abreast of all developments in the field of IT (or any other). Since I do not quit in the face of toughest challenges, I am certain that I would be able to achieve the targets that I set for myself and beyond.

2) Well for all my mentioned attributes, strengths and qualification I am confident that I can do very well over here. I don’t know if I expressed it that well, but I’m very excited about this position.

3) One final trait that I have that would be perfect for this position is my organizational skills. I’m very detailed and plan very well. I prioritize my work as per the need of hour.

4) There are three fears in this era:

- Fear of failure.
- Fear of rejection.
- Fear of being ridiculed.

I personally believe fear is analogous to low Self-Confidence.

Throughout my academic career I never allowed these fears to take over me. I always faced them with positive attitude and confidence and I will keep on doing it in the future too.

69: If you won A $10 million lottery, would you still work?

2008-12-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Your totally honest response might be, “Hell, no, are you serious?” That might be so, but any answer which shows you as fleeing work if given the chance could make you seem lazy. On the other hand, if you answer, “Oh, I’d want to keep doing exactly what I am doing, only doing it for your firm,” you could easily inspire your interviewer to silently mutter to himself, “Yeah, sure. Gimme a break.”

BEST ANSWER: This type of question is aimed at getting at your bedrock attitude about work and how you feel about what you do. Your best answer will focus on your positive feelings.

Example:

“After I floated down from cloud nine, I think I would still hold my basic belief that achievement and purposeful work are essential to a happy, productive life. After all, if money alone bought happiness, then all rich people would be all happy, and that’s not true. "

“I love the work I do, and I think I’d always want to be involved in my career in some fashion. Winning the lottery would make it more fun because it would mean having more flexibility, more options...who knows?”

“Of course, since I can’t count on winning, I’d just as soon create my own destiny by sticking with what’s worked for me, meaning good old reliable hard work and a desire to achieve. I think those qualities have built many more fortunes that all the lotteries put together.”

68: Why have you been out of work so long?

2008-12-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: A tough question if you’ve been on the beach a long time. You don’t want to seem like damaged goods.

BEST ANSWER: You want to emphasize factors which have prolonged your job search by your own choice.

Example:

“After my job was terminated, I made a conscious decision not to jump on the first opportunities to come along. In my life, I’ve found out that you can always turn a negative into a positive IF you try hard enough. This is what I determined to do. I decided to take whatever time I needed to think through what I do best, what I most want to do, where I’d like to do it…and then identify those companies that could offer such an opportunity.”

“Also, in all honesty, you have to factor in the recession (consolidation, stabilization, etc.) in the (banking, financial services, manufacturing, advertising, etc.) industry.”

“So between my being selective and the companies in our industry downsizing, the process has taken time. But in the end, I’m convinced that when I do find the right match, all that careful evaluation from both sides of the desk will have been well worthwhile for both the company that hires me and myself.

67: Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?

2008-12-25T22:38:00.003-08:00

TRAPS: If you’ve had a problem, you can’t lie. You could easily be found out. Yet admitting an attendance problem could raise many flags.

BEST ANSWER: If you have had no problem, emphasize your excellent and consistent attendance record throughout your career.

Also describe how important you believe such consistent attendance is for a key executive…why it’s up to you to set an example of dedication…and why there’s just no substitute for being there with your people to keep the operation running smoothly, answer questions and handle problems and crises as they arise.

If you do have a past attendance problem, you want to minimize it, making it clear that it was an exceptional circumstance and that it’s cause has been corrected.

To do this, give the same answer as above but preface it with something like, “Other that being out last year (or whenever) because of (your reason, which is now in the past), I have never had a problem and have enjoyed an excellent attendance record throughout my career.

Furthermore, I believe, consistent attendance is important because…” (Pick up the rest of the answer as outlined above).

66: What do you for when you hire people?

2008-12-25T22:38:00.001-08:00

TRAPS: Being unprepared for the question.

BEST ANSWER: Speak your own thoughts here, but for the best answer weave them around the three most important qualifications for any position.

1. Can the person do the work (qualifications)?
2. Will the person do the work (motivation)?
3. Will the person fit in (“our kind of team player")

65: Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had experience firing many people?

2008-12-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This “innocent” question could be a trap door which sends you down a chute and lands you in a heap of dust outside the front door. Why? Because its real intent is not just to see if you’ve got the stomach to fire, but also to uncover poor judgment in hiring which has caused you to fire so many. Also, if you fire so often, you could be a tyrant.

So don’t rise to the bait by boasting how many you’ve fired, unless you’ve prepared to explain why it was beyond your control, and not the result of your poor hiring procedures or foul temperament.

BEST ANSWER: Describe the rational and sensible management process you follow in both hiring and firing.

Example:
“My whole management approach is to hire the best people I can find, train them thoroughly and well, get them excited and proud to be part of our team, and then work with them to achieve our goals together. If you do all of that right, especially hiring the right people, I’ve found you don’t have to fire very often.

“So with me, firing is a last resort. But when it’s got to be done, it’s got to be done, and the faster and cleaner, the better. A poor employee can wreak terrible damage in undermining the morale of an entire team of good people. When there’s no other way, I’ve found it’s better for all concerned to act decisively in getting rid of offenders who won’t change their ways.”

64: Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote someone from within?

2008-12-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This question isn’t as aggressive as it sounds. It represents the interviewer’s own dilemma over this common problem. He’s probably leaning toward you already and for reassurance, wants to hear what you have to say on the matter.

BEST ANSWER:Help him see the qualifications that only you can offer.

Example:

“In general, I think it’s a good policy to hire from within – to look outside probably means you’re not completely comfortable choosing someone from inside."

“Naturally, you want this department to be as strong as it possibly can be, so you want the strongest candidate. I feel that I can fill that bill because…(then recap your strongest qualifications that match up with his greatest needs).”

63: Looking back on your last position, have you done your best work?

2008-12-25T22:34:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Tricky question. Answer “absolutely” and it can seem like your best work is behind you. Answer, “no, my best work is ahead of me,” and it can seem as if you didn’t give it your all.

BEST ANSWER: To cover both possible paths this question can take, your answer should state that you always try to do your best, and the best of your career is right now. Like an athlete at the top of his game, you are just hitting your career stride thanks to several factors. Then, recap those factors, highlighting your strongest qualifications.

62: What was the toughest part of your last job?

2008-12-25T22:33:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This is slightly different from the question raised earlier, “What’s the most difficult part of being a (job title…)” because this asks what you personally have found most difficult in your last position. This question is more difficult to redefine into something positive. Your interviewer will assume that whatever you found toughest may give you a problem in your new position.

BEST ANSWER: State that there was nothing in your prior position that you found overly difficult, and let your answer go at that. If pressed to expand your answer, you could describe the aspects of the position you enjoyed more than others, making sure that you express maximum enjoyment for those tasks most important to the open position, and you enjoyed least those tasks that are unimportant to the position at hand.

61: THE SECRET ILLEGAL QUESTION

2008-12-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Much more frequent than the Illegal question is the secret illegal question. It’s secret because it’s asked only in the interviewer’s mind. Since it’s not even expressed to you, you have no way to respond to it, and it can there be most damaging.

Example:

You’re physically challenged, or a single mother returning to your professional career, or over 50, or a member of an ethnic minority, or fit any of a dozen other categories that do not strictly conform to the majority in a given company.

Your interviewer wonders, “Is this person really able to handle the job?”…”Is he or she a ‘good fit’ at a place like ours?”…”Will the chemistry ever be right with someone like this?” But the interviewer never raises such questions because they’re illegal. So what can you do?

BEST ANSWER: Remember that just because the interviewer doesn’t ask an illegal question doesn’t mean he doesn’t have it. More than likely, he is going to come up with his own answer. So you might as well help him out.

How? Well, you obviously can’t respond to an illegal question if he hasn’t even asked. This may well offend him. And there’s always the chance he wasn’t even concerned about the issue until you brought it up, and only then begins to wonder.

So you can’t address “secret” illegal questions head-on. But what you can do is make sure there’s enough counterbalancing information to more than reassure him that there’s no problem in the area he may be doubtful about.

For example, let’s say you’re a sales rep who had polio as a child and you need a cane to walk. You know your condition has never impeded your performance, yet you’re concerned that your interviewer may secretly be wondering about your stamina or ability to travel. Well, make sure that you hit these abilities very hard, leaving no doubt about your capacity to handle them well.

So, too, if you’re in any different from what passes for “normal”. Make sure, without in any way seeming defensive about yourself that you mention strengths, accomplishments, preferences and affiliations that strongly counterbalance any unspoken concern your interviewer may have.

60: THE ILLEGAL QUESTION

2008-12-25T22:30:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Illegal questions include anything regarding your age…number and ages of your children or other dependents…marital status…maiden name…religion…political affiliation…ancestry…national origin…birthplace…naturalization of your parents, spouse or children…diseases…disabilities…clubs…or spouse’s occupation…unless any of the above are directly related to your performance of the job. You can’t even be asked about arrests, though you can be asked about convictions.

BEST ANSWER: Under the ever-present threat of lawsuits, most interviewers are well aware of these taboos. Yet you may encounter, usually on a second or third interview, a senior executive who doesn’t interview much and forgets he can’t ask such questions.

You can handle an illegal question in several ways. First, you can assert your legal right not to answer. But this will frighten or embarrass your interviewer and destroy any rapport you had.

Second, you could swallow your concerns over privacy and answer the question straight forwardly if you feel the answer could help you. For example, your interviewer, a devout Baptist, recognizes you from church and mentions it. Here, you could gain by talking about your church.

Third, if you don’t want your privacy invaded, you can diplomatically answer the concern behind the question without answering the question itself.

Example:

If you are over 50 and are asked, “How old are you?” you can answer with a friendly, smiling question of your own on whether there’s a concern that your age my affect your performance. Follow this up by reassuring the interviewer that there’s nothing in this job you can’t do and, in fact, your age and experience are the most important advantages you offer the employer for the following reasons…

Another example:

If asked, “Do you plan to have children?” you could answer, “I am wholeheartedly dedicated to my career“, perhaps adding, “I have no plans regarding children.” (You needn’t fear you’ve pledged eternal childlessness. You have every right to change your plans later. Get the job first and then enjoy all your options.)

Most importantly, remember that illegal questions arise from fear that you won’t perform well. The best answer of all is to get the job and perform brilliantly. All concerns and fears will then varnish, replaced by respect and appreciation for your work.

59: Have you considered starting your own business?

2008-12-25T22:29:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: If you say “yes” and elaborate enthusiastically, you could be perceived as a loose cannon in a larger company, too entrepreneurial to make a good team player…or someone who had to settle for the corporate life because you couldn’t make a go of your own business.

Also too much enthusiasm in answering “yes” could rouse the paranoia of a small company indicating that you may plan to go out on your own soon, perhaps taking some key accounts or trade secrets with you.

On the other hand, if you answer “no, never” you could be perceived as a security-minded drone who never dreamed a big dream.

BEST ANSWER:

1. Gauge this company’s corporate culture before answering and…
2. Be honest (which doesn’t mean you have to vividly share your fantasy of the franchise or bed-and-breakfast you someday plan to open).

In general, if the corporate culture is that of a large, formal, military-style structure, minimize any indication that you’d love to have your own business.

You might say, “Oh, I may have given it a thought once or twice, but my whole career has been in larger organizations. That’s where I have excelled and where I want to be.”

If the corporate culture is closer to the free-wheeling, everybody’s-a-deal-maker variety, then emphasize that in a firm like this, you can virtually get the best of all worlds, the excitement of seeing your own ideas and plans take shape…combined with the resources and stability of a well-established organization. Sounds like the perfect environment to you.

In any case, no matter what the corporate culture, be sure to indicate that any desires about running your own show are part of your past, not your present or future.

The last thing you want to project is an image of either a dreamer who failed and is now settling for the corporate cocoon…or the restless maverick who will fly out the door with key accounts, contacts and trade secrets under his arms just as soon as his bankroll has gotten rebuilt.

Always remember:

Match what you want with what the position offers. The more information you’ve uncovered about the position, the more believable you can make your case.

58: May I contact your present employer for a reference?

2008-12-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: If you’re trying to keep your job search private, this is the last thing you want. But if you don’t cooperate, won’t you seem as if you’re trying to hide something?

BEST ANSWER: Express your concern that you’d like to keep your job search private, but that in time, it will be perfectly okay.

Example:

“My present employer is not aware of my job search and, for obvious reasons; I’d prefer to keep it that way. I’d be most appreciative if we kept our discussion confidential right now. Of course, when we both agree the time is right, then by all means you should contact them. I’m very proud of my record there.

57: Why have you had so many jobs?

2008-12-25T22:25:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Your interviewer fears you may leave this position quickly, as you have others. He’s concerned you may be unstable, or a “problem person” who can’t get along with others.

BEST ANSWER: First, before you even get to the interview stage, you should try to minimize your image as job hopper. If there are several entries on your resume of less than one year, consider eliminating the less important ones. Perhaps you can specify the time you spent at previous positions in rounded years not in months and years.

Example:
Instead of showing three positions this way:
6/1982 – 3/1983, Position A;4/1983 – 12/1983, Position B;1/1984 – 8/1987, Position C;
…

it would be better to show simply:
1982 – 1983, Position A;1984 – 1987 Position C.

In other words, you would drop Position B altogether. Notice what a difference this makes in reducing your image as a job hopper.

Once in front of the interviewer and this question comes up, you must try to reassure him. Describe each position as part of an overall pattern of growth and career destination.

Be careful not to blame other people for your frequent changes. But you can and should attribute certain changes to conditions beyond your control.

Example: Thanks to an upcoming merger, you wanted to avoid an ensuing bloodbath, so you made a good, upward career move before your department came under the axe of the new owners.

If possible, also show that your job changes were more frequent in your younger days, while you were establishing yourself, rounding out your skills and looking for the right career path. At this stage in your career, you’re certainly much more interested in the best long-term opportunity.

You might also cite the job(s) where you stayed the longest and describe that this type of situation is what you’re looking for now.

56: You’ve been with your firm a long time. Won’t it be hard switching to a new company?

2008-12-25T22:24:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Your interviewer is worried that this old dog will find it hard to learn new tricks.

BEST ANSWER: To overcome this objection, you must point to the many ways you have grown and adapted to changing conditions at your present firm. It has not been a static situation. Highlight the different responsibilities you’ve held, the wide array of new situations you’ve faced and conquered.

As a result, you’ve learned to adapt quickly to whatever is thrown at you, and you thrive on the stimulation of new challenges.

To further assure the interviewer, describe the similarities between the new position and your prior one. Explain that you should be quite comfortable working there, since their needs and your skills make a perfect match.

55: Could you have done better in your last job?

2008-12-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This is no time for true confessions of major or even minor problems.

BEST ANSWER: Again never be negative.

Example: “I suppose with the benefit of hindsight you can always find things to do better, of course, but off the top of my head, I can’t think of anything of major consequence.”

(If more explanation seems necessary)Describe a situation that didn’t suffer because of you but from external conditions beyond your control.

For example, describe the disappointment you felt with a test campaign, new product launch, merger, etc., which looked promising at first, but led to underwhelming results. “I wish we could have known at the start what we later found out (about the economy turning, the marketplace changing, etc.), but since we couldn’t, we just had to go for it. And we did learn from it…”

54: CONFIDENTIAL ISSUES

2008-12-25T22:22:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: When an interviewer presses you to reveal confidential information about a present or former employer, you may feel it’s a no-win situation. If you cooperate, you could be judged untrustworthy. If you don’t, you may irritate the interviewer and seem obstinate, uncooperative or overly suspicious.

BEST ANSWER: Your interviewer may press you for this information for two reasons.
First, many companies use interviews to research the competition. It’s a perfect set-up. Here in their own lair, is an insider from the enemy camp who can reveal prized information on the competition’s plans, research, financial condition, etc.Second, the company may be testing your integrity to see if you can be cajoled or bullied into revealing confidential data.

What to do? The answer here is easy. Never reveal anything truly confidential about a present or former employer. By all means, explain your reticence diplomatically. For example, “I certainly want to be as open as I can about that. But I also wish to respect the rights of those who have trusted me with their most sensitive information, just as you would hope to be able to trust any of your key people when talking with a competitor…”

And certainly you can allude to your finest achievements in specific ways that don’t reveal the combination to the company safe.

But be guided by the golden rule. If you were the owner of your present company, would you feel it ethically wrong for the information to be given to your competitors? If so, steadfastly refuse to reveal it.

Remember that this question pits your desire to be cooperative against your integrity. Faced with any such choice, always choose integrity. It is a far more valuable commodity than whatever information the company may pry from you. Moreover, once you surrender the information, your stock goes down. They will surely lose respect for you.

One President we know always presses candidates unmercifully for confidential information. If he doesn’t get it, he grows visibly annoyed, relentlessly inquisitive, It’s all an act. He couldn’t care less about the information. This is his way of testing the candidate’s moral fiber. Only those who hold fast are hired.

53: Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)…

2008-12-25T22:21:00.001-08:00

TRAPS: Skillful interviewers sometimes make it almost irresistible to open up and air a little dirty laundry from your previous position. DON’T

BEST ANSWER:

Remember the rule: Never be negative. Stress only the good points, no matter how charmingly you’re invited to be critical.

Your interviewer doesn’t care a whit about your previous boss. He wants to find out how loyal and positive you are, and whether you’ll criticize him behind his back if pressed to do so by someone in this own company. This question is your opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to those you work with.

52: Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?

2008-12-25T22:19:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Never badmouth your previous industry, company, board, boss, staff, employees or customers. This rule is inviolable: never be negative. Any mud you hurl will only soil your suit.
Especially avoid words like “personality clash”, “didn’t get along”, or others which cast a shadow on your competence, integrity, or temperament.

BEST ANSWER:

(If you have a job presently)

If you’re not yet 100% committed to leaving your present post, don’t be afraid to say so. Since you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. But don’t be coy either. State honestly what you’d be hoping to find in a new spot. Of course, as stated often before, you answer will all the stronger if you have already uncovered what this position is all about and you match your desires to it.

(If you do not presently have a job.)

Never lie about having been fired. It’s unethical – and too easily checked. But do try to deflect the reason from you personally. If your firing was the result of a takeover, merger, division wide layoff, etc., so much the better.But you should also do something totally unnatural that will demonstrate consummate professionalism. Even if it hurts , describe your own firing – candidly, succinctly and without a trace of bitterness – from the company’s point-of-view, indicating that you could understand why it happened and you might have made the same decision yourself.

Your stature will rise immensely and, most important of all, you will show you are healed from the wounds inflicted by the firing. You will enhance your image as first-class management material and stand head and shoulders above the legions of firing victims who, at the slightest provocation, zip open their shirts to expose their battle scars and decry the unfairness of it all.
For all prior positions:Make sure you’ve prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: more money, opportunity, responsibility or growth.

51: What’s the most difficult part of being a (job title)?

2008-12-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Unless you phrase your answer properly, your interviewer may conclude that whatever you identify as “difficult” is where you are weak.

BEST ANSWER: First, redefine “difficult” to be “challenging” which is more positive. Then, identify an area everyone in your profession considers challenging and in which you excel. Describe the process you follow that enables you to get splendid results…and be specific about those results.

Example:

“I think every sales manager finds it challenging to motivate the troops in a recession. But that’s probably the strongest test of a top sales manager. I feel this is one area where I excel.”

“When I see the first sign that sales may slip or that sales force motivation is flagging because of a downturn in the economy, here’s the plan I put into action immediately…” (followed by a description of each step in the process…and most importantly, the exceptional results you’ve achieved).

50: POSSIBLE FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:

2008-12-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

And what would you do if he still did not change his ways?

ANSWER:

“One thing I wouldn’t do is let the problem slide, because it would only get worse and overlooking it would set a bad precedent. I would try again and again and again, in whatever way I could, to solve the problem, involving wider and wider circles of people, both above and below the offending executive and including my own boss if necessary, so that everyone involved can see the rewards for teamwork and the drawbacks of non-cooperation.”

“I might add that I’ve never yet come across a situation that couldn’t be resolved by harnessing others in a determined, constructive effort.”

49: What would you do if a colleague wasn’t pulling his/her weight…and this was hurting your department?

2008-12-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This question and other hypothetical ones test your sense of human relations and how you might handle office politics.

BEST ANSWER: Try to gauge the political style of the firm and be guided accordingly. In general, fall back on universal principles of effective human relations – which in the end, embody the way you would like to be treated in a similar circumstance.

Example:

“Good human relations would call for me to go directly to the person and explain the situation, to try to enlist his help in a constructive, positive solution. If I sensed resistance, I would be as persuasive as I know how to explain the benefits we can all gain from working together, and the problems we, the company and our customers will experience if we don’t.”

48: What do you see as the proper role/mission of a good (job title you’re seeking) in serving the community

2008-12-25T21:42:00.001-08:00

TRAPS: These and other “proper role” questions are designed to test your understanding of your place in the bigger picture of your department, company, community and profession….as well as the proper role each of these entities should play in its bigger picture.

The question is most frequently asked by the most thoughtful individuals and companies…or by those concerned that you’re coming from a place with a radically different corporate culture (such as from a big government bureaucracy to an aggressive small company).

The most frequent mistake executives make in answering is simply not being prepared (seeming as if they’ve never giving any of this a though.)…or in phrasing an answer best suited to their prior organization’s culture instead of the hiring company’s.

BEST ANSWER: Think of the most essential ingredients of success for each category above – your job title, your role as manager, your firm’s role, etc.

Identify at least three but no more than six qualities you feel are most important to success in each role. Then commit your response to memory.

Here, again, the more information you’ve already drawn out about the greatest wants and needs of the interviewer, and the more homework you’ve done to identify the culture of the firm, the more on-target your answer will be.

47: Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had.

2008-12-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: You give a very memorable description of a very boring job. Result? You become associated with this boring job in the interviewer’s mind.

BEST ANSWER: You have never allowed yourself to grow bored with a job and you can’t understand it when others let themselves fall into that rut.

Example: “Perhaps I’ve been fortunate, but that I’ve never found myself bored with any job I have ever held. I’ve always enjoyed hard work. As with actors who feel there are no small parts, I also believe that in every company or department there are exciting challenges and intriguing problems crying out for energetic and enthusiastic solutions. If you’re bored, it’s probably because you’re not challenging yourself to tackle those problems right under your nose"

46: Why aren’t you earning more money at this stage of your career?

2008-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: You don’t want to give the impression that money is not important to you, yet you want to explain why your salary may be a little below industry standards.

BEST ANSWER: You like to make money, but other factors are even more important.

Example:
“Making money is very important to me, and one reason I’m here is because I’m looking to make more. Throughout my career, what’s been even more important to me is doing work I really like to do at the kind of company I like and respect."

Then be prepared to be specific about what your ideal position and company would be like, matching them as closely as possible to the opportunity at hand.

45: What would you say to your boss if he’s crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?

2008-12-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This is another question that pits two values, in this case loyalty and honesty, against one another.

BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule stated earlier: In any conflict between values, always choose integrity.

Example:

"I believe that when evaluating anything, it’s important to emphasize the positive. What do I like about this idea?”

“Then, if you have reservations, I certainly want to point them out, as specifically, objectively and factually as I can.”

“After all, the most important thing I owe my boss is honesty. If he can’t count on me for that, then everything else I may do or say could be questionable in his eyes.”

“But I also want to express my thoughts in a constructive way. So my goal in this case would be to see if my boss and I could make his idea even stronger and more appealing, so that it effectively overcomes any initial reservation I or others may have about it.”

“Of course, if he overrules me and says, ‘no, let’s do it my way,’ then I owe him my full and enthusiastic support to make it work as best it can.”

44: I’m concerned that you don’t have as much experience as we’d like in…

2008-12-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This could be a make-or-break question. The interviewer mostly likes what he sees, but has doubts over one key area. If you can assure him on this point, the job may be yours.

BEST ANSWER: This question is related to “The Fatal Flaw” (Question 18), but here the concern is not that you are totally missing some qualifications, such as CPA certification, but rather that your experience is light in one area.

Before going into any interview, try to identify the weakest aspects of your candidacy from this company’s point of view. Then prepare the best answer you possible can to shore up your defenses.

To get past this question with flying colors, you are going to rely on your master strategy of uncovering the employer’s greatest wants and needs and then matching them with your strengths. Since you already know how to do this from Question 1, you are in a much stronger position.

More specifically, when the interviewer poses as objection like this, you should…

1. Agree on the importance of this qualification.2. Explain that your strength may be indeed be greater than your resume indicates because…3. When this strength is added to your other strengths, it’s really your combination of qualifications that’s most important.

Then review the areas of your greatest strengths that match up most favorably with the company’s most urgently-felt wants and needs.

This is powerful way to handle this question for two reasons. First, you’re giving your interviewer more ammunition in the area of his concern. But more importantly, you’re shifting his focus away from this one, isolated area and putting it on the unique combination of strengths you offer, strengths which tie in perfectly with his greatest wants.

43: What changes would you make if you came on board?

2008-12-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Watch out! This question can derail your candidacy faster than a bomb on the tracks – and just as you are about to be hired.

Reason: No matter how bright you are, you cannot know the right actions to take in a position before you settle in and get to know the operation’s strengths, weaknesses key people, financial condition, methods of operation, etc. If you lunge at this temptingly baited question, you will probably be seen as someone who shoots from the hip.

Moreover, no matter how comfortable you may feel with your interviewer, you are still an outsider. No one, including your interviewer, likes to think that a know-it-all outsider is going to come in, turn the place upside down and with sweeping, grand gestures, promptly demonstrate what jerks everybody’s been for years.
BEST ANSWER: You, of course, will want to take a good hard look at everything the company is doing before making any recommendations.

Example:

“Well, I wouldn’t be a very good doctor if I gave my diagnosis before the examination. Should you hire me, as I hope you will, I’d want to take a good hard look at everything you’re doing and understand why it’s being done that way. I’d like to have in-depth meetings with you and the other key people to get a deeper grasp of what you feel you’re doing right and what could be improved.

“From what you’ve told me so far, the areas of greatest concern to you are…” (name them. Then do two things. First, ask if these are in fact his major concerns. If so then reaffirm how your experience in meeting similar needs elsewhere might prove very helpful).

42: Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized.

2008-12-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This is a tough question because it’s a more clever and subtle way to get you to admit to a weakness. You can’t dodge it by pretending you’ve never been criticized. Everybody has been. Yet it can be quite damaging to start admitting potential faults and failures that you’d just as soon leave buried.
This question is also intended to probe how well you accept criticism and direction.

BEST ANSWERS: Begin by emphasizing the extremely positive feedback you’ve gotten throughout your career and (if it’s true) that your performance reviews have been uniformly excellent.

Of course, no one is perfect and you always welcome suggestions on how to improve your performance. Then, give an example of a not-too-damaging learning experience from early in your career and relate the ways this lesson has since helped you. This demonstrates that you learned from the experience and the lesson is now one of the strongest breastplates in your suit of armor.

If you are pressed for a criticism from a recent position, choose something fairly trivial that in no way is essential to your successful performance. Add that you’ve learned from this, too, and over the past several years/months, it’s no longer an area of concern because you now make it a regular practice to…etc.

Another way to answer this question would be to describe your intention to broaden your master of an area of growing importance in your field. For example, this might be a computer program you’ve been meaning to sit down and learn… a new management technique you’ve read about…or perhaps attending a seminar on some cutting-edge branch of your profession.

Again, the key is to focus on something not essential to your brilliant performance but which adds yet another dimension to your already impressive knowledge base.

41: Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.

2008-12-25T21:28:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: There are some questions your interviewer has no business asking, and this is one. But while you may feel like answering, “none of your business,” naturally you can’t. Some interviewers ask this question on the chance you admit to something, but if not, at least they’ll see how you think on your feet.

Some unprepared candidates, flustered by this question, unburden themselves of guilt from their personal life or career, perhaps expressing regrets regarding a parent, spouse, child, etc. All such answers can be disastrous.

BEST ANSWER: As with faults and weaknesses, never confess a regret. But don’t seem as if you’re stonewalling either.

Best strategy: Say you harbor no regrets, then add a principle or habit you practice regularly for healthy human relations.

Example:

Pause for reflection, as if the question never occurred to you. Then say, “You know, I really can’t think of anything.” (Pause again, then add): “I would add that as a general management principle, I’ve found that the best way to avoid regrets is to avoid causing them in the first place. I practice one habit that helps me a great deal in this regard. At the end of each day, I mentally review the day’s events and conversations to take a second look at the people and developments I’m involved with and do a doublecheck of what they’re likely to be feeling. Sometimes I’ll see things that do need more follow-up, whether a pat on the back, or maybe a five minute chat in someone’s office to make sure we’re clear on things…whatever.”

“I also like to make each person feel like a member of an elite team, like the Boston Celtics or LA Lakers in their prime. I’ve found that if you let each team member know you expect excellence in their performance…if you work hard to set an example yourself…and if you let people know you appreciate and respect their feelings, you wind up with a highly motivated group, a team that’s having fun at work because they’re striving for excellence rather than brooding over slights or regrets.”

40: What do you seek from a job?

2008-12-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

The interviewer simply wants to check out what you are expecting from the job. Never relate your answer to position, status or money associated with the job. Your answer should show that you are really determined to add value to the organization and yourself too.

Your answers can be:

1) I would like a job which gives me a chance to apply all that I have learned in college and enable me to grow as a professional. I would like a role which enables me to make a difference and improve my skills.

2) Great learning opportunities, challenging roles, rational career progression and good job satisfaction. I would also like to work for an organization that gives me an opportunity to serve the organization, the society and above all my country.

3) I seek three things from the job: Competence, Challenging Roles and learning opportunities. I want a position where I can apply my skills and abilities at par so that I can add some value to the organization.

4) I’m looking for a place to learn and a chance to improve my practicalities and thereby taking my employer to its level best by showing my fullest dedication and work strengths.

39: Why didn’t you pursue a career in your major?

2008-12-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

Your answers can be:

1) Sir, since I am a student of ECE, as u know that ECE/CSE/IT are sister branches and all are interrelated and secondly I think it will be of my best if I utilize my sharp analytical skills in a software industry so I basically do not have any problem to “SWITCH” from ECE to IT. And I believe flexibility must be there within us to progress in life.

2) As I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, I majored in something I was very interested in. But after working for a software project during my summer vacation I realized that this is what I want to be doing. I loved the challenges that came my way. So I am looking forward to work in an IT industry to utilize my skills in the best way.

3) I was planning on going to dental Course so I majored in biology. After working with computers, I realized how interesting and challenging it was. So I studied computers on the side because I wanted a career working with computers.

38: What made you choose your major?

2008-12-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

Well if you are applying for a computer related position and if you are a Computer Science major, they won’t ask this question to you. But if you are an Electronics (or any other) major and interview for a computer position, then they might want to know why you chose to major in Electronics (or any other). To create an answer, you can say that your academic interests were broad and therefore you sought your major to achieve a balance between knowledge and skill. Besides your personal interest, include some rock-solid business reasons that shows you have the vision.

Its fine when you say you majored the subject because you liked it. But never say you chose the major because you didn’t know what else to do and you couldn’t get into a better one.

Your answers can be:

1) From the very beginning I always had a lure towards electronics field. During my school days I participated a lot in Science Exhibitions and won a lot of prizes. That gave me the confidence to learn more about this field. When I completed my Intermediate I got a chance and I grabbed it with both hands. Hence I would say my Interest made me to choose electronics as my major.

2) I majored in English because it was a field I knew would make me more skilled in reading, writing and communicating. I believe English is a tool that is used everywhere, so I thought it was the best major for me.

3) I majored in Mechanical because I always love to work with machines and motors. My father runs a motor vehicles workshop and I always try to learn something from him and workers. This way my interest kept growing and therefore I chose mechanical.

4) I majored in History because I always had a keen interest in historical facts. I chose this major because I really enjoyed the subject. I planned on becoming a high school history teacher, but then I started to get into computers. It’s totally different from history but it really fascinated me. Now, instead of looking in the past, I’m always looking into the future through all the technological changes.

37: Do you prefer to work alone or as a team player?

2008-12-25T21:12:00.000-08:00

Traps : When interviewer asks such questions it means they are trying to learn whether you are a team player or you like working independently. Even if you have a strong preference to work alone or with others, the best answer is to say both. If a job is mostly about working alone, there might be some team work involved. There’s no work or job which doesn’t need team work at some point of time.

The reality is that most jobs require us to work both independently and in teams. Your response to this question should show that you have been successful in both situations. Most employers want someone who can work well in a team and work well alone.

Your answers can be:

1) I would like to work in an environment where there is a blend of both. Its great working in teams while sharing and learning ideas with each other, but it’s also great to sit at my own desk and work hard productively. Therefore I would like to work independently towards a team goal.

2) I believe both are two sides of the same coin. They can never be isolated. A man has to work individually and also as a team player. The value of teamwork is the emergence of new ideas and creative solutions as well as sharing of the work load. So I prefer to work both as an individual and as a team member.

3.) I like working myself. But I love working in a team because one thing is for sure - gaining and sharing knowledge through experience. It is always said “Two heads are better than one”. Working as an individual, I can apply all that I have learned throughout the career. So I believe both have their importance and both are required to be successful in any field.

4) What I have learned from the job description is: this position requires someone who can handle assignments which in turn requires great deal of independent work and research. I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. My career marks and percentage shows my individual effort. Moreover I was the captain of the winning cricket team of my school and I was adjudged the best bowler of the tournament which shows that I am an efficient team member also. So I am comfortable with both.

36: What are your career options right now?

2008-12-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: The interviewer is trying to find out, “How desperate are you?”

BEST ANSWER: Prepare for this question by thinking of how you can position yourself as a desired commodity. If you are still working, describe the possibilities at your present firm and why, though you’re greatly appreciated there, you’re looking for something more (challenge, money, responsibility, etc.). Also mention that you’re seriously exploring opportunities with one or two other firms.

If you’re not working, you can talk about other employment possibilities you’re actually exploring. But do this with a light touch, speaking only in general terms. You don’t want to seem manipulative or coy.

35: What are your outside interests?

2008-12-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: You want to be a well-rounded, not a drone. But your potential employer would be even more turned off if he suspects that your heavy extracurricular load will interfere with your commitment to your work duties.

BEST ANSWERS: Try to gauge how this company’s culture would look upon your favorite outside activities and be guided accordingly.

You can also use this question to shatter any stereotypes that could limit your chances. If you’re over 50, for example, describe your activities that demonstrate physical stamina. If you’re young, mention an activity that connotes wisdom and institutional trust, such as serving on the board of a popular charity.

But above all, remember that your employer is hiring your for what you can do for him, not your family, yourself or outside organizations, no matter how admirable those activities may be.

34: The “Fatal Flaw” question

2008-12-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: If an interviewer has read your resume carefully, he may try to zero in on a “fatal flaw” of your candidacy, perhaps that you don’t have a college degree…you’ve been out of the job market for some time…you never earned your CPA, etc.

A fatal flaw question can be deadly, but usually only if you respond by being overly defensive.

BEST ANSWERS: As every master salesperson knows, you will encounter objections (whether stated or merely thought) in every sale. They’re part and parcel of the buyer’s anxiety. The key is not to exacerbate the buyer’s anxiety but diminish it.

Here’s how…

Whenever you come up against a fatal flaw question:

1. Be completely honest, open and straightforward about admitting the shortcoming. (Showing you have nothing to hide diminishes the buyer’s anxiety.)

2. Do not apologize or try to explain it away. You know that this supposed flaw is nothing to be concerned about, and this is the attitude you want your interviewer to adopt as well.

3. Add that as desirable as such a qualification might be, its lack has made you work all the harder throughout your career and has not prevented you from compiling an outstanding tack record of achievements. You might even give examples of how, through a relentless commitment to excellence, you have consistently outperformed those who do have this qualification.

Of course, the ultimate way to handle “fatal flaw” questions is to prevent them from arising in the first place. You will do that by following the master strategy described in Question 1, i.e., uncovering the employers needs and them matching your qualifications to those needs.

Once you’ve gotten the employer to start talking about his most urgently-felt wants and goals for the position, and then help him see in step-by-step fashion how perfectly your background and achievements match up with those needs, you’re going to have one very enthusiastic interviewer on your hands, one who is no longer looking for “fatal flaws”.

33: How do you feel about reporting to a younger person (minority, woman, etc)?

2008-12-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: It’s a shame that some interviewers feel the need to ask this question, but many understand the reality that prejudices still exist among some job candidates, and it’s better to try to flush them out beforehand.

The trap here is that in today’s politically sensitized environment, even a well-intentioned answer can result in planting your foot neatly in your mouth. Avoid anything which smacks of a patronizing or an insensitive attitude, such as “I think they make terrific bosses” or “Hey, some of my best friends are…”

Of course, since almost anyone with an IQ above room temperature will at least try to steadfastly affirm the right answer here, your interviewer will be judging your sincerity most of all. “Do you really feel that way?” is what he or she will be wondering.

So you must make your answer believable and not just automatic. If the firm is wise enough to have promoted peopled on the basis of ability alone, they’re likely quite proud of it, and prefer to hire others who will wholeheartedly share their strong sense of fair play.

BEST ANSWER: You greatly admire a company that hires and promotes on merit alone and you couldn’t agree more with that philosophy. The age (gender, race, etc.) of the person you report to would certainly make no difference to you.

Whoever has that position has obviously earned it and knows their job well. Both the person and the position are fully deserving of respect. You believe that all people in a company, from the receptionist to the Chairman, work best when their abilities, efforts and feelings are respected and rewarded fairly, and that includes you. That’s the best type of work environment you can hope to find.

32: Looking back, what would you do differently in your life?

2008-12-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This question is usually asked to uncover any life-influencing mistakes, regrets, disappointments or problems that may continue to affect your personality and performance.

You do not want to give the interviewer anything negative to remember you by, such as some great personal or career disappointment, even long ago, that you wish could have been avoided.

Nor do you wish to give any answer which may hint that your whole heart and soul will not be in your work.

BEST ANSWER: Indicate that you are a happy, fulfilled, optimistic person and that, in general, you wouldn’t change a thing.

Example: “It’s been a good life, rich in learning and experience, and the best it yet to come. Every experience in life is a lesson it its own way. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

31: What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?

2008-12-25T21:01:00.001-08:00

TRAPS: Giving an unprepared or irrelevant answer.

BEST ANSWER: Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was difficult…the process you followed in reaching it…the courageous or effective way you carried it out…and the beneficial results.

30: How could you have improved your career progress?

2008-12-25T20:55:00.001-08:00

TRAPS: This is another variation on the question, “If you could, how would you live your life over?” Remember, you’re not going to fall for any such invitations to rewrite person history. You can’t win if you do.

BEST ANSWER: You’re generally quite happy with your career progress. Maybe, if you had known something earlier in life (impossible to know at the time, such as the booming growth in a branch in your industry…or the corporate downsizing that would phase out your last job), you might have moved in a certain direction sooner.

But all things considered, you take responsibility for where you are, how you’ve gotten there, where you are going…and you harbor no regrets.

29: Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skill…managing ability, etc.)

2008-12-25T20:52:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: The worst offense here is simply being unprepared. Your hesitation may seem as if you’re having a hard time remembering the last time you were creative, analytical, etc.

BEST ANSWER: Remember that you should commit to memory a list of your greatest and most recent achievements, ever ready on the tip of your tongue.

If you have such a list, it’s easy to present any of your achievements in light of the quality the interviewer is asking about. For example, the smashing success you orchestrated at last year’s trade show could be used as an example of creativity, or analytical ability, or your ability to manage.

28: What do you worry about?

2008-12-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Admit to worrying and you could sound like a loser. Saying you never worry doesn’t sound credible.

BEST ANSWER: Redefine the word ‘worry’ so that it does not reflect negatively on you.

Example:

“I wouldn’t call it worry, but I am a strongly goal-oriented person. So I keep turning over in my mind anything that seems to be keeping me from achieving those goals, until I find a solution. That’s part of my tenacity, I suppose.”

27: The “Hypothetical Problem” – What would you do if… ?

2008-12-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Sometimes an interviewer will describe a difficult situation and ask, “How would you handle this?” Since it is virtually impossible to have all the facts in front of you from such a short presentation, don’t fall into the trap of trying to solve this problem and giving your verdict on the spot. It will make your decision-making process seem woefully inadequate.

BEST ANSWER: Instead, describe the rational, methodical process you would follow in analyzing this problem, who you would consult with, generating possible solutions, choosing the best course of action, and monitoring the results.

Remember, in all such, “What would you do?” questions, always describe your process or working methods, and you’ll never go wrong.

26: What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

2008-12-25T20:32:00.001-08:00

TRAPS: Being unprepared or citing an example from so early in your life that it doesn’t score many points for you at this stage of your career.

BEST ANSWER: This is an easy question if you’re prepared. Have a recent example ready that demonstrates either:

1. A quality most important to the job at hand; or
2. A quality that is always in demand, such as leadership, initiative, managerial skill, persuasiveness, courage, persistence, intelligence, etc.

25: What are your goals?

2008-12-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Not having any…or having only vague generalities, not highly specific goals.

BEST ANSWER: Many executives in a position to hire you are strong believers in goal-setting. (It’s one of the reason they’ve achieved so much). They like to hire in kind.

If you’re vague about your career and personal goals, it could be a big turnoff to may people you will encounter in your job search.

Be ready to discuss your goals for each major area of your life: career, personal development and learning, family, physical (health), community service and (if your interviewer is clearly a religious person) you could briefly and generally allude to your spiritual goals (showing you are a well-rounded individual with your values in the right order).

Be prepared to describe each goal in terms of specific milestones you wish to accomplish along the way, time periods you’re allotting for accomplishment, why the goal is important to you, and the specific steps you’re taking to bring it about. But do this concisely, as you never want to talk more than two minutes straight before letting your interviewer back into the conversation.

24 : Demonstrate Your Skills : Sell this stapler,etc or some object on the desk

2008-12-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Some interviewers, especially business owners and hard-changing executives in marketing-driven companies, feel that good salesmanship is essential for any key position and ask for an instant demonstration of your skill. Be ready.

BEST ANSWER:Of course, you already know the most important secret of all great salesmanship – “find out what people want, then show them how to get it.”

If your interviewer picks up his stapler and asks, “sell this to me,” you are going to demonstrate this proven master principle.

Here’s how:

“Well, a good salesman must know both his product and his prospect before he sells anything. If I were selling this, I’d first get to know everything I could about it, all its features and benefits.”

“Then, if my goal were to sell it you, I would do some research on how you might use a fine stapler like this. The best way to do that is by asking some questions. May I ask you a few questions?”

Then ask a few questions such as, “Just out of curiosity, if you didn’t already have a stapler like this, why would you want one? And in addition to that? Any other reason? Anything else?”

“And would you want such a stapler to be reliable?...Hold a good supply of staples?” (Ask more questions that point to the features this stapler has.)

Once you’ve asked these questions, make your presentation citing all the features and benefits of this stapler and why it’s exactly what the interviewer just told you he’s looking for.

Then close with, “Just out of curiosity, what would you consider a reasonable price for a quality stapler like this…a stapler you could have right now and would (then repeat all the problems the stapler would solve for him)? Whatever he says, (unless it’s zero), say, “Okay, we’ve got a deal.”

NOTE: If your interviewer tests you by fighting every step of the way, denying that he even wants such an item, don’t fight him. Take the product away from him by saying, “Mr. Prospect, I’m delighted you’ve told me right upfront that there’s no way you’d ever want this stapler. As you well know, the first rule of the most productive salespeople in any field is to meet the needs of people who really need and want our products, and it just wastes everyone’s time if we try to force it on those who don’t. And I certainly wouldn’t want to waste your time. But we sell many items. Is there any product on this desk you would very much like to own…just one item?” When he points something out, repeat the process above. If he knows anything about selling, he may give you a standing ovation.

23: Tell me something negative you’ve heard about our company !!!

2008-12-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This is a common fishing expedition to see what the industry grapevine may be saying about the company. But it’s also a trap because as an outsider, you never want to be the bearer of unflattering news or gossip about the firm. It can only hurt your chances and sidetrack the interviewer from getting sold on you.

BEST ANSWER: Just remember the rule – never be negative – and you’ll handle this one just fine.

22: Would you lie for the company?

2008-12-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This another question that pits two values against one another, in this case loyalty against integrity.

BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.

Example: “I would never do anything to hurt the company..”
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.

21: Aren’t you overqualified for this position?

2008-12-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: The employer may be concerned that you’ll grow dissatisfied and leave.

BEST ANSWER: As with any objection, don’t view this as a sign of imminent defeat. It’s an invitation to teach the interviewer a new way to think about this situation, seeing advantages instead of drawbacks.

Example:

“I recognize the job market for what it is – a marketplace. Like any marketplace, it’s subject to the laws of supply and demand. So ‘overqualified’ can be a relative term, depending on how tight the job market is. And right now, it’s very tight. I understand and accept that.”

“I also believe that there could be very positive benefits for both of us in this match.”

“Because of my unusually strong experience in ________________ , I could start to contribute right away, perhaps much faster than someone who’d have to be brought along more slowly.”

“There’s also the value of all the training and years of experience that other companies have invested tens of thousands of dollars to give me. You’d be getting all the value of that without having to pay an extra dime for it. With someone who has yet to acquire that experience, he’d have to gain it on your nickel.”

“I could also help you in many things they don’t teach at the Harvard Business School. For example…(how to hire, train, motivate, etc.) When it comes to knowing how to work well with people and getting the most out of them, there’s just no substitute for what you learn over many years of front-line experience. You company would gain all this, too.”

“From my side, there are strong benefits, as well. Right now, I am unemployed. I want to work, very much, and the position you have here is exactly what I love to do and am best at. I’ll be happy doing this work and that’s what matters most to me, a lot more that money or title.”

“Most important, I’m looking to make a long term commitment in my career now. I’ve had enough of job-hunting and want a permanent spot at this point in my career. I also know that if I perform this job with excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for me right here. In time, I’ll find many other ways to help this company and in so doing, help myself. I really am looking to make a long-term commitment.”

NOTE: The main concern behind the “overqualified” question is that you will leave your new employer as soon as something better comes your way. Anything you can say to demonstrate the sincerity of your commitment to the employer and reassure him that you’re looking to stay for the long-term will help you overcome this objection.

20: What makes you angry?

2008-12-25T20:16:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: You don’t want to come across either as a hothead or a wimp.

BEST ANSWER: Give an answer that’s suited to both your personality and the management style of the firm. Here, the homework you’ve done about the company and its style can help in your choice of words.

Examples:

If you are a reserved person and/or the corporate culture is coolly professional:

“I’m an even-tempered and positive person by nature, and I believe this helps me a great deal in keeping my department running smoothly, harmoniously and with a genuine esprit de corps. I believe in communicating clearly what’s expected, getting people’s commitment to those goals, and then following up continuously to check progress.”

“If anyone or anything is going off track, I want to know about it early. If, after that kind of open communication and follow up, someone isn’t getting the job done, I’ll want to know why. If there’s no good reason, then I’ll get impatient and angry…and take appropriate steps from there. But if you hire good people, motivate them to strive for excellence and then follow up constantly, it almost never gets to that state.”

If you are feisty by nature and/or the position calls for a tough straw boss.

“You know what makes me angry? People who (the fill in the blanks with the most objectionable traits for this type of position)…people who don’t pull their own weight, who are negative, people who lie…etc.”

19: Can you work under pressure?

2008-12-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: An easy question, but you want to make your answer believable.

BEST ANSWER: Absolutely…(then prove it with a vivid example or two of a goal or project accomplished under severe pressure).

The best answer to this question is “Yes”. Working well under pressure is a good strength to have. But saying yes is not enough; you need to explain how you can handle pressure situation to bring the best out of it. Tell the interviewer that you work the same with pressure and without pressure.

You can answer as:

1) Sir, I can handle pressure of work. Whenever there is pressure of work, we need to tackle it from the mental and physical stand-point. Mental stand-point would mean being in a state of relaxation and composure so that I do not feel stressed out during the course of my work and from physical stand-point; I always prioritize my job in their exact order of merit and importance so that I can dispose them off quickly and effectively.

2) I work well under pressure because I don’t panic. I use the pressure to help me work more efficiently. I maintain self control and work as efficiently as possible. At times, I try to prioritize and plan as much as I can.

3) Working under pressure has always been a learning experience for me because it helps me grow. I have always worked well during deadline, and I always learned how to work more efficiently afterwards.

4) Well I believe I work the same if there’s pressure or not. I try and take the emotional factors and work hard regardless of down time. I always prioritize and organize my work and hence that gives me a Psychological advantage over pressure. At times whenever time becomes a constraint I put extra effort and time to meet the deadline. So pressure has nothing to do with my work.

18: What do you know about this company?

2008-12-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

The interviewer simply wants to check out whether you have come prepared. Your answers also signify how passionate you are for the job and the company. Therefore it’s a very important question. Your answer should reflect your knowledge about the company and passion for the job. If you state a simple answer and use tags it will definitely show that you have not done sufficient research.

You don’t have to list everything you know… just enough to let them know that you did your homework. Also, take a little time to give the company a compliment such as the last sentence. It is a psychological tool that you should use to your advantage. This type of compliment is directed at the company and the interviewer will be happy to hear this.

You can say:

1) This company is the leader in delivering IT Solutions. It’s a global company in 18 different countries, and finally it’s one of the best companies to work for.

2) I learned that this Company has a great work environment and is employee oriented. It’s a place where strong contributors are rewarded. I want to work for a company with opportunities which I know this company will definitely provide me.

3) I learned that this company provides a strong core competency, very strong value systems and best practices so I believe I have a strong vision of viewing myself as a member of this company. Also it has one of the fastest growth rates and turnover in the industry and that would mean a faster growth rate for me as a professional.

4) The practices of your company are more employee and customer oriented. Also I learned from sources that this company provides services to large corporations and is a leader in IT Solutions. That’s why I ‘m excited to have the opportunity to join this company.

17: Why do you want to work for us?

2008-12-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This question tests whether you’ve done any homework about the firm. If you haven’t, you lose. If you have, you win big.

BEST ANSWER: This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the in-depth research you should do before any interview.Try to find out the status of the company, the turnover of the company, why this company is best among the competitors, etc. Such information will help you to answer in the best possible manner.

Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company or its suppliers, advertisements, articles about the company in the trade press

You can answer as:

1) Three reasons why I would like to work for your company are:

a.) Since your company provides a strong core competency, very strong value systems and best practices so I believe I have a strong vision of viewing myself as a project leader in your company.

b.) Your company has one of the fastest growth rates and turnover in the industry and that would mean a faster growth rate for me as a professional.

c.) The practices of your company are more employee and customer oriented.

2) I well understand that this is a company on the way up. And recently I studied and saw on your website about the launch of several new products which is imminent. I want to be a part of this business as it grows. Additionally, the team I would work with looks terrific.

16: Who has inspired you in your life and why?

2008-12-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: The two traps here are unpreparedness and irrelevance. If you grope for an answer, it seems you’ve never been inspired. If you ramble about your high school basketball coach, you’ve wasted an opportunity to present qualities of great value to the company.

BEST ANSWER: Have a few heroes in mind, from your mental “Board of Directors” – Leaders in your industry, from history or anyone else who has been your mentor.

Be prepared to give examples of how their words, actions or teachings have helped inspire your achievements. As always, prepare an answer which highlights qualities that would be highly valuable in the position you are seeking.

15: Describe your ideal company, location and job.

2008-12-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: This is often asked by an experienced interviewer who thinks you may be overqualified, but knows better than to show his hand by posing his objection directly. So he’ll use this question instead, which often gets a candidate to reveal that, indeed, he or she is looking for something other than the position at hand.

BEST ANSWER: The only right answer is to describe what this company is offering, being sure to make your answer believable with specific reasons, stated with sincerity, why each quality represented by this opportunity is attractive to you.
Remember that if you’re coming from a company that’s the leader in its field or from a glamorous or much admired company, industry, city or position, your interviewer and his company may well have an “Avis” complex. That is, they may feel a bit defensive about being “second best” to the place you’re coming from, worried that you may consider them bush league.

This anxiety could well be there even though you’ve done nothing to inspire it. You must go out of your way to assuage such anxiety, even if it’s not expressed, by putting their virtues high on the list of exactly what you’re looking for, providing credible reason for wanting these qualities.

If you do not express genuine enthusiasm for the firm, its culture, location, industry, etc., you may fail to answer this “Avis” complex objection and, as a result, leave the interviewer suspecting that a hot shot like you, coming from a Fortune 500 company in New York, just wouldn’t be happy at an unknown manufacturer based in Topeka, Kansas.

14: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

2008-12-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: One reason interviewers ask this question is to see if you’re settling for this position, using it merely as a stopover until something better comes along. Or they could be trying to gauge your level of ambition.

If you’re too specific, i.e., naming the promotions you someday hope to win, you’ll sound presumptuous. If you’re too vague, you’ll seem rudderless.

BEST ANSWER: Reassure your interviewer that you’re looking to make a long-term commitment…that this position entails exactly what you’re looking to do and what you do extremely well. As for your future, you believe that if you perform each job at hand with excellence, future opportunities will take care of themselves.

Example:

“I am definitely interested in making a long-term commitment to my next position. Judging by what you’ve told me about this position, it’s exactly what I’m looking for and what I am very well qualified to do. In terms of my future career path, I’m confident that if I do my work with excellence, opportunities will inevitable open up for me. It’s always been that way in my career, and I’m confident I’ll have similar opportunities here.”

13: What good books have you read lately?

2008-12-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: As in all matters of your interview, never fake familiarity you don’t have. Yet you don’t want to seem like a dullard who hasn’t read a book since Tom Sawyer.

BEST ANSWER: Unless you’re up for a position in academia or as book critic for The New York Times, you’re not expected to be a literary lion. But it wouldn’t hurt to have read a handful of the most recent and influential books in your profession and on management.

Consider it part of the work of your job search to read up on a few of these leading books. But make sure they are quality books that reflect favorably upon you, nothing that could even remotely be considered superficial. Finally, add a recently published bestselling work of fiction by a world-class author and you’ll pass this question with flying colors

12: The “Silent Treatment”

2008-12-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Beware – if you are unprepared for this question, you will probably not handle it right and possibly blow the interview. Thank goodness most interviewers don’t employ it. It’s normally used by those determined to see how you respond under stress.

Here’s how it works:

You answer an interviewer’s question and then, instead of asking another, he just stares at you in a deafening silence.

You wait, growing a bit uneasy, and there he sits, silent as Mt. Rushmore, as if he doesn’t believe what you’ve just said, or perhaps making you feel that you’ve unwittingly violated some cardinal rule of interview etiquette.

When you get this silent treatment after answering a particularly difficult question , such as “tell me about your weaknesses”, its intimidating effect can be most disquieting, even to polished job hunters.

Most unprepared candidates rush in to fill the void of silence, viewing prolonged, uncomfortable silences as an invitation to clear up the previous answer which has obviously caused some problem. And that’s what they do – ramble on, sputtering more and more information, sometimes irrelevant and often damaging, because they are suddenly playing the role of someone who’s goofed and is now trying to recoup. But since the candidate doesn’t know where or how he goofed, he just keeps talking, showing how flustered and confused he is by the interviewer’s unmovable silence.

BEST ANSWER: Like a primitive tribal mask, the Silent Treatment loses all it power to frighten you once you refuse to be intimidated. If your interviewer pulls it, keep quiet yourself for a while and then ask, with sincere politeness and not a trace of sarcasm, “Is there anything else I can fill in on that point?” That’s all there is to it.

Whatever you do, don’t let the Silent Treatment intimidate you into talking a blue streak, because you could easily talk yourself out of the position.

11: How do you feel about working nights and weekends

2008-12-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Blurt out “no way, Jose” and you can kiss the job offer goodbye. But what if you have a family and want to work a reasonably normal schedule? Is there a way to get both the job and the schedule you want?

BEST ANSWER: First, if you’re a confirmed workaholic, this question is a softball lob. Whack it out of the park on the first swing by saying this kind of schedule is just your style. Add that your family understands it. Indeed, they’re happy for you, as they know you get your greatest satisfaction from your work.

If however, you prefer a more balanced lifestyle, answer this question with another:

“What’s the norm for your best people here?”

If the hours still sound unrealistic for you, ask, “Do you have any top people who perform exceptionally for you, but who also have families and like to get home in time to see them at night?” Chances are this company does, and this associates you with this other “top-performers-who-leave-not-later-than-six” group.

Depending on the answer, be honest about how you would fit into the picture. If all those extra hours make you uncomfortable, say so, but phrase your response positively.

Example: “I love my work and do it exceptionally well. I think the results speak for themselves, especially in …(mention your two or three qualifications of greater interest to the employer. Remember, this is what he wants most, not a workaholic with weak credentials). Not only would I bring these qualities, but I’ve built my whole career on working not just hard, but smart. I think you’ll find me one of the most productive people here.

I do have a family who likes to see me after work and on weekends. They add balance and richness to my life, which in turn helps me be happy and productive at work. If I could handle some of the extra work at home in the evenings or on weekends, that would be ideal. You’d be getting a person of exceptional productivity who meets your needs with strong credentials. And I’d be able to handle some of the heavy workload at home where I can be under the same roof as my family. Everybody would win.”

10: Are you willing to travel?

2008-12-25T07:27:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Answer with a flat “no” and you may slam the door shut on this opportunity. But what if you’d really prefer not to relocate or travel, yet wouldn’t want to lose the job offer over it?

BEST ANSWER: First find out where you may have to relocate and how much travel may be involved. Then respond to the question.

If there’s no problem, say so enthusiastically.

If you do have a reservation, there are two schools of thought on how to handle it.
One advises you to keep your options open and your reservations to yourself in the early going, by saying, “no problem”. You strategy here is to get the best offer you can, then make a judgment whether it’s worth it to you to relocate or travel.

Also, by the time the offer comes through, you may have other offers and can make a more informed decision. Why kill of this opportunity before it has chance to blossom into something really special? And if you’re a little more desperate three months from now, you might wish you hadn’t slammed the door on relocating or traveling.
The second way to handle this question is to voice a reservation, but assert that you’d be open to relocating (or traveling) for the right opportunity.The answering strategy you choose depends on how eager you are for the job. If you want to take no chances, choose the first approach.

If you want to play a little harder-to-get in hopes of generating a more enticing offer, choose the second.

09: How many hours a week do you normally work?

2008-12-25T07:22:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: You don’t want to give a specific number. Make it to low, and you may not measure up. Too high, and you’ll forever feel guilty about sneaking out the door at 5:15.

BEST ANSWER: If you are in fact a workaholic and you sense this company would like that: Say you are a confirmed workaholic, that you often work nights and weekends. Your family accepts this because it makes you fulfilled.

If you are not a workaholic: Say you have always worked hard and put in long hours. It goes with the territory. It one sense, it’s hard to keep track of the hours because your work is a labor of love, you enjoy nothing more than solving problems. So you’re almost always thinking about your work, including times when you’re home, while shaving in the morning, while commuting, etc.

08: What is your Salary Expectation ?

2008-12-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: May also be phrases as, “What salary are you worth?”…or, “How much are you making now?” This is your most important negotiation. Handle it wrong and you can blow the job offer or go to work at far less than you might have gotten.

BEST ANSWER: For maximum salary negotiating power, remember these five guidelines:

1. Never bring up salary. Let the interviewer do it first. Good salespeople sell their products thoroughly before talking price. So should you. Make the interviewer want you first, and your bargaining position will be much stronger.

2. If your interviewer raises the salary question too early, before you’ve had a chance to create desire for your qualifications, postpone the question, saying something like, “Money is important to me, but is not my main concern. Opportunity and growth are far more important. What I’d rather do, if you don’t mind, is explore if I’m right for the position, and then talk about money. Would that be okay?”

3. The #1 rule of any negotiation is: the side with more information wins. After you’ve done a thorough job of selling the interviewer and it’s time to talk salary, the secret is to get the employer talking about what he’s willing to pay before you reveal what you’re willing to accept. So, when asked about salary, respond by asking, “I’m sure the company has already established a salary range for this position. Could you tell me what that is?” Or, “I want an income commensurate with my ability and qualifications. I trust you’ll be fair with me. What does the position pay?” Or, more simply, “What does this position pay?”

4. Know beforehand what you’d accept. To know what’s reasonable, research the job market and this position for any relevant salary information. Remember that most executives look for a 20-25%$ pay boost when they switch jobs. If you’re grossly underpaid, you may want more.

5. Never lie about what you currently make, but feel free to include the estimated cost of all your fringes, which could well tack on 25-50% more to your present “cash-only” salary.

Many a times peoples and friends around us suggest saying something as “I’m sure whatever I am offered will be a fair price”. No doubt it’s a safe answer but I would recommend answering this question with a range.Hence when asked about salary, you can say:

“I’m sure the company has already established a salary range for this position. Can you tell me what that is?”

“I want an income commensurate with my ability and qualifications. I trust you’ll be fair with me. What does this position pay?”

If you have some idea regarding the pay for the position, then just state something a little higher with a small range included as-

“Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 15000 – 18000 would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.”Or

“I know the average pay for this position is roughly around 15000. But because I have two years of experience, I would like something around 15000 – 18000.”

If the salary range is already stated in the job description, then you can answer that you are willing to consider any offer stated in the job description as:

“The job description says that the salary will be around 15000 – 18000. I think it’s a fair range.”

If you want to play safe, you can answer as:

“I would expect to be paid competitively and commensurate with the level of skill, experience and responsibility that this particular job requires”

07: How do you evaluate success ?

2008-12-24T20:29:00.000-08:00

Here the interviewer simply wants to know what success means to you in your professional and personal life. Many people view success in terms of power, wealth, or fame. But many of the most enduring and satisfying forms of success have nothing do with acquiring power, wealth, or fame. Success is what you make it. For some people it is just keeping busy, having fun and enjoying life as never before.

TRAPS: Seems like an obvious enough question. Yet many executives, unprepared for it, fumble the ball.

BEST ANSWER: Give a well-accepted definition of success that leads right into your own stellar collection of achievements.

Your answers can be:

* The best definition I’ve come across is that success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal.

* If my contribution has positively benefitted my company, than that’s “Success” for me. From the personal front, success to me is fulfilling my parents dream.

* Success to me is to set a goal, plan the steps to achieve the goal, implement the plan and finally achieve the goal.

* Success to me means satisfaction for whatever I do. If I am at my workplace, positive result gives me the satisfaction and at home happiness in parent’s eyes gives me the satisfaction.

* Success to me means completing a task or assignment in an excellent manner and within the stipulated time. But if it was a group project and say only two people did the work, I wouldn’t call that success. If everyone participated and worked together, then it’s a success. Therefore I believe both the result and the process should be great to call something a success.

* As to how I would measure up to that definition, I would consider myself both successful and fortunate…”(Then summarize your career goals and how your achievements have indeed represented a progressive path toward realization of your goals.)

06: What are your Long Term Goals?

2008-12-24T20:27:00.001-08:00

Generally such questions are asked by the interviewer to check how serious the candidate is about his career. Avoid answers as “becoming rich and retiring early”. These are incorrect answers. Try to give an ambitious answer that shows you really love your career. Be descriptive and try to convince them that you are a hard worker and not just a mediocre one.

You can answer as:

1) My long term goal is to be an instructor. I have always loved to teach and hence I would like to grow newer employees and help co-workers where ever I can.

2) After a successful career, I look forward to write a book on Programming Language. I think working smart is important and I have many ideas. So after gaining more experience, I am going to write a book.

3) My long term goal is to become partner for a consulting firm. I know a lot of hard work determination and patience is required to become a partner. Many people fail to become a partner. But that’s not going to stop me anyway from working hard and learning everything I can. I know it’s going to be tough but becoming a partner is a long term goal of mine and I am going to work towards this goal throughout my career.

4) My long term goal is to become director of a company. I know it sounds a little too ambitious but I’m smart and willing to work hard a lot.

05. What are your Short Term Goals?

2008-12-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

Short term goal depends upon where you stand right now. A person with 5 years of experience will have different short term goals than a person with no work experience.

Your answer can be:

1) My short term goal is to find a position where I can use the Knowledge and Strength I have. I want to participate in the growth and success of the company I work for.

2) I want to see myself as a software developer in your esteemed organization where by with all my skills and enhanced learning I shall be able to make valuable and meaningful contribution to your organization.

3) My short term goal is to learn everything I can about marketing. I want to be in a position where I can contribute what I’ve learned through education to gain some practical and real life Experience. Hence my immediate goal is to learn and become skilled in all aspects of marketing.

4) My short term goal is to become a marketing analyst. I’ve learned the basics of marketing during my first two years and hence I am raring to take on challenging projects.

5) My short term goal is to get into a management position. The last five years of my career I have concentrated on learning and acquiring all the managerial skills. Recently I’ve taken more responsibilities in management because I eventually want to become production manager. I feel I’m doing a diligent job by volunteering for extra work to gain more experience and hope to be in a management position within a year or two.

“Never simply state your Short term goal but move a step further by stating the steps you are taking to achieve them.”

04: Why should I hire you?

2008-12-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Believe it or not, this is a killer question because so many candidates are unprepared for it. If you stammer or adlib you’ve blown it.

BEST ANSWER: By now you can see how critical it is to apply the overall strategy of uncovering the employer’s needs before you answer questions. If you know the employer’s greatest needs and desires, this question will give you a big leg up over other candidates because you will give him better reasons for hiring you than anyone else is likely to…reasons tied directly to his needs.

Whether your interviewer asks you this question explicitly or not, this is the most important question of your interview because he must answer this question favorably in is own mind before you will be hired. So help him out! Walk through each of the position’s requirements as you understand them, and follow each with a reason why you meet that requirement so well.

Example: “As I understand your needs, you are first and foremost looking for someone who can manage the sales and marketing of your book publishing division. As you’ve said you need someone with a strong background in trade book sales. This is where I’ve spent almost all of my career, so I’ve chalked up 18 years of experience exactly in this area. I believe that I know the right contacts, methods, principles, and successful management techniques as well as any person can in our industry.”

“You also need someone who can expand your book distribution channels. In my prior post, my innovative promotional ideas doubled, then tripled, the number of outlets selling our books. I’m confident I can do the same for you.”

“You need someone to give a new shot in the arm to your mail order sales, someone who knows how to sell in space and direct mail media. Here, too, I believe I have exactly the experience you need. In the last five years, I’ve increased our mail order book sales from $600,000 to $2,800,000, and now we’re the country’s second leading marketer of scientific and medical books by mail.” Etc., etc., etc.,

You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job - my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly class results.

I believe I’m the perfect fit for this position. I’m very detail oriented, and I organize my work and time very efficiently. But what makes me unique? If I were in your position I would hire myself because of the passion for this industry and my optimistic personality. I want to make more of an impact than just doing my job. I don’t want to blend in with the company; I would rather want my addition to improve it.

There are two reasons I should be hired. Firstly, my qualifications match your needs perfectly. Secondly I’m passionate about this industry and the position and will always give my 100%.

You should definitely hire me. I have a proven track record of success throughout my education. My education graph always kept roaring with time. This position requires someone who has the ability to solve problems quickly and who can logically add value to the job. I believe my skills and abilities matches perfectly with the requirement and what makes me the unique candidate is my passion towards my work and industry. So I’m confident I’ll be the best candidate for this position.

I’m a perfect fit for this position. I have three years of experience in this technology and my skills enable me to develop better products in less time. On top of that I’m a great team player that gets a long with everyone.

Always remember: “Never compare yourself to other applicants who are vying for the same position”

03: What are your greatest weaknesses?

2008-12-23T02:39:00.000-08:00

TRAPS: Beware - this is an eliminator question, designed to shorten the candidate list. Any admission of a weakness or fault will earn you an “A” for honesty, but an “F” for the interview.

PASSABLE ANSWER: Disguise a strength as a weakness.

Example: “I sometimes push my people too hard. I like to work with a sense of urgency and everyone is not always on the same wavelength.”

Drawback: This strategy is better than admitting a flaw, but it's so widely used, it is transparent to any experienced interviewer.

BEST ANSWER: (and another reason it's so important to get a thorough description of your interviewer's needs before you answer questions): Assure the interviewer that you can think of nothing that would stand in the way of your performing in this position with excellence. Then, quickly review you strongest qualifications.

Example: “Nobody's perfect, but based on what you've told me about this position, I believe I' d make an outstanding match. Everything in my background shows I have both the qualifications and a strong desire to achieve excellence in whatever I take on. So I can say in all honesty that I see nothing that would cause you even a small concern about my ability or my strong desire to perform this job with excellence.”

“Try to specify your weakness as your strength and also highlight it as a benefit.”

Your answers can be:

1) One of my weaknesses as I perceive is occasional compromise on time for quality and perfection.

2) I feel I am not very detail-oriented. I’m a person that wants to accomplish as much as possible. I realized this hurts quality and therefore I‘m trying hard to find a balance between quality and quantity.

There’s a saying –

“However small the thorn maybe it has the ability to pierce.”

So never highlight your weakness as far as possible