Sample Questions and Potential Answers
From PaulGuWiki
Tell me about yourself.
Remember, this is a job interview, not a psychological or personal interview. The interviewer is interested in the information about you that relates to your qualifications for employment, such as education, work experiences and extracurricular activities. (Your answer should contain much more about your job skills than your personal life.) Talk about the growth of your career, what you learned from previous employment or even things like how your volunteer worked help you develop your organizational, time management and leadership skills.
example:
"I have four years experience working in the high tech industry. For the past two years, I have been working as a Web developer. I have experience with most of the software programs on the server side: Javascript, ASP, VB, HTML and SQL Server. I am very organized and able to do multiple projects at once. I want to work in a cutting-edge company where I can add my experience to the mix and be a part of a growing team."
What do you expect to be doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
(Be careful here. You do not want to give the impression that you're simply using this company as a stepping stone to another career. Think of a related managerial position within the company that would interest you.) The interviewer is looking for evidence of career goals and ambitions rather than minutely specific descriptions. The interviewer wants to see your thought process and the criteria that are important to you. They know that 75% of the people they hire will leave within 10 years, but they do not want to hire someone who comes in with that plan.
example:
"Although it's certainly difficult to predict things far into the future, I know what direction I want to develop toward. Within five years, I would like to become the very best _____ your company has. I would like to become the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I will be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities that might be presented in the long term."
"I think it's impossible to know where I'll be five years from now, given how fast the business landscape is changing. I do know, however, that I will have kept on developing skills and expertise, probably in this industry, and that I will have positioned myself to be tapped for positions of responsibility."
Why should I hire you?
Stress what you have to offer the employer, not how nice it would be to work there or what you want from the employer.
example:
"Because I sincerely believe that I'm the best person for the job. I realize that there are many other college students that have the ability to do this job. I also have that ability. But I also bring an additional quality that makes me the very best person for the job--my attitude for excellence. Not just giving lip service to excellence, but putting every part of myself into achieving it. In ... and ... I have consistently reached for becoming the very best I can become by doing the following..."
What are your ideas about salary?
Research salaries in your field before your interviews so that you know the current salary range for the type of position you are seeking. Most lines of work have a set salary range and it would be wise to learn what this range is prior to the interview. If you are unable to obtain this information, you may want to tell the interviewer that you would work for whatever the company feels is fair, based on your qualifications and the company's standard salary level for that position. If you want to request a specific salary, be able to back up why you should get that amount (avoid stating personal reasons).
Postpone the discussion about salary until you have all the facts. You need all the information possible before making a decision. Not only the base salary, but other factors that would be important to stock options, 401k matching, benefits, salary review schedules, etc.
example:
"I really need more information about the job before we start to discuss salary. I'd like to postpone that discussion until later. Could you tell me what is budgeted for the position?"
What are your salary requirements?" (Assume you know that the job has been paying about $25,000.)
In any discussion of salary, your goal should be to find out as much as possible about the employer's expectations and target range before you divulge your own. In this answer, you clearly articulate your responsibilities (making them sound as weighty as you can), you ask the employer if there are additional responsibilities that should be considered, and then you turn the question around to try to find out the employer's bargaining zone. Nice work.
example:
"As I understand it, the position would entail reporting directly to the executive editor, overseeing all aspects of book production from acquisition to publication, reviewing submissions, and acting as a liaison between authors, agents and the company. Am I missing anything? In that case, based on my track record and qualifications, what would be the salary range for the position?"
Why do you want to work for our company/organization?
Not having an answer is a good way to get crossed off the candidate list, and is a common pet peeve of interviewers. Research the employer before your interview; attempt to find out about the organization's products, locations, clients, philosophy, goals, previous growth record and growth plans, how they value employees and customers, etc.
example:
How has your education prepared you for your career?
example:
"As you will note on my resume, I've taken not only the required core classes in the _____ field, I've also gone above and beyond. I've taken every class the college has to offer in the field and also completed an independent study project specifically in this area. But it's not just taking the classes to gain academic knowledge I've taken each class, both inside and outside of my major, with this profession in mind. So when we're studying _____ in _____, I've viewed it from the perspective of _____. In addition, I've always tried to keep a practical view of how the information would apply to my job. Not just theory, but how it would actually apply. My capstone course project in my final semester involved developing a real-world model of _____, which is very similar to what might be used within your company..."
What is your greatest weakness?
(A "good" weakness might be that you have trouble leaving the office behind when you go home in the evenings.) This is a very difficult question that is not asked often, but it's one you should prepare for anyway. If you talk about your temper, your tendency to gossip or the fact that you're lazy, you may as well pack up and go home right then. If you mention a weakness such as your lack of patience with people who don't do their share of the work, you should also mention that you keep this impatience to yourself and try very hard not to express it toward others.
example:
"I would say my greatest weakness has been my lack of proper planning in the past. I would overcommit myself with too many variant tasks, then not be able to fully accomplish each as I would like. However, since I've come to recognize that weakness, I've taken steps to correct it. For example, I now carry a planning calendar in my pocket so that I can plan all of my appointments and "to do" items. Here, let me show you how I have this week planned out..."
What are your strengths?
(If you really enjoy new challenges and tackle them in an organized manner, this would be a useful strength in almost any situation.) You can talk about your ability to find unique solutions to problems. Be prepared with some concrete examples, since that may be the follow-up question.
example:
What is your greatest strength?
This is a good, straightforward response. You know what you're good at, you sound proud of it, and it's a talent that's valuable in any job.
example:
"I'm efficient, and I know how to get things done."
Do you have any questions about our company?
(If you have paid attention during the interview and if you have done your homework, this would be a good time to ask for more details about some aspect of the company's organizational structure or products. It would not be a good time to ask about your first raise. You could also ask questions about the community, their training program or details about the work environment.)
example:
What skills do you have that would benefit our company?
(If your skills are not exactly those that the company may have requested, you can point out the skills you have that would be valuable to any company. Examples of these skills are: your ability to plan and execute long-term projects, your ability to organize information into usable data, your ability to research complicated issues, or your ability to work well with a team.) If your skills are not perfect for this particular company, you can mention how quickly you were able to adapt and learn in other situations. Again, be prepared with specific examples in case you are asked to elaborate.
example:
Why did you leave your last job?
(This is not an opening to speak badly of your former employer. There is almost always a way of wording the explanation so that you do not sound like a "problem employee" and your former employer does not sound like an undesirable company.) As unfair as it may seem, there is almost no time when you should say something bad about your former employer. You can talk about the lack of potential for upward mobility, the fact that your job responsibilities changed to the point that it no longer fit into your career plan, your need to move to be closer to your aging parents, the need to reduce travel time, your need for a more challenging job, or anything else that does not get into personalities or other conflicts. If you were fired for cause, you may want to be up front about it, explain the circumstances and accept responsibility for your actions. Practice your answers to this question with someone who has interview experience. However, don't lie. If you can't say anything positive about your former employer, don't say anything. It could come back to haunt you.
example:
"I've set some goals for myself and my career, and unfortunately, I'm at a standstill in my current situation. I have begun to explore options available before I spend too much time in a job where I cannot advance. My goal is to continue to improve myself so that I can eventually be a project manager."
Tell me about the worst boss you've ever had.
If you say that the worst boss you've ever had simply did not have enough time for his subordinates, they'll wonder why you needed so much of your boss's time. If you say your worst boss yelled and screamed at people, they'll wonder what you did to make your boss so angry. No matter what your bosses have been like: "I've been really lucky. I've been blessed with good bosses. They've all been different, but I've learned from each of them."
example:
How many other companies are you talking to?
Don't tell them the names of the other companies unless you think it's in your best interest. If you are not talking with other companies, you can say that you are just getting started and expect to be talking to a good number shortly. It is not a good strategy to pretend that you are on the verge of another offer if you are not. The hiring manager may tell you to take the other offer. Instead, get out there are talk to other companies.
example:
"I've been very pleased with the response to my resume. I'm looking at several opportunities."
We have two different positions. Which would you prefer?
Hedge your bets.
example:
"I could see myself doing [this] and I could also see myself doing [that]."
What is your management style?
This is a common question, so don't be blind-sided by it. Be prepared to give examples. Think of stories that demonstrate your management style. Some may be fresh in your mind after having done the Seven Stories.
example:
"Four years ago, my staff was cut while workload was increasing ..."
How good are you at ...
If they ask, "How good are you at computer programming?" it's not good enough to say, "Very good." Instead, elaborate on how good you are.
example:
"I'm excellent at what I do, I have always been selected for the toughest assignments, the ones that no one else could do. For example..."
Do you have small children at home? Are you married?
How to Handle Discrimination: If the interviewer asks you questions that are illegal (such as questions about pregnancy or your plans to have children), assume they are not being asked maliciously. Instead of answering the question itself, answer the concern that may have prompted the question.
example:
If someone asks, "Do you have small children at home? Are you married?" You cannot say, "It's illegal to ask that." They'll apologize, but you won't get the job. Who needs a troublemaker? Instead, try to figure out why they're asking you that question and answer their concern. You could say, for example, "Are you concerned that I might not show up at work? I've never missed a day in 15 years."
What do you know about our company?
Those who answer this question with, "Not much," will probably not be offered the job. You should always research a company before the interview. Learn about their products / services, size, future plans, current events, etc. If you cannot find information about a particular company, call their offices and ask the receptionist to send you information about the company in the form of a brochure, etc.. You should also research the industry in which the company operates so you are up on what's happening.
example:
Why do you want this position?
Your answer should offer what you think are the most interesting aspects of the position. More responsibility and opportunity, including a higher salary, are acceptable answers, but state them in a way that isn't blunt.
example:
"because it pays more" is not a good answer. But, stating that, "The position offers more responsibility, challenges and interesting opportunities, as well as a higher salary," is a good answer."
"I've been searching for a while now to find a company that had a business model and corporate philosophy like yours. I am interested in working for a company that provides products and services to the K-12 education market. My background is in this field, and my strength is in building relationships and solving problems. I am excited and interested in the idea of developing business relationships through e-commerce."
Do you work better alone or as part of a team?
Before answering this question, it's important to consider the type of job you're interviewing for. Obviously, if you're going to be alone in a room all day doing some type of individual research, you don't want to convey the idea that you hate working alone. Conversely, if you're planning a career in management consulting where teamwork is everything, you don't want to come off as a hermit. This is the best answer because it shows a real understanding of the value of teamwork and of the team member's role. Generally speaking, there are four types of roles people tend to play in groups: the leader or figurehead, the creative idea generator, the completer-finisher and the analyser/interpreter. All of these roles are equally important, and the best groups contain at least one member from each category.
If the position you're applying for requires you to spend lots of time alone, then of course, you should state that you like to work alone and vice versa. Never sound too extreme one way or another. Don't say that you hate people and would "die if you had to work with others" and don't state that you "will go crazy if you're left alone for five minutes". A healthy balance between the two is always the best choice. If you have previous experience illustrating the fact that you can work alone or with others, then offer it. For example, you might state that in your previous job you spent a significant amount of time alone while traveling, or that you have learned how to get alone well with people in the workplace by working on numerous team projects.
example:
"I enjoy working in groups. Although some projects may take a little longer when several people have to reach a consensus, I believe the result is always better when you can benefit from several people's ideas. I¡¯ve found that when I work in groups, I'm usually the person who makes sure the work gets finished -- the detail person, the person who ties up all the loose ends and who sees the thing through."
What did your last supervisor criticize most about your performance?
A good way to answer this question is to offer a criticism you received that is not very important or not directly related to the position you're applying for. For example, telling the interviewer that you were constantly criticized for coming to work an hour late is not a good idea. But revealing a minor criticism and telling the interviewer what steps you took to improve yourself is a good way to answer this question. In fact, if you can state that you have already solved the problem and received a higher mark on a subsequent performance review, then say so.
example:
Tell me about a time when you received criticism for your work or an idea.
This response demonstrates a willingness to accept criticism and to follow up and learn from the experience. It also shows that you are good at taking initiative.
example:
"I work as an editorial assistant at a book publishing house, and recently I came up with an idea for a new book about the history and changing dynamics of the airline industry. I told my boss my idea, and she thought it had merit. So at the next editorial board meeting, I presented the concept to the board. Well, the other editors were not nearly as enthusiastic. They said that the airline industry had already been written about a lot and they didn't see enough of an audience for the book. After the meeting, my boss and I discussed the board's reaction and my presentation skills and how they could be improved. Even though my idea was not well received, presenting it to the board and discussing it with my boss were valuable learning experiences."
Why have you changed jobs so frequently?
Reasons for job hopping should be based on your past employers' failure to challenge you, failure to give you enough opportunity for advancement, because you needed more money, or for family reasons, and never on the fact that your past employers were incompetent, dumb, or unfair. Do not indicate in any way that you are hard to get along with or get bored and leave at the drop of a hat, and make sure you point out any jobs you did hold for a long time. Mention that your current goal is long-term employment and back that up with any proof you have to want job stability such as a new baby, new marriage, new home, etc. If the job you're applying for offers you the challenges and environment you were always looking for, and then say so.
example:
Are you willing to relocate?
If relocating wasn't an issue the interviewer wouldn't be asking the question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is "Yes." If you answer in the negative you will not get the job. If you really don't want to relocate, then perhaps you shouldn't accept the job if it is subsequently offered to you. If you aren't sure, then ask questions about relocation, such as when it is likely to occur, where you will relocate to, and would it involve a promotion.
example:
Are you willing to travel?
If traveling wasn't part of the job, the interviewer wouldn't be asking this question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is "yes". If you are willing to travel, answer yes and give some illustrations of work travel you have done. But if you do not want to travel, you should find out more about this aspect of the job before accepting the position, such as how much travel will be involved, where will you be traveling to and for how long.
example:
Are you willing to work overtime?
If this wasn't an aspect of the job, the interviewer wouldn't be asking this question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is "yes" if you want to be considered for the job. If your past jobs involved overtime, now would be the time to tell this to the interviewer.
example:
Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?
When answering this question, keep in mind that the interviewer knows that almost everyone has been fired at least once and it is almost always due to a personality conflict with the boss or coworkers. So, answer this question honestly, but without attacking your former boss or employer, and without sounding defensive or bitter. Do not mention that you have been fired many times unless asked specifically, "How many times have you been fired?" Have a sense of humor when discussing your firings so that the interviewer doesn't get the idea you are a nut who might come back to the workplace with an assault rifle if you're fired. Tell the interviewer what you learned from being fired. If you have been fired many times, mention what steps you have taken to improve yourself (i.e., I have read self-help books about . . . getting along with others . . . improving my time management . . . improving knowledge, work habits, etc.). Also, point out any past jobs you held when you got along well with your boss and coworkers or received good performance reviews or a promotion.
example:
How long have you been searching for a job?
Why haven't you received a job offer? Why have you been unemployed for so long? It is always better to answer this question with "I just started looking" but this is not always possible, particularly if your resume indicates you've been unemployed for the last six months. If you can't hide the fact that your job search has been taking awhile, then state you're being selective about whom you will work for. Of course, stating this might prompt the interviewer to ask, "What offers have you turned down?" which could land you in hot water if you haven't actually received any job offers. (It isn't a good idea to lie in answering this latter question.)
A bad economy and a crowded market are good reasons one might have trouble finding a job. However, be aware that many interviewers will hold this against you even if the job market was very bad and many people were having trouble finding employment.
example:
What previously held job do you consider to be your favorite and why?
This is actually a trick question asked to determine if you enjoy the type of work the position you're applying for involves. Therefore, the answer to this question should be a job that requires the same or similar work that you will be required to perform in the new job. If you do not have a previous job wherein you performed similar tasks, then offer an answer that does not suggest you are ill-suited for the position. For example, if you are applying for a high-stress, demanding job in a chaotic environment, don't tell the interviewer you loved your position with Acme because of the mellow, low stress "work at your own pace" atmosphere.
example:
Do you consider yourself to be organized?
Do you manage your time well? The interviewer wants to hear about your work skills concerning time and task management, not that you have neatly separated the paperclips in your desk drawer into different trays based on size. A model answer might be "I manage my time very well. I routinely complete tasks ahead of schedule. For example, . . . (offer the interviewer proof of your organizational skills by telling him about a major project that you organized and completed on time or mention the fact that you consistently received an outstanding grade on previous performance reviews regarding your time management). Don't reveal to the interviewer that you are habitually late or that you complete tasks at the very last minute.
example:
Would you choose the same career if you could start over again?
How you answer this question depends on whether or not you are trying to win a job related to your career history or are trying to enter a new field. No matter how much you despise the career you originally chose, do not admit this fact to the interviewer because it tells him you consider your work to be drudge. If you are trying to enter a new field, of course, tell the interviewer that you would choose the field you're now trying to enter if you had it to do all over again -- that's why you're trying to enter it now.
example:
Have you ever done this type of work before?
The interviewer is trying to determine if you are qualified for the job. If you have completed similar work in the past or have held a job using some of the required skills, examples of skills used in past jobs should be described. If this line of work is new to you and you have never done anything similar in the past, be sure to mention your eagerness and ability to learn.
example:
What kinds of machines/equipment have you worked with?
Only mention machines or equipment that are related to the job in question. The more equipment you can operate, the more apparent it is that you are capable of learning about other types that might be used on the job. If you have not had experience working with the type of equipment used, describe similar equipment and express your confidence that you can learn quickly.
example:
Give me an example of a time when you worked under pressure.
Employers want to know how you are able to handle pressure. Give the interviewer examples of paid or unpaid activities that involved deadlines and pressures and be able to explain how you handled the stress. If you were unable to meet the deadline, explain what you did to compensate, such as working overtime, renegotiating the deadline, etc.
example:
Why have all your jobs been short term?
The interviewer is trying to find out if you can keep a job. You should mention any straight forward factors that are responsible for your work history, such as returning to school, summer or temporary employment, travel, etc. If you have no explanation to offer the employer, mention that you were looking for work and assure the employer you plan to stay with this job for some time.
example:
Why aren't you in school/Why haven't you finished school?
The interviewer may fear that you will leave your job for the same reasons you left school. He/she may also be curious about any ambitions you have to complete your education. Tell the employer in a positive way why you are not attending school at present. If you do plan to complete high school, let the employer know this.
example:
How much were you absent from work/school?
The interviewer is trying to determine whether they can depend on you to show for work. If this has not been an area of concern for you, stress your past reliability and give assurance of your future reliability. If you have had difficulties in this area in the past, tell the interviewer what the reason was and why you feel that it will no longer be a problem. If it will continue to be a problem, be up front about this and try to negotiate a schedule that works for both of you.
example:
When are you available for work?
If you are presently unemployed, you can most likely respond that you can begin work right away. However, if you are presently employed, you should be aware of how much notice your present employer requires before you are able to leave your present job. If you are going to school, know when you will be finished and what part-time hours you will be prepared to work before the school year ends.
example:
Can you explain this gap in your employment?
The employer may be questioning your commitment to employment, thinking that you don't like to work, or wanting to find out what you have been doing with yourself during the gap. If you have been doing anything constructive during this time, such as dedicating yourself to school, taking courses, performing volunteer work, etc., mention these. Also, mention that you were looking for jobs, and that you enjoy working.
example:
Do you have a criminal record?
If you have a criminal record, don't try to hide it from the interviewer. Briefly explain the situation, remembering not to sound like you are making excuses or blaming the incident on someone else. Reassure the interviewer that you have learned from your mistakes and have changed your ways.
example:
Are you willing to cut your hair/take out your earring?
The interviewer feels that some aspect of your appearance does not "fit" with the business and wants to know if you are willing to change your appearance. The decision of what you say is yours. However, if you say no, you may not be considered for the job. Saying yes will increase the chances of being seen as a cooperative person and, consequently, of being hired.
example:
Do you have references?
It is best to provide the interviewer with a neatly typed sheet indicating the name, position, location and telephone number of your references. If you do not have employment references, consider using the names of teachers/instructors or the names of personal references. Personal references should not be the names of friends who are approximately the same age as yourself. Almost all employers will ask for references, so be prepared to provide this information. Also have permission to use someone's name prior to adding it to your reference sheet.
example:
Are there any questions that you have?
This is often the final question that an employer will ask. It is wise to always ask one or two questions as it shows the interviewer your interest in the position available. However, the interview is not the time to ask questions about salary, benefits, hours or vacation. This information may be critical for you in making your decision, but wait until you have been offered the job before asking about them.
example:
What experience have you had that qualifies you for this position?
This answer provides the interviewer with a good idea of the experiences and skills you will bring to the position. In addition to technical knowledge, communication and teamwork skills can be critical to most jobs.
example:
"For the past four years, I have been working in the e-commerce industry. I am proficient working with Java and possess a strong working knowledge of HTML. I have great communication and teamwork skills and feel I have a lot to offer as a part of a team."
How would your boss describe you and your work style?
Not only did the answer give three positives, but it also gave reasons for the answers. By giving more detail, you give the interviewer a better look at how you think others see you and what you think is positive about your work style.
example:
"She'd say I have a lot of initiative. I see the big picture and do what has to be done. And that I always meet deadlines, and if I say I'm going to do something, I do. And, third, I have the ability to focus on what I'm working on -- I am not easily distracted."
When have you been most motivated?
It has energy and enthusiasm. Companies are looking for high-energy people who are able to be in the moment. This answer demonstrates self-motivation, passion, energy and ability to cope under pressure. It also provides a specific example of a time when you were highly motivated.
example:
"During my first job at a startup company I had to undergo some rigorous training to understand the product and customer. At the same time, we were actually working with the customer. It required a lot of self-direction and motivation. I thrived on the whole experience -- the discipline, the planning and the deadlines. It was a pressure cooker, but I got through it."
Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new program or system.
This answer demonstrates motivation, determination and flexibility, which are important traits in almost any job. Being able to handle five things at once is almost a prerequisite in this field.
example:
"When I was working toward my BA, I was holding down a 30-hour a week job, and carrying 19 units. The company I was working for changed from C to C++, and I didn't have time to attend the training program. I learned it through an online program, working a lot of late hours. By staying focused, I was able to get through it and continue my education goal."
Give me an example of a project you handled from start to finish.
The answer gives a specific example of how you handled the project through the problem to the result. Communication, analytical skills, organizational and coordination skills are all demonstrated by this answer.
example:
"As a customer research analyst, I developed a database for the collection of customer data. After collecting the data, I did an analysis using Excel and wrote a summary and evaluation. I worked with the customer's marketing department so the information could be used to monitor and focus on customer behavior for future planning."
What qualities do you think are important to this position?
By giving specific examples of how you measure against the important qualities, you are letting the interviewer know what value you have to offer.
example:
"To have a combination of technical and business knowledge and to be very results-oriented. My past record shows that I have those qualities and more. Because of my business acumen and technical know-how, the teams I have managed accomplished outstanding results, including booking more than $50 million in online revenue."
Tell me a joke.
OK, this question was a gimme. Basically, the idea is to tell a nice, clean, friendly and hopefully funny joke that can't possibly be controversial or offensive.
example:
"What do you call a boomerang that won't come back? A stick."
Why did you decide to go to graduate school?
This response shows that you know exactly what you want and where you're going, and it demonstrates a real need for a graduate degree. In this case, you cannot rise to the top of the field without at least a master's.
example:
"Grad school was a necessary step for me to take within my chosen field, art history. Without at least a master's, senior-level positions would be closed to me."
Tell me about both the positive and the negative aspects of your last job.
The best answer: You should say you liked your last job even if you didn't. Also, negatives should be as neutral as possible.
example:
"I really enjoyed working for Aardvark Advertising during my last summer break. I was working on severely different projects that I found challenging, and I was able to work with some really talented people. I think I learned a lot from them. The downside was that I was only there for a short period of time so that I was unable to see some of my projects through to completion."
As an entry-level employee, a lot of the work you do will be very routine. How do you feel about that?
It shows you don't mind paying your dues, and moreover, that you understand that until you've learned more, you aren't ready for heavier responsibilities. At the same time, you demonstrate ambition.
example:
"I certainly don't expect to start my career at the top, and, frankly, I welcome the opportunity to learn this business from the ground up. Of course, nobody wants to spend an entire career at the copy machine, but I expect that over time as my skills develop and I gain experience, my work will change to reflect my abilities."
If you are hired, how long will you stay with this company?
You don't limit yourself by putting a time frame on how long you plan to stay in the position.
example:
"As long as the work is challenging and I have the opportunity to learn and advance, I see no reason to consider leaving."
I'm getting a really negative feeling about you, can you tell me why that would be?
This is the best answer to such a vague, seemingly irrational question. How can you possibly know why another person would respond to you in a negative way? Perhaps you remind him of his overbearing older brother; maybe she's just in a bad mood today. Only by exploring the interviewer's concerns more specifically can you engage in a meaningful discussion.
example:
"Can you be more specific about your concerns? I'd be happy to address them."
What have you done that shows initiative?
It not only demonstrates initiative and results from your undertaking, it also shows how you identified a problem and took part in its solution.
example:
"My department is one of the smallest at my school, and we often have trouble getting sufficient enrollment in our classes and classes get canceled. This is extremely frustrating to me, so I went to see the Dean to talk about it. He expressed his commitment to the department and suggested we form a taskforce with the department head and a few other students to address the problem. In the year since, we've revamped the curriculum so that it's more in line with student demand. As a result, classes are better attended and we have fewer cancellations."
How do you work under pressure?
You want to walk the middle ground here. Don't sound like pressure is the only thing that gets you to do your work, and don't sound like a wimp.
example:
"I work well under pressure; although I usually try to avoid getting into 11th hour situations."
I noticed you're wearing a wedding ring. Do you have any children?
It allows you to reframe the discussion around the real issues the interviewer is trying to address, such as whether you are geographically flexible or whether you plan to stay with the firm for a reasonable length of time.
example:
"Why do you ask?"
What do you do in your spare time?
Your pursuits are interesting and unique, and you show a long-time commitment to your interests and community.
example:
"I have a collection of model ships that I've built myself, and I like to work on them in the evenings or on rainy weekend afternoons. Also, for the last two years I've been volunteering at the local children's hospital on Saturday mornings."
How did you feel about your last boss?
When talking about a former or current employer, never say anything negative. It will only make you look bad. Instead, focus on their positive qualities (come on, even the worst bosses have positive qualities) and leave it at that.
example:
"I have a lot of respect for the work she does, and I learned great deal from her."
What skills do you want to learn or improve?
It refers to specific skills that you will need for your job, and yet it doesn't make you sound as if you have no skills at all.
example:
"Although I have some knowledge of marketing research, I would like to improve my skills at interpreting marketing data -- knowing the type of information to request and how to analyze the numbers."
Tell me what about your experience makes you qualified for this job?
Ideally you want to show your interviewer that you know what will be asked of you and that you have some experience that applies directly to the job. This response accomplishes both of these goals.
example:
"I understand you are trying to expand your reach into educational markets. I have worked covering sales to universities and secondary schools in your area, and I am certain my experience in this market can help you."
What was the last book you read?
The quality of this answer will depend upon where you're applying. In some business organisations, this would be regarded as too intellectual and somewhat unfocused. So if you really enjoy this kind of reading, perhaps you want to choose your organisation (and coworkers) pretty carefully. Remember that interviews are a two-way street -- it has to work for you as well as for the employer. For many other organisations, particularly in the arts, communications, government or nonprofits, this is a fine answer, because it shows that you are probably well-read and interesting.
example:
"I'm so glad you asked me that question. I've been reading a series of novels by Patrick O'Brian about a British sea captain and his best friend who's a surgeon during the Napoleonic wars. They're absolutely fascinating, a combination of meticulous historical fiction and social commentary. I've been recommending them to everyone I know."
Why are manhole covers round?
A lid of any other shape would fall through the hole if shifted into certain positions. This is the kind of question that falls into the category of case interviews, which are popular with consulting firms and Wall Street and are now slipping into more interview situations.
example:
"It's the only shape that prevents the lid from slipping into the hole."
What has been your most difficult experience?
This example demonstrates your ability to confront and resolve a difficult situation in a responsible manner.
example:
"I am currently a vice president of the Finance Club at school. Last semester, I discovered that another vice president, who happens to be a good friend of mine, was embezzling funds from our club account. What a situation! I knew I had to confront my friend, and the sooner I did it the better. When I confronted him, he first denied it, but I had brought proof with me. When I showed him the paperwork, he finally admitted that he had taken the money. I told him that I wasn't going to pretend that nothing had happened and asked him how he thought he should proceed. He wanted to just return the money and go on, but I didn't think that was enough. I told him I thought he should resign from the club, confess and apologise to the president of the club. He agreed. I could have turned him in to the Dean, but I felt, as did the president of the club, that these steps were sufficient."
Are you more of a leader or a manager?
This is the best response -- you get the picture that they're looking for an idea person and someone who brings out the best in people. But you hedged your bets in case they've got some nitty-gritty detail folks on the hiring team.
example:
"I've read articles on this topic in the past several years, and I've always been interested in the difference, because I see myself as someone who is a leader by nature -- constantly alert for new ways to do things and eager to help members of my team grow -- but I also have a keen sense of details and am able to help my people figure out how to handle complex tasks."
Why do you think you would enjoy this kind of work?
You clearly demonstrate how your particular skills and talents match the requirements of the job.
example:
"Brand management appeals to me, because it requires a combination of creativity, strategic and analytic ability -- all qualities that I feel I possess. Also, after interning last summer at Sell Stuff Advertising Agency, I have a pretty good idea of what it's like to work toward the same goal but from another angle, and I know I enjoy the work."
What are the most important things you've learned in school?
It is the only one that demonstrates knowledge that translates directly to the workplace.
example:
"Two things: time management and how to find information. Balancing a full course load and several extracurricular activities -- not to mention a social life -- can be tricky. But if I've learned anything in these four years, it's how to know how much time I have, how much time I need and how to say no to those things that aren't necessary for me to do. I've also learned that it's impossible to know everything, so it's more important to be able to think creatively in order to figure out how and where to find the information I need."