INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES AND HOW TO FACE AN INTERVIEW

2013

NAME: REGISTRATION NO:

DATE:

CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE

INTERVIEWING – Definition and steps in successful interviewing 3

INTERVIEW- Definition 4

TYPES OF INTERVIEW 4

PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW 6

IMPORTANT PARAMETERS TO JUDGE A CANDIDATE 7

PRE INTERVIEW PREPARATION 7

WHERE DO YOU STAND IN INTERVIEW PREPARATION 13

DO’S AND DON’TS OF INTERVIEW 16

INTERVIEW STRESS MANAGEMENT 17

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION IN AN INTERVIEW 20

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INTERVIEWING

DEFINITION

A set of verbal and nonverbal interactions between two or more people, focused on

gathering information to decide on a course of action (i.e. hiring for a job).

It is a procedure to find out or evaluate the skills, knowledge, ability and attitude of the

candidate.

It is an oral tool to test a candidate.

THREE STEPS IN SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING

Preparation: produce an interview schedule and interview guides.

Execution: conduct the interviews

Review: write up the interview notes

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Interviewschedule InterviewInterview

guidesInterview

notes format

Who you are going to interview, why, when and where?

What questions are you going to ask?

What results were obtained? Information found Decisions Actions

Structure Rapport Listen Probe Clarify

Preparation

Execution

Review

WHAT IS AN INTERVIEW?

An interview is:

A meeting of minimum two expert- candidate

Arranged to examine the suitability of the candidate

Tested for subject knowledge, skills and desired behavior in a very limited time.

TYPES OF INTERVIEW

There are many different types of interviews. Once you are selected for an interview, you may

experience one or more of the situations described below. When you schedule an interview, try

to get as much information as possible about whom you will be meeting. Note that it is rare to

have only one interview prior to a job offer. Most employers will bring back a candidate a

number of times to be sure a potential employee will fit into the company culture.

Traditional Face-to-Face Interview

• Most interviews are face-to-face. The most traditional is a one-on-one conversation.

• Your focus should be on the person asking questions. Maintain eye contact, listen and respond

once a question has been asked.

• Your goal is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show them that your qualifications

will benefit their organization.

Panel/Committee Interview

• In this situation, there is more than one interviewer. Typically, three to ten members of a panel

may conduct this part of the selection process. This is your chance to put your group

management and group presentation skills on display.

• As quickly as possible, try to 'read' the various personality types of each interviewer and adjust

to them. Find a way to connect with each interviewer.

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• Remember to take your time in responding to questions. Maintain primary eye contact with the

panel member who asked the question, but also seek eye contact with other members of the panel

as you give your response.

Behavioral Interview

• The basic premise behind this type of interview is that your past behavior is the best predictor

of your future actions. These types of questions may be asked in any interview format—

telephone, panel or one-on-one.

• If the employer asks behavior-oriented questions, they are no longer asking hypothetical

questions but are now asking questions that must be answered based on facts.

• With a behavioral question, the interviewer is looking for results, not just an activity list. They

are listening for names, dates, places, the outcome and especially what your role was in

achieving that outcome.

• This type of question generally starts with the words “Give me an example when...” or “Tell

me about a time when…”

Case Interview

• In some interviews you may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. The

interviewer will outline a situation or provide you with a case study and ask you to formulate a

plan that deals with the problem.

• You do not have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewers are looking for how

you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation. Speak and reason aloud so

interviewers have a full understanding of your thought process.

• Before answering a case interview question, be prepared to ask the employer numerous

questions for clarity and informational purposes. Most employers will provide responses that

could result in additional inquiries.

• The more you are able to analyze and dissect the case study, the more you will likely impress

your interviewer.

• This is the only interview for which it is acceptable, even encouraged, to bring a pad of paper

and pencil. Most interviewers will allow you to take notes and jot down thoughts as you work

through the case.

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Telephone Interview

• Many organizations will conduct interviews by telephone to narrow a field of candidates.

Telephone interviews may also be used as a preliminary interview for candidates who live far

away from the job site.

• It is important to treat this interview as you would a face-to-face connection. Arrange for a

quiet space and time to schedule the conversation. Clear a work surface to minimize distractions.

• Focus on the conversation. Listen to the questions carefully before you answer. Since your

voice is key, convey energy with inflection in your voice.

• Have a copy of your resume nearby as a reference.

• Avoid using a phone with call waiting. You do not want to be interrupted during an interview.

• Try to use a landline phone or a cell phone that is not prone to dropping calls.

Group Interview

• A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of prospective

managers and employees who will be dealing with customers.

• The front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion type interview. A

subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion.

• The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with others and how you use your

knowledge and reasoning to influence others.

Lunch/Dinner Interview

• The same rules apply at a meal as those in an office. The setting may be more casual, but

remember that it is a business meal and you are being watched carefully.

• Use the interview to develop common ground with your interviewer. Follow his/her lead in

both selection of food and etiquette.

• Avoid messy foods and do not drink alcohol at any point in this part of the interview process.

• See the Career Center tip sheet “The Interview—Etiquette” for additional tips.

Stress Interview

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• This form of interview was more common in sales positions and is rare today. However, you

should be aware of the signals. The stress interview is usually a deliberate attempt to see how

you handle yourself under pressure.

• The interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting. Do no take it

personally.

Calmly answer each question. Ask for clarification if you need it and never rush into an answer.

• The interviewer may also lapse into silence at some point during the questioning. This may be

an attempt to unnerve you. Sit silently until the interviewer resumes the questions. If a minute

goes by, ask if he/she needs clarification of your last comment.

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

STEP 1: THE SELF INTERVIEW

Know your strengths and weaknesses

Determine your employment interests; what do you want to do and why?

Reflect your values; what’s the most important to you

Be prepared to cite several examples of experiences, accomplishments, successes

STEP 2: RESEARCH

Review employer website/ literature

Develop targeted questions concerning employer and job

Attend informational meetings

Be sure you know what the company stands for, its culture and why do you want to work

for them

STEP 3: PRACTICE

Review common questions

Schedule mock interview

Prepare list of questions

Be alert to body language and eye contact

SMILE

Speak clearly

Listen carefully

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Match your skills/ experiences with the job

IMPORTANT PARAMETERS TO JUDGE A CANDIDATE

1) ATTITUDE

Attitude is judged by the manner in which the interviewee or candidate presents his

answer. This includes:

o Words used

o Tone of the answer

o Rate of speech

o Communication

o Body language

2) SKILLS

Skills required are tested from the following:

Past achievements

Extra – curricular activities

Strengths and weaknesses

3) KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge required for the job is gauged from the education and work experience

sections of the resume.

80% of the interview is focused in testing the attitude and skill and only 20% of the

interview is focused in testing the knowledge of the interviewee.

PRE INTERVIEW PREPERATION

Read your CV/ resume and skills demanded

Know the company

Go to the company web site

Annual reports

Business news papers, magazines

Directly contact the employees

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WHAT IS A RESUME?

Resume is an advertisement for yourself designed to communicate your work history and

skill areas in a way that motivates the employee to invite you for the interview.

A resume is:

- The first meeting between you and your prospective employer

- It is a self marketing tool

- Designed to provide you a job

ELEMENTS OF A RESUME

a) Name

b) Address

c) Contact Number

d) E-mail

e) Objectives

f) Qualifications

- Professional

- Academic

g) Work experience

h) Computer Proficiency/Additional Qualifications

i) Achievements

j) Extra- curricular Activities

k) Hobbies and interests

l) Date, Place, Signature

ADDRESS

Write your complete address i.e. current address including pin code.

Write only one address, the current one where you are staying.

Write the address in one line.

CONTACT NUMBER

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- Give two numbers a landline number and a personal mobile number.

- Give ISD codes

- Phones should be in working conditions and preferably an answering machine should be

connected to the landline

- Voicemail should be activated in the mobile.

EMAIL

- Provide the current emailed that you use often

- Email id should project professional image- avoid fancy email ids like

crazyguy@gmail.com etc.

- Email address should project a professional image.

OBJECTIVES

- Should be specific and concise

- A targeted statement clearly stating the type of job you are seeking

- Gives the resume focus, credibility and direction

-

EDUCATION

- Most important segment of the resume

- First, list the highest and recent degree, followed by other degrees in reverse

chronological order.

- Mention the marks in the resume only if its above 60%

- If the marks are mentioned for one degree then mention for all degrees

- Don’t make any tables

- Only mention graduation and degree beyond that

- Do not use any abbreviations

- Categorize qualifications as professional and academic

- Professional qualifications are those which impart skills or knowledge directly relevant to

a particular profession

- All other qualifications are termed as academic qualifications

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Format

Course Year Institution Degree % of Marks

Post

Graduation2012

Institute of Company

Secretaries Of IndiaC.S 50%

Graduation 2009

J.D Birla

Institute(Department of

Management)

B.B.A 71%

Class XII2006

Sacred Heart Convent

School, JamshedpurI.S.C 86%

Class X2003

Sacred Heart Convent

School, JamshedpurI.C.S.E 74%

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Familiar with

Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point

Tally – 9

Adobe Photoshop and Internet

Auto CAD

C++

WORK EXPERIENCE/ PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN

- This section provides an insight of your skills

- Lists projects which highlights skills or knowledge relevant to the job

- This is where you showcase the employer what do you have to offer

- If this section is well written it can help the employer to focus on your strengths

- Projects to be listed in reverse chronological order

- Start with the summer project as it is the most important

- Don’t put every single skill, experience, or attributes you possess here

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- Focus on what you can do to successfully perform the job

- Tailor this section to reflect what the employer is seeking

- Different positions and roles will warrant that you create different projects/experience

sections

- Be specific! Tailor this section to the job to which you are applying

- Be sure to include internship and unpaid positions if they are relevant

- Job listing should be in reverse chronological order

- Think in terms of experience, not employment or work history

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- For each job, think about what you might have done above and beyond the call of

duty. What did you contribute to each of your jobs?

- Write down an accomplishment that show the potential employer what you have

done in the past, which gives them a highlight as to what you can do for them in

future if they employee you.

- Quantify whenever possible. Numbers are always impressive.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Think about anything else that can qualify you for your job objective such as licenses,

certifications or affiliations etc.

Proficiency in Microsoft office programs like word, excel and power point is basic and desirable

by all employers.

If you have trained in any program/ language over and above the basic MS office level only then

mention it in your resume.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

- Positions of responsibility held should be mentioned

- Activities which highlight skills relevant to the job should be highlighted

- Extra-curricular activities should be well thought out as people skills

- You don’t have to include everything you have been involved with if it is over whelming

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- Keep your goal in mind and give enough information to allow the reader what he/ she

needs to make that decision

- Rank these items from “most impressive” or “most relevant” to “least impressive” or

“least relevant” as it relates to your job target

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Now lets see what is the difference between hobbies and interests

HOBBY: Hobby is an activity you do in your spare/ free time. It is a life time passion something

you have pursued from your childhood. E.g. collecting stamps, listening to music, reading books,

diving etc

INTERESTS: Interest on the other hand is short term and can change from time to time

depending on age, profession, etc. E.g. today you like cooking after sometime you enjoy

swimming or driving rather than cooking

REFERENCES

- As a rule, state “references provided upon request” as last line of the resume

- Provide a separate sheet with three or four reference names and their contact number

- Ask the references permission before you use them

- Be sure to take the copies of all your references to all interviews

- Make sure to ask them where they would like to be contacted i.e. home or work

- At the end put the date and signature on the left side of the page

RESUME FORMAT TIPS

- The length of the resume should not be long

- Use left justified format

- Use the same font throughout the resume, preferable font is Times New Roman 12, Arial

10, or Verdana 12

- Headings should be written in bold

- Margins should be used

- No borders on resume

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- Do not write the word RESUME on top of the page

- Proper paper selection and printing

- Staple the resume diagonally at the top left corner

- If you are asked to provide a photo then paste the photo on the top right corner

WRITING AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER

Cover letter is simply a letter of introduction. Through a cover letter you are explaining who

you are, how far you are suitable for the job, why you are applying for a specific job. When

you are applying offline your cover letter should precede your resume. But when you are

applying online, it should be either part of your template, or keyed directly as a mail.

WHERE DO YOU STAND IN INTERVIEW PREPERATION

1) Structure and formality

2) Research and preparations

3) Purpose and passion

1) STRUCTURE AND FORMALITIES

- Greeting and introductions

- Etiquettes

- Timings

- Do’s and Don’ts

- Regular Questions

Greeting and Introductions

- You get only one chance to make a good first impression

- You should have good posture while you greet or introduce yourself

- Maintain eye contact

- Firm hand shake

- Have a brilliant smile

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- Dress appropriately

- Trimmed nails

- Neat hair

- Oral hygiene

- There should not be any body odor

- Remain poised and confident

Etiquettes

Entry:

Please ask permission before entering the room. Your mobile should be switched off

when you enter the room.

After entering, quietly close the door behind you. In a panel interview if there is a lady

greet her first and then the other members.

Greeting:

Wish each and everyone present in the room according to the time of the day. “Wish you all a

very good morning” or “Good morning Sir”

Handshake:

Handshake should be firm. A man should never initiate a handshake with a lady.

A handshake is always initiated by the higher authority

Seating:

Please sit only when you are asked for

After sitting, pull the chair quietly, without making any screeching noise.

Presenting the resume:

Resume should always be taken out of the folder, turned so that the contents face the

interviewer and it should be presented with both the hands

Resume should be in a crisp, A4 size sheet and should not be crumpled or torn from sides

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If presenting in person resume should be signed by the interviewee

Date should be the interview date

Eating and Drinking:

If offered any snacks or drinks, politely refuse

How would you answer with your mouth full? Don’t chew gum, tobacco, etc. while

inside the room

In the room, don’t fidget with any items on the table

Don’t wander too much around or out of the room

You should not have anything in your hand like pen, page etc

Don’t do anything that might distract the interviewer

During the conversation, address the interviewer by his/her name at least once

Don’t pass any personal comments such as remarks on the photographs, books, etc. of the

interviewer

General Tips for Men

For suit the sleeves should be 1.5 inches below the wrist, touching the base of the thumb

When you sit preferably unbutton the blazer

The shirt should be long sleeved, wear solid (plain) colors with proper fit

The tie should be 100% silk, solid in color, preferably stripes or small pattern. However

with a striped shirt wear a plain tie.

The collar button should always be closed while wearing a tie

Wear brown or black leather polished shoes. Sport shoes or casual shoes are not allowed

Socks should be calf length and the color should match the suit

Accessories like belt should match the color of the shoes

Avoid earrings, chains, bracelets or body piercing

Wedding ring is permissible

Avoid strong colognes

Sport neatly groomed hair, beard or moustache

Hair should not be longer than the shirt collar

Select neutral colors which are subdued and not very bright

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Do not smoke at least one hour prior to the interview

General Tips for Women

There are primarily two options- Indian and Western that goes in the Indian context. In today’s

professional and competitive environment, a proper dressing sense gives an insight of your

personality.

Traits like hygiene consciousness and grooming are well appreciated and advance your

candidature to a great extend

Here are some guidelines for dressing for a woman

Generally neutral colors like – beige, navy, brown, white, camel grey and black are worn

by office going women professionals

Even understated pastels are acceptable

Depending on your comfort and ability to carry yourself, you can decide between Indian

and western wear. However you must be careful in choosing what you want to wear.

If all your life, you have worn Indian dresses like sari and suits, it is better that you stick

to that. Under no circumstances you should think of wearing casuals like denims, cargos

or shorts etc.

If you choose to wear a sari, the blouse should have a classic look with no frills, laces or

low cut etc.

The length of the sari should be such that it covers the heels of the shoes

Suits and dupattas should not be heavily embroidered with gold or silver work

In western, if wearing a skirt, it should be bellow the knees

Keep the same parameters as discussed for deciding your shoes, accessories, jewellery,

perfumes and deodorants.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF AN INTERVIEW

DO’S OF AN INTERVIEW

Always reach early preferably 10 minutes before the allotted time

Come alone; don’t get a company along while coming for an interview

Eat a good meal before coming for an interview

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Look fresh; avoid looking too tired and dull

Have enough copies of the resume, and carry a pen and paper along

Greet the interviewer and thank him before sitting down

Pause and think before answering and import question

Avoid controversy

Answer in a moderate tone; don’t use a rude or a very loud tone

Do not interrupt to answer a question before it is finished

If needed, ask for clarifications

DON’TS OF AN INTERVIEW

Don’t smoke or chew pan before entering the venue. If you have smoked then use a mint

before entering.

Don’t let your breath betray what you ate

Don’t apologize for your lack of experience

Don’t ask about salary or days off

Don’t wear strong smelling perfume

Don’t discuss personal problems

Don’t criticize former teachers or employees

Don’t beg for a job or get emotional

Don’t look at your watch

Don’t act offended with any questions even if you are

Don’t hide facts

Don’t answer in long winded sentences or monosyllables

Don’t make any decision about the job during the interview

Don’t linger after the interview is over

Bid a courteous farewell after taking a re- contact date

INTERVIEW STRESS MANAGEMENT

There are some things that cause stress to the interviewee before or during the interview. It is

advisable to the interviewee to properly manage those stresses as it can hamper the way you

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present yourself at the interview. Stress management is a very important for an interviewee.

Some examples of stress which a interviewee comes across are as follows:

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Doubtful about reaching interview venue on time

Not equipped with necessary documents

Diffident about preparation for the interview

Unhappy about the dress chosen for the interview

Doubtful about the mode of transport

Nervous about the kind of questions that may be asked

Worried about being compared with other interviewees assembled

Anxious about not being called in at the specific time

INSIDE THE INTERVIEW ROOM

Your greeting or handshake is not reciprocated

There are far more members in the panel than you imagined

The serious looking panelist did not offer you the chair immediately

The distance between the interviewers and you is unusually long

The interview begins with the question you least expected

While you are answering the interviewers talk amongst themselves

Panelists shoot the next question even before you have finished answering the first

DURING THE INTERVIEW

The interviewer does not accept your answer and starts arguing or probing further

You expect to be interviewed for ten minutes but the interviewer ends the interview in

two minutes or vise – versa

You have prepared frequently asked questions, but other questions are shot at you

You are seated, but the interviewer takes ten minutes to start the interview

The interviewer asks a question and then gets busy on his mobile

He does not show any interest in the certificates he has asked for

The fan in the room makes a very loud noise and you find yourself shouting

The interviewer’s voice is so soft that it is not audible

While you are replying to his question the interviewer suddenly leaves the room

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You are asked to write something and you have either forgotten to get your pen or your

pen stops working

You are asked to make a presentation in half an hour

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Unsure of your performance

Peer group says that you haven’t given the right answer

Regret for under quoting your salary expectations

Regret for getting annoyed at the interviewer etc.

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS

1) Get an Agenda

Act preemptively – ask for an interview agenda in advance

Who will be in the interview?

What are their jobs?

Who will decide whether to hire you?

Who would you report to if you are hired?

Advantages

Helps you focus on the decision maker and who you would be reporting to

Suggestions

Pick one person, preferably the aforementioned and answer to him/her this relives the pressure of

standing in front of a big impersonal group

2) Control yourself

Pretend that you are in a meeting of your department and its your turn to talk about your

work

If they try to stress you down purposely, slow down and talk calmly and softly

Place one hand on top of the other, take a breath and focus on the question they are

asking you

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Forget about people in the room, remember that what matters is not the question, but the

quality of your answer

2) PURPOSE AND PASSION

Why to attend?

Am I really interested in the job?

Serious?

Attending on you own/ compulsion?

Put yourself in the right frame of mind before the interview

Be prepared show self confidence

Three best predictors of future performance are your past performance, your

passion and your preparation

3) RESEARCH AND PREPARATION

3 CETT

More about the company

Related CAN

Advanced questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN AN INTERVIEW

1. Tell me about yourself:

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in

your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless

instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to

the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the

present.

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2. Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management

and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one

looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a

chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field?

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific

experience, get as close as you can

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set

goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

5. What do co-workers say about you?

Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase

will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she

had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

6. What do you know about this organization?

This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find

out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the

major players?

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be

mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

8. Are you applying for other jobs?

Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can

do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

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9. Why do you want to work for this organization?

This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the

organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your

long-term career goals.

10. Do you know anyone who works for us?

Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer

even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are

well thought of.

11. What kind of salary do you need?

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not

answer it. Instead, say something like, that’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this

position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can

depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

12. Are you a team player?

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often

perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude.

Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or As

long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the

same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization

versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization.

Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

15. What is your philosophy towards work?

The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong

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feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here. Short and

positive, showing a benefit to the organization

16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not

say yes if you do not mean it.

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the

people or organization involved.

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as

they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

19. Why should we hire you?

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other

candidates to make a comparison.

20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made

Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered

successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

21. What irritates you about co-workers?

This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A

short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

22. What is your greatest strength?

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize,

Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on

projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

23. Tell me about your dream job.

Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it,

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you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be

dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job

where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can’t wait to get to work.

24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

25. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you

to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

26. What is more important to you: the money or the work?

Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

27. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team

player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver

28. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor

Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell

about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive

and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

29. What has disappointed you about a job?

Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You

were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more

responsibility.

30. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the

type of position applied for.

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