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What do you think you can contribute to the success of the company?
This is a chance for you to form an impression. " plain about your past achievements in your previous job#s$ relevant to the new position you are applying for.
This is a great chance for you to impress the interviewer with the knowledge you have gained about the company. )ive them a run down of their products*services! sales figures! news! company figures! customers! etc.
What do you think we can offer you that your previous company has offered you?
+tride with utmost care here. ,on-t mention money aspects. %ou could +tress on opportunities for personal growth! new challenges! etc.
/ow long would it take for you to make a significant contribution to the success of the company*project?
%ou can mention that you can make the contribution from day one. %ou can also ask the employer how much time are you e pecting for me to make a significant contribution./ow competitive are you for this job* ,epending on the position you are applying for you may want to sound fairly ambitious! but do not look as if you are after the interviewer0s position.
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What do you like and dislike the most about your job?
1ikes2 here you can stress things like new challenges! opportunity to bring a new e perience to the company ,islikes2 mention that you do not dislike anything in particular which is the reason why you liked the job.
What according to you are the similarities and differences between your previous job and your present job?
The interviewer is trying to visuali&e how well you could fit into the position so try to focus more on the similarities rather than the differences. 'oming to the point of differences it will help you if you can demonstrate that you have done similar task before or you could pick up the new skill quickly.
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+tress upon the positive points about your company with a few words of praise for the company. %ou can mention about the training you have received or the work e perience you have gained.
,id your previous company live up to your e pectations? Why do you want to leave that company?
%our answer should be always about joining or leaving a company. ,o not mention anything negative about your present employer. (nstead you could say that you are looking for new challenges and mention that the company who is interviewing you fits into that very well.
What is the organisation structure in your previous company and how well did you fit in it?
These kinds of questions are usually used to know wether your old job is at comparable level to your new job. (f the new job is at a level more than your previous one! you should be able to demonstrate that you will be able take up a more demanding position. %ou should try to tell that you have already been handling most of the responsibilities and posses the needed skills for this job.
What is the si&e of the company you would prefer to work with? +mall! medium or large?
Before answering this question bear in mind the company si&e where you are attending the interview. (f it is a medium or small si&ed company you could say that you like to work in a close atmosphere with a good team spirit. (f it is a large company you can say that you enjoy the stability of working in a large company and established company.
The most appropriate reply would be that you are looking for a job where you can apply your present skills and learn new ones.
What has been your greatest success? /ow did you achieve it?
,escribe about an achievement! which best suits! their needs.
,id you have any chance for growth in your previous jobs?
(f you had successful chances for growth then mention that! if you did not have any satisfactory opportunities for growth be careful about the words you use.
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%ou should answer positively asking how responsibility will ( be required to handle.
ask you this question fairly early on in the interview you could delay answering by saying 7(t is hard to discuss salary without first knowing a little bit more about the job and the responsibilities.7
,ifficult questions
(f you cannot answer a question you might reply with 7That0s an interesting question - how would you tackle it?7
3antasy questions
These sorts of questions can be very difficult to answer. +uch questions might include2 7What would you do if you won the 9ational 1ottery?7 %ou should give the answer! which in your opinion will give you the best chance of getting the job.
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The interview is a two-way process. The company interviewing you will want to find out whether you are suitable for the position and you will want to find out if the company and position are right for you. %ou should therefore ensure that you have enough information to make up your mind whether you want the job. 3or e ample2 What will be my responsibilities? Where will ( fit into the overall organi&ational structure? Who will ( report to? Where does he*she fit in the structure? Who will report to me? /ow e perienced are they? What do you e pect me to do in the first ; months? What level of performance do you e pect from me? Who are your customers? Where is the company going? <pwards? " pansion plans? What are the chances of advancement*promotion in this position? When? What will be my salary! benefits and bonuses? =,o not bring this up too early in the interview - wait until they are sold on you.> Will traveling be required in this position? Will relocation be required now or in the future? What training do you provide? When will you decide on the appointment?
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Source: http://www.bradleycvs.co.uk/
What can we %the new co$pany& o##er that your previous co$pany cannot o##er!
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Tread carefully here' &gain do not mention money. Stress opportunities for personal growth, new challenges, etc.
Say that you are the sort of person who aims to succeed at everything you do and that you are very determined and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
'ow lon( do you think it would be be#ore you were $akin( a si(ni#icant contribution to the tea$/co$pany!
)f you think that you could contribute from day one then say so. Then turn the question round on them and say how soon would they e(pect it.
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be good in the new career - this should come from your e(perience and achievements, stress the transferable skills you have, such as leadership ability, etc.
'ow $uch does your last ob rese$ble the one you are applyin( #or! What are the di##erences!
The interviewer is trying to see how well you would fit in to the position you are applying for. So you should stress the similarities rather than the differences. .hen it comes to discussing the differences it will help your case if you can show that either you have done something similar in the past or that you can quickly pick up the new skills.
Why did you oin your previous co$pany! *id they live up to your e+pectations! Why are you leavin( now!
&lways be positive about your reasons for joining and leaving a company. Be very careful that you do not say anything negative about your present employer. )f you do, the new company will wonder what you will say about them when you leave. You might want to stress that you are looking for a new challenge and that you feel that the company who is interviewing you fits the bill'
,+plain the or(anisational structure in your last co$pany and how you #itted into it!
This sort of question may be used to find out whether your old job is at a comparable level to your new job. )f the new job being discussed would be a step up the ladder you will need to show that you are ready for a more demanding position. You may be able to show that you have already had many of the responsibilities and the necessary skills which would be required for the ne(t step.
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/emember where you are' )f the company interviewing you is a small to medium si0ed company say that you enjoy a close atmosphere with a good team spirit. &t a large company say that you enjoy the stability of working for a large and established company.
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)f you have reduced costs say so - companies are always looking for ways to reduce costs.
'ow would you describe yoursel#! / 'ow would others describe you!
2ick your best attributes and achievements from your career.
What was your (reatest success! 'ow did you achieve it!
You should pick an achievement which is related to their needs.
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You should say that it is someone who listens to other people and can delegate whilst maintaining overall control of the task at hand, bringing in the project on time and to budget. $ood planning skills are essential.
*o you need other people around to sti$ulate you or are you sel#/ $otivated!
You need to say that you are self-motivated.
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5opefully you can say 3Yes3, and say that you have to find out what motivates a person and give them recognition for a job well done. You should always give them encouragement and help them when required.
What proble$s did you encounter in your last ob! What annoyed you about your last ob!
Stick to the problems that you were able to solve, i.e. 3) had problem 7, which ) later managed to resolve by doing Y3. Show that you are a person who can solve problems rather than someone who lets things get on top of them.
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*o you $ind workin( #or so$eone older than yoursel#! Youn(er than you! .# the opposite se+!
5ere you can say that you are prepared to work with anyone.
'ow did you (et on with your previous $ana(er/supervisor- co/ workers and subordinates!
5opefully you can say that you got on well with everyone.
'ave you been responsible #or i$ple$entin( IS.1222/BS3432 or 5otal Quality Mana(e$ent %5QM&!
)f you have, state how you implemented it successfully. )f you have not, you will need to show that you are used to working to company quality standards or that you have a methodical approach to carrying out work.
I# you have chan(ed obs a lot you $ay be asked how lon( you would stay in the new ob.
You should state that you are looking for a long-term opportunity where you can learn and develop. You could then ask them if this applies to the job being discussed.
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*i##icult "uestions
)f you cannot answer a question you might reply with 3That*s an interesting question - how would you tackle it43
6antasy "uestions
These sort of questions can be very difficult to answer. Such questions might include, 3.hat would you do if you won the 8ational +ottery43 You should give the answer, which in your opinion will give you the best chance of getting the job.
What will be my responsibilities? Where will I fit into the overall or anisational str!"t!re? Who will I report to? Where #oes he$she fit in the str!"t!re? Who will report to me? %ow e&perien"e# are they? What #o yo! e&pe"t me to #o in the first 6 months? What level of performan"e #o yo! e&pe"t from me? Who are yo!r "!stomers? Where is the "ompany oin ? 'pwar#s? (&pansion plans? What are the "han"es of a#van"ement$promotion in this position? When? What will be my salary) benefits an# bon!ses? *+o not brin this !p too early in the interview , wait !ntil they are sol# on yo!-. Will travellin be re/!ire# in this position? Will relo"ation be re/!ire# now or in the f!t!re? What trainin #o yo! provi#e? When will yo! #e"i#e on the appointment? What is the ne&t step? 20
Answering Interview Questions Difficult Questions Personal Questions These questions give you the opportunity to answer in a way that enables you to provide focused information about your skills and abilities. Here are some common examples of this type of question: Do you consider yourself a natural leader? The ideal answer to this is 'yes', but in reality not all of us possess the confidence required to lead. ou can substitute 'natural' with either 'competent' or 'conscientious', focusing more on leading by example with good organi!ational and interpersonal skills. "ost professional #obs require an element of leadership that you should be taking the trouble to cultivate, whether it comes naturally or not. Tell me about yourself? This can be a frustratingly open question, but it does give you an excellent opportunity to communicate your skills and experience. $im to keep your answer professionally orientated, specific to the characteristics that the interviewer may want to hear. $lthough your ob#ective is to show you've got the perfect profile to fulfil the role, try to do so in a friendly manner so that you can show the interviewer that you have an agreeable personality. What are your biggest accomplishments? $nswers to this should always be #ob%related, impressive but also hinting that your best work is yet to come. &on't be hesitant or vague when answering this question. 'how that you have a clear idea of your achievements to date. Answering Interview Questions Difficult Questions Dangerous Questions These questions give you the opportunity to overcome direct ob#ections that the interviewer may have with your application. (f these are not addressed, you will effectively rule yourself out as a serious candidate. Here are some common examples of this type of question: What did you disli e about your last !ob? (deally you would answer 'there was nothing ( disliked', although this may not be realistic.
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Hiring someone who easily fits into the existing complement of staff is very important, therefore steer clear of critici!ing former colleagues or managers. )nce again, if you pay attention to the company culture when they described the role to you, you can mention factors that would be likely to impress them. "ow long have you been loo ing for another position? (f you are currently unemployed and have been looking for some time, try to minimi!e the 'time gap' by mentioning any other activities in which you have been involved, such as study or charity work. (f your work is of a specialist nature and you've been determined to continue in that field, point this out provided that it isn't at odds with the demands of the new role. $ resourceful answer here can certainly score you points, instead of putting you at a disadvantage. Why aren#t you earning more at your this stage of your career? This is another implied negative, which can be turned into a positive by emphasi!ing your desire to gain solid experience instead of continually changing #obs for the sake of money. This question gives you scope to ask* +How much do you think ( should be earning,+ This could possibly lead to an offer. Why have you changed !obs so fre$uently? This is another question that can prove difficult. The best response can be to blame it on your need to gain experience and grow. -mphasi!e that the variety of #obs has been good experience and that you're now more mature and settled. .uestions like this can be turned around, but be careful not to dwell too much on the sub#ect, or over% #ustify yourself. Why were you made redundant? (f you were made redundant as a result of a re%organi!ation* then this is a legitimate excuse that most recruiters will understand % they have probably been involved with laying off people themselves at some time. Try to give acceptable reasons, such as downsi!ing or restructuring. Try to be brief and to matter%of%fact , encouraging the interviewer to move on. Why were you fired? 22
(f, however, you were fired and cannot realistically pass it off as a redundancy, then it's advisable to be open and honest whilst minimi!ing the reason for your dismissal. Try to portray the incident as 'one of those unlucky things that happens to the best of us' and modestly explain how you've learnt from the experience and the steps you've since taken. The ob#ective is to put the interviewer at ease in the hope that they won't place too much importance on a reference check. (t is however a good idea to reconcile with your former employers and ask them to at least give you a fair reference.
%ere are ei ht of the most "ommonly as0e# 1an# basi"2 interviewin /!estions- +o yo!rself an# the prospe"tive employer a favor) an# ive them some tho! ht before the interview o""!rsWhy #o yo! want this 3ob? Why #o yo! want to leave yo!r "!rrent 3ob? What are yo!r personal an# professional oals? What #o yo! li0e most abo!t yo!r "!rrent 3ob? Where #o yo! see yo!rself in five years? What are yo!r stren ths? What are yo!r wea0nesses? What #o yo! li0e least abo!t yo!r "!rrent 3ob? 4he last /!estion is probably the har#est to answer5 What do you like least about your current job? I6ve fo!n# that rather than pointin o!t the fa!lts of others 1as in) 7I "an6t stan# the offi"e politi"s)8 or) 79y boss is a 3er082) it6s best to pla"e the b!r#en on yo!rself 17I feel I6m rea#y to e&er"ise a new set of professional m!s"les)8 or) 74he type of te"hnolo y I6m intereste# in isn6t available to me now-82- :y answerin in this manner) yo!6ll avoi# pointin the fin er at someone else) or "omin a"ross as a whiner or "omplainer- It #oes no oo# to spea0 ne atively abo!t others23
I s!
est yo! thin0 thro! h the answers to the ei ht /!estions above for two reasons-
;irst) it won6t help yo!r "han"es any to hem an# haw over f!n#amental iss!es s!"h as these- 14he answers yo! ive to these types of /!estions sho!l# be no,brainers-2 <n# se"on#) the /!estions will help yo! eval!ate yo!r "areer "hoi"es before spen#in time an# ener y on an interview- If yo! #on6t feel "omfortable with the answers yo! "ome !p with) maybe the new 3ob isn6t ri ht for yo!-
;. 2repare &nd 6ver-2repare .hy over-prepare4 )t goes like this, 2lan your strategy by preparing your answers for the possible interview questions you may be asked--and then practice, practice, practice. /ole-play and repeat your best responses until they are completely natural, until they simply roll off your tongue with the spontaneity that comes with successive repetition. <. Be 2articularly =lear 6n .hat You >now &nd .hat You .ant To &chieve 1ost interviews are resume-based so have the facts of your stated objective, relevant e(perience, education, etc. thoroughly memori0ed and mentally supported. &s to your job objective, be clear on what you want, as well as what you don*t want. There is little room in the job market for the applicant who is willing to take anything, as he or she will usually get nothing. ?. 1ake Sure Your /esponses 1atch Your =laims )f, for e(ample, you have taken e(tra course work to qualify for a particular position, have a license, have accomplished specific performance achievements or have earned a special certification, tie it into your narrative or use your presentation binder, e.g., *.hen ) took my course work for my =2&, ) learned that....* @. Be =lear 6n Your Strengths You are almost certain to be asked questions pertaining to your strengths and weaknesses. >now your strengths and emphasi0e those that relate specifically to the position for which you are being considered. :or e(ample, if you are applying for a sales position, you might describe one of your strengths !if it*s true" as follows, *)*ve made a study of personality types and )*ve learned to quickly classify prospects in terms of the kinds of approaches that might best sell them.* Be prepared, in this case, to back up your claim if the interviewer suddenly asks, *5ow would you classify me4* A. escribe Your .eaknesses &s Strengths This is tricky, so let*s think about why the question is asked. The interviewer probably wants to learn several things about you with this question, such as, whether or not you are arrogant !*) really don*t think ) have any weaknesses*", whether you know yourself !*.ell, )*ve never really thought about that*" and finally, what you are doing to improve your weaknesses. 5ere are two ways to answer this question so you leave a positive impression in the mind of the interviewer, !a" #(plain that, in overcoming a weakness, you have learned something. )f, for e(ample, there*s a period in your career path that just doesn*t fit !say that you took a job selling cars between jobs as an accountant ... it happens'", you might tell the interviewer, *6ne weakness, which took me some time to overcome, was that ) really wasn*t sure )
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wanted to be an accountant. :or e(ample, in ;BCC-BD, ) worked as a car salesman. ) did this because ) couldn*t decide if ) wanted to make accounting my career. That e(perience taught me that ) really didn*t want to sell products, and that ) was much more challenged by the opportunity to solve client problems*. !b" 2ick a weakness that is really a strength. )f, for e(ample, you*re interviewing for a job in an organi0ation you know is hard-charging and unforgiving of average performance, you might say, *6ne of my weaknesses is that ) tend to be impatient with people who aren*t willing to pull their full weight and give ;;DE.*. )n this case, your *weakness* may help you get the job. F. Be =lear 6n .here You .ant To $o & standard question, which has many variations, is, *.here do you want to be five years from today4* 6nly today, the answers are different. Gnless you plan to inherit ad*s%1om*s company, your answer is apt to be a lot more general than it might have been a decade ago. .hy4 Because the economy and nearly every industry is changing so fast that specificity with respect to the distant future is e(tremely difficult. So, instead of responding to the question with, *) plan to be in a position of senior leadership in this company*, you might want to say, *) plan to become qualified in every phase of this industry*. Your e(act response will depend upon the specifics of your job search, but the principle is, be specific while allowing yourself the fle(ibility, which suggests that you understand the comple(ities of the business you are applying for. H. )f You*ve Been :ired, Be :orthright &bout )t 1any people have been laid or fired off through no fault of their own and this no longer a stigma to have been fired--unless it was for justifiable cause. &nswer directly, but without a *charge* in your voice. #(pressing your bitterness over being let go, tells the interviewer !rightly or wrongly" that you cannot accept the realities of modern free enterprise -- that downsi0ing is acceptable and often necessary. C. 5ave =lear 2ersonal Standards This is a sleeper because this question doesn*t seem to have much to do with the immediate interview. 5owever, many organi0ations are looking for people who 6 have standards regarding their personal%professional lives, who can articulate them clearly and concisely, and who live by them. )n this case, the briefer, the better. *) delegate my weaknesses*. *) don*t take on projects unless ) can give them ;DD percent commitment*. *) am committed to life-long learning and growth*. B. )nterview The )nterviewer & competent interviewer will respect your efforts to assess the organi0ation and the position in terms of whether or not it meets your requirements. &nd you owe it to yourself to have defined beforehand, what you ideally want and what you are willing to settle for, under certain conditions. :or e(ample, you might really want a salary of IHA,DDD to begin with, but you would be willing to take less if the opportunities for growth are clearly in the picture. ;D. on*t &llow Yourself To Be Badgered By The Salary )ssue #ven today, it is still not uncommon to hear the old refrain, *6ur policy is not to pay a new employee more than 7E higher than he%she is currently making*. Sorry, that doesn*t fly. The real issue, and the only one at stake, is whether or not your prospective employer is willing to pay what you are worth. &nd, your worth is a function of the job itself, your capability and your willingness to perform it. )n most organi0ations, there are clear parameters for a given job, a range of salary that is adjustable depending upon the market and the applicant*s e(perience. )n most cases, unless you are very good, you will have to work within those
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limits. But, within the limits, what you are worth is a matter of mutual agreement based on the knowledge of your worth and your ability to convince the person interviewing you. So, to sum it up, >now the range of compensation for the job you are seeking, make your own realistic determination of what you are worth, and then be prepared to stand your ground.
< =>: interview "an be a nerve,wra"0in e&perien"e if yo! are not prepare# an# la"0 self,"onfi#en"eWe present a few tips that will help yo! to br!sh !p on yo!r interview s0ills an# "ome o!t as a winner from yo!r ne&t interview? 1- @lan to arrive 10 min!tes early- 4his will ive yo! ample time to "at"h yo!r breath) ather yo!r tho! hts an# ma0e a /!i"0 trip to the washroom to ive yo!r appearan"e one final "he"0- 4o avoi# !nne"essary stress) "hoose yo!r interview attire the ni ht before2- Areet the interviewer by his or her last name- If yo! are !ns!re of the pron!n"iation) #o as0 the employer to repeat it- >r better still) "he"0 it with the front #es0 personnel or re"eptionist before wal0in into the interview room3- Bet the interviewer lea# the "onversation b!t try to et him$her to #es"ribe the position an# #!ties to yo! early in the interview- 4his will allow yo! to apply yo!r ba"0 ro!n#) s0ills an# a"hievements to the position4- When as0e#5 C4ell me abo!t yo!rself?C) fo"!s yo!r answers on yo!r ba"0 ro!n# an# a few professional an# personal a""omplishments5- Dtress on yo!r a"hievements- ;or e&le5 yo!r sales re"or#s) the pro"esses yo! have #evelope# or systems installe#) pro3e"ts that yo! initiate#) et"6- Dhow enth!siasm- 4his "an be #emonstrate# thro! h verbal an# non,verbal "!es 1for e&le) appropriate bo#y lan !a e li0e no##in "an be !se# to s!pport yo!r interest2(nth!siasti" fee#ba"0 "an enhan"e yo!r "han"es of bein f!rther "onsi#ere#7- <nswer /!estions by spea0in in terms of the position- (mphasise what yo! "an #o for the "ompany- 9ention spe"ifi" a""omplishments that show yo!r abilities an# #etermination to s!""ee# in this 3ob- Eo!r answers #es"ribe the position an# #!ties to yo! early in the interview- 4his will allow yo! to apply yo!r ba"0 ro!n#) s0ills an# a"hievements to the position- sho!l# tell the employer why yo! wo!l# be an asset to the "ompany an# not why yo! nee# a 3ob8- :rin an e&tra "opy of yo!r res!me9- (&plain whenever possibleF #onGt answer with a simple CyesC or Cno-C 26
Be prepared to answer questions such as: H 4ell me abo!t yo!rselfH 4ell me abo!t yo!r ba"0 ro!n# an# a""omplishmentsH What are yo!r stren ths? Wea0nesses? H %ow wo!l# yo! #es"ribe yo!r most re"ent 3ob performan"e? H What interests yo! abo!t o!r "ompany? !so" #e prepared to as$ questions such as: H What wo!l# I be e&pe"te# to a""omplish in this position? H What are the reatest "hallen es in this position? H %ow #o yo! thin0 I fit the position? Iemember) yo!r la"0 of /!estions may be mista0en as la"0 of interest in the 3obSu%%ar& If yo! are intereste# in the position) stress this to the interviewer- If yo! et the impression that the interview is not oin well an# that yo! have alrea#y been re3e"te#) #o not let yo!r #is"o!ra ement show- >n"e in a while an interviewer who is en!inely intereste# in yo! may seem to #is"o!ra e yo! as a way of testin yo!r rea"tionIemember to than0 the interviewer for his$her time an# en# the session with a "onfi#ent an# firm han#sha0e-
2+onGt over or !n#er #ress or #ress inappropriately for the position- ;irst impressions #o "o!nt an# yo! want to be #resse# to show that yo! fit into the #esire# role3+onGt wear stron perf!me-
4+onGt for et to ta0e with yo! e&tra "lean "opies of yo!r JK as well as a noteboo0 an# pen with whi"h to ta0e notes5+onGt for et to sha0e the han# of the Interviewer firmly , a limp or sweaty han#sha0e will not be loo0e# on favorably-
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7+onGt a"t #istra"te#- Boo0 the Interviewer strai ht in the eye an# ive him yo!r f!ll an# !n#ivi#e# attention8+onGt let yo!r bo#y lan !a e sen# the wron messa es- :e aware of the nonverbal "!es yo! are sen#in o!t? Dit !pri ht an# strai ht in the "hair fa"in the employer an# smile- Bean forwar# o""asionally to e&press interest- <voi# "rossin yo!r arms or le s in front of yo! 1s! ests #efensiveness2) slo!"hin in the "hair 1s! ests sloppiness an# la"0 of ener y2) leanin too far ba"0 1may be interprete# as bein overly familiar an# #isrespe"tf!l2) tal0in to the floor 1la"0 of "onfi#en"e2 or flirtin 9so+onGt refer to the Interviewer by his first name !nless he spe"ifi"ally as0s yo! to #o
10- +onGt tal0 abo!t yo!r wea0nesses or failin s or apolo iLe for la"0 of e#!"ation) e&perien"e) trainin et"- (veryone has wea0nessesF the Interview is the time to show"ase yo!r enth!siasm an# stren ths11- +onGt ma0e #ero atory "omments abo!t previo!s bosses or peers- 4his is never a""eptable an# parti"!larly wor0s a ainst yo! in the Interview12- +onGt a"t tire# or 3a#e#- (mployers are invariably loo0in for someone to ener iLe) inspire an# !plift the team- 4ry to a"t enth!siasti" an# f!ll of ener y an# motivation13- +onGt a"t !nfo"!se# an# !n"ertain abo!t what yo! want- Whatever interview yo!Gre in , yo! want 4%<4 3ob1415+onGt lie- <nswer briefly) tr!thf!lly an# "on"isely+onGt interr!pt-
16- <voi# ivin GyesG or GnoG answers- D!pport yo!r answers with e&les an# be as fa"t!al an# "on"ise as yo! "an17- +onGt tal0 too m!"h- ;o"!s yo!r answers on the parti"!lar /!estion an# on yo!r relate# stren ths- Wat"h for si nals that the Interviewer is losin interest an# stop tal0in imme#iately18- +onGt tal0 abo!t yo!r personal life- Eo! have not been hire# yet so 0eep it professional- 4his is no the time to tal0 abo!t faile# love lives) a h!sban# who as0e# yo! to /!it yo!r 3ob et"-? 19+onGt treat /!estions as 3o0es or try to be too f!nny-
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20- +onGt as0 abo!t holi#ays) per0s) ho!rs or "ompensation !ntil yo!Gve a"t!ally been ma#e a serio!s offer21- +onGt a"t overly "onfi#ent or s!perior- 'ltimately) !nless yo! are applyin to the very senior level positions) the Interviewer is loo0in for someone who is mana eable an# will fit into the team22- +onGt #rop names of infl!ential frien#s an# a"/!aintan"es !nless yo! are passin a messa e or someone has referre# yo!- :e very "aref!l an# professional when yo! mention names of "lients an# ma0e s!re yo! are never ivin o!t "onfi#ential information23- +onGt leave abr!ptly- Dha0e the InterviewerGs han# firmly) than0 him for his time an# as0 what the ne&t step will be-
1- 4ell me abo!t yo!rselfOeep yo!r answer short an# fo"!se# on yo!r professional life- 4his is not the time to brin !p relationships) "hil#hoo# e&perien"es) family et"- < brief history of e#!"ation) "areer an# spe"ial interests is what is "alle# for here- (n# it with why yo! are intereste# in this parti"!lar 3ob-
2- Why are yo! applyin for this parti"!lar 3ob? Dhow interest an# #emonstrate that yo! have resear"he# the 3ob an# 0now what yo! are ettin into- :rin !p evi#en"e from past wor0$ st!#ies that s!pports yo!r interest in this role an# any s0ills yo! have a"/!ire# in preparation for the role- Eo! "an say somethin li0e GI wo!l# li0e to wor0 for a lea#er in innovative networ0 an# tele"omm!ni"ations sol!tions an# my "olle e #e ree in "omp!tational mathemati"s has iven me a soli# ba"0 ro!n# for this role- 9ention the val!e,a##e# yo! "an brin to the 3ob-
3- What #o yo! 0now abo!t o!r "ompany? In#i"ate what yo! have learnt from yo!r resear"h a"tivities , from their ann!al reports)
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newspapers) wor# of mo!th) other employees et"- 'se this to flatter them an# show that yo! have #one yo!r homewor0-
4- What ma0es yo! /!alifie# for this parti"!lar 3ob? < ain) e&plain that yo! are very intereste# in the 3ob an# #emonstrate what it is abo!t yo!r past e&perien"es) e#!"ation an# /!alifi"ations that ma0es yo! i#eal for the 3obDhow enth!siasm an# s!pport yo!r answers with evi#en"e wherever yo! "an 1e - my s!mmer internship at Jitiban0 ave me broa# e&pos!re to the area of e/!ity analysis an# I thin0 I "an apply many of the tools I learnt there in this 3ob2- (laborate on all the past e&perien"es an# s0ill sets that ma0e yo! s!itable for the 3ob-In "ases where yo!r past e&perien"e is not #ire"tly relevant) yo! "an still fin# elements of it that "an be !sef!l@lay !p teams0ills) "omp!ter s0ills) lea#ership roles) spe"ifi" "o!rses an# in#epen#ent resear"h a"tivities that "an be !sef!l to the 3ob at han# to show yo!r initiative even where yo! #onGt have #ire"tly relevant 3ob e&perien"e-
5- What "an yo! #o for !s that someone else "anGt? +emonstrate 0ey stren ths) s0ills an# personal "hara"teristi"s-
6- Why sho!l# we hire yo!? Dee 3- :e"a!se yo! have all the e&perien"e$ traits$ "re#entials #emonstrate# in 3 an# in a##ition to bein /!alifie#) yo! are enth!siasti") intelli ent) har#wor0in ) fle&ible an# willin to learn- <lso mention any 0ey relationships yo! may have that may assist yo! in the 3ob-
7- What #o yo! loo0 for in a 3ob? :e honest- <lso mention 0eywor#s s!"h as "hallen in ) steep learnin "!rve) oo# wor0 "!lt!re) #eman#in ) rewar#in ) opport!nities for a#van"ement an# rowth) team environment) opport!nity to b!il# an# maintain "lient relationships et"-
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9ention yo!r interests an# ma0e s!re yo! brin !p all s0ills$ e&perien"e however insi nifi"ant that "an s!pport yo!r move in this new #ire"tion- It is /!ite "ommon in this #ay an# a e to ma0e a "areer swit"h- Eo! nee# however to show that yo! have very "aref!lly tho! ht abo!t the "han e) have a stron interest in the new "areer an# "an !se some of yo!r previo!s s0ills$ e#!"ation$ relationships to ma0e that move-
9- Why #i# yo! leave yo!r last 3ob? +o M>4 !se this as an opport!nity to ba#mo!th past employers or peers or tal0 abo!t a fail!re of any sort- <ny of these answers are a""eptable5 yo! were loo0in for a new "hallen e) yo!r learnin "!rve ha# flattene# o!t in the previo!s 3ob an# yo! were loo0in for a new learnin opport!nity) the "ompany or #epartment were restr!"t!rin ) yo! were rea#y to start somethin new after a"hievin yo!r "areer oals at the previo!s "ompany et"-
10- Why #o yo! want to wor0 for !s 1as oppose# to the "ompetitor "ompanies2? +emonstrate that yo! 0now somethin abo!t the "ompany) that yo! believe they are lea#ers$ innovators in what they #o) or yo! thin0 their wor0 "!lt!re is e&a"tly what yo! are loo0in for) or yo! li0e their pro#!"t1s2 or yo! have frien#s who wor0 there an# have always been attra"te# to the "ompany et"- ;latter the "ompany an# show yo! 0now somethin abo!t it-
11- %ow lon will it ta0e yo! to start ma0in a meanin f!l "ontrib!tion? Dhow that yo! are enth!siasti" an# willin to learn an# will p!t in all the ho!rs an# effort ne"essary to learn the ropes an# start ma0in an imme#iate "ontrib!tion- In#i"ate that yo!r past e&perien"es$ s0ills$ "re#entials will enable yo! to ma0e an imme#iate "ontrib!tion at some level while yo! /!i"0ly learn all new aspe"ts of the 3ob- <n Interviewer wants someone who is willin an# able to learn an# will ma0e a ret!rn on his investment sooner rather than later-
12- What are yo!r stren ths? Dee 14 below- In a##ition) 0eywor#s s!"h as oo# teamplayer) wor0 very well !n#er press!re) very "reative) very stron /!antitative or "omp!ter s0ills) an# very stron "lient relationship s0ills may be appropriate #epen#in on yo!r "hosen fiel#-
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13- What are yo!r wea0nesses? +o M>4 mention 0ey wea0nesses here- 4his is not the pla"e to say yo! are ba# at meetin #ea#lines or yo! never mastere# hi hs"hool mathemati"s et"- 4!rn this /!estion aro!n# to yo!r benefit- ;or e&le) yo! are Goverambitio!sG or Ge&tremely attentive to #etailG or Gli0e to ta0e on too many pro3e"tsG- 9a0e it so!n# positive-
14- What are yo!r "areer oals? Dhow yo! have tho! ht forwar# an# are "ommitte# to yo!r "areer-
15- %ow wo!l# yo! #es"ribe yo!rself? <ny of these are oo# e&les of attrib!tes employers are loo0in for5 intelli ent) har#wor0in ) /!i"0 to learn) enth!siasti") honest) effi"ient) pro#!"tive) ambitio!s) s!""essf!l) "ompassionate 1in the me#i"al fiel#s2-
16- %ow wo!l# yo!r "ollea !es #es"ribe yo!? +o not brin !p anythin ne ative here-
17- %ow wo!l# yo!r boss #es"ribe yo!? 4hey will "he"0 referen"es anyways so brin !p the most positive attrib!te yo! "an thin0 of abo!t yo!rself e har#wor0in ) honest et"- an# leave it to yo!r :oss to say anythin to the "ontrary-
18- What #i# yo! most li0e$ #isli0e abo!t yo!r past 3ob? +o not !se this to ba#mo!th past 3obs$ employers- Oeep it li ht an# in yo!r favo!r e I o!t rew the 3ob) there wasnGt a "lear "areer pro ression) I wasnGt learnin anythin new et"- I#eally) yo! will have love# yo!r last 3ob an# wo!l# li0e to a"hieve the same 0in# of s!""ess an# 3ob satisfa"tion in a more "hallen in area as yo! have now Go!t rownG that 3ob an# are rea#y for Gnew "hallen esG-
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19- +es"ribe a sit!ation in yo!r past where yo! showe# initiative? Eo! "o!l# #es"ribe any new metho#s yo! "ame !p with to #o yo!r 3ob or to save money for the "ompany or to t!rn aro!n# a ba# sit!ation- It "an be somethin as simple as "han in a filin system) or establishin a relationship with a ven#or that save# yo!r #epartment a lot of money- If yo! are in sales) yo! may want to tal0 abo!t how yo! bro! ht in that bi a""o!nt- Jreatives may tal0 abo!t how they "ame !p with that "!tthroat ima e or #esi n that bro! ht in the b!siness-
20- What were yo!r main responsibilities in yo!r last 3ob? %ave these rea#y an# list them all- +well on the ones that are most relevant to the new 3ob- 4his answer sho!l# be smooth an# pra"ti"e#-
21- What #o yo! "onsi#er yo!r reatest a""omplishments? 9any of !s have one or two milestones in o!r "areer that we are very pro!# of e - that early promotion) that Gh! eG #eal we bro! ht in) the #esi n we "ame !p with) the "osts we save#) the reven!es we in"rease#) the people we traine#) a new invention or pro"ess we "ame !p with et"(&les of a""omplishments may be5 GIe#!"e# "osts by PQF or rename# an# repositione# a pro#!"t at the en# of its life"y"le) or or aniLe# an# le# a team to #o #o PER) or a"hieve# sales in"rease of PQ et"- If yo! are a fresh "olle e ra#!ate) tal0 abo!t e&tra"!rri"!lar a"tivities) lea#ership roles an# ra#es-
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Dhow that yo! are a proa"tive teamplayer an# li0e to bo!n"e i#eas off others an# et inp!tF however yo! are very "apable of wor0in in#epen#ently 1 ive e&les2-
25- What other 3obs have yo! applie# for? +onGt mention 3obs in #ifferent "areer #ire"tions 1e a#vertisin an# investment ban0in 2+o however brin !p any other offers or Interviews from "ompetin firms-
26- %ow #i# yo! #o in "olle e? Oeep it positive- ItGs o0ay to say yo! were very b!sy ma0in the most of "olle e an# were very involve# in sports) a"tivities) so"ial life et"- (mployers want h!man bein s not robots- 9ention the areas yo! #i# very well in even if it was 3!st one or two "o!rses yo! e&"elle# in- 4hey will "he"0 for themselves-
27- What 0in# of ho!rs wo!l# yo! li0e to wor0? (mployers want to see fle&ibility- In#i"ate yo! are willin to p!t in whatever ho!rs are ne"essary to finish the 3ob- +o however mention any "onstraints yo! have e - yo! wo!l# li0e to be home to pi"0 yo!r 0i#s !p from s"hool at 3530- 9ost employers are willin to wor0 aro!n# yo!r "onstraints if yo! show fle&ibility on yo!r si#e as well-
28- +o yo! have any /!estions for me? E(D yo! #o- N!estions en a e the Interviewer an# show yo!r interest- <s0 /!estions that show yo! 0now somethin abo!t the "ompany or the 3ob) that yo! are plannin ahea#) that yo! are an&io!s an# willin to learn the ropes an# that yo! are "ommitte# to the position- Dee N!estions to <s0 the
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