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8/3/2019 Sample Interview Questions With Suggested Ways of Answering
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Sample Interview Questions with Suggested Ways of AnsweringQ. Tell me about yourself.A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's
your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and
career related.Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, "I need moremoney." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move."
Q. What are your strengths?A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job.
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related.
Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness,offer a strength that compensates for it.
Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and
courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview.
Q. Why do you want to work for us?
A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as,"Because it's a great company." Say why you think it's a great company.
Q. Why should I hire you?A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past.
Include any compliments you've received from management.
Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.
Q. What makes you want to work hard?
A. Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play. But again, focus
more on achievement and the satisfaction you derive from it.Q. What type of work environment do you like best?
A. Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the labdoors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also
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enjoy working independently. If you're required to attend regular project planning and statusmeetings, then indicate that you're a strong team player and like being part of a team.
Q. Why do you want this job?
A. To help you answer this and related questions, study the job ad in advance. But a job ad alone maynot be enough, so it's okay to ask questions about the job while you're answering. Say whatattracts you to the job. Avoid the obvious and meaningless, such as, "I need a job."
Q. How do you handle pressure and stress?
A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and
the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degreevaries. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Danielsare not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turningstress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.
Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and the
pride you show for solving it.
Q. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now?
A. Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are
interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in how he, she or the company will benefit from you achieving your goals than what you'll get from it, but it goes hand in hand to alarge degree. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or
her job, but it's okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position.Q. What qualifies you for this job?
A. Tout your skills, experience, education and other qualifications, especially those that match the
job description well. Avoid just regurgitating your resume. Explain why.Q. Why did you choose your college major?
A. The interviewer is likely fishing to see if you are interested in your field of work or just doing a
job to get paid. Explain why you like it. Besides your personal interests, include some rock-solid business reasons that show you have vision and business sense.
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2008
C Interview Questions And AnswersV i s i t T e c h P r e p a r a t i o n . c o m f o r m o r e i n t e r v i e w q u e s t i o n s a n da n s w e r s
C Interview Questions and AnswersWhat is C language?
The C programming language is a standardized programming languagedeveloped in the early 1970s by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie for use on the UNIX operating system. It has since spread to many other operating systems, and is one of the most widely used programminglanguages. C is prized for its efficiency, and is the most popular programming language for writing system software, though it is also
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used for writing applications.printf() FunctionWhat is the output of printf("%d")?
1. When we write printf("%d",x); this means compiler will print thevalue of x. But as here, there is nothing after %d so compiler will showin output window garbage value.
2. When we use %d the compiler internally uses it to access theargument in the stack (argument stack). Ideally compiler determinesthe offset of the data variable depending on the format specificationstring. Now when we write printf("%d",a) then compiler first accessesthe top most element in the argument stack of the printf which is %dand depending on the format string it calculated to offset to the actualdata variable in the memory which is to be printed. Now when only %dwill be present in the printf then compiler will calculate the correctoffset (which will be the offset to access the integer variable) but asthe actual data object is to be printed is not present at that memorylocation so it will print what ever will be the contents of that memory
location.3. Some compilers check the format string and will generate an error without the proper number and type of arguments for things likeprintf(...) and scanf(...).Visit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 2malloc() Function- What is the difference between "calloc(...)" and"malloc(...)"?
1. calloc(...) allocates a block of memory for an array of elements of acertain size. By default the block is initialized to 0. The total number of memory allocated will be (number_of_elements * size).malloc(...) takes in only a single argument which is the memory
required in bytes. malloc(...) allocated bytes of memory and not blocksof memory like calloc(...).2. malloc(...) allocates memory blocks and returns a void pointer to theallocated space, or NULL if there is insufficient memory available.calloc(...) allocates an array in memory with elements initialized to 0and returns a pointer to the allocated space. calloc(...) calls malloc(...)in order to use the C++ _set_new_mode function to set the newhandler mode.printf() Function- What is the difference between "printf(...)" and"sprintf(...)"?
sprintf(...) writes data to the character array whereas printf(...) writes data to thestandard output device.
Compilation How to reduce a final size of executable?Size of the final executable can be reduced using dynamic linking for libraries.Linked Lists -- Can you tell me how to check whether a linked list is circular?
Create two pointers, and set both to the start of the list. Update eachas follows:while (pointer1) {pointer1 = pointer1->next;
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pointer2 = pointer2->next;if (pointer2) pointer2=pointer2->next;if (pointer1 == pointer2) {print ("circular");}}Visit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 3
If a list is circular, at some point pointer2 will wrap around and beeither at the item just before pointer1, or the item before that. Either way, its either 1 or 2 jumps until they meet."union" Data Type What is the output of the following program? Why?
#includemain() {typedef union {int a;char b[10];float c;}
Union;Union x,y = {100};x.a = 50;strcpy(x.b,"hello");x.c = 21.50;printf("Union x : %d %s %f n",x.a,x.b,x.c);printf("Union y : %d %s %f n",y.a,y.b,y.c);}What does static variable mean?
there are 3 main uses for the static.1. If you declare within a function:
It retains the value between function calls2.If it is declared for a function name:By default function is extern..so it will be visible from other files if thefunction declaration is as static..it is invisible for the outer files3. Static for global variables:By default we can use the global variables from outside files If it isstatic global..that variable is limited to with in the fileAdvantages of a macro over a function?
Macro gets to see the Compilation environment, so it can expand __ __TIME__ __FILE__ #defines. It is expanded by the preprocessor.Visit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 4
For example, you can¶t do this without macros#define PRINT(EXPR) printf( #EXPR ³=%d\n´, EXPR)PRINT( 5+6*7 ) // expands into printf(´5+6*7=%d´, 5+6*7 );You can define your mini language with macros:#define strequal(A,B) (!strcmp(A,B))Macros are a necessary evils of life. The purists don¶t like them, butwithout it no real work gets done.What are the differences between malloc() and calloc()?
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There are 2 differences.First, is in the number of arguments. malloc() takes a singleargument(memory required in bytes), while calloc() needs 2arguments(number of variables to allocate memory, size in bytes of asingle variable).
Secondly, malloc() does not initialize the memory allocated, whilecalloc() initializes the allocated memory to ZERO.What are the different storage classes in C?
C has three types of storage: automatic, static and allocated.Variable having block scope and without static specifier haveautomatic storage duration.Variables with block scope, and with static specifier have static scope.Global variables (i.e, file scope) with or without the static specifier alsohave static scope.Memory obtained from calls to malloc(), alloc() or realloc() belongs toallocated storage class.What is the difference between strings and character arrays?
A major difference is: string will have static storage duration, whereasas a character array will not, unless it is explicity specified by using thestatic keyword.
Actually, a string is a character array with following properties:Visit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 5
* the multibyte character sequence, to which we generally call string,is used to initialize an array of static storage duration. The size of thisarray is just sufficient to contain these characters plus the terminatingNUL character.* it not specified what happens if this array, i.e., string, is modified.* Two strings of same value[1] may share same memory area. For
example, in the following declarations:char *s1 = ³Calvin and Hobbes´;char *s2 = ³Calvin and Hobbes´;the strings pointed by s1 and s2 may reside in the same memorylocation. But, it is not true for the following:char ca1[] = ³Calvin and Hobbes´;char ca2[] = ³Calvin and Hobbes´;[1] The value of a string is the sequence of the values of the containedcharacters, in order.Difference between const char*p and char const* p
In const char* p, the character pointed by µp¶ is constant, so u cant
change the value of character pointed by p but u can make µp¶ refer tosome other location.in char const* p, the ptr µp¶ is constant not the character referenced byit, so u cant make µp¶ to reference to any other location but u canchange the value of the char pointed by µp¶.What is hashing?
To hash means to grind up, and that¶s essentially what hashing is allabout. The heart of a hashing algorithm is a hash function that takes
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your nice, neat data and grinds it into some random-looking integer.The idea behind hashing is that some data either has no inherentordering (such as images) or is expensive to compare (such asimages). If the data has no inherent ordering, you can¶t performcomparison searches.
If the data is expensive to compare, the number of comparisons usedVisit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 6
even by a binary search might be too many. So instead of looking atthe data themselves, you¶ll condense (hash) the data to an integer (itshash value) and keep all the data with the same hash value in thesame place. This task is carried out by using the hash value as anindex into an array.To search for an item, you simply hash it and look at all the data whosehash values match that of the data you¶re looking for. This techniquegreatly lessens the number of items you have to look at. If theparameters are set up with care and enough storage is available for the hash table, the number of comparisons needed to find an item canbe made arbitrarily close to one.One aspect that affects the efficiency of a hashing implementation isthe hash function itself. It should ideally distribute data randomlythroughout the entire hash table, to reduce the likelihood of collisions.Collisions occur when two different keys have the same hash value.There are two ways to resolve this problem. In open addressing, thecollision is resolved by the choosing of another position in the hashtable for the element inserted later. When the hash table is searched, if the entry is not found at its hashed position in the table, the searchcontinues checking until either the element is found or an emptyposition in the table is found.The second method of resolving a hash collision is called chaining. Inthis method, a bucket or linked list holds all the elements whose keyshash to the same value. When the hash table is searched, the list mustbe searched linearly.How can you determine the size of an allocatedportion of memory?
You can¶t, really. free() can , but there¶s no way for your program toknow the trick free() uses. Even if you disassemble the library anddiscover the trick, there¶s no guarantee the trick won¶t change with thenext release of the compiler.Can static variables be declared in a header file?
You can¶t declare a static variable without defining it as well (this is
because the storage class modifiers static and extern are mutuallyexclusive). A static variable can be defined in a header file, but thiswould cause each source file that included the header file to have itsVisit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 7
own private copy of the variable, which is probably not what wasintended.Can a variable be both const and volatile?
Yes. The const modifier means that this code cannot change the value
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of the variable, but that does not mean that the value cannot bechanged by means outside this code. For instance, in the example inFAQ 8, the timer structure was accessed through a volatile constpointer. The function itself did not change the value of the timer, so itwas declared const. However, the value was changed by hardware on
the computer, so it was declared volatile. If a variable is both const andvolatile, the two modifiers can appear in either order.Can include files be nested?
Yes. Include files can be nested any number of times. As long as youuse precautionary measures , you can avoid including the same filetwice. In the past, nesting header files was seen as bad programmingpractice, because it complicates the dependency tracking function of the MAKE program and thus slows down compilation. Many of today¶spopular compilers make up for this difficulty by implementing aconcept called precompiled headers, in which all headers andassociated dependencies are stored in a precompiled state.Many programmers like to create a custom header file that has#include statements for every header needed for each module. This isperfectly acceptable and can help avoid potential problems relating to#include files, such as accidentally omitting an #include file in amodule.When does the compiler not implicitly generate the address of the firstelement of an array?
Whenever an array name appears in an expression such as- array as an operand of the sizeof operator - array as an operand of & operator - array as a string literal initializer for a character arrayThen the compiler does not implicitly generate the address of the
address of the first element of an array.What is a null pointer?Visit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 8
There are times when it¶s necessary to have a pointer that doesn¶tpoint to anything. The macro NULL, defined in , has a value that¶sguaranteed to be different from any valid pointer. NULL is a literal zero,possibly cast to void* or char*. Some people, notably C++programmers, prefer to use 0 rather than NULL.The null pointer is used in three ways:1) To stop indirection in a recursive data structure2) As an error value
3) As a sentinel valueWhat is the difference between text and binary modes?
Streams can be classified into two types: text streams and binarystreams. Text streams are interpreted, with a maximum length of 255characters. With text streams, carriage return/line feed combinationsare translated to the newline n character and vice versa. Binarystreams are uninterrupted and are treated one byte at a time with notranslation of characters. Typically, a text stream would be used for
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reading and writing standard text files, printing output to the screen or printer, or receiving input from the keyboard.
A binary text stream would typically be used for reading and writingbinary files such as graphics or word processing documents, readingmouse input, or reading and writing to the modem.What is static memory allocation and dynamic memory allocation?
Static memory allocation: The compiler allocates the required memoryspace for a declared variable.By using the address of operator,thereserved address is obtained and this address may be assigned to apointer variable.Since most of the declared variable have staticmemory,this way of assigning pointer value to a pointer variable isknown as static memory allocation. memory is assigned duringcompilation time.Dynamic memory allocation: It uses functions such as malloc( ) or calloc( ) to get memory dynamically.If these functions are used to getmemory dynamically and the values returned by these functions areassingned to pointer variables, such assignments are known asdynamic memory allocation.memory is assined during run time.When should a far pointer be used?
Sometimes you can get away with using a small memory model inmost of a given program. There might be just a few things that don¶t fitin your small data and code segments. When that happens, you canVisit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 9
use explicit far pointers and function declarations to get at the rest of memory. A far function can be outside the 64KB segment mostfunctions are shoehorned into for a small-code model. (Often, librariesare declared explicitly far, so they¶ll work no matter what code modelthe program uses.) A far pointer can refer to information outside the
64KB data segment. Typically, such pointers are used with farmalloc()and such, to manage a heap separate from where all the rest of thedata lives. If you use a small-data, large-code model, you shouldexplicitly make your function pointers far.How are pointer variables initialized?
Pointer variable are initialized by one of the following two ways- Static memory allocation- Dynamic memory allocationDifference between arrays andpointers?
- Pointers are used to manipulate data using the address. Pointers use* operator to access the data pointed to by them
- Arrays use subscripted variables to access and manipulate data. Array variables can be equivalently written using pointer expression.Is using exit() the same as using return?
No. The exit() function is used to exit your program and return controlto the operating system. The return statement is used to return from afunction and return control to the calling function. If you issue a returnfrom the main() function, you are essentially returning control to thecalling function, which is the operating system. In this case, the return
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statement and exit() function are similar.What is a method?
Method is a way of doing something, especially a systematic way;implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps).What is indirection?
If you declare a variable, its name is a direct reference to its value. If
you have a pointer to a variable, or any other object in memory, youhave an indirect reference to its value.Visit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 10What is modular programming?
If a program is large, it is subdivided into a number of smaller programs that are called modules or subprograms. If a complexproblem is solved using more modules, this approach is known asmodular programming.How many levels deep can include files be nested?
Even though there is no limit to the number of levels of nested includefiles you can have, your compiler might run out of stack space while
trying to include an inordinately high number of files. This number varies according to your hardware configuration and possibly your compiler.What is the difference between declaring a variable and defining a variable?
Declaring a variable means describing its type to the compiler but notallocating any space for it. Defining a variable means declaring it andalso allocating space to hold the variable. You can also initialize avariable at the time it is defined.What is an lvalue?
An lvalue is an expression to which a value can be assigned. The lvalueexpression is located on the left side of an assignment statement,whereas an rvalue is located on the right side of an assignmentstatement. Each assignment statement must have an lvalue and anrvalue. The lvalue expression must reference a storable variable inmemory. It cannot be a constant.Differentiate between an internal static and external static variable?
An internal static variable is declared inside a block with static storageclass whereas an external static variable is declared outside all theblocks in a file.An internal static variable has persistent storage,blockscope and no linkage.An external static variable has permanentstorage,file scope and internal linkage.Visit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 11What is the difference between a string and an array?
An array is an array of anything. A string is a specific kind of an arraywith a well-known convention to determine its length.There are two kinds of programming languages: those in which a stringis just an array of characters, and those in which it¶s a special type. InC, a string is just an array of characters (type char), with one wrinkle: aC string always ends with a NUL character.The ³value´ of an array is the same as the address of (or a pointer to)the first element; so, frequently, a C string and a pointer to char are
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used to mean the same thing. An array can be any length. If it¶s passed to a function, there¶s no waythe function can tell how long the array is supposed to be, unless someconvention is used. The convention for strings is NUL termination; thelast character is an ASCII NUL (µ¶) character.What is an argument? Differentiate between formal arguments and actualarguments?
An argument is an entity used to pass the data from calling function tothe called function. Formal arguments are the arguments available inthe function definition. They are preceded by their own data types.
Actual arguments are available in the function call.What are advantages and disadvantages of external storage class?
Advantages of external storage class1)Persistent storage of a variable retains the latest value2)The value is globally availableDisadvantages of external storage class1)The storage for an external variable exists even when the variable is
not needed2)The side effect may produce surprising output3)Modification of the program is difficult4)Generality of a program is affectedWhat is a void pointer?
A void pointer is a C convention for a raw address. The compiler has noVisit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 12
idea what type of object a void Pointer really points to. If you writeint *ip;ip points to an int. If you writevoid *p;
p doesn¶t point to a void!In C and C++, any time you need a void pointer, you can use another pointer type. For example, if you have a char*, you can pass it to afunction that expects a void*. You don¶t even need to cast it. In C (butnot in C++), you can use a void* any time you need any kind of pointer, without casting. (In C++, you need to cast it).
A void pointer is used for working with raw memory or for passing apointer to an unspecified type.Some C code operates on raw memory. When C was first invented,character pointers (char *) were used for that. Then people startedgetting confused about when a character pointer was a string, when it
was a character array, and when it was raw memory.When should a type cast not be used?
A type cast should not be used to override a const or volatiledeclaration. Overriding these type modifiers can cause the program tofail to run correctly.
A type cast should not be used to turn a pointer to one type of structure or data type into another. In the rare events in which thisaction is beneficial, using a union to hold the values makes the
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programmer¶s intentions clearer.When is a switch statement better than multiple if statements?
A switch statement is generally best to use when you have more thantwo conditional expressions based on a single variable of numeric type.What is a static function?
A static function is a function whose scope is limited to the currentVisit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 13
source file. Scope refers to the visibility of a function or variable. If thefunction or variable is visible outside of the current source file, it is saidto have global, or external, scope. If the function or variable is notvisible outside of the current source file, it is said to have local, or static, scope.What is a pointer variable?
A pointer variable is a variable that may contain the address of another variable or any valid address in the memory.What is a pointer value and address?
A pointer value is a data object that refers to a memory location. Each
memory location is numbered in the memory. The number attached toa memory location is called the address of the location.What is a modulus operator? What are the restrictions of a modulusoperator?
A Modulus operator gives the remainder value. The result of x%y isobtained by (x-(x/y)*y). This operator is applied only to integraloperands and cannot be applied to float or double.Differentiate between a linker and linkage?
A linker converts an object code into an executable code by linkingtogether the necessary build in functions. The form and place of declaration where the variable is declared in a program determine thelinkage of variable.
What is a function and built-in function? A large program is subdivided into a number of smaller programs or subprograms. Each subprogram specifies one or more actions to beperformed for a large program. such subprograms are functions.The function supports only static and extern storage classes. Bydefault, function assumes extern storage class. functions have globalscope. Only register or auto storage class is allowed in the functionVisit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 14
parameters. Built-in functions that predefined and supplied along withthe compiler are known as built-in functions. They are also known aslibrary functions.
Why should I prototype a function? A function prototype tells the compiler what kind of arguments afunction is looking to receive and what kind of return value a functionis going to give back. This approach helps the compiler ensure thatcalls to a function are made correctly and that no erroneous typeconversions are taking place.What is Polymor phism ?
'Polymorphism' is an object oriented term. Polymorphism may be
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defined as the ability of related objects to respond to the samemessage with different, but appropriate actions. In other words,polymorphism means taking more than one form. Polymorphism leadsto two important aspects in Object Oriented terminology - FunctionOverloading and Function Overriding. Overloading is the practice of
supplying more than one definition for a given function name in thesame scope. The compiler is left to pick the appropriate version of thefunction or operator based on the arguments with which it is called.Overriding refers to the modifications made in the sub class to theinherited methods from the base class to change their behavior.What is Operator overloading ?
When an operator is overloaded, it takes on an additional meaningrelative to a certain class. But it can still retain all of its old meanings.Examples:1) The operators >> and << may be used for I/O operations becausein the header, they are overloaded.2) In a stack class it is possible to overload the + operator so that itappends the contents of one stack to the contents of another. But the+ operator still retains its original meaning relative to other types of data.What is the difference between goto and longjmp() and setjmp()?
A goto statement implements a local jump of program execution, andthe longjmp() and setjmp() functions implement a nonlocal, or far,Visit http://TechPreparation.comfor more Interview Questions with Answers Page 15
jump of program execution.Generally, a jump in execution of any kind should be avoided becauseit is not considered good programming practice to use such statementsas goto and longjmp in your program.
A goto statement simply bypasses code in your program and jumps toa predefined position. To use the goto statement, you give it a labeledposition to jump to. This predefined position must be within the samefunction. You cannot implement gotos between functions.When your program calls setjmp(), the current state of your program issaved in a structure of type jmp_buf. Later, your program can call thelongjmp() function to restore the program¶s state as it was when youcalled setjmp().Unlike the goto statement, the longjmp() and setjmp()functions do not need to be implemented in the same function.However, there is a major drawback to using these functions: your program, when restored to its previously saved state, will lose its
references to any dynamically allocated memory between thelongjmp() and the setjmp(). This means you will waste memory for every malloc() or calloc() you have implemented between your longjmp() and setjmp(), and your program will be horribly inefficient.It is highly recommended that you avoid using functions such aslongjmp() and setjmp() because they, like the goto statement, arequite often an indication of poor programming practice.
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2007
HR Interview QuestionsAnd AnswersV I S I T T E C H P R E P A R A T I O N . C O M F O R M O R E I N T E R V I E W Q U E S T I O N S A N D A N S W E R S
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HR Interview Questions and AnswersTell me about yourself?Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Remember that the
key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is
looking for. In other words you must sell what the buyer is buying. This is the single most
important strategy in job hunting.So, before you answer this or any question it's imperative that you try to uncover your
interviewer's greatest need, want, problem or goal.
To do so, make you take these two steps:
Do all the homework you can before the hr interview to uncover this person's wants and needs
(not the generalized needs of the industry or company)
As early as you can in the interview, ask for a more complete description of what the position
entails. You might say: I have a number of accomplishments I'd like to tell you about, but I want
to make the best use of our time together and talk directly to your needs. To help me do, that,
could you tell me more about the most important priorities of this position? All I know is what I
(heard from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, etc
Then, ALWAYS follow-up with a second and possibly, third question, to draw out his needs even
more. Surprisingly, it's usually this second or third question that unearths what the intervieweris most looking for.
You might ask simply, "And in addition to that?..." or, "Is there anything else you see as essential
to success in this position?:
This process will not feel easy or natural at first, because it is easier simply to answer questions,
but only if you uncover the employer's wants and needs will your answers make the most sense.
Practice asking these key questions before giving your answers, the process will feel more
natural and you will be light years ahead of the other job candidates you're competing with.
After uncovering what the employer is looking for, describe why the needs of this job bear
striking parallels to tasks you've succeeded at before. Be sure to illustrate with specific examples
of your responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are geared to present
yourself as a perfect match for the needs he has just described.What are your greatest strengths?Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 3
You know that your key strategy is to first uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and needs
before you answer questions. And from Question 1, you know how to do this.
Prior to any interview, you should have a list mentally prepared of your greatest strengths. You
should also have, a specific example or two, which illustrates each strength, an example chosen
from your most recent and most impressive achievements.
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You should, have this list of your greatest strengths and corresponding examples from your
achievements so well committed to memory that you can recite them cold after being shaken
awake at 2:30AM.
Then, once you uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and needs, you can choose those
achievements from your list that best match up.
As a general guideline, the 10 most desirable traits that all employers love to see in their
employees are:
A proven track record as an achiever...especially if your achievements match up with the
employer's greatest wants and needs.
Intelligence...management "savvy".
Honesty...integrity...a decent human being.
Good fit with corporate culture...someone to feel comfortable with...a team player who meshes
well with interviewer's team.
Likeability...positive attitude...sense of humor.
Good communication skills.
Dedication...willingness to walk the extra mile to achieve excellence.
Definiteness of purpose...clear goals.
Enthusiasm...high level of motivation.Confident...healthy...a leader.
What are your greatest weaknesses?Disguise 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.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 4
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. I know that when I hire people, I look for two things most of all. Do
they have the qualifications to do the job well, and the motivation to do it well? 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.
Alternate strategy (if you don't yet know enough about the position to talk about such a perfect
fit):
Instead of confessing a weakness, describe what you like most and like least, making sure that
what you like most matches up with the most important qualification for success in the position,
and what you like least is not essential.
Example: Let's say you're applying for a teaching position. If given a choice, I like to spend as
much time as possible in front of my prospects selling, as opposed to shuffling paperwork back
at the office. Of course, I long ago learned the importance of filing paperwork properly, and I do
it conscientiously. But what I really love to do is sell (if your interviewer were a sales manager,
this should be music to his ears.)
Tell me about something you did or failed to do that you now feel a little ashamed of ?As
with faults and weaknesses, never confess a regret. But dont seem as if youre stonewalling
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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 to hr, You
know, I really cant think of anything. (Pause again, then add): I would add that as a general
management principle, Ive 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 days events and conversations to take a second look at the people
and developments Im involved with and do a double check of what theyre likely to be feeling.
Sometimes Ill see things that do need more follow-up, whether a pat on the back, or maybe a
five minute chat in someones office to make sure were clear on thingswhatever.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 5
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. Ive found that if you let each team member know you expect excellence
in their performanceif you work hard to set an example yourselfand if you let people know
you appreciate and respect their feelings, you wind up with a highly motivated group, a team
thats having fun at work because theyre striving for excellence rather than brooding over
slights or regrets.Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position ?(If you have a job presently tell the hr)
If youre not yet 100% committed to leaving your present post, dont be afraid to say so. Since
you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. But dont be coy
either. State honestly what youd 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 tell the hr.)
Never lie about having been fired. Its 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 companys 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 youve prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: more money, opportunity,
responsibility or growth.
The "Silent Treatment"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,Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 6
with sincere politeness and not a trace of sarcasm, Is there anything else I can fill in on that
point? Thats all there is to it.
Whatever you do, dont let the Silent Treatment intimidate you into talking a blue streak,
because you could easily talk yourself out of the position.
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Why should I hire you?By now you can see how critical it is to apply the overall strategy of uncovering the employers
needs before you answer questions. If you know the employers 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 toreasons 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 positions 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 youve said you need
someone with a strong background in trade book sales. This is where Ive spent almost all of my
career, so Ive 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. Im
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, Ive increased our mail order book sales from $600,000 to
$2,800,000, and now were the countrys second leading marketer of scientific and medical
books by mail. Etc., etc., etc.,
Every one of these selling couplets (his need matched by your qualifications) is a touchdown
that runs up your score. IT is your best opportunity to outsell your competition.
Arent you overqualified for this position?As with any objection, dont view this as a sign of imminent defeat. Its an invitation to teach the
interviewer a new way to think about this situation, seeing advantages instead of drawbacks.
Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 7Example: I recognize the job market for what it is a marketplace. Like any marketplace, its
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, its 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 whod have to be brought along more slowly.
Theres also the value of all the training and years of experience that other companies have
invested tens of thousands of dollars to give me. Youd 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, hed
have to gain it on your nickel.
I could also help you in many things they dont 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, theres 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. Ill be
happy doing this work and thats what matters most to me, a lot more that money or title.
Most important, Im looking to make a long term commitment in my career now. Ive had
enough of job-hunting and want a permanent spot at this point in my career. I also know that if I
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perform this job with excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for me right here.
In time, Ill 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 youre looking to stay
for the long-term will help you overcome this objection.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?Reassure your interviewer that youre looking to make a long-term commitmentthat this
position entails exactly what youre 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 youve told me about this position, its exactly what Im looking for and what IVisit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 8
am very well qualified to do. In terms of my future career path, Im confident that if I do my
work with excellence, opportunities will inevitable open up for me. Its always been that way in
my career, and Im confident Ill have similar opportunities here.Describe your ideal company, location and job.
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 youre coming from a company thats 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 youre coming from, worried that you may consider them bush
league.
This anxiety could well be there even though youve done nothing to inspire it. You must go out
of your way to assuage such anxiety, even if its not expressed, by putting their virtues high onthe list of exactly what youre 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
wouldnt be happy at an unknown manufacturer based in Topeka, Kansas.
Why do you want to work at our company?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.
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.
What are your career options right now?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 youre
greatly appreciated there, youre looking for something more (challenge, money, responsibility,
etc.). Also mention that youre seriously exploring opportunities with one or two other firms.
If youre not working, you can talk about other employment possibilities youre actually
exploring. But do this with a light touch, speaking only in general terms. You dont want to seem
manipulative or coy.
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Why have you been out of work so long ?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, Ive 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 Id like to do itand
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, Im 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.
Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company,
management team, etc.)Remember the rule: Never be negative. Stress only the good points, no matter how charmingly
youre invited to be critical.Your interviewer doesnt care a whit about your previous boss. He wants to find out how loyal
and positive you are, and whether youll 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.
What good books have you read lately?Unless youre up for a position in academia or as book critic for The New York Times, youre not
expected to be a literary lion. But it wouldnt 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 fictionby a world-class author and youll pass this question with flying colors.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 10
Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized?Begin by emphasizing the extremely positive feedback youve gotten throughout your career
and (if its 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 youve learned from this, too, and
over the past several years/months, its no longer an area of concern because you now make it a
regular practice toetc.
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 youve been meaning to sit down and learn a new management technique youve
read aboutor 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
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adds yet another dimension to your already impressive knowledge base.
What are your outside interests ?Try to gauge how this companys 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 youre
over 50, for example, describe your activities that demonstrate physical stamina. If youre
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.
The Fatal Flaw questionVisit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 11
As every master salesperson knows, you will encounter objections (whether stated or merely
thought) in every sale. Theyre part and parcel of the buyers anxiety. The key is not to
exacerbate the buyers anxiety but diminish it. Heres how
Whenever you come up against a fatal flaw question:
Be completely honest, open and straightforward about admitting the shortcoming. (Showing
you have nothing to hide diminishes the buyers anxiety.)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.
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 youve 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 backgroundand achievements match up with those needs, youre going to have one very enthusiastic
interviewer on your hands, one who is no longer looking for fatal flaws.
How do you feel about reporting to a younger person (minority, woman, etc)?You greatly admire a company that hires and promotes on merit alone and you couldnt 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. Thats the best type of work environment
you can hope to find.
On confidential mattersYour interviewer may press you for this information for two reasons.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 12
First, many companies use interviews to research the competition. Its a perfect set-up. Here in
their own lair, is an insider from the enemy camp who can reveal prized information on the
competitions 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.
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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 dont 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 doesnt get it, he grows visibly annoyed, relentlessly inquisitive, Its all an act. He couldnt
care less about the information. This is his way of testing the candidates moral fiber. Only those
who hold fast are hired.What would you say to your boss if hes crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks ?Remember the rule stated earlier: In any conflict between values, always choose integrity.
Example: I believe that when evaluating anything, its 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 cant count on me for that,
then everything else I may do or say could be questionable in his eyes.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 13
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 iteffectively overcomes any initial reservation I or others may have about it.
Of course, if he overrules me and says, no, lets do it my way, then I owe him my full and
enthusiastic support to make it work as best it can.
How could you have improved your career progress?Youre 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
industryor 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 youve gotten there,
where you are goingand you harbor no regrets.
What would you do if a fellow executive on your own corporate level wasnt pulling
his/her weightand this was hurting your department?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 dont.
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POSSIBLE FOLLOW-UP QUESTION
And what would you do if he still did not change his ways?ANSWER: One thing I wouldnt 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.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 14
I might add that Ive never yet come across a situation that couldnt be resolved by harnessing
others in a determined, constructive effort.
Youve been with your firm a long time. Wont it be hard switching to a new
company?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 youve held, the wide array of new situations youve faced and
conquered.
As a result, youve 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.
May I contact your present employer for a reference?Express your concern that youd 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; Id
prefer to keep it that way. Id 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. Im very proud of my record there.
Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skillmanaging ability, etc.)Remember from Question 2 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, its 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 years
trade show could be used as an example of creativity, or analytical ability, or your ability to
manage.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 15
Where could you use some improvement?Keep this answer, like all your answers, positive. A good way to answer this question is to
identify a cutting-edge branch of your profession (one thats not essential to your employers
needs) as an area youre very excited about and want to explore more fully over the next sixmonths.
What do you worry about?Redefine the word worry so that it does not reflect negatively on you.
Example: I wouldnt 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. Thats part of my tenacity, I suppose.
Im concerned that you dont have as much experience as wed like in...
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This question is related to The Fatal Flaw , 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
companys 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 employers 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 shouldAgree on the importance of this qualification.
Explain that your strength may be indeed be greater than your resume indicates because
When this strength is added to your other strengths, its really your combination of
qualifications thats most important.
Then review the areas of your greatest strengths that match up most favorably with the
companys most urgently-felt wants and needs.
Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 16This is powerful way to handle this question for two reasons. First, youre giving your
interviewer more ammunition in the area of his concern. But more importantly, youre 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.
How do you feel about working nights and weekends?First, if youre 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, theyre 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: Whats 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-performerswho-
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 Ive built my whole career on working not just hard, but smart. I think
youll 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. Youd be
getting a person of exceptional productivity who meets your needs with strong credentials. And
Id 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.
Are you willing to relocate or travel?First find out where you may have to relocate and how much travel may be involved. Then
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respond to the question.
If theres no problem, say so enthusiastically.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 17
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 its 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 youre a little more desperate three months from now, you might wish you
hadnt slammed the door on relocating or traveling.
The second way to handle this question is to voice a reservation, but assert that youd 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.
Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had experience firing manypeople?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,
Ive found you dont have to fire very often.
So with me, firing is a last resort. But when its got to be done, its 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 theres no other way, Ive found its better for
all concerned to act decisively in getting rid of offenders who wont change their ways.
Why have you had so many jobs?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:Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 18
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
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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, youre certainly much more interested in the best long-term opportunity.
You might also cite the job where you stayed the longest and describe that this type of situation
is what youre looking for now.
What do you see as the proper role/mission ofa good (job title youre seeking);
a good manager;
an executive in serving the community;
a leading company in our industry; etc.
Think of the most essential ingredients of success for each category above your job title, your
role as manager, your firms role, etc.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 19
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 youve already drawn out about the greatest wants andneeds of the interviewer, and the more homework youve done to identify the culture of the
firm, the more on-target your answer will be.
Would you lie for the company ?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.
Looking back, what would you do differently in your life ?Indicate that you are a happy, fulfilled, optimistic person and that, in general, you wouldnt
change a thing.Example: Its 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 wouldnt change a thing.
Could you have done better in your last job ?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 cant think of anything of major consequence.
(If more explanation seems necessary)
Describer a situation that didnt 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 couldVisit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 20
have known at the start what we later found out (about the economy turning, the marketplace
changing, etc.), but since we couldnt, we just had to go for it. And we did learn from it
Can you work under pressure ?Absolutely(then prove it with a vivid example or two of a goal or project accomplished under
severe pressure.)
What makes you angry ?
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Give an answer thats suited to both your personality and the management style of the firm.
Here, the homework youve 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:
Im 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 whats expected, getting peoples 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 isnt getting the job done, Ill want to know why. If
theres no good reason, then Ill get impatient and angryand 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 dont pull their own weight, who are negative,
people who lieetc.
Why arent you earning more money at this stage of your career ?You like to make money, but other factors are even more important.
Example: Making money is very important to me, and one reason Im here is because Im
looking to make more. Throughout my career, whats been even more important to me is doing
work I really like to do at the kind of company I like and respect.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 21
(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.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?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 yourachievements. As always, prepare an answer which highlights qualities that would be highly
valuable in the position you are seeking.
What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was difficultthe process you
followed in reaching itthe courageous or effective way you carried it outand the beneficial
results.
Tell me about the most boring job youve ever had.
You have never allowed yourself to grow bored with a job and you cant understand it when
others let themselves fall into that rut.
Example: Perhaps Ive been fortunate, but that Ive never found myself bored with any job I
have ever held. Ive 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 youre bored, its probably
because youre not challenging yourself to tackle those problems right under your nose.
Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?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 executivewhy
its up to you to set an example of dedicationand why theres just no substitute for being there
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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 its cause has been corrected.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 22
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.).
What changes would you make if you came on board?You, of course, will want to take a good hard look at everything the company is doing before
making any recommendations.
Example: Well, I wouldnt be a very good doctor if I gave my diagnosis before the examination.
Should you hire me, as I hope you will, Id want to take a good hard look at everything youre
doing and understand why its being done that way. Id like to have in-depth meetings with you
and the other key people to get a deeper grasp of what you feel youre doing right and what
could be improved.From what youve 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).
How many hours a week do you normally work?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, its hard to keep track of the hours because your work is a labor of
love, you enjoy nothing more than solving problems. So youre almost always thinking about
your work, including times when youre home, while shaving in the morning, while commuting,etc.
Whats the most difficult part of being a (job title)?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 resultsand be specific about those results.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 23
Example: I think every sales manager finds it challenging to motivate the troops in a recession.
But thats 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, heres the plan I put into action immediately (followed by a
description of each step in the processand most importantly, the exceptional results youve
achieved.).
The Hypothetical Problem
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 youll never go wrong.
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What was the toughest challenge youve ever faced?This is an easy question if youre prepared. Have a recent example ready that demonstrates
either:
A quality most important to the job at hand; or
A quality that is always in demand, such as leadership, initiative, managerial skill,
persuasiveness, courage, persistence, intelligence, etc.
Have you consider starting your own business?Again its best to:
Gauge this companys corporate culture before answering and
Be honest (which doesnt mean you have to vividly share your fantasy of the franchise or bedand-
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 youd 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. Thats where I
have excelled and where I want to be.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 24
If the corporate culture is closer to the free-wheeling, everybodys-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 shapecombined 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 cocoonor 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
youve uncovered about the position, the more believable you can make your case.
What are your goals?
Many executives in a position to hire you are strong believers in goal-setting. (Its one of thereason theyve achieved so much). They like to hire in kind.
If youre 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 youre allotting for accomplishment, why the goal is important to you,
and the specific steps youre 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.
What do you for when you hire people?Speak your own thoughts here, but for the best answer weave them around the three most
important qualifications for any position.
Can the person do the work (qualifications)?
Will the person do the work (motivation)?Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 25
Will the person fit in (our kind of team player)?
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Sell me this stapler(this pencilthis clockor some other object on interviewers
desk).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. Heres how:Well, a good salesman must know both his product and his prospect before he sells anything. If
I were selling this, Id 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 didnt 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 youve asked these questions, make your presentation citing all the features and benefits
of this stapler and why its exactly what the interviewer just told you hes looking for.
Then close with, Just out of curiosity, what would you consider a reasonable price for a qualitystapler like thisa stapler you could have right now and would (then repeat all the problems the
stapler would solve for him)?Whatever he says, (unless its zero), say, Okay, weve got a deal.
NOTE: If your interviewer tests you by fighting every step of the way, denying that he even
wants such an item, dont fight him. Take the product away from him by saying, Mr. Prospect,
Im delighted youve told me right upfront that theres no way youd 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 everyones time if we try to
force it on those who dont. And I certainly wouldnt want to waste your time. But we sell many
items. Is there any product on this desk you would very much like to ownjust one item?When
he points something out, repeat the process above. If he knows anything about selling, he may
give you a standing ovation.The Salary Question How much money do you want ?For maximum salary negotiating power, remember these five guidelinesVisit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 26
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.
If your interviewer raises the salary question too early, before youve 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 Id rather do, if you dont mind, is explore if Im right for the position, and then talk about
money. Would that be okay?
The #1 rule of any negotiation is: the side with more information wins. After youve done a
thorough job of selling the interviewer and its time to talk salary, the secret is to get the
employer talking about what hes willing to pay before you reveal what youre willing to accept.
So, when asked about salary, respond by asking, Im 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 youll be fair with me. What does the
position pay? Or, more simply, What does this position pay?
Know beforehand what youd accept. To know whats reasonable, research the job market and
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this position for any relevant salary information. Remember that most executives look for a 20-
25%$ pay boost when they switch jobs. If youre grossly underpaid, you may want more.
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.
The Illegal QuestionIllegal questions include any regarding your agenumber and ages of your children or other
dependentsmarital statusmaiden namereligionpolitical affiliationancestrynational
originbirthplacenaturalization of your parents, spouse or
childrendiseasesdisabilitiesclubsor spouses occupationunless any of the above are
directly related to your performance of the job. You cant even be asked about arrests, though
you can be asked about convictions.
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
doesnt interview much and forgets he cant 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.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 27
Second, you could swallow your concerns over privacy and answer the question straightforwardly 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 dont 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 theres a concern that your age my affect your
performance. Follow this up by reassuring the interviewer that theres nothing in this job you
cant 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 neednt fear youve 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 wont 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.
The Secret Illegal QuestionMuch more frequent than the Illegal question is the secret illegal question. Its secret because
its asked only in the interviewers mind. Since its not even expressed to you, you have no way
to respond to it, and it can there be most damaging.
Example: Youre 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 theyre illegal. So what can you do?
ANSWER: Remember that just because the interviewer doesnt ask an illegal question doesnt
mean he doesnt 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 cant respond to an illegal question if he hasnt even asked. This may
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well offend him. And theres always the chance he wasnt even concerned about the issue until
you brought it up, and only then begins to wonder.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 28
So you cant address secret illegal questions head-on. But what you can do is make sure
theres enough counterbalancing information to more than reassure him that theres no
problem in the area he may be doubtful about.
For example, lets say youre 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 youre 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 youre 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.
What was the toughest part of your last job?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 areunimportant to the position at hand.
How do you define successand how do you measure up to your own definition?Give a well-accepted definition of success that leads right into your own stellar collection of
achievements.
Example: The best definition Ive come across is that success is the progressive realization of a
worthy goal.
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.)
The Opinion Question What do you think about AbortionThe PresidentThe Death
Penalty(or any other controversial subject)?In all of these instances, just remember the tale about student and the wise old rabbi. The scene
is a seminary, where an overly serious student is pressing the rabbi to answer the ultimate
questions of suffering, life and death. But no matter how hard he presses, the wise old rabbi will
only answer each difficult question with a question of his own.Visit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 29
In exasperation, the seminary student demands, Why, rabbi, do you always answer a question
with another question? To which the rabbi responds, And why not?
If you are ever uncomfortable with any question, asking a question in return is the greatest
escape hatch ever invented. It throws the onus back on the other person, sidetracks the
discussion from going into an area of risk to you, and gives you time to think of your answer or,
even better, your next question!
In response to any of the opinion questions cited above, merely responding, Why do youask? will usually be enough to dissipate any pressure to give your opinion. But if your
interviewer again presses you for an opinion, you can ask another question.
Or you could assert a generality that almost everyone would agree with. For example, if your
interviewer is complaining about politicians then suddenly turns to you and asks if youre a
Republican or Democrat, you could respond by saying, Actually, Im finding it hard to find any
politicians I like these days.
(Of course, your best question of all may be whether you want to work for someone
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opinionated.)
If you won $10 million lottery, would you still work?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 thats not true.
I love the work I do, and I think Id 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 cant count on winning, Id just as soon create my own destiny by sticking
with whats 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.
Looking back on your last position, have you done your best work?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 hisVisit http://TechPreparation.com formore Interview Questions with Answers Page 30
game, you are just hitting your career stride thanks to several factors. Then, recap those factors,highlighting your strongest qualifications.
Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote someone from within?Help him see the qualifications that only you can offer.
Example: In general, I think its a good policy to hire from within to look outside probably
means youre 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).
Tell me something negative youve heard about our companyJust remember the rule never be negative and youll handle this one just fine.
On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer.Once again, never be negative. The interviewer will only resent criticism coming from you. This
is the time to show your positivism.
However, dont give a numerical rating. Simply praise whatever interview style hes
been using.If hes been tough, say You have been thorough and tough-minded, the very qualities needed
to conduct a good interview.
If hes been methodical, say, You have been very methodical and analytical, and Im sure that
approach results in excellent hires for your firm.
In other words, pay him a sincere compliment that he can believe because its anchored in the
behavior youve just seen.