Close The Interview By Asking The Question If They Have Any Concerns
Job-Hunts Working with Recruiters Expert Jeff Lipschultz is a 20+ year veteran in management, hiring, and recruiting of all types of business and technical professionals. He has worked in industries ranging from telecom to transportation to dotcom. Jeff is a founding partner of A-List Solutions, a Dallas-based recruiting and employment consulting company. Learn more about him through his company site alistsolutions. com. Follow Jeff on LinkedIn and on Twitter .
Video advice: 10 Common Interview Questions and Answers in English | Job Interview Tips | ChetChat English
How Would You Rate Me As An Interviewer
This is another stress question that is designed to put the candidate on the spot. Obviously, the candidate will not want to insult the interviewer, but the question demands an answer. Ideally, the candidate should provide an answer with a reason for their decision. Even a negative answer could provide good results and highlight things you may not have thought of.
Red flag: The candidate does not provide a reason for their decision.
Tell Me About A Work Conflict You Experienced And How It Was Resolved
One of the most dreaded and difficult interview questions on this list, detailing a conflict is challenging for two reasons. First, it requires on-the-spot storytelling. Second, it has potential to expose a weakness youâd rather not discuss. It may sound like common sense, but the best way to answer this question is to choose a conflict that had a happy ending, ideally one that you were responsible for.
An example: you and your boss disagreed on how to approach a new client. In the end, you came up with a revised strategy that was a compromise that used elements of both visions. In this story, you come out the good guy and highlight positive traits such as your ability to collaborate and be a team-player. Just remember, donât be disparaging or choose a conflict that makes your former workplace seem hostile. Tearing down others to build yourself up is never a good look.
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Why Were You Fired
Of course, they may ask the follow-up question: Why were you let go? If you lost your job due to layoffs, you can simply say, The company and unfortunately my was eliminated. But what if you were fired for performance reasons? Your best bet is to be honest . But it doesnt have to be a deal breaker. Frame it as a learning experience: Share how youve grown and how you approach your job and life now as a result. And if you can portray your growth as an advantage for this next job, even better.
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Are You Willing To Relocate
While this may sound like a simple yes-or-no question, its often a little bit more complicated than that. The simplest scenario is one where youre totally open to moving and would be willing to do so for this opportunity. But if the answer is no, or at least not right now, you can reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, briefly explain why you cant move at this time, and offer an alternative, like working remotely or out of a local office. Sometimes its not as clear-cut, and thats OK. You can say you prefer to stay put for xyz reasons, but would be willing to consider relocating for the right opportunity.
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Common Interview Questions And Answers
Interview questions help recruiters assess a candidate’s suitability for a role. Answering questions is also an opportunity for the job seeker to share career highlights and address weaknesses. In this article, we will look at ways to prepare for interview questions and sample answers you can provide.
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Test Or Scenario Question
During a phone interview, you might be asked to perform a simple test or respond to a scenario of some sort. They might be looking for something in your answer like your thought process, ability to be creative or think under pressure. While it might feel awkward to be silent on the phone, it is acceptable to ask for a moment to think about your answer.
During this time, calmly consider the steps you would take to respond to their test. Try and avoid taking more than 30 seconds to respond. You can also try asking clarifying questions to better understand what theyre looking for. Write down the question to make sure you address each part.
Example answer: The employer explains that theyd like you to provide ideas for marketing a local event on a tight budget, and which companies they could partner with. For this scenario, you might explain that grassroots marketing is both affordable and effective with local events. You would invest in strategized word of mouth efforts and a bold, teaser-style social media campaign. You provide examples of several local companies with the same mission or similar industry to partner with to help get the word out.
What Type Of Work Environment Do You Prefer
Be sure to do your homework on the organization and its culture before the interview. Your research will save you here. Your preferred environment should closely align to the companys workplace culture . For example, you may find on the companys website that they have a flat organizational structure or that they prioritize collaboration and autonomy. Those are key words you can mention in your answer to this question.
If the interviewer tells you something about the company that you didnt uncover in your research, like, Our culture appears buttoned-up from the outside, but in reality, its a really laid-back community with little competition among employees, try to describe an experience youve had that dovetails with that. Your goal is to share how your work ethic matches that of the organizations.
Example: That sounds great to me. I like fast-paced work environments because they make me feel like Im always learning and growing, but I really thrive when Im collaborating with team members and helping people reach a collective goal as opposed to competing. My last internship was at an organization with a similar culture, and I really enjoyed that balance.
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Question No : Why Should We Hire You
Hint: If someone hires you for a job, they will pay you a monthly salary, and they will also pay money to the governmentjust for having you onboard. Will you become a great investment, an asset for their team, or will they just lose money hiring you? HR managers try to find the answer.
This is arguably one of the most difficult questions. You should focus on something unique, a value you can bring to their team. Sample answers should give you some inspiration. And when you can not find anything special, you can at least list relevant skills and abilities that make from you a great candidate for the job.
I had the very same job with one of your competitors, and I can bring a new perspective to your team. We can talk about things they did better, and I believe my feedback and experience will help to improve your own results.
I am young, eager to learn, and motivated to work hard. I have passion for numbers, and I would really enjoy having this job. Of course I havent met the other applicants for the job, and it is hard to tell whether I am the best one.
What Would Be Your Ideal Work Environment
This question reveals honesty and whether the candidate would be a good fit for your company. If the candidate describes a work environment that is completely different from your office environment, ask them how they plan to adjust to a different type of work environment.
Red flags: The candidate provides a generic answer or describes a type of work environment that is completely different from your own.
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Are You Applying For Other Jobs Also
This question has a very specific purpose. The interviewer wants to know that if the candidate admits that he has applied to other places or gives a canned answer. Or what the candidate think about their company.
You should never claim that you did not apply to other company. Despite this, you can say that –
As you know, I would like to work as a software developer. Beyond your company, I have also applied to XYZ company and ABC company. This answer is more specific.
What Would You Consider Your Greatest Strengths & Weakness
This is a popular interview question
Following are 4 sample answers
Sample answer #1
My strength is my ability to convert negative work environment into positive. At the same time, developing a supportive team. I am also capable of keeping many projects on track and ensuring deadlines are met. As far as my weakness is concerned, I get impatient sometimes in order to get everything done very quickly. To tackle the problem, I am trying to re-consider the to-do list and prioritize the tasks.
Sample answer #2
I am very comfortable working with different groups of people. My strength is my analytical and planning skills, developed over the years. It helps me to complete my work before the deadline. I am a little bit nervous while speaking in a group, but I have given many presentations to overcome this.
Sample answer #3
I am efficient in many programming languages, including HTML, C++, Java, and AppleScript. I have generated over 100% excess revenue for two separate companies through cost-cutting programming efficiency, and I have leadership experience with a team of five IT professionals working on some of the popular iPhone apps online. As far as weakness is concerned, I have a tendency to remain quiet in meetings, but I am working on speaking up when I feel I have ideas to share.
Sample answer #4
Im a highly motivated person. I dont stop until I get things done. I value other peoples time and the companys resources. I work to become an asset, not a liability.
Tips
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What Extracurricular Activities Do You Pursue
While were certain you have TONS AND TONS of interests and activities, this is not the place to list every single thing youve pursued in your life. Just because you went bowling once, doesnt mean you have a passion for bowling. Speak about a couple of interests and then use them to tell 1-2 stories about a specific pursuit that means something to you, whether thats a particular sport or a school club, or even a creative hobby like painting or making music. Make sure you end by highlighting what youve learned from this activity, and if possible, how you plan to use it to contribute to the school.
Question No : What Are Your Weaknesses
Hint: I will repeat myself. Professional interviewers should identify your principal weaknesses after talking to you for five minutes, or even for less. At least I can do that :). But anyone can lead an interview with you, and good interviewers often also use this question, trying to see what you think about yourself. Can you admit having a weakness? Are you humble, or over-confident?
Those who believe to have no weaknesses can hardly move forward in life, since they do not see any areas for improvement. This is not a picture you want to present in an interview. Show us your weaknesses, and tell us how you work to improve on them.
I am not very patient. Thats obviously bad. But I am working on it, trying to control myself, staying tolerant to my colleagues. It is not easy, but I have definitely made some progress in recent years.
Sometimes I struggle to focus on my duties. However, I practice every day, trying to eliminate useless thoughts, and my concentration has improved over the years. I still continue working on it though, trying to eliminate distractions in work.
Special tip: Interview question about your weaknesses is in no way the most difficult question you will face, or the most important one. Check our Interview Success Package to see what the real deal-breakers are in the interviews, and how to answer them. Premium interview answers will help you stand out, outclass your competitors, and walk away with a new employment contract
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When Did You Leave
This is another of the top interview questions for checking credentials. Check to see the candidate’s answer matches what their resume says, without any large, unexplained employment gaps.
Red flags: There is a discrepancy between the dates they give and the dates on their resume, or their roles lasted for very short times.
Tell Me About Yourself Sample Answer
One of the simplest questions that can make one break into a sweat when asked in an interview is when one is asked to describe oneself.
Though it may seem like a basic question, one gets lost in thoughts while trying to construct the best sentence for answering this very question.
Now the trick to answering this question with ease is by clearly stating where you stand as a professional and highlighting your positive traits.
Sample Answer: I am a result-oriented professional and drive on constant challenges while seeking opportunities that would help me grow in every way.
When you are asked âtell me about yourselfâ, let the recruiters understand what you have to offer by introducing yourself as someone who possesses all the qualities that the targeted job profile demands.
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Are You Applying For Other Jobs
Interviewers want to know if youre genuinely interested in this position or if its just one of your many options. Simply, they want to know if youre their top choice. Honesty is the best policy. If youre applying for other jobs, say so. You dont have to necessarily say where youre applying unless you have another offer. But they might want to know where in the hiring process you are with other companies. You can also mention that youre actively looking for offers if your interviewer asks.
Example: Ive applied to a couple of other firms, but this role is really the one Im most excited about right now because
Tell Me About Your Experience In
While similar to the previous question, this question proactively asks about the most important aspects of the role. For example, if a company is hiring for a copywriter, theyll certainly ask about the candidates experience in different types of writing or editing.
Sample answer:
During my time as a marketing specialist in Acme Inc., I got to write a lot of marketing copy. I was solely responsible for writing emails we sent to prospects and customers, including newsletters. I also wrote short copy for social media and, occasionally, articles for our blog.
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Are You A Team Player
Wherever youre applying, the answer to this question should be a Yes!
Even if youre applying for a completely solo role, chances are, youre still going to have to work in a team occasionally.
Wed recommend being very specific about your answer here – dont just say yes. Give the interviewer an exact example of when you excelled at working with a team.
Possible answers:
- Sample Answer 1:
Im much better at working in a team than alone, actually. Thats what I love about working in advertising – everyone has their own specific type of a creative spark, and when you combine it all, magic happens!
Im good at both leading and following in terms of creativity and brainstorming. Im also super receptive to others ideas, and do my best to help them execute it without nay-saying or criticism.
- Sample Answer 2:
Yep, definitely. I excel at team-work.
This one time while working at , I was assigned to an existing team working on a web application for a business process management company.
They were working on a tight deadline, and needed help on the API side.
I optimised their development cycles and oversaw a team of three developers while collaborating with the other two dev teams.
Everything went pretty well, and we managed to finish the project on time.
Tell Us About A Tough Decision Youve Had To Make
Have an example ready for this one beforehand. The key here is to show your thought process, why the decision was difficult, and the factors that ultimately led you to make your choice. Also, be certain that you made the morally correct choice or at least have a strong moral justification for the choice you ultimately made.
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Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years Time
An interviewer will be impressed if you have considered your short-term and long-term goals. Talk about the kind of job you’d eventually like to do and the various steps you will take to get there.
Show that you have the ambition and determination to make the most of every job you have held to get where you want to be and always relate this back to the position you’re interviewing for. Avoid telling the interviewer that you want their job.
