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Interview Questions and Excellent Sample Answers
1) Why do you feel you are the best candidate for this job?
Answer: Because I'm responsible, reliable, and a hard worker.
2) Do you have any experience in this type of work?
Answer: Not exactly, but I am a fast learner and want to learn as much as I can about (blank).
3) Tell me about a strength of yours.
Answer: I'm a good listener and I like to be around people.
4) Tell me about a weakness of yours.
Answer: I've been called a perfectionist, but I like to do things right.
5) Are you available on week-ends?
Answer: Yes I am. And if ever I'm not, I'll be sure to let you know in advance.
6) Tell me about how you would handle a difficult customer.
Answer: I would politely listen to their complaint without interrupting them, and then try to help them solve the problem.
7) How would you handle working with someone you didn't particularly like?
Answer: I get along easily with people - I don't think that would be a problem.
8) What position do you think would fit you best?
Answer: I would like to learn as many different positions and jobs as I can. I'm really flexible.
9) Do you have your own transportation?
Answer: Yes. (if you do) or I don't have my own car, but my parents have agreed to drive me to work.
10) Why should I hire you?
Answer: Because I have a positive attitude and I'll work hard every day.
More Interview Questions
When you're asked what your greatest weakness is, try to turn a negative into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to get projects completed or wanting to triple-check every item in a spreadsheet can be turned into a strength i.e. you are a candidate who will make sure that the project is done on time and your work will be close to perfect.
Note that the term "weakness" isn't used in the sample answers - you always want to focus on the positive when interviewing.
Sample Answers
This is one of the easier interview questions you'll be asked. When you are asked questions about your strengths, it's important to discuss attributes that will qualify you for the job. The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for.
Sample Answers
When you're asked to describe the pace at which you work, be careful how you respond. This is another question where faster isn't necessarily better. Most employers would rather hire employees who work at a steady pace. Someone who is too slow to get the job done in a reasonable time frame isn't going to be a good hire. Neither is a candidate who works frenetically all day.
Options for answering this question include saying that you work at a steady pace, but usually complete work in advance of the deadline. Discuss your ability to manage projects and get them done on, or ahead, of schedule. If you work at a job where you have set criteria (i.e. number of calls made or responsed to) that measures accomplishments, discuss how you have achieved or exceeded those goals.
A typical interview question, asked to get a sense of how you handle on-the-job stress, is "How do you handle pressure?" Examples of good responses include:
It's a good idea to give examples of how you have handled stress to your interviewer. That way, they get a clear picture how well you can work in stressful situations.
There isn't a right or wrong answer to interview questions about what motivates you. The interviewer is trying to understand the key to your being successful in the job he is interviewing for, and wants to make sure it's a good fit. Consider, in advance of interviewing, what actually does motivate you and come up with some specific examples to share during the interview.
Your response will vary based on your background and experiences, but, you will want to share your enthusiasm and what you like(d) best about your job. Here are some examples:
You walk into the interview room, shake hands with your interviewer and sit down with your best interviewing smile on. Guess what their first question is? "Tell me about yourself."
Do you "wing it" and actually tell all manner of things about yourself? Will you spend the next 5 minutes rambling on about what an easy-going, loyal, dedicated, hard working employee you've been? If this is the case, you stand a good chance of having bored your interviewer to death thus creating a negative first impression.
Because it's such a common interview question, it's strange that more candidates don't spend the time to prepare for exactly how to answer it. Perhaps because the question seems so disarming and informal, we drop our guard and shift into ramble mode. Resist all temptation to do so.
Your interviewer is not looking for a 10-minute dissertation here. Instead, offer a razor sharp sentence or two that sets the stage for further discussion and sets you apart from your competitors.
Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Give them "your synopsis about you" answer, specifically your Unique Selling Proposition. Known as a personal branding or a value-added statement, the USP is a succinct, one-sentence description of who you are, your biggest strength and the major benefit that a company will derive from this strength. Here is an example of a Unique Selling Proposition: "I'm a seasoned Retail Manager strong in developing training programs and loss prevention techniques that have resulted in revenue savings of over $2.3Million for (employer's name) during the past 11 years."
What a difference you've made with this statement. Your interviewer is now sitting forward in her chair giving you her full attention. At this point, you might add the following sentence: "I'd like to discuss how I might be able to do something like that for you." The ball is now back in her court and you have the beginnings of a real discussion and not an interrogation process.
Be Specific
The key is that you must lead with your strongest benefit to the employer. Be specific and don't wander about with some laundry list of skills or talents. Be sure to put a monetary value on your work if at all possible and be ready with details when you're called upon. Give an estimated value to the $$ you've either helped to make or save for your employer.
Be Prepared
When you walk into an interview, remember to always expect the "tell me about yourself" question. Prepare ahead of time by developing your own personal branding statement that clearly tells who you are, your major strength and the clear benefit that your employer received. The advantages of this approach are that you'll quickly gain their attention and interest them in knowing more. You'll separate yourself from your competitors. You'll also have a higher chance of being positively remembered and hired.
Your response to the question "What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?" will help the interviewer determine know how easily you are discouraged.
Best Answer
If possible, tell about a personal disappointment i.e. the early death of a parent, child, or school friend. Believe it or not, it is okay to have not had a "greatest" disappointment.
During a job interview it's a good opportunity to share what is important in your life. It's also an opportunity to show your dedication and what's important to you.
Your response doesn't need to be work focused, but do be sure that what you share isn't something that could potential cut in to your working hours.
For example, you don't want to say that you're a mountain climber with the goal of climbing Mountain Everest or that you're getting ready for the Tour de France or looking to spend the winter skiing in Aspen.
Sample Answers: What Are You Passionate About?
Your response to the question "What are your pet peeves?" will help the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit with the company culture.
Best Answer
I do not have a pet peeve. If something is bothering me, I step back, analyze "why" and find a good solution. If you asked my teenage daughter she would tell you my pet peeve is the volume on her radio!
Best Answers
There's no on-going criticism. I'm open to personal and professional growth and welcome the opportunity to improve.
If humor is appropriate, this is a good time to use it. Example: I have a teenage daughter - few things I do are okay on her radar screen.
When the interviewer asks "When Was The Last Time You Were Angry? What Happened?" he or she wants to know if you lose control. The real meaning of the word "angry", to an interviewer, is loss of control and it's important to know how you handle situations when you're angry.
Best Answer
Anger to me means loss of control. I do not lose control. When I get stressed, I step back, take a deep breath, thoughtfully think through the situation and then begin to formulate a plan of action.
When the interviewer asks "If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?" he or she wants to know what your perception is of what others think about your qualifications and abilities.
Best Answer
I'm sure if you asked my friends that question they would say you should hire me because I have the skills outlined in the job description and I bring 10+ years of expertise to this position. Words they've used to describe me are: hard working, professional, trusted and a team player.
When the interviewer asks "Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?" he or she wants to know if you're a team player or would rather work on your own.
Best Answers
I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. In researching the LMN company, your mission statement and the job description, I could see similarities to my previous position where there were some assignments that required a great deal of independent work and research and others where the team effort was most effective. As I said, I'm comfortable with both.
In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required a different kind of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was invaluable. I continued to grow as team member while on my sorority's debate team and through my advanced marketing class where we had numerous team assignments. I'm very comfortably working on a team, but I can also work independently, as well.
Have Some Interview Questions to Ask the Potential Employer
Not only is the employer interviewing your teen...
But your teen should be interviewing the employer!
The employer will usually ask at the end of the interview if you have any questions for him...
Make sure your teen has at least 3 interview questions prepared.
And so on....
Managers like talking about their company and also about themselves...so ask away!
It shows that you took the time and effort to do your homework.
Come at least 10 minutes early for the interview - you'll look eager and excited for the job.
Dress appropriately. Khakis and a shirt with a collar is great for guys.
No jeans, no bare midriffs, no ripped shirts or wild hair. This is the time to “blend in”. Guys can generally succeed with a good pair of khakis and a dress shirt (with a collar). Girls should avoid anything that suggests layers or “extreme”. Skip the multiple layers of bracelets, go easy on makeup and scents, and keep the outfit simple (a skirt and blouse)
Shake hands when you meet your interviewer...firm - not wimpy!
Don't sit until you're asked...and no slouching.
If they offer you a drink such as coffee or water - politely say no thank you. (You don't need to accidentally spill!)
Thank the interviewer for his or her time - sincerely.
Notice something in the office or on the desk of the interviewer and ask them about it. For example, if you see a golf plaque, ask about golfing...or a picture of kids, are these your kids?
This is a good way to break the ice and be friendly.
RELAX...smile...and answer ALL of the interview questions as best you can.
Say Thank-You Twice at the Interview
Even though you might be solving an employer’s problems by bringing your skills to the workplace, the employer is giving you a chance to earn a paycheque so be sure to let the employer know you appreciate his or her time. When you first step in the door, you can say, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I’m very interested in learning about this job.” When you leave, you can add another bit of thanks by saying something such as : “Thank you for the chance to learn more about the job. I hope to hear from you soon.”
Write a Thank You Note After the Interview
Believe it or not, a thank you letter might get you the job. There are lots of applicants who have the same or better skills than you and probably several other applicants who gave a dazzling smile and great answers during the interview. But how many of those applicants will sit down and send a thank you note? Probably very few. Most likely only one or two!
What do you say in a post-interview thank you note? You only need express three main ideas:
Thank note notes are best if handwritten but even an email note will help you keep your name in front of an employer.
In closing, your application might have opened a door or two but it’s the interview which is going to get you through the door and into the job!
And lastly, encourage your teen to practice answering interview questions and answers with you or a friend so getting that first job will be a Breeze!
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Author of the text: indicated on the source document of the above text
Sample Interview Questions
How did you hear about this position?
How would your colleagues describe you?
How would your boss describe you?
Tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem.
Tell me about a confrontation that you had with a coworker or boss and how you resolved it.
When have you been the most satisfied with your job?
Give me an example of when you’ve done more than your job required.
Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that tested your coping skills. What did you do?
Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset student/parent/co-worker.
Tell me about a time when you had to use spoken communication skills in order to get a point across.
Tell me about a time when some miscommunication occurred and how you dealt with it.
Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and how you handled it.
What was the most difficult assignment you have completed using your computer skills?
Give an example of an important goal you set, and tell me about your progress in reaching that goal and how successful you were in accomplishing it.
What did you do in your last job to contribute to a teamwork environment?
You’ve heard the saying “roll with the punches”. Tell me about a time when you had to do this in dealing with a difficult person.
Tell me about an obstacle that you overcame and one that you did not overcome in your last position.
What part of the job that you are interviewing for do you look forward to the most?
What part of the job that you are interviewing for do you look forward to the least?
What aspect of our organization has the greatest appeal for you?
Knowing our organization and the position that you’re interviewing for where can you make the greatest contribution?
How will the job you’re interviewing for fit into your career plans?
Why did you choose this profession and this specific job?
What do you think your responsibilities will be if you’re hired?
Why are you interested in the position?
What are you seeking from this job?
What challenges do you think that you will face in moving from your current position to this position?
What aspect of the job announcement interested you the most?
What can you contribute to our department/UVM?
What interests you about a career in (field of new job)?
Why should we give you a chance to perform in this job?
Why should we hire you instead of the other candidates?
Why do you want this job and how does it fit you?
Give an example of your demonstrated commitment to diversity.
What characteristics do you look for in a supervisor?
What length of time can you commit to this position?
Do you have any questions?
Source: http://www.uvm.edu/hrs/managers/interviewquestions.doc
Web site to visit: http://www.uvm.edu/hrs/
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