Job Interview

Last-Minute Interview Preparation
By Doug Hardy, Monster Staff Writer

Adapted from Monster Careers: Interviewing
Even if you have less than a day before your job interview, you can outshine the
competition with a little interview preparation. The following four tasks will take you
about four hours (plus five minutes) to complete, and you'll walk into the interview
confident you'll be successful.
Conduct Basic Interview Research
To prepare for an interview, find out as much as you can beforehand. Call the person
who scheduled your interview and ask:
Who will you be talking to? Will you meet the manager you'd work for, or will
you just talk to HR? What are the interviewer's expectations?
What's the dress code? Dress better than suggested. Most times, it's best to wear
a professional suit. You'd be amazed how many candidates show up looking
like they're going to class, not presenting a professional demeanor.
Get directions to the office. Plan to leave early. Keep a phone number to call if
you get stuck on the bus or in traffic. If you arrive late and stressed, the
interview will not go well.
If you don't have a detailed job description, ask for one.
That's a five-minute phone call.
Learn About the Company Online
Do some fast Web research, which will give you something to talk about in addition to
the job description. Go to the employer's Web site, or search the Web for information
such as:
How big is the company in terms of annual sales or employees?
What does the company say about its products or services?
What recent news (such as a new product, a press release, an interview with the
CEO) can you discuss?
If the company is public, the boilerplate at the bottom of its press releases will
tell you a lot.
Basic research should take you about an hour.
Think of Some Stories
Be ready to answer typical interview questions with a story about yourself. To
prepare, write down and memorize three achievement stories. Tell about times you've
really felt proud of an achievement at work or school. These stories demonstrate all
those hard-to-measure qualities like judgment, initiative, teamwork or leadership.
Wherever possible, quantify what you've done, e.g., "increased sales by 20 percent,"
"cut customer call waiting time in half," "streamlined delivery so that most customers
had their job done in two days."
By the way, nonwork achievement stories are good too; if you volunteer for the local
food pantry, write down a time you overcame a big challenge or a crisis there.
Achievement stories make you memorable, which is what you want. There's an
exercise in Monster Careers: Interviewing called "Mastering the Freestyle Interview,"
which helps you develop these stories into compelling sales points.
Take the time you need -- at least three hours on this task.
Pick Your Outfit, and Go to Bed Early
Lay out your interview outfit the night before, get a good night's rest, and always get
an early start. The last thing you want is to waste all of your interview preparation by
arriving flustered and panicked because you couldn't find a parking space.
How to Prepare for a Job Interview
How-To
NEXT IN HOW TO SUCCEED IN A JOB INTERVIEW
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Tips
Get your wardrobe in order and give yourself more travel time than you think
you might need.
Visualize the interview. Picture yourself as poised, confident, articulate.
Make a list of your strengths and weakness and practice how you will
articulate them.
Write out answers to the questions you dont want to be asked. It will help
alleviate your anxiety.
Related How-Tos
How to Stand Out from the Competition
How to Discuss Career Setbacks in an Interview
How to Protect Your Privacy When Job Hunting
What to Say When a Recruiter Calls
Feedback
Send Feedback on this How-To Guide
In the lead up to a big game, professional athletes visualize success, double-check

their equipment or listen to a favorite song on their headphones all before heading
into competition. The minutes before you leave your house for that big job interview
might not contain the same level of intensity, but mental preparation can still mean the
difference between victory (getting the job) and defeat (back to the classifieds).
Experts recommend that job hunters visualize in their minds how the interview will go.
A little edginess before an interview can be helpful if it makes you alert and energized,
but too much anxiety can be disastrous. Practicing deep breathing or repeating a
tranquil word like calm are popular methods people use to get themselves ready for a
tense situation. And, again, mental preparation well in advance of an interview is key.
To gain confidence, executive coaches advise you write down several of your greatest
accomplishments and then list the skills you used to achieve them. If you know your
skills and how you make a difference, it will be easier to talk about them in an interview
setting.
The same logic applies to your weaknesses. Long before the day of the interview,
candidates should think of solid answers to three questions they dont want to be
asked. Write them down if you have to and go over them several times. This will go a
long way toward relieving anxiety.
And what about everyones most hated question how old are you? Most interviewers
are savvy enough to know its illegal to directly ask, but often youll get a question such
as, What year did you graduate from college? that indirectly probes at your age. If
you tell the truth, the interviewer then knows your age and may not want to hire you
because of it. If you say you dont want to answer the question, you could come across
poorly and may make the interviewer uncomfortable.
Heres how you can finesse the situation. First, assume the interviewer doesnt have
ulterior motives. Instead, figure that he or she is trying to learn something, albeit
clumsily, about your ability to do the job. So listen to the question, then ask your own
question in return to determine the interviewers underlying agenda.
For instance, you could respond, Im curious to know why you are asking me this. Are
you worried that my skills might be out of date? or Thats an interesting question. Are
you probing to learn about the applicability of my skills or my course work? The
interviewer should then respond with the reason for the question, which allows you to
say something good about yourself. Frame your response as a showcase of what
youve learned and prove that your training is current.
Pre-interview assessment tests are another source of anxiety or annoyance for
many heading into an interview. Candidates should take the assessments seriously,
even if they feel they arent necessary. And clear your schedule. Ask recruiters about
how long a pre-employment assessment might take, as you may need to devote
anywhere from a few minutes to several hours of your time. You can also familiarize
yourself with pre-employment assessments by taking free ones on the Web, such
as eTest Inc., a pre-employment testing and assessment company in Atlanta. Practice
tests can help you feel more comfortable for when its your turn in the hot seat.
Knowing you look your best for an interview creates confidence as well. Be sure to get
that suit pressed well in advance of the big day, break in your shoes and dont go
overboard with flashy accessories or designer touches. Feeling rushed or worrying you
might be late can throw off your mojo, too, so its a good idea to give yourself more
travel time than you think you need.
Overall, before a big interview, psychological and career experts agree that its
important to focus on the positive. The bottom line? Always think about, talk about, and
practice exactly what you want to happen.
How To Ace The 50 Most

Common
Interview Questions
Comment Now
Follow Comments
I recently laid out the years most oddball interview

questions. The Glassdoor list included queries from
companies like Google GOOG +0.58%, Bain & Co., and
Amazon, which are notorious for their perplexing and
unusual job interview questions.
In 2012, the search giant asked a candidate, How many
cows are in Canada? while Bain challenged an
interviewee to estimate the number of windows in New
York. Amazon asked a candidate, If Jeff Bezos walked
into your office and offered you a million dollars to
launch your best entrepreneurial idea, what would it be?
The moral of the story was that job seekers need to
anticipate less conventional interview questions, and that
they should think of oddball queries as an opportunity to
demonstrate their thought process, to communicate their
values and character, and to show the prospective
employer how they perform under pressure.
The Forbes E-book: Find And Keep Your Dream Job

The Definitive Careers Guide From Forbes encompasses every aspect of the job hunt from
interview to promotion. Written by some of Forbes best careers and leadership writers, it is
available now for download.
But as it turns out, most companies will ask more

common interview questions like What are your
strengths? and What are your weaknesses?and its
important that you prepare well for those, too.
Glassdoor sifted through tens of thousands of interview
reviews to find the 50 most common questions.
The 50 Most Common Interview Questions:
1.
What are your strengths?
2.
What are your weaknesses?
3.
Why are you interested in working for [insert company name

here]?
4.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
5.
Why do you want to leave your current company?
6.
7.
8.
Why was there a gap in your employment between [insert

date] and [insert date]?
What can you offer us that someone else can not?
What are three things your former manager would like you to
improve on?
9.
Are you willing to relocate?
10.
Are you willing to travel?
11.
Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.
12.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
13.
What is your dream job?
14.
How did you hear about this position?
15.
What would you look to accomplish in the first 30 days/60

days/90 days on the job?
16.
Discuss your resume.
17.
Discuss your educational background.
18.
Describe yourself.
19.
Tell me how you handled a difficult situation.
20.
Why should we hire you?
21.
Why are you looking for a new job?
22.
Would you work holidays/weekends?
23.
How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?
24.
What are your salary requirements?
25.
Give a time when you went above and beyond the

requirements for a project.
26.
Who are our competitors?
27.
What was your biggest failure?
28.
What motivates you?
29.
Whats your availability?
30.
Whos your mentor?
31.
Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.
32.
How do you handle pressure?
33.
What is the name of our CEO?
34.
What are your career goals?
35.
What gets you up in the morning?
36.
What would your direct reports say about you?
37.
What were your bosses strengths/weaknesses?
38.
If I called your boss right now and asked him what is an area
that you could improve on, what would he say?
39.
Are you a leader or a follower?
40.
What was the last book youve read for fun?
41.
What are your co-worker pet peeves?
42.
What are your hobbies?
43.
What is your favorite website?
44.
What makes you uncomfortable?
45.
What are some of your leadership experiences?
46.
How would you fire someone?
47.
48.
What do you like the most and least about working in this
industry?
Would you work 40+ hours a week?
49.
What questions havent I asked you?
50.
What questions do you have for me?
WATCH: The Theory Behind John Paul DeJorias

Hiring Practices
In Pictures: How to Prepare for Common
Interview Questions
How to prepare for common job interview questions:
Do your homework. One of the biggest complaints
of hiring managers is that many job interview candidates
know very little about the company theyre interviewing
for, says Andy Teach, author of From Graduation to
Corporation: The Practical Guide to Climbing the
Corporate Ladder One Rung at a Time, and host of the
YouTube channel FromGradToCorp. Google the
company youre interviewing with and read some of the
articles that pop up; study the companys website; know
the companys mission, its products and services, its
locations, and who their top executives are. Go to the
Public Relations tab on their website and print out some
of their latest press releases. Study them so that you can
talk in the interview about whats going on with the
company now, he says.
Prepare a list of likely questions. Shweta Khare,
a career and job search expert says getting a list of
common questions for an interview is easier than ever
before. You can never underestimate the importance of
preparation. Its the first step and the most important,
she says.
Identify what the organization wants and
needs. While the focus of Why should we hire you?
(and other similar interview questions) is on you, the
interviewee, its important to remember the answer isnt
all about you, says Miriam Salpeter, job search coach,
owner of Keppie Careers and author ofSocial

Networking for Career Success and 100 Conversations
for Career Success.
The most successful interview responses focus on the
hiring managers needs. Framing replies that
demonstrate you understand their problems, or pain
points, makes a big difference when competing with
many other qualified candidates.
Prepare by identifying the skills employers are looking
for. Use their in-depth job descriptions, view videos the
employers post about their organization, and visit
their Facebook page and Twitter feeds, she suggests.
Google yourself. Find out what the company knows
about you, Teach adds. See what they see. If theres
anything negative about you, have a response ready as to
why its negative but dont get too defensive. Respond
and then move on.
Interview yourself for the position. Before every
interview, ask yourself: Why am I a good fit for this
job?
I tell my clients to post the question, Why should we
hire you? on their bathroom mirror, refrigerator or
anyplace they will see it during the day, Salpeter says. I
instruct them to answer, out loud, keeping different
companies in mind each time. Rehearsing this way will
help you hone in on what you have to offer.
Identify what is unique or special about you. How have
you gone above and beyond the call of duty? What did
you accomplish that no one else managed to do? Did you
volunteer to tackle a problem and solve it? Dont
underestimate the value of looking at yourself, your skills
and your accomplishments and outlining the key points
you will want to share with a prospective employer.
Practice and plan. Role play answering typical

interview questions with a friend, colleague, or coach,
says Anita Attridge, a Five OClock Club career and
executive coach. Be prepared for the typical interview
questions by thinking about what your response would
be to them before the interview, she adds.
If you are a college student, set up an appointment with
your career center and have them conduct a mock
interview with you. Even if youre a recent graduate,
many college career centers will conduct mock interviews
to help alumni, Tech says. Request that your interview
is filmed so that they can critique you and you can study
the film. Dont worry if youre nervous or you screw up.
Youre much better off screwing up in a mock interview
than in the real thing.
You dont necessarily want to memorize responsesbut
try to have a general strategy for answering common
interview questions. Today many organizations are
using behavioral interview questions to better
understand what you have done, Attridge says. They
usually begin with, Tell me about a time when She
suggests briefly describing what the situation was; how
you handled the situation; and what the result was.
To prepare for these, youll want to think about
workplace experience stories that describe your
accomplishments or show how you dealt with a tough
situation, Khare says. If you dont have any stories that
you can recall now, set aside a few hours to think and
write down at least two or three stories. A simple
question like, Tell me about a time you made a mistake,
can take you off-guard and it is not easy to recall
unrehearsed. Having a repository of work experience
stories written down before an interview will make it

easier to recall.
Reflect on previous interviews. Keep a computer or
paper record of your interviews, Teach says. Keep a
record of the time of your interviews, how long they
are, your impressions of the hiring manager, and
perhaps most importantly, what questions were asked of
you, what answers you gave, and record any questions
they asked you that you felt could have been answered
differently. Study these elements and your interview
skills will improve, he says.
Figure out how to articulate your goals. Most of
the commonly asked questions during an interview either
dig into your previous experience or want to explore your
future goals, Khare says. Prepare and articulate your
goals, and remain honest here. Inconsistent answers
wont get you the respect and credibility that is a must to
impress an interviewer.
Be positive. When preparing for an interview and
anticipating likely questions, plan to answer all questions
positively. Even if you were in a bad situation, think
about how you can talk about the situation positively,
Attridge says. You always have a choice. It is much better
to talk about a glass being half full then to talk about it
being half empty. Its all about your perspective, and in
an interview being positive counts.
Never say anything negative about your prior employers
or bosses, eitherno matter how bad the situation may
have been. A negative answer actually is a reflection
about your judgment and business acumen, and not
about the employer or manager.
Get comfortable. Preparation and practice aside, the
most important tip I would like to suggest to job seekers
is to feel comfortable with the interview process, Khare

says. You can read all the advice in the world about
acing the interview, but none of the tactics will work out
of you are not yourself during the process.
Feeling comfortable and relaxed positively influences
your confidence. And interviewers always appreciate a
relaxed and confident candidate, as opposed to a heavy
promoter and edgy one, she adds. Practice calming your
nerves, and focus on how you can prove youd be a
valuable asset to the company.
How to Prepare for Common Interview Questions
1 of 11
How to Prepare for Common Interview Questions
How to answer 7 of the most common interview

questions:
Tell me about yourself. While this isnt exactly a

question, answering this the wrong way could really hurt
your chances of getting a job, Teach says. I was once told
by an HR executive that this can actually be a trick
question. Hiring managers cant ask you certain
questions legally but if you go off on a tangent when
answering, you may tell them some things about you
that are better left unsaid. The worst way to approach
this request is to tell them your life story, which is
something theyre definitely not interested in. The best
way to approach this is to only discuss what your
interests are relating to the job and why your background
makes you a great candidate.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Its
easy to talk about your strengths; youre detail oriented,
hard working, a team player, etc.but its also easy to get
tripped up when discussing your weaknesses, Teach says.
Never talk about a real weakness unless its something
youve defeated. Many hiring managers are hip to the
overused responses, such as, Well, my biggest weakness
is that I work too hard so I need try to take it easy once in
a while. The best answer is to discuss a weakness that
youve turned around, such as, you used to come in late
to work a lot but after your supervisor explained why it
was necessary for you to come in on time, you were never
late again.
Where do you want to be five years from
now? What employers are really asking is, Is this job
even close to your presumed career path? Are you just
applying to this job because you need something? Are
your long-term career plans similar to what we see for
this role? How realistic are your expectations for your
career? Have you even thought about your career long-
term? Are you going to quit after a year or two? says

Sara Sutton Fell, CEO and founder of FlexJobs.
Show them that youve done some self-assessment and
career planning. Let them know that you hope to develop
professionally and take on additional responsibilities at
that particular company. Dont say something ridiculous
like, I dont know, or I want your job, she says.
Teach says no one can possibly know where theyll be in
their career five years from now but hiring managers
want to get a sense of your commitment to the job, the
company, and the industry. In fact, I would even
mention that its hard for you to know what job title you
may hold five years from now but ideally, youd like to
have moved up the ladder at this company based on your
performance. Youre hopeful to be in some management
position and your goal is to help the company any way
you can. If you give the impression that this job is just a
stepping stone for you, its unlikely the hiring manager
will be interested in you.
Please give me an example of a time when you
had a problem with a supervisor/co-worker and
how you approached the problem. I think that
the hardest thing about work isnt the work, its the
people at work, Teach says. Most employees have a
problem with a supervisor or co-worker at some point in
their career. How they handle that problem says a lot
about their people skills. If you can explain to the
interviewer that you were able to overcome a people
problem at work, this will definitely help your chances of
getting the job, he says.
What are your salary requirements? What
employers are really asking is, Do you have realistic
expectations when it comes to salary? Are we on the
same page or are you going to want way more than we

can give? Are you flexible on this point or is your
expectation set in stone? Sutton Fell says.
Try to avoid answering this question in the first interview
because you may shortchange yourself by doing so, Teach
says. Tell the hiring manager that if you are seriously
being considered, you could give them a salary rangebut
if possible, let them make the first offer. Study websites
like Salary.com and Glassdoor.com to get an idea of what
the position should pay. Dont necessarily accept their
first offer, he adds. There may be room to negotiate.
When it is time to give a number, be sure to take your
experience and education levels into consideration,
Sutton Fell says. Also, your geographic region, since
salary varies by location. Speak in ranges when giving
figures, and mention that you are flexible in this area and
that youre open to benefits, as well. Be brief and to the
point, and be comfortable with the silence that may come
after.
Why are you leaving your current job? Hiring
managers want to know your motivation for wanting to
leave your current job. Are you an opportunist just
looking for more money or are you looking for a job that
you hope will turn into a career? If youre leaving because
you dont like your boss, dont talk negatively about your
bossjust say you have different work philosophies,
Teach says. If the work was boring to you, just mention
that youre looking for a more challenging position.
Discuss the positives that came out of your most recent
job and focus on why you think this new position is ideal
for you and why youll be a great fit for their company.
If youve already left your previous job (or you were
fired), Sutton Fell suggests the following:
If you got fired: Do not trash your last boss or company. Tell
them that you were unfortunately let go, that you understand
their reasoning and youve recognized areas that you need to
improve in, and then tell them how you will be a better employee
because of it.
If you got laid off: Again, do not trash your last boss or
company. Tell them that you were let go, and that you
understand the circumstances behind their decision; that you are
committed to your future and not dwelling on the past; and that
you are ready to apply everything that you learned in your last
role to a new company.
If you quit: Do not go into details about your unhappiness or
dissatisfaction. Instead, tell them that while you valued the
experience and education that you received, you felt that the
time had come to seek out a new opportunity, to expand your
skills and knowledge, and to find a company with which you
could grow.
Why should I hire you? A hiring manager may not

ask you this question directly but every question you
answer in the interview should contribute to helping
them understand why youre the best person for the job.
Stay focused on why your background makes you an
ideal candidate and tell them how you are going to
contribute to that department and that company, Teach
says. Let the interviewer know that one of your goals is
to make their job easier by taking on as much
responsibility as possible and that you will be excited
about this job starting on day one.
Salpeter suggests you print and highlight the job
description, looking for the top three or four most
important details. Do they include terms such as, crossfunctional team, team work, and team player several
times? If so, your answer to, Why should we hire you?
(asked directly or as an underlying question) should
mention and focus on your abilities as they relate to
teams.
Get a job
Preparing for an interview

It's normal to feel nervous when you have an interview because you want to do your
best. With preparation and practice you can get the better of your nerves and give
yourself the best chance of getting the job. Read our guides to see how you can
improve your performance.
Do's and don'ts

All interviews are different but there are some things you should always do, and some
things you should definitely not do....
Interviews
Interviews - dos and donts
An interview is a discussion between you and an employer to find out if you can do the
job. Its your chance to make a good impression. However, there are certain rules you
should follow in interviews.
What to do:
dress smartly, look bright and attentive, and speak clearly and confidently. Don't
forget that in the first few minutes only 7% of the interviewer's opinion of you is formed
by what you say - the rest is judged on how you look, act and sound
find out where the venue is beforehand, how to get there and how long it takes
get your outfit ready the night before
find out what kind of interview it will be so you can prepare
examine the person specification and your CV/application form, and think about
what type of questions they will ask you
prepare answers for the main questions - for example, why do you want the job,
what are your strengths and weaknesses, what are the main tasks in this job?
make about three or four points in each answer
quote real examples of when you've used certain skills - just saying you've got a
skill isn't enough
take your time when answering the questions: make sure you understand the
question and take your time if you need to think
sell yourself: no one else is going to! Be positive about yourself and your
experiences
prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview - use it as an
opportunity to find out more about the role and the company. (Don't ask about money
or perks just yet!)
when discussing salary, know your market worth and start by quoting a little
higher than this
get feedback on your performance, whether you were successful or not
turn off your mobile phone: treat the interviewers with respect and give them
your undivided attention
keep your answers focused on what you can do for the employer, not what they
can do for you
What not to do:
don't be late
don't swear or use slang words
don't slouch in your seat or do anything that makes you look uninterested
don't smoke
don't lie: the interviewer may see through you. Even if you get the job, your
employer can dismiss you if they find out that you have not been honest
don't let your nerves show too much; a few nerves are normal but extreme
nerves will affect your performance. Use breathing techniques and try to remember that
it's not a life and death situation - there are plenty of jobs out there!
don't be arrogant and assume you've got the job. Nothing turns off employers
more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident
don't discuss controversial topics such as religion, politics and gender relations
don't read from notes or your CV you should be familiar enough with your own
history to be able to talk about it unprompted
don't criticise former employers or colleagues. Interviewers may mark you down
as a troublemaker and a gossip
don't argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things
positive!
These rules apply for most jobs. However, employers in some industries can use more
relaxed and informal interviewing techniques. In some creative fields (design and media
for example) it may be expected that you turn up for the interview in casual clothes, as
that is the dress code in the office. However, smart casual is better than very casual. If
you're in any doubt, do some research on typical interview techniques in your line of
work.
Above all, preparation is the key to performing well in interviews. Research the role and
organisation, and prepare evidence and examples of your skills and competencies.
Interviews
Top 10 interview questions
Avoid surprises interviews need preparation. Some questions come up time and time
again usually about you, your experience and the job itself. We've gathered together
the most common questions so you can get your preparation off to a flying start.
Your skills
Hide
Typical questions an interviewer might ask:
What are your strengths and weaknesses?

What can you do for us that other candidates can't?
What would your colleagues and friends consider as your best qualities?
Why should we hire you?
What the interviewer really wants to know: can you do the job?
Know your strengths, and mention ones that are relevant to the job you're being
interviewed for. It's important to quote examples of when you used the skills; it's not
enough to just say you have the skills. Typical strengths employers look for are:
Communication - the ability to get on with a wide range of people

Team working - the ability to be an effective team leader or team member
IT skills - most jobs these days need some IT skills
Good attitude - hard worker, honest, polite, co-operative
Problem solving - using your initiative to identify solutions
Enthusiasm - employers like someone positive
Quick learner - so you can take on new tasks
Determination - shows you are focused on achieving goals
Flexibility - doing a variety of tasks to achieve a common goal.
If you're asked about weaknesses, don't list many - only mention one! Choose a minor
flaw that isn't essential to the job. Turn it into a positive, such as how you've worked on
the weakness. Or you could present it as an opportunity for development.
Good answers:
Strengths: 'I'm a good organiser, and I plan everything in detail. I showed this
when I was given a new project, and I had to get it up and running from scratch.'
Weaknesses: 'Sometimes I'm too enthusiastic when working on a new project.
But I've learned to adjust to everyone else's pace, and not go charging ahead.'
The employer
Hide
Typical questions:
Why do you want to work here?

What do you know about our company?
What can you do for us that someone else can't?
What the interviewer really wants to know: Do you know what we do? Why have you
chosen to apply to this company?
The interviewer wants to know you've done your homework and that you know about
the organisation and its aims. They want to know you've thought it through and you've
chosen to apply to them for a good reason. Show your knowledge of the company by
having some facts and figures at the ready, such as:
the size of the organisation

what the product or service is
last year's turnover figures
latest developments in the field
the history, goals, image and philosophy of the employer.
When talking about why you want to work for the employer, focus on what you can do
for them, not on what they can do for you.
Good answer:
'Smith's is a respected firm with a reputation for high quality work, and I'd like to
be part of that success. The quality of my work is important to me, so I feel I'd be at
the right place. I've also heard you invest in your staff by training and developing
them.'
About the job

Hide
Typical questions:
What will the main tasks and responsibilities be in this job?

What do you think the main challenges will be?
What would you do in the first day/week/month/year?
What the interviewer really wants to know: Do you know what the job's all about?
The interviewer wants to know if you fully understand what the job will involve. They
want to know why you think you'd be good at it, and how you'd approach it if they offer
you the job. To answer this question well, make sure you read the job description
thoroughly and research how the organisation operates.
Good answer:
'The main task is to supervise a team of sales staff to ensure they exceed sales
targets. It's my responsibility to motivate them and pass on my sales experience to
enable them to achieve more.'
Your ambitions
Hide
Typical questions:
What are your goals?

Where do you see yourself in five years time?
What the interviewer really wants to know: How ambitious are you?
This is your chance to show how enthusiastic you are to get on. (You should avoid
sounding too aggressive and over-ambitious: 'I want to become managing director in
three years'.) Avoid sounding unenthusiastic and passive: 'I'm not sure - I'll see how it
goes'.
To avoid this, you could talk in terms of short-term and long-term goals. Remember you
are at the interview for that particular job - so your short-term goal should be to get
that job for the time being. Then you can start talking about moving on higher.
Good answer:
'My immediate aim is to get a trainee chef position, then to work through NVQs
level 2 and 3 to become a qualified chef.'
Your work history

Hide
Typical questions:
Why did you leave your last job?

Tell me about a typical day in your current/previous job
What experience have you got from previous jobs?
What the interviewer really wants to know: What have you done in your previous jobs?
When talking about previous jobs, focus on the positives. Even if you think your
previous or current job wasn't very demanding, if you jot down the tasks and
responsibilities it will sound more impressive than you think. You will have learned
something, so mention it. Focus on the skills and experience that are relevant to the job
you're being interviewed for.
Don't bring up negative things like having a dispute with a colleague or your boss. And
don't criticise previous employers.
Good answer:
'In my current job I have developed my knowledge of computer software

packages. But now I'm ready for a new challenge, and want to use these skills in a
more customer-focused role.'
Your motivation
Hide
Typical questions:
What motivates you?

Which tasks do you get the most satisfaction from?
What the interviewer really wants to know: What makes you tick?
By finding out what motivates you, the interviewer can find out which environment
you'll perform well in. Try to think of examples of when a work task excited you.
Good answer:
'I like problem solving - that point you reach in a project where you come up
against something unexpected, and you have to think creatively to come up with a
solution.'
About the product or service

Hide
Typical questions:
What do you know about our products/services?

What do you think of our products/services?
Can you think of any improvements to our products/services?
What the interviewer really wants to know: Are you keen enough to have looked at our
products and services?
The employer wants to know that you're familiar with their products or services. They
may also want you to have the initiative to look for ways of improving things. Be
tactful: only mention small improvements. Make these the kind of suggestions people in
the street might come up with and not because you are an "expert" and know best.
Good answer:
'Your products are recognised as the industry standard, leading the way in style
and performance. However, maybe by altering your advertising style you could appeal
to older consumers as well as young ones. I think older people would value your
product just as much, and this could lead to increased sales.'
Team working
Hide
Typical questions:
What makes a good team?

What makes a good team member?
What makes a good team leader?
What the interviewer really wants to know: Can you operate effectively in a team?
Employers value team-working very highly. They want to know you can work effectively
in a team, whatever your role within it is.
Good answer:
'A good team needs to have clear objectives and goals, and procedures to work
towards these. Each person needs to be clear what their role is, and what is expected of
them. There needs to be openness and trust, and clear communication.'
Your personality and interests

Hide
Typical questions:
What was the last film you saw or the last book you read?
How would you describe yourself?
How would your friends describe you?
What the interviewer really wants to know: Are you a well-rounded individual?
By asking personality questions, the employer wants to know how well you know
yourself - how self-aware you are. Having self-awareness means you can look at
yourself critically, and know what you're good at and where you could improve.
When it comes to your interests, the employer wants to know you're an active citizen,
who tries to get the most out of life. When choosing examples of interests to mention,
try to choose a wide range to show you're well balanced. However, when quoting films
or books, choose classic or mainstream ones rather than obscure or extreme ones.
Some employers will expect you to know about current affairs and popular culture jobs in the media, for example.
Good answer:
'In my personal life I'm always organising everybody. People look to me for ideas
and plans - I guess in some ways that shows I'm a natural leader.'
Unusual questions
Hide
Typical questions:
If you were a biscuit, what type of biscuit would you be?

If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be?
What the interviewer really wants to know: Can you think on the spot and come up with
a sensible answer?
You probably won't have prepared for this, so the interviewer is seeing if you can think
on your feet. Take your time over this question, and think of something that generally
reflects you, but also has positives you could apply to the world of work.
There is no good answer but just be prepared for this sort of question.
Review a list of frequently asked interview questions for nutritionists.

Nutritionist Interview Questions
Are there any particular populations you are most interested in advising?
How comfortable are you coordinating dietary recommendations with a
physician?
How would you create a menu for a vegetarian on a high protein high calorie diet
who doesn't consume dairy products?
Describe a daily diet for a patient with Type 1 Diabetes.
Describe a daily diet for a patient with Type 2 Diabetes.
How would you council the parents of a child recently diagnosed with diabetes?
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Are you comfortable working with a geriatric population?
What kind of menu would you put together for a Rainbow Foods Week at an
elementary school?
What nutrition advice would you give to a middle aged man with AIDS?
Describe the diet you would proscribe for a patient looking to lose weight.
Describe the diet you would proscribe for a patient who needed to gain weight
Share an experience you had in dealing with a difficult person and how you
handled the situation.
What is your go-to method for counseling individuals and groups on good
nutrition and eating habits?
Describe a time you mentored someone outside of their nutrition.
What type of criticism are you most receptive to?
Have you ever disagreed with a physician?

How often do you work with physicians or social workers?
How competent are you at writing, giving presentations, and handling
professional conversations?
What are two nutrition related medical problems associated with children under
5 in WIC?
How do you feel about people who are in welfare programs?
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Do you have experience with home care?
Do you have transportation for home visits?
Describe how you turned a negative customer experience into a more positive
one.
What are your two highest priorities?
Who have you learned the most from in your work experience?
Name a time when you exemplified or witnessed witnessed dignity in the
workplace?
What are your strongest attributes?
How do you act in a group?
Do you prefer to work with others or independently?
How would you deal with an angry client?

What do you do with a dissatisfied customer?
Interviews
Interview FAQs
Preparation for your interview is time well spent. Read on to find out more about what
you can expect to face in the interview, and tips on how to deal with the more difficult
questions.
What types of interview are there?

Hide
If you've not had an interview for a while, it's worth knowing that organisations use
different types of interview for different types of job. Some of the most common are:
Competency-based
These focus on the skills and attributes needed. You'll have to relate your skills and
experience to the job in question.
Technical
These are for technical positions such as IT or engineering jobs. You will probably be
asked to display your technical knowledge of a certain process or skill. They may ask
you to do this by talking about your previous experience or by asking you hypothetical
questions, such as "what would you do if you were working on this project?"
Face-to-face
The interviewer meets with the candidate in person.

Telephone
Some organisations use these as the first stage of screening. You may be warned in
advance or contacted out of the blue. First impressions count, so you should prepare for
a telephone interview just as much as you would for a face-to-face interview. Unless it
takes place on a videophone, you won't need to worry about what you are wearing at
the time.
Panel
This is when more than one person interviews you. Usually, one person chairs the
interview and panel members take it in turns to ask you different questions. You should
direct your answer mainly towards the panel member that asked the question.
How do I negotiate salary?

Hide
For some jobs (usually in the private sector) where a salary is not stated, you may have
to negotiate your salary. This will usually happen when you are offered the job.
Some tips:
ask them what the salary range is for similar jobs in the company
get an idea of what the going rate is for the job check other job ads
if you're asked what salary you are expecting, answer quickly and confidently don't dither
start high, and meet in the middle if necessary
don't ask about salary or benefits before youve been offered the job.
Which questions should I ask at the end of the interview?

Hide
At the end of the interview you usually get the opportunity to ask your own questions.
You should always ask at least one question, to show your enthusiasm and interest in
the job.
Here are some examples:
Can you describe a typical day?

What training do you offer?
Ask about something you read about in your research such as a new product
or service
Who will I be working with?
Who will my manager be?
Where do I fit into the organisational structure?
How much of my time will be spent on this task?
How do you see the role developing?
When will you let me know the outcome of the interview?
What if I get asked about skills or experience I dont have?

Hide
You can face questions like this if you're applying for promotion or going for a career
change. As a general rule, however, you should apply for jobs for which you have most
of the skills. Do not worry if you haven't got one or two of the required skills.
Remember, the person specification is an ideal, and no one person might match the
ideal.
However, you will have to show that you have the potential to develop these missing
skills. You can do this by describing times when you've:
been given extra responsibilities

been left in charge
showed this skill on an informal basis, either in work or at home.
For example, if you're applying for a job as an ambulance care assistant, you know it is
essential to know how to carry patients and secure them in the vehicle. You could
mention how you've done this with small children or elderly relatives, so you are aware
of the need for safety. You need to show that you're aware of the need for the skill, and
that you're capable of developing it.
If you have no related experience, describe how you would act if you were placed in this
situation. For example, if you had to deal with a difficult customer you could explain
how you would approach it: stay calm, be polite and be clear on what your roles are.
Explain how you approach learning new skills, and that you are a keen and efficient
learner. You may also score points if you describe how you handle tasks that don't play
to your natural strengths. It would show you are willing to adapt and take on tasks that
do not come that naturally to you.
What should I do the night before the interview?

Hide
It's important to prepare for interviews.

But the night before the interview you shouldn't put in too much work, so try to relax.
Last minute "cramming" might only stress you out.
What if I was fired from my last job?

Hide
If you were laid off as part of a general reduction in the workforce, be honest about it
but then move on quickly.
If you were fired for misconduct or not fulfilling your responsibilities as laid out in your
contract, deal with this differently. Admit to occasional failings if you can show that
you've learnt from them. For instance, if you lost motivation, became lazy and got
caught, describe how you intend to stay motivated in future. If you broke company
policy, you could say you were going through personal or financial problems at the time,
but that they have been resolved.
You should check out your referees: if it was your last boss who fired you, and you have
to list the person for a reference, phone and try to clear the air. Say you understand
why you were fired, but you've learned from the experience and are looking to start
afresh.
Explain that you're looking for a reference as youre looking for work. Ask what they
would say about you. Ask if they would say you were fired or if they would say you
resigned. Not many bosses would keep giving you a bad reference to prevent you
getting new work.
Even with these questions, honesty is the best policy. But always end with a positive,
and show how you learnt from a negative experience.
What if I get asked why I've been out of work for a long time?
Hide
First, stress any positive activities you've undertaken during your period out of work.
Such as:
voluntary work
courses
keeping up with developments in your field
treating job seeking as a full-time job
keeping fit
networking.
You can also say that you were being selective, and not taking the first job that came
along. Stress that you were waiting for the right opportunity, such as the job being
offered by the employer interviewing you.
What if I voluntarily left my job?

Hide
Make sure you state positive reasons for leaving.

The best reason is to say that you wanted a fresh challenge, and you wanted to fully
concentrate your efforts on finding your next opportunity. Reflect positively on your
time in your previous job - describe how you developed in the role and say you were
grateful for the opportunity.
Interviews
Pre-interview checklist
As you have worked your way through this section dealing with applications and
interviews, you will know that preparation is the key to a successful job interview. This
checklist is a quick reminder it is worth printing out to make sure you have covered
everything.
Have you...
...worked out how to get there and how long your journey will take?
Why not do a trial run a few days before?

...found out what format the interview will take?
One-to-one, a panel interview or a group interview.

...found out what resources are available?
If you've been asked to do a written test or a presentation, you'll need to call ahead to
find out what facilities are available.
...prepared answers to some of the typical interview questions?
Check again on responding to the Top 10 interview questions.
Top 10 interview questions

...researched the organisation?
You will impress the interviewer with your knowledge of their organisation.
...printed out the CV or form you sent in application for the job?
Taking a copy with you is useful for any specific questions about your application and
your work history.
...prepared examples of when you've used skills relevant to the job?
You can identify the kind of skills you will need by reading through the person
specification or by checking out our Job Profiles.
Our Job profiles

...prepared two or three questions for the end of the interview?
This is your chance to impress ask questions that show you understand the
organisation and the role you could have.
...decided what you're going to wear? Will you look the part?
Always look neat, clean and tidy, even if the dress code at the organisation is informal.
Phone interviews are conducted just like in-person interviews. They are used by
hiring managers and recruiters as a tool for screening candidates for
employment.
It's important to take time to review the typical phone interview questions you'll
be asked and to prepare answers. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone
conversation about your background and skills.
Phone Interview Questions About Your Background
Name of company, job title and job description, dates of employment.

- Best Answers
What were your starting and final levels of compensation? - Best Answers
What were your responsibilities? - Best Answers
What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle
them? -Best Answers
Why are you leaving your job? - Best Answers
What are your salary expectations? - Best Answers

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Interview Etiquette
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Interview Answers
Telephone Interview
Partime Job
Phone Interview Questions About the New Job and the Company
What interests you about this job? - Best Answers
Why do you want this job? - Best Answers
What applicable attributes / experience do you have? - Best Answers
Are you overqualified for this job? - Best Answers
What can you do for this company? -Best Answers
What do you know about this company? - Best Answers
Why do you want to work here? - Best Answers
What challenges are you looking for in a position? - Best Answers
What can you contribute to this company? - Best Answers
Are you willing to travel? - Best Answers
Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you
would like to know? - Best Answers
Phone Interview Questions About You
What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you? - Best
Answers
What is your greatest weakness? - Best Answers
What is your greatest strength? - Best Answers
Describe a typical work week. - Best Answers
How would you describe the pace at which you work? - Best Answers
How do you handle stress and pressure? - Best Answers
What motivates you? - Best Answers
Tell me about yourself. - Best Answers
Questions about your career goals. - Best Answers
What type of work environment do you prefer? - Best Answers
How do you evaluate success? - Best Answers
Job interview questions about your abilities. - Best Answers
More job interview questions about you. - Best Answers

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Phone Interview Questions to Ask
When you are invited for a phone interview, in addition to reviewing the typical
phone interview questions you'll be asked, it's important to have a list of
questions ready to ask the interviewer.
More Interview Questions to Ask
The last interview question you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?"
Have an interview question or two of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply
trying to get this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether
this company and the position are a good fit for you.
Phone Interview Etiquette
Phone interview etiquette is just as important as in-person job interview etiquette
when it comes to getting hired. That's because, regardless of how you interview, a
successful interview will get you to the next stage of the hiring process.
Tough Interview Questions
These are some of the more difficult interview questions that you may be asked
on a job interview.
Food scientist-food technologist
Hours
30-40 per week
Starting salary
20,000 + per year
If you have a scientific mind and are interested in food production and preparation, this
job could be ideal for you.
Food scientists and food technologists work in the food and drink industry developing a
wide range of products and making sure they are safe for consumers.
In this job you will need good attention to detail. You will also need to stick to strict
hygiene rules.
You will need a strong background in science, usually through a BTEC HNC/HND or
degree in a subject such as food science, food studies, or food technology. You could
get a job as a lab technician and study part-time for relevant qualifications. You may
also be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme.
The work
As a food scientist, you would use scientific techniques to:
provide accurate nutritional information for food labelling

investigate ways to keep food fresh, safe and attractive
find ways of producing food more quickly and cheaply
test the safety and quality of food.
As a food technologist, you would plan the manufacture of food and drink products and
your duties may include:
working on newly discovered ingredients to invent new recipes and ideas

modifying foods, for example creating fat-free products
conducting experiments and producing sample products
designing the processes and machinery for making products in large quantities.
Some jobs (for example carrying out research for a supermarket chain) may involve
quality control as well as product development.
As a food scientist or food technologist you would also gain knowledge and experience
of areas like chemical engineering, production planning, market and consumer
research, and financial management.
Hours
You would often work 9am to 5pm but in some jobs shift work is common to cover
production times.
As a food scientist you could work in laboratories, research departments, or quality
inspection and control on production lines.
As a food technologist, you would often spend time in factories monitoring production
processes and machinery operations, which could include travelling to warehouses,
distribution centres and suppliers factories.
Income
Starting salaries for food scientists and technologists can be between 20,000
and 25,000 a year
With experience and increased responsibilities, this can rise to between 30,000
and 45,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Entry requirements
You will need a strong background in science, usually through a BTEC HNC/HND or
degree in a subject such as food science, food studies, or food technology.
To get on to a degree you will usually need:
five GCSEs (A-C), and

two or three A levels, preferably in chemistry or biology.
For a BTEC HNC/HND, entry requirements are usually one or two A levels or equivalent.
You can search for courses on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
website, and you should check directly with course providers for exact requirements.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

If you have a degree in an unrelated subject, you could improve your chances of
employment by taking a postgraduate course in a subject such as food safety or food
quality management.
Visit the Institute of Food Science and Technology careers website for more information
including details of relevant courses.
Institute of Food Science and Technology
Alternatively, you could begin as a lab technician and work towards further
qualifications whilst in employment. For this level you would need at least four GCSEs
(A-C) including English, maths, and a science subject. See the laboratory technician job
profile for more information.
laboratory technician
Another option could be to enter through an apprenticeship scheme. The range of
Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the
types of skills employers need from their workers. The most suitable Apprenticeship in
Food and Drink (Food Industry Skills). To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships
website.
Apprenticeships
Training and development

Once you start work, your employer may provide in-house training, often as part of a
graduate trainee scheme.
You may also be encouraged and financially supported through external short courses in
subjects such as food hygiene, meat safety or sales and marketing. If your role includes
inspecting food premises, you may need to take a qualification awarded by an
organisation such as the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or the
Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

Royal Society for Public Health
If you join the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) you will have access to
their continuing professional development (CPD) scheme, which will help you keep your
knowledge and skills up to date.
Skills, interests and qualities

To be a food scientist/food technologist you should have:
an aptitude for science and maths

an interest in food production and preparation
strong attention to detail
the ability to work with strict hygiene rules
good communication skills, to explain ideas to other scientists and factory staff
a confident approach to enforcing regulations and reporting problems
the ability to work in a team.
More information
Improve Ltd
Providence House
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448
www.improveltd.co.uk
Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
5 Cambridge Court
210 Shepherd's Bush Road
London
W6 7NJ
Tel: 020 7603 6316
www.ifst.org
IFST Careers
www.foodtechcareers.org
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Chadwick Court
15 Hatfields
London
SE1 8DJ
Tel: 020 7928 6006
www.cieh.org
CIEH careers website
www.ehcareers.org
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Coursefinder
Tel: 020 7827 5800
www.cieh-coursefinder.com
The Food and Drink Federation
6 Catherine Street
London
WC2B 5JJ
Tel: 020 7836 2460
www.fdf.org.uk
Opportunities
You could work for a range of organisations involved in researching and developing new
products, including:
food manufacturers
retailers and supermarket chains
government research establishments
universities
local authorities.
Within larger organisations you may have the opportunity to specialise, or move into a
management role.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and further reading:
IFST Careers
Just Food
Food Recruitment
Careers in Food & Drink
The Grocer
Research Councils UK
(case studies)
(case study booklets)
Job market information

This section gives you an overview of the job area that this profile belongs to. You can
use it to work out your next career move. It can help if youre looking for a job now or
want to do some further training.
The 'Market statistics' charts are based on figures from the UK Commission for
Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The list of job vacancies under 'Apply for jobs' is from the Universal Jobmatch database.
The vacancies are not from the National Careers Service.
Job profiles
Food packaging operative
Hours
37-40 per week
Starting salary
12,000 + per year
Packaging operatives work on the machines and production lines that put finished food
and drink products, such as meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, pre-cooked meals, soft drinks
and confectionary into containers, cans or packets. Items are then packaged up into
larger boxes or crates for dispatch.
If you can carry out tasks quickly and accurately, this job could be for you.
In this job you will need to have patience, as the tasks can be repetitive. You will also
need to work well in a team and on your own.
You will not usually need any qualifications to start work but it will be useful if you have
experience of work in manufacturing. You may be able to get into this job through an
Apprenticeship.
The work
The manufacture of food products is highly mechanised, so your work as an operative is
likely to include:
checking products for quality on the production line and removing defective
items
keeping machines supplied with packaging materials and labels
reporting machine faults to shift supervisors and maintenance staff
making minor adjustments to machine settings to handle changes from one type
of product or container to another.
You would keep the machines and production areas clean during the shift. Depending
on your duties, you may also move packaged items around the warehouse using pallet
trollies or a forklift truck.
Hours
You would typically work 37 to 40 hours a week on a shift system, often including
evenings and weekends. Overtime is common during busy times. Part-time work is
usually available.
Factories are usually noisy and can be hot or cool, depending on the product being
packed. You would wear protective clothing.
Income
Salaries can range between 12,000 and 15,000 a year. Team leaders can earn
between 16,000 and 19,000. Salaries can increase with night shift payments.
Entry requirements
You will not usually need any qualifications to start work as a packaging operative. It
will be useful if you have previous experience of work on a manufacturing production
line.
A forklift licence could be useful in some jobs.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship in Food and Drink (Food
Manufacturing). The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the
local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out
more, visit the Apprenticeships website.
Apprenticeships
Once you start work you will receive on-the-job training, working alongside experienced
staff. Employers will put you through their own training courses in hygiene and health
and safety.
You may be encouraged to complete a food safety certificate such as those offered by
the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the Royal Society for Public
Health (RSPH).
You may also be able to take work-based qualifications, such as:
Level
Level
Level
Level
1 Diploma in Food Industry Skills

2 Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing
2 Certificate/Diploma for Proficiency in Food Manufacturing Excellence
2/3 Diploma for Proficiency in Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills.
You could take further qualifications if you progress to become a supervisor or manager
in a food production business. These include:
Level 2 Diploma for Proficiency in Food Team Leading

Level 2/3 Certificate/Diploma for Proficiency in Food Management.

To be a food packaging operative you should have:
good observational skills to spot defective products

patience to carry out repetitive tasks
the ability to work quickly to meet production targets
good teamworking skills and the ability to work on your own
the ability to follow strict health and safety guidelines and quality procedures
good standards of personal hygiene
a willingness to work flexibly.
More information
Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH)
John Snow House
59 Mansell Street
London E1 8AN
Tel: 0207 265 7300
www.rsph.org.uk
Seafish
Origin Way
Europarc
Grimsby
DN37 9TZ
Tel: 01472 252302
www.seafish.org
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
www.ehcareers.org
Improve Ltd
Tel: 0845 644 0448
Opportunities
You may find that the number of work opportunities available changes on a seasonal
basis.
As an experienced operative, you could progress to supervisor or manager.
Jobs are often advertised in the local press, through Jobcentre Plus offices and on
Jobcentre Plus job search.
You may find the following links useful for vacancies and further reading:
Jobcentre Plus job search

Food and Drink Federation

Job profiles
Quality control technician
Hours
35-40 per week
Starting salary
18,000 + per year
As a quality control technician your job would be to check that your company's products
meet national and international quality standards. You might also help to set up and
manage quality control systems for businesses.
If you've got technical knowledge from a particular industry, can pay close attention to
detail and prioritise tasks, this job could be ideal for you.
To get into this job you normally need experience and/or qualifications appropriate to
your industry.
Work activities
The following examples show the kind of work you might do as a quality control
technician in different industries.
In food and drink manufacturing:
finding and removing faults at fixed stages of the production process (known as
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point)
testing microbiological, chemical and physical samples
making sure labelling is accurate
checking that production methods meet relevant legislation.
In manufacturing engineering:
monitoring each stage of production

using statistical analysis to make sure that machined parts are within tolerance
limits
inspecting materials for defects, using methods like non-destructive testing

(NDT).
Some tasks would be common to most industries, such as:
dealing with customer feedback and complaints, and passing on issues to

managers where necessary
assessing and rating suppliers
reviewing and updating quality control policies
training and mentoring new staff
producing reports for quality managers.
You would usually work in a team, under the supervision of a quality manager.
Working hours and conditions

You would normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. In manufacturing,
you might work on a shift rota that includes evenings and weekends.
Depending on your industry, you could be based in an office, laboratory or factory
production area.
Income
Trainee salaries can be between 12,500 and 15,000 a year. Qualified and experienced
technicians can earn between 18,000 and 25,000 a year.
Entry requirements
You will need experience and/or qualifications relevant to your industry to become a
quality control technician. Most employers will ask for some GCSEs, A levels or
equivalent vocational qualifications related to your field.
Although not essential, you could study for a foundation degree, HND or degree, for
example in production management, which would include quality control options. To
search for colleges and universities offering these courses see the UCAS website.
UCAS
You may be able to train as an apprentice within your chosen industry and work your
way up to a quality control position. Many Apprenticeships include quality control
options. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local
jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out
more, visit the Apprenticeships website.
Apprenticeships
Some knowledge of quality standards and working methods will be useful when
applying for jobs in quality control. You can find details of these on the British
Standards Institution (BSI) website.
British Standards Institution

You would receive training from your employer, covering in-house testing procedures
and quality standards, as well as industry regulations.
It may help your promotion prospects to study for professional exams offered by
organisations like the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and Chartered Management
Institute (CMI). These include:
Level 3 Certificate in Quality Management

Level 4 Certificate/Diploma in Management and Leadership.
See the CQI and CMI websites for more details about their qualifications.
Chartered Quality Institute

Chartered Management Institute
The CQI also offers a membership scheme for new entrants and experienced workers,
plus a programme of continuing professional development (CPD).
There are other work-based awards available for specific industries that contain quality
control units. Contact the professional body relevant to your industry for more details.

To be a quality control technician you should have:
excellent spoken and written communication skills

technical knowledge relevant to your industry
knowledge of relevant legislation and quality control standards
good organisational skills and a methodical approach to work
the ability to prioritise workloads and meet project deadlines
the ability to pay close attention to detail
good teamworking skills.
More information
Chartered Quality Institute
Tel: 020 7245 6722
www.thecqi.org
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Management House
Cottingham Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 1TT
Tel: 01536 204222
www.managers.org.uk
British Standards Institution (BSI)
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL
www.bsigroup.co.uk
Opportunities
Quality control and assurance is playing an increasingly important role as a way of
demonstrating a company's competitiveness in a global market. You could find
opportunities in all industries in the private and public sector.
With experience and further training, you could progress to supervisory, management
or research jobs.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading:
Quality World
Quality Jobs
Jobcentre Plus job search

Job profiles
Research scientist
Hours
Variable
Starting salary
23,000 + per year
As a research scientist, you would plan and carry out experiments and investigations to
broaden scientific knowledge in a range of areas, from life sciences to industrial
processes. If you have an enquiring mind, and would like to be at the forefront of
scientific discovery, this could be the career for you.
Youll need to be good at solving problems, and collecting and interpreting data. You
would also need to have the patience and the persistence to carry on when you dont
get the results you expect.
To get into this job you would need a degree and usually a postgraduate qualification,
such as a PhD.
The work
As a research scientist you could work in industry research and development (R&D), for
a university research department, in government labs or for defence companies. You
would work in one of the different subject areas covered by scientific research. They
include:
life sciences, such as physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, plant sciences

earth sciences, like geology, meteorology and oceanography
medical research
physical sciences, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, materials science
and geoscience
industrial science, like food and petrochemicals
research and development in the textiles industry.
The exact nature of your work would vary greatly depending on your specialism, but
could include:
drawing up research proposals and applying for funding

planning and carrying out experiments
keeping accurate records of results
analysing results and data
presenting findings in scientific journals, books or at conferences
carrying out fieldwork (collecting samples and monitoring environmental factors)
developing new products or ways of applying new discoveries
improving manufacturing production methods
testing products or materials
teaching or lecturing.
You would usually work in a team with other scientists, technicians and support staff.
Research scientists work in a broad range of industries. Visit the BBC Academy website
to watch a video about the work of a research scientist in the R&D department of the
BBC.
BBC Academy
(Profile: research scientist)
Hours
In a university research department you would normally work, 9am to 5pm, Monday to
Friday. In industry you may need to fit in with shift patterns. This could include working
in the evening, at the weekend or on public holidays.
You could be based in a laboratory or an industrial plant. You may work outdoors or
away from the lab when collecting samples or doing fieldwork and work in an office
when writing reports or scientific papers.
Research could involve working with hazardous or toxic materials. Working with animals
or animal based products may also be part of some types of research. You would need
to be very aware of health and safety regulations and may need to wear protective
clothing such as a lab coat and safety glasses.
You may have to travel nationally or internationally, for example to attend conferences
or carry out fieldwork.
Income
Funded PhD research students starting out can be awarded 13,000 to 14,000 a year
while they study.
Postdoctoral researchers or research fellows may earn from 29,000 to 36,000 a year.
A research scientist in industry could earn from 23,000 to 42,000 a year.
Lecturers, professors and senior staff in research institutions and industry could earn up
to 60,000 or more.
Entry requirements
To begin your career as a research scientist you would need a good honours degree,
usually at least 2:1, in a science subject related to your area of interest. Most research
scientists then go on to study towards postgraduate qualifications.
To get on to a degree you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including science subjects,
English and maths, plus at least two A levels. Check with course providers for exact
entry details because alternative qualifications may also be accepted. You can search
for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNC/HNDs and degrees on the
UCAS website.
UCAS
Integrated masters qualifications such as MSci, MBiol, MPhys and MChem can also be
studied at university. These courses incorporate more independent research and are
designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study such as a PhD.
Many employers will expect you to have completed, or be working towards a PhD, in
your specialist area of interest. It may also improve your chances of finding work if you
have work experience in a research department or your degree included a placement in
a research environment.
It may be possible to start as a research assistant or graduate industrial scientist and
study part-time for a PhD whilst working. Research councils and industrial companies
sometimes work together to offer Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering
(CASE) studentships. This would give you the opportunity to work towards a PhD whilst
getting practical research experience in industry. The Research Councils UK website

offers information about different research councils and research careers.
As a graduate you could also look for postgraduate training opportunities offered
through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). In a KTP you would get the opportunity
to run a research project together with an industrial organisation and a university or
research body.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

For more careers information about a career in science, see the Future Morph website.
Future Morph

Throughout your career you will need to keep up to date with developments in your
specialist area. This will include changes in health and safety, and legal and ethical
requirements. You would usually do this through on-the-job training, studying scientific
journals and attending seminars and conferences.
Vitae is an organisation that works together with universities, research organisations
and funding bodies to support the development of researchers. They offer a
development framework, courses and events that cover a wide range of research skills.
Vitae
If you have completed a PhD and wish to get more experience of working in industry or
develop the commercial potential of your research you could think about applying for a
KTP.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

You can also increase your knowledge and skills by:
studying for further postgraduate qualifications

taking exams for membership or fellowship of the professional body linked to
your area of expertise
taking part in continuing professional development (CPD) programmes offered by
professional bodies.
You may also be encouraged to demonstrate your commitment to professional
development and work towards professional recognition, such as Chartered Scientist
status.
Chartered Scientist

As a research scientist you should have:
scientific, technical and numerical skills

an enquiring mind
problem solving skills
patience and persistence
a logical and methodical approach
accuracy and attention to detail
good spoken and written communication skills
the ability to work in a team
excellent presentation skills
IT skills.
More information
Future Morph
www.futuremorph.org
SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
in the UK)
14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0845 643 9001
www.semta.org.uk
WISE Campaign
www.wisecampaign.org.uk
Science Council
Tel: 020 3434 2020
www.sciencecouncil.org
Royal Society of Chemistry
Tel: 020 7437 8656
www.rsc.org
Society for Biology
Charles Darwin House
12 Roger Street
London
WC1N 2JU
Tel: 020 7685 2550
www.societyofbiology.org
Institute of Physics (IOP)

76 Portland Place
London
W1B 1NT
www.iop.org
www.physics.org/careers
Cogent SSC Ltd (Sector Skills Council for Chemicals, Nuclear, Oil and Gas, Petroleum
and Polymers)
Unit 5, Mandarin Court
Centre Park
Warrington, Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
www.cogent-ssc.com
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Careers
Tel: 0870 890 4333
www.careers.abpi.org.uk
Opportunities
You could work in a wide range of organisations and industries, including
pharmaceuticals, energy, defence, food and consumer products, the NHS, universities,
voluntary or charitable bodies (such as Cancer Research UK).
As a research scientist with research councils and institutes or in industry, you could
progress to a senior research or laboratory management position once you are seen to
be making a significant individual contribution to the work.
In an academic post, once you have gained experience and published original research
you could progress to senior research fellow or professor, leading your own research
team.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and further reading:
Science Careers
New Scientist
Nature
Physics World
NHS Jobs
National STEM Centre
(register for free to view careers videos)

(case studies)
(case study booklets)

Job profiles
Food processing worker
Hours
37-40 per week
Starting salary
12,000 + per year
Food processing workers produce and pack a wide variety of food items, including
frozen, canned, baked, dried, and pasteurised products. If you can follow procedures
and work quickly, this job could suit you well.
To be good at this job you will also need to be observant, so you can spot problems
with the food you are working with. You will need to be able to concentrate for long
periods.
There aren't any set entry requirements to get into this job. However, some employers
may prefer you to have some GCSEs. You may be able to get into this job through an
Apprenticeship scheme.
The work
As a food processing worker you would usually work on a fast moving production line,
which has food passing along on conveyor belts, through different stages such as
mixing, cooking and packing.
Your duties could also include:
checking and controlling the machinery that processes the food

making sure the production line has a constant supply of raw materials or
ingredients
adjusting the speed of the conveyor belt if necessary
checking instruments such as temperature gauges, at regular intervals
keeping machines clean at all times.
When problems occur with the production process, you would stop the machine and
report the fault to a supervisor or engineer.
Hours
You would usually work between 37 and 40 hours a week over five days. Some factories
operate a shift system involving evening, night and weekend work. Overtime is often
available.
Your job would mainly take place on the production line of a factory. The temperature in
a factory will vary depending on the type of food being processed.
You will work to high standards of hygiene and you will wear clean, protective clothing
and a hat or hairnet.
Income
Starting salaries can be around 12,000 a year, although apprentices may earn less.
With experience this can rise to between 13,000 and 16,000 a year. Shift leaders and
supervisors may earn up to 20,000.
Overtime and shift allowances can greatly increase these figures. Some factories pay as
much as 30% extra to staff working through the night.
Entry requirements
You dont need any particular qualifications to start as a food processing worker,
although some employers may prefer you to have some GCSEs. A good standard of
general education may also help your career prospects, for example if you wish to
become a supervisor.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship in Food and Drink (Food
Manufacturing).The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the
local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers.
To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeships website.
Apprenticeships

Once you are working, you will usually receive on-the-job training covering issues like
health and safety, food hygiene, and technical aspects of the production line process.
You may also be encouraged to work towards industry qualifications, such as:
Level
Level
Level
Level
1
2
2
2
Diploma in Food Industry Skills

Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing
Certificate/Diploma for Proficiency in Food Manufacturing Excellence
Diploma for Proficiency in Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills.
You could take further qualifications if you progress to become a supervisor in a food
production business, for example:
Level 2 Diploma for Proficiency in Food Team Leading.

To be a food processing worker you should have:
the ability to follow instructions and procedures

a good understanding of health and safety and basic hygiene rules
good powers of observation to spot problems with produce
the ability to maintain concentration for repetitive tasks
accuracy and attention to detail
good teamworking skills and the ability to work alone
a willingness to work flexibly.
More information
Improve Ltd
Tel: 0845 644 0448
Seafish
Origin Way
Europarc
Grimsby
DN37 9TZ
Tel: 01472 252302
www.seafish.org
Opportunities
The food production industry in the UK is vast, so opportunities for career progression
are good. Many companies offer internal promotion leading to supervisory and
management posts.
Employers in this area often specialise in one aspect of food production, such as baking,
freezing or brewing. In some cases process work is seasonal, for example, canning and
freezing soft fruit and vegetables.
Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, in Jobcentre Plus offices, and
Universal Jobmatch.
You may find the following links useful for vacancies and further reading:
Universal Jobmatch
Food and Drink Federation

When you're asked what interests you about the position you are interviewing for,
the best way to respond is to describe the qualifications listed in the job posting,
then connect them to your skills and experience. That way, the employer will see
that you know about the job you're interviewing for (not everyone does) and that
you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.
For example, if you were interviewing for a Human Resources Manager job where
you would be responsible for recruiting, orientation and training, you will want to
discuss how you were responsible for these functions in your past positions, and
why you are interested in continuing to develop your expertise in Human
Resources management.
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Another example would be if you were interviewing for a Programmer / Analyst
position. In that case, you would mention your interest in learning and excelling
at new technologies, your experience in programming new applications, and your
interest in and your ability to problem solve.
In all cases, you will want to convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to
interview, along with your solid ability to do the job.
Why do you want this job? Are you prepared to answer this question in an
interview? Career expert and author, Joyce Lain Kennedy, shares her best job
interview answers to the question "Why do you want this job?"
Keep in mind that you can customize these answers to fit your particular
circumstances and the job you are applying for.
Joyce Lain Kennedy's sample answers to the interview question "Why
do you want this job?"
This is not only a fine opportunity, but this company is a place where my
qualifications can make a difference. As a finance executive well versed in the
new stock options law, I see this position as made to order. It contains the
challenge to keep me on my toes. That's the kind of job I like to anticipate every
morning.
I want this job because it seems tailored to my competencies, which include

sales and marketing. As I said earlier, in a previous position I created an annual
growth rate of 22 percent in a flat industry. Additionally, the team I would work
with looks terrific.
I well understand that this is a company on the way up. Your Web site says
the launch of several new products is imminent. I want be a part of this
business as it grows.
Having worked through a college business major building decks and

porches for neighbors, this entry-level job for the area's most respected home
builder has my name on it.
As a dedicated technician, I like doing essential research. Being part of a

breakthrough team is an experience I'd love to repeat.
This job is a good fit for what I've been interested in throughout my career.
It offers a nice mix of short- and long-term activities. My short-term
achievements keep me cranked up and the long-term accomplishments make
me feel like a billion bucks.
I want this job selling theater tickets because I'd be good at it. I'm good at
speaking to people and handling cash. I would like a job with regular hours and
I'm always on time.
Although some companies are replacing Americans with imported lowwage workers, you are standing tall. This company's successful strategies, good
reputation and values make it heads and shoulders above its competition.
I'd fit right in as a counter clerk in your fine dry cleaners. I have observed
that the counter clerk position requires competence at handling several
activities in quick order -- customer service, payments, bagging and phones. I
like multitasking and, as a homemaker, I have a lot of practice in keeping all
the balls in the air.
The work I find most stimulating allows me to use both my creative and
research skills. The buzz on this company is that it rewards people who deliver
solutions to substantial problems.
A typical interview question to discover what assets you have that are
specific to the company's goals is "What can you do for this company?"
First of all, be sure to have researched the company prior to the interview,
so you are familiar with the company's mission. Respond by giving
examples why your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience will
make you an asset for the employer.
Take a few moments to compare your goals with objectives of the company
and the position, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in
your other jobs. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company, as
well as the job.
A typical job interview question, asked to find out how much company research
you have conducted, is "What do you know about this company?"
Prepare in advance, and in a word, research, so you can provide relevant and
current information about your prospective employer to the interviewer.
Research the Company
Start by researching the company online. Review the "About Us" section of the
company website.
If you're a college graduate check with the Career Office at your school to see if
you can get a list of alumni who work for the company. That's an ideal way to get
an insider's view of the employer, and to get information that might not be
available elsewhere.
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Manufacturing Job
Check the company's LinkedIn page and the company website to review
information provided by the employer. Also check to see if you have any
connections at the company who can provide you with insight and advice.
Visit the company's Facebook, Twitter and Google+ pages to see what
information the company is promoting and sharing. You'll be able to pick up
tidbits of information that you may be able to use during the interview.
Search Google News for the company name so you can find the most current
information available on your prospective employer.
Also research the people who will be interviewing you. Review their LinkedIn
profiles and Google them to see what information you can find. The more you can
discover, the more comfortable you will be talking with them.
Create a List
Use the information you have gathered to create a bulleted list of relevant
information that you can easily remember during the interview. Taking the time
to research will help you make a good impression with how much you know about
the company.
A typical interview question, asked to ensure that you are seriously interested in
the job and the company, and to find out how much you know about the
company, is "Why do you want to work here?"
Check Out the Company
The best way to answer this question is, first of all, to be prepared and
knowledgeable about the company. Spend some time researching the company
(the About Us section of the employer's website is a good place to start) so you
can talk about the benefits of working for this employer.
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Check out the company's LinkedIn page, as well. If you have a connection at the
company, ask them if you can get some insight into what the company is seeking
in an ideal employee.
Compare Your Goals to the Job
Compare your goals with the objectives of the company and the position, then
reiterate why you would be an asset to the employer. Let the interviewer know
what you can do for the company, if you get a job offer.
Even though the question is about why you want to work here, you still need to
convince the interviewer that hiring you will benefit the company.
Here are sample answers you can use to frame your own response:
This company is internationally known for its (widgets), and my experience

in the (marketing/planning/production/etc.) of (widgets) has me intrigued by
the opportunity this position presents.
The businesses in this area are known for their commitment to the
community, and I would like the opportunity to participate in making this a
better place to live.
I am a (widget) connoisseur, and would love the opportunity to share my

enthusiasm for (widgets) with customers.
A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for your in next
job, and whether you would be a good fit for the position being hired for, is "What
challenges are you looking for in a position?"
The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to
discuss how you would like to be able to effectively utilize your skills and
experience if you were hired for the job.
You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges, have the ability to
effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle
a challenging job.
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You can continue by describing specific examples of challenges you have met and
goals you have achieved in the past.
A typical interview question to discover how hiring you would benefit the
company is "What can you contribute to this company?"
The best way to answer questions about your contributions to the company is to
give examples of what you have accomplished in the past, and to relate them to
what you can achieve in the future.
Describe specific examples of how effective you have been in your other positions,
change you have implemented, and goals you have achieved. Talk about the
depth and breadth of related experience that you have.
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Interview Answers
Interview Skills
Manufacturing Job
Job Test
Also, relate your abilities to the employer's goals. You will want to let the
interviewer know that you have the skills necessary to do the job they are hiring
for, the ability effectively meet challenges, and the flexibility and diplomacy to
work well with other employees and with management.
Sample Answers
I'm a hard worker with the experience to get things done efficiently.
I can contribute my organizational skills and my ability to work well in a

group.
I have the experience, contacts, and knowledge to contribute to the rapid

growth of this business.
Vision. I am experienced in the areas this company needs to grow, and my

ability to plan ahead will help facilitate that growth.
When you're asked to describe the pace at which you work, be careful how you
respond. This is another question where faster isn't necessarily better. Most
employers would rather hire employees who work at a steady pace.
Someone who is too slow to get the job done in a reasonable time frame isn't
going to be a good hire. Neither is a candidate who works frenetically all day.
Best Answers
Options for answering this question include saying that you work at a steady
pace, but usually complete work in advance of the deadline.
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Career Tests
Interview Answers
Interview Skills
Job Test
Discuss your ability to manage projects and get them done on, or ahead, of
schedule. If you work at a job where you have set criteria (i.e. number of calls
made or responded to) that measures accomplishments, discuss how you have
achieved or exceeded those goals.
A typical interview question, asked to get a sense of how you handle on-the-job
stress, is "How do you handle pressure?" Examples of good responses include:
Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The
appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance
between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and
productive.
I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is

handled and doesn't become stressful.
I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in
a challenging environment.
From a personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every

evening. It's a great stress reducer.
Prioritizing my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be

done when, has helped me effectively manage pressure on the job.
If the people I am managing are contributing to my stress level, I discuss

options for better handling difficult situations with them.
I find that when I'm under the pressure of a deadline, I can do some of my
most creative work.
I'm not a person who has a difficult time with stress. When I'm under
pressure, I focus, and get the job done.
I find it exhilarating to be in a dynamic environment where the pressure is

on.
I find a past pace to be invigorating, and thrive when the pressure is on.
I've done some of my best work under tight deadlines, where the
atmosphere was very stressful.
I'm the kind of person who stays calm under pressure, and handles stress
fairly easily.
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Stress Tips
Reduce Stress
Job Stress
Interview Advice
Reducing Stress
It's a good idea to give examples of how you have handled stress to your
interviewer. That way, they get a clear picture how well you can work in stressful
situations.
You walk into the interview room, shake hands with your interviewer and sit
down with your best interviewing smile on. Guess what their first question is?
"Tell me about yourself."
Do you "wing it" and actually tell all manner of things about yourself? Will you
spend the next 5 minutes rambling on about what an easy-going, loyal, dedicated,
hard working employee you've been? If this is the case, you stand a good chance
of having bored your interviewer to death thus creating a negative first
impression.
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Interview Answers
The Interview
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Tell Me About Yourself - Best Answers
Because it's such a common interview question, it's strange that more candidates
don't spend the time to prepare for exactly how to answer it. Perhaps because the
question seems so disarming and informal, we drop our guard and shift into
ramble mode. Resist all temptation to do so.
Your interviewer is not looking for a 10-minute dissertation here. Instead, offer a
razor sharp sentence or two that sets the stage for further discussion and sets you
apart from your competitors.
Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Give them "your synopsis about you" answer, specifically your Unique Selling
Proposition. Known as a personal branding or a value-added statement, the USP
is a succinct, one-sentence description of who you are, your biggest strength and
the major benefit that a company will derive from this strength. Here is an
example of a Unique Selling Proposition: "I'm a seasoned Retail Manager strong
in developing training programs and loss prevention techniques that have
resulted in revenue savings of over $2.3Million for (employer's name) during the
past 11 years."
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What a difference you've made with this statement. Your interviewer is now
sitting forward in her chair giving you her full attention. At this point, you might
add the following sentence: "I'd like to discuss how I might be able to do
something like that for you." The ball is now back in her court and you have the
beginnings of a real discussion and not an interrogation process.
Be Specific
The key is that you must lead with your strongest benefit to the employer. Be
specific and don't wander about with some laundry list of skills or talents. Be sure
to put a monetary value on your work if at all possible and be ready with details
when you're called upon. Give an estimated value to the $$ you've either helped
to make or save for your employer.
Be Prepared
When you walk into an interview, remember to always expect the "tell me about
yourself" question. Prepare ahead of time by developing your own personal
branding statement that clearly tells who you are, your major strength and the
clear benefit that your employer received. The advantages of this approach are
that you'll quickly gain their attention and interest them in knowing more. You'll
separate yourself from your competitors. You'll also have a higher chance of being
positively remembered and hired.

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Last-Minute Interview Preparation

By Doug Hardy, Monster Staff Writer

How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Visualize the interview. Picture yourself as poised, confident, articulate.

How to Discuss Career Setbacks in an Interview

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In the lead up to a big game, professional athletes visualize success, double-check

How To Ace The 50 Most

I recently laid out the years most oddball interview

The Forbes E-book: Find And Keep Your Dream Job

But as it turns out, most companies will ask more

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Why are you interested in working for [insert company name

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

Why do you want to leave your current company?

Why was there a gap in your employment between [insert

Are you willing to relocate?

Are you willing to travel?

Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake.

What is your dream job?

How did you hear about this position?

What would you look to accomplish in the first 30 days/60

Discuss your resume.

Discuss your educational background.

Tell me how you handled a difficult situation.

Why should we hire you?

Why are you looking for a new job?

Would you work holidays/weekends?

How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?

What are your salary requirements?

Give a time when you went above and beyond the

Who are our competitors?

What was your biggest failure?

What motivates you?

Whats your availability?

Whos your mentor?

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.

How do you handle pressure?

What is the name of our CEO?

What are your career goals?

What gets you up in the morning?

What would your direct reports say about you?

What were your bosses strengths/weaknesses?

Are you a leader or a follower?

What was the last book youve read for fun?

What are your co-worker pet peeves?

What are your hobbies?

What is your favorite website?

What makes you uncomfortable?

What are some of your leadership experiences?

How would you fire someone?

What questions havent I asked you?

What questions do you have for me?

WATCH: The Theory Behind John Paul DeJorias

owner of Keppie Careers and author ofSocial

Practice and plan. Role play answering typical

stories written down before an interview will make it

is to feel comfortable with the interview process, Khare

How to Prepare for Common Interview Questions

How to answer 7 of the most common interview

Tell me about yourself. While this isnt exactly a