Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment

The best way to respond is to describe your responsibilities in detail and to connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Try to tie your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position. That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. Focus most on your responsibilities that are directly related to the new job’s requirements.

What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?

There isn’ a right or wrong answer to this question. The best way to respond is to discuss what you expected when you took the job and give examples of how the position worked out for you. If the job wasn’ exactly what you expected, it’s fine to mention that. However, you should focus on the job itself, not the company, your boss, or your co-workers (if they were a problem). Do be careful how you answer and don’ focus too much on the negative. Instead, address the highlights of the job.

What were your starting and final levels of compensation?

Make sure that what you tell the interviewer matches what you listed on your job application. Refresh your memory prior to the interview by reviewing your compensation history, so, you can speak in detail and accurately. Don’ exaggerate or inflate your earnings. Many employers will check references and confirm your salary history prior to making a job offer. A discrepancy between what you reported and what the employer says could knock you out of contention for the job.

What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?

During a difficult financial period, I was able to satisfactorily negotiate repayment schedules with multiple vendors.

When the software development of our new product stalled, I coordinated the team which managed to get the schedule back on track. We were able to successfully troubleshoot the issues and solve the problems, within a very short period of time.

A long-term client was about to take their business to a competitor. I met with the customer and was able to change how we handled the account on a day-to-day basis, in order to keep the business.

Who was your best boss and who was the worst?

Best Answers

I’ve learned from each boss I’ve had. From the good ones, what to do, from the challenging ones - what not to do.

Early in my career, I had a mentor who helped me a great deal, we still stay in touch. I’ve honestly learned something from each boss I’ve had.

What is your greatest weakness?

Sample Answers

*Being organized wasn’ my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills.

*I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend a little too much time checking it. However, I’ve come to a good balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

What is your greatest strength?

My time management skills are excellent and I’m organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work.

How do you handle stress and pressure?

*I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn’ become stressful.

*Prioritizing my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done when, has helped me effectively manage pressure on the job.

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What motivates you?

. I’ve always been motivated by the desire to do a good job at whatever position I’m in. I want to excel and to be successful in my job, both for my own personal satisfaction and for my employer.

What are your salary expectations?

Once you know what you should be earning, how do you go about getting it? Start by being very patient. When interviewing for a new position, do your best not to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer. If you’ e asked what your salary requirements are, say that they are open based upon the position and the overall compensation package. Or tell the employer you’d like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to discussing salary. Another option is to give the employer a salary range based upon the salary research you’ve done up front. Once you’ve received the offer you don’ need to accept (or reject) it right away. A simple "I need to think it over" can get you an increase in the original offer.

What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?

Give concrete examples of difficult situations that actually happened at work. Then discuss what you did to solve the problem. Keep your answers positive ("Even though it was difficult when Jane Doe quit without notice, we were able to rearrange the department workload to cover the position until a replacement was hired.") and be specific. Itemize what you did and how you did it.

What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?

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.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about playing the piano. I take an evening art class once a week and try to find time each weekend to play. Playing the piano is a good way for me to relax and even though I don’ have much talent, I do it enjoy it.

What are your pet peeves?

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!

What do people most often criticize about you?

Best Answers

There’s no on-going criticism. I’m open to personal and professional growth and welcome the opportunity to improve.

When was the last time you were angry? What happened?

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.

If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently?

Non-personal Answer

Really, nothing. I’ve learned from each experience I’ve had.

If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?

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 experience to this position. Words they’ve used to describe me are: hard working, professional, trusted and a team player.

Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?

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.

Give some examples of teamwork

Sample Answers

In my last position, I was part of a team. We all worked together to plan and manage the schedule, preparing tests, new teaching  material for students, projects.

How do you evaluate success?

Best Answer

I evaluate success in different ways. At work, it is meeting the goals set by my supervisors and my fellow workers. It is my understanding, from talking to other employees, that the GGR company is recognized for not only rewarding success, but giving employee’s opportunity to grow as well. After work, I enjoy playing softball, so success on the field is catching the winning pop-up.

If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?

.So, I never tell him he’s wrong. Never. Whatever he tells me to do; I smile and say "okay." Then if I know a way to get it done that will work, I do it that way, give him the results he wants and never tell him I didn’ do it the way he told me to. He got the results and is happy. I saved myself the stress of being yelled at and gave him what he wanted, so I’m happy.

Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it

Give concrete examples of difficult situations that actually happened at work. Then discuss what you did to solve the problem. Keep your answers positive ("Even though it was difficult when Jane Doe quit without notice, we were able to rearrange the department workload to cover the position until a replacement was hired.") and be specific. Itemize what you did and how you did it.

More job interview questions about your abilities

How do you balance life and work?
The interviewer wonders if you’ve made arrangements for the days when your child is too sick to go to school and/or daycare or if you’ e "out of there" as soon as it’s quitting time.
Best Answer: Being organized helps me balance my professional life and personal life. Consequently, I can be fully engaged while I’m at work. For those unexpected times, I have a good back-up system of child care for my children.

What is your preferred way to communicate?
This is a good opportunity to show you understand the importance of adjusting your preferences when necessary.
At home, I enjoy talking on the phone and emails. At work, I follow the established pattern. Each of my bosses, in the past, has had a preferred method I’ve followed their lead.

* For a very brief time, the road ahead was unknown; however, I discovered I had previously untapped strengths such as perseverance -atkaklumas.

What interests you about this job?

When you’ e asked what interests you about the position you are interviewing for, the best way to respond is to describe the qualifications listed in the job posting, then connect them to your skills and experience. That way, the employer will see that you know about the job you’ e interviewing for (not everyone does) and that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.

Why do you want this job?

*I want this job because it seems tailored to my competencies.

*This job is a good fit for what I’ve been interested in throughout my career. It offers a nice mix of short- and long-term activities.

What applicable attributes / experience do you have?

When you are asked questions related to the experience that qualifies you for the job, it’s important to be very specific about your skills and experience.

Are you overqualified for this job?

*Overqualified? Some would say that I’m not overqualified but fully qualified. With due respect, could you explain the problem with someone doing the job better than expected?

*As you note, I’ve worked at a higher level but this position is exactly what I’m looking for. You offer opportunity to achieve the magic word: balance. I’m scouting for something challenging but a little less intense so I can spend more time with my family.

What can you do for this company?

A typical interview question to discover what assets you have that are specific to the company’s goals is "What can you do for this company?"

First of all, be sure to have researched the company prior to the interview, so you are familiar with the company’s mission. Respond by giving examples why your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset for the employer.

Take a few moments to compare your goals with objectives of the company and the position, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other jobs. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company, as well as the job.

Why should we hire you?

A typical interview question, asked to get your opinion, or to validate the interviewer’s opinion, on why you would be the best candidate for the position, is "Why should we hire you?"

The best way to respond is to give concrete examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job. Take a few moments to compare the job description with your abilities, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other positions. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and the position.

What do you know about this company?

A typical job interview question, asked to find out how much company research you have conducted, is "What do you know about this company?"

Prepare in advance, and in a word, research, so, you can provide relevant and current information about your prospective employer to the interviewer. Start by researching the company online. Review the "About Us" section of the company web site. Google the company, read blogs that mention it, and check Discussion Boards and social networking sites.

If you’ e a college graduate check with the Career Office at your school to see if you can get a list of alumni who work for the company. That’s an ideal way to get an insider’s view of the employer, and to get information that might not be available elsewhere.

Use the information you have gathered to create a bulleted list of relevant information that you can easily remember during the interview. Taking the time to research will help you make a good impression with how much you know about the company.

Why do you want to work here?

A typical interview question, asked to ensure that you are seriously interested in the job and the company, and to find out how much you know about the company, is "Why do you want to work here?"

The best way to answer this question is, first of all, to be prepared and knowledgeable about the company. Spend some time researching the company (the About Us section of the web site is a good place to start) so you can talk about the benefits of working for this employer.

Compare your goals with objectives of the company and the position, then reiterate why you would be an asset to the employer. Let the interviewer know what you can do for the company, if you get a job offer.

Even though the question is about why you want to work here, you still need to convince the interviewer that hiring you will benefit the company.

What challenges are you looking for in a position?

A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for your in next job, and whether you would be a good fit for the position being hired for, is "What challenges are you looking for in a position?"

The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would like to be able to effectively utilize your skills and experience if you were hired for the job.

What can you contribute to this company?

A typical interview question to discover how hiring you would benefit the company is "What can you contribute to this company?"

The best way to answer questions about your contributions to the company is to give examples of what you have accomplished in the past, and to relate them to what you can achieve in the future.

Also, relate your abilities to the employer’s goals. You will want to let the interviewer know that you have the skills necessary to do the job they are hiring for, the ability effectively meet challenges, and the flexibility and diplomacy to work well with other employees and with management.

Is there anything I haven’ told you about the job or company that you would like to know?

Interview Questions to Ask

How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?

How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?

Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?

What is the company’s management style?

Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?

How many people work in this office/department?

How much travel is expected?

Is relocation a possibility?

What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?

What are the prospects for growth and advancement?

How does one advance in the company?

Are there any examples?

What do you like about working here?

What don’ you like about working here and what would you change?

Would you like a list of references?

If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?

What can I tell you about my qualifications?

When can I expect to hear from you?

Are there any other questions I can answer for you?

Interview Questions NOT to Ask

What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)

If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to mention prior commitments)

Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work don’ mention it now...)

Did I get the job? (Don’ be impatient. They’ll let you know.)

What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?

Best Answers

Two things are very important to me. One is my professionalism at work; the second is my family life.

What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?

The best way to respond to the interview question "What are your goals for the future?" or "Where do you see yourself in five years?" is to refer to the position and the company you are interviewing with.

Don’ discuss your goals for returning to school or having a family, they are not relevant and could knock you out of contention for the job. Rather, you want to connect your answer to the job you are applying for. Examples of good responses include:

My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.

How do you plan to achieve those goals?

As a follow-up to the interview question "What are your goals for the future?" the interviewer will often ask how you plan on achieving those goals. A good answer to this question will speak specifically about what you are going to accomplish and how you are going to accomplish it. Examples of good responses include:

*I plan on gaining additional skills by taking related classes and continuing my involvement with a variety of professional associations.

*I noticed that XYZ company (the company you are interviewing with) provides in-house training for employees and I would certainly be interested in taking classes that would be relevant.

I will continue my professional development my participating in conferences, attending seminars, and continuing my education.

What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term?

Before you start talking pay (and salary negotiations) with a prospective employer, you need to find out how much the job (and you) is worth. You will need to take the time to research salaries, so, you are prepared to get what you’ e worth and a job offer that’s realistic and reasonable.

Questions about your career goals.

How many hours a day/week do you need to work to get the job done?
I use my time efficiently at work and, for the most part, it’s not the number of hours I work; but how effective my time has been to accomplish the job. I’m sure my references will tell you I was more than willing to put in the time to be sure the job was completed as quickly and as professionally as possible.

How do you measure success?
I measure professional success by the standards of the company for which I work.. Personally, it is to know I’m regarded as a good husband, father and member of society.

Describe your dream job.
I realized it is an area where I not only can make significant contributions, but I enjoy using my talent in a corporate environment.

What will you do if you don’ get this position?

Best Answer

I am committed to this company and its advancement so, should I not be selected, I will work with and support whoever might get selected. However, I do feel that my experience in the department and with the team would make me the best candidate.