Question:1. Tell Me a Little About Yourself?

Answer: This is the most general and probably the most difficult question, as one has to cover up the entire life story within a couple of minutes. But if handled well, this can be the best from the candidates point of view. There is no need to explain about your childhood, hobbies or schooling. Instead this is an invitation to convince the interviewer what you can offer the company through your education, training or experience. Yes, you can describe your co-curricular activities; interest or part time work provided they have some relation with the job you are applying for. As you have to prove your credibility for the job, it is important to explain how you attracted in this particular kind of job, company and your key accomplishments in the previous job. Again the time allotted to a particular candidate would be limited and hence one should make most out of it focusing on the above-mentioned points. Question:2. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job? Answer: This is another common question that one can be expect to be asked in almost every interview and its answer depends on different circumstances. Possibly there can be three different categories and one has to explain it in suitable context. Whatever may be the context but one should stay positive when answering this question. You should try to make positive statement about the previous job and company that can show your desire for growth, taking responsibilities and facing challenges. Here are the three circumstances and some key points to answer these questions: Resign for a change Every one wants a new position and takes new challenges just to prove that s/he is able to take the next step of his career. So when answering this one never tried to show any kind of disregard to your current job instead explain that the next job is more challenging and can be another stepping stone in your career. You can answer in this way as you are in this current company for two years and no more find the work interesting. You want new challenges for learning new things. Point out that there are no advanced opportunities in the present company and therefore you decided for a change, which will be helpful in your career goal. Lay off This is also a very common thing in most of the private sector but the answer should be specific with facts and figures behind your lay off. There can be a situation that a company faces bankruptcy and so decided to cut the number of employees or even eliminate some departments. Again one can explain that position along with his/her group was eliminating as the project on which they were working on was cancelled. So its not a big taboo these days and you just have to explain it in a more effective way.

Get Fired Its becomes a little difficult to answer in this circumstances but one should be honest and quick while explaining it. Explain frankly whether you have faced any unfair circumstances or did something wrong that pushed you under this situation. Neither you have to present your former employer in a negative way nor a victim of yourself. Always explain what you have learned from this experience in making you stronger. 1. HR Interview Advice - Interview the Interviewer Okay, so you have managed to hold your nerves in control and brave the questions of the HR. You are now at the end of your interview session. What next? The answer is, there are a few more steps to go. 2. Interview Questions and Answers Here are some very popular interview questions and some possible ways to answer them. Please remember that there cannot be just one answer to them. Your answers depend a lot on your particular circumstances. For instance, if the interviewer asks you to describe a challenging issue you had to face, your answer would depend on your particular background and experience. Therefore we have attempted to give you strategies to answer such questions, rather than specific answers. 3. Common Interview Questions and Their Answers. The first step for successful interviews is to remember how you feel. Yes, it is your nth interview and yet you are as nervous as if it were your first time. Remember, there is nothing wrong with this. Everyone, well almost everyone, feels nervous on interviews. Simply allow this state to be- do not fight it. You will have far more presence of mind if you dont fight your nervousness. Also try to remember that it is difficult for the interviewer too. 4. What would you rate as your greatest weaknesses? This is a tricky question. Be mindful of what you say. If you admit to a genuine weakness, you will be respected for your honesty, but your resume will end up in the dustbin after the interview! 5. Dont you think you are overqualified for this job? Here the interviewer may be worried that you will leave the job once you find something that matches your qualification level. This may sound like an objection, but it doesnt mean that the employer has no interest in you. The employer is trying to gauge how you see the situation- whether you can see advantages to both sides. You obviously have to also show how you stand benefited- otherwise it will appear that this job is only a stop-gap arrangement for you till you find something better. 6. How would you honestly evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your previous/current company/boss/team? This question is nothing but a trap. The interviewer is the least interested in the company/boss/team. They are simply checking how you deal with a situation like

this. You might be really tempted to unburden your soul- but dont. Do not stonewall from the question, but emphasize the good points. 7. Situation: Your competitor presses you to reveal some confidential information about your current or previous employer. This looks like a no-win situation- traps both ways. You tell them all, and they judge you as untrustworthy. You refuse to reveal the information they are seeking, the interviewer might be displeased with you. They might think that you are stubborn or suspicious. 8. I think you should be earning more money at this point of your career. Why isnt it happening? Beware of giving a defensive answer that suggests that money is not very important to you- the company might use it as a trap while negotiating your salary. However your answer should explain why you are earning something below the industry standards. 9. If you came on board with us, what changes would you make in the system? This seemingly innocent question has many landmines hidden in it. You might be very close to being hired, but a wrong approach this one question can sabotage everything. You may be very bright, but no one can really understand what needs to be done unless they settle in the position and understand the strengths and weaknesses from within. So beware of jumping at this question if you dont want to come across as someone who shoots from the hips. 10. I find that you have changed jobs many times so far. Why is it so? The concerns behind this question are quite obvious. The interviewer is worried that you may leave the job too soon, the way you have done with others. This might also indicate that you are a well qualified but problematic person who cant get along with other people. 11. You have been working with this current firm for a long time. Dont you think it would be difficult now to switch over to a new company? The interviewer is worried that you would find it difficult to adapt to new ways of working. The best way to tackle this is to show how you have had many changing scenarios within your current firm and how you have adapted to them and grown with them. You can demonstrate the different responsibilities you have held and the changing situations you have conquered. This way you have learnt to adapt quickly to whatever comes your way and even thrive on the challenge. 12. How many hours a day/a week do you work? Avoid being too specific on this answer. If you give a low figure, the company will view it as inadequate. If you commit to too many hours, you will feel guilty for not being able to keep up.

13. We would like to hear about your goals. It reflects poorly on you not to have any goals or have only generalities. Remember that those people who are in a position to hire you have reached there most probably because of their goal setting habits. They would want to hire people who are like them. Thus being non specific about your career/ personal goals could act as a big turn off. 14. 56. Situation: You belong to a category (physically challenged, a single parent, above 50 and so on) that might be considered not competent enough for the position. The interviewer does not articulate his/her concern, but doubts lurk in his/her mind. This is more damaging than a concern vocally expressed. Because it is never expressed, you do not have a chance to respond. How do you defend your position in this case? 15. When you look back on the position you held last, do you think you have done your best in it? If you say that you did, it could mean that your best is already behind you. If you say no, the interviewer takes it to mean that you dont give your all to the work at hand. You should therefore indicate that you always put in your best efforts. Also show that this time of your career (it includes both your previous work and the current moment) is your peak phase for several reasons. Support your statement with instances and reasons from recent developments in your career.

Every organization or institution requires good professionals in different fields, who are capable of taking the organization forward. So it becomes essentials for every candidate who comes for interview to present himself/herself in a professional way in order to become a part of the organization. To be successful in an interview needs attire, confidence, poise and excellent communication skills. Most interviews are competency based and so candidates are asked to answer a number of questions in order to demonstrate their practical knowledge and their ability to tackle adverse situation. Apart from doing a little research on the company, it will better to prepare answer to some common interview questions the interviewer is likely to ask as such as: tell me about yourself, what are your strengths and weakness, why do you want to work here, why should we hire you, etc. Here are a number of commonly asked questions that can give you an overall idea about the kind of questions that an interviewer asks and surely this will boost your confidence in any interview. 1. Common Interview Questions - Page 1 Tell Me a Little About Yourself? Ans - This is the most general and probably the most difficult question, as one has to cover up the entire life story within a couple of minutes.

2. Common Interview Questions - Page 2 What's Your Biggest Weakness? Ans - This is one of the most common questions that every job applicant face and by this, the Interviewer wants to check your challenging ability to face different situation. 3. Common Interview Questions - Page 3 What experience do you have in this field? Ans - Mention specific information related to the position you are attaining the interview otherwise tell him that you are a fresher and have just completed your academics. 4. Common Interview Questions - Page 4 Are you a team player? Ans - Working together as a team is the key point in achieving greater goal than anyone could have achieved individually. 5. Common Interview Questions - Page 5 What irritates you about co-workers? Ans - This is a tricky question but you can answer it honestly. Answer anything that really irritates you or disturbs your work. 6. Common Interview Questions - Page 6 Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. Ans - To answer this question give an example related to youre past job and how did you handle it. 7. Common Interview Questions - Page 7 What did you hate most on your previous job or organization? Ans - Your answer should be something like that you have not find any such thing as an employ should enjoy every part of his job. 8. Common Interview Questions - Page 8 Describe what would be an ideal working environment? Ans - An environment that provides me a chance to use and enhance my skills for the betterment of the organization. 9. Common Interview Questions - Page 9 What challenges do you think you'll face in this job? Ans - Describe the kinds of challenges you came across in your previous company and how you successfully tackled them. 10. Common Interview Questions - Page 10 What have you gained from your work experience? Ans - Pick out one or two work experience and explain it in detail and express what you have learnt from your activities. 11. Common Interview Questions - Page 11 Do you prefer to work with others or on your own? Ans - You have to first understand the requirements of the job and answer should be accordingly to convince the interviewer that you are appropriate for the job.

Question: 81. Why have you had so many employers in the last two years?

Answer: If you are employed as a temp with different companies, then it is obvious that you will face this question. However, don't take it as a negative aspect as most of organizations have both fulltime and temporary workers. Show your years of experience and the skills that you have picked up in these various companies and feel proud that you are able to work in different environments. Also mention the education you learn while working in these companies in temporary basis.

Question: 82. What have you gained from your work experience? Answer: Pick out one or two work experience and explain it in detail and express what you have learnt from your activities. You can also answer, "My experience taught me to develop my interpersonal skill and lead my team. Also you can mention how you guided your teammates in different conditions that enhance your self-confidence.

Question: 83. How would you rate your persuasive skills? Give me proof of your persuasiveness. Answer: T his answer should reflect your leadership quality but dont mention any example in which you are working as a team leader, rather explain a situation in which you actually dont have authority but still you were able to convince others. Describe your responsibility and the out come of your persuasion and why and how others came forward to co-operate you. Also mention you have got any reward for your effort.

Question: 84. How would you react if your manager, your supervisor and your team leader ask you to do something at the same time? Answer: The interviewer tries to find out the way you handle pressure and how you identify priorities? So you have to first check the level of priority of each responsibility and on the basis of that choose the most crucial one to do first.

Example: Suppose your manager is asking you to arrange an office party in the coming week and at the same time you have to submit the project to your supervisor you are working for, then you should give priority to the project as it is more important. Later you can report your manager that the party can be arranged within a couple of days. The manager can very well understand youre responsibilities and would appreciate for your better supervision.

Question: 85. It's your first job. Do you think that you would be able to handle the job despite your lack of experience? Answer: If you are a fresher, the interviewer may ask this question. However, it will better for you to first find out the basics needed for the job and do some ground works accordingly. Give examples of your interest, expertise, and academics, and relate them to the current job.

You can also take help of some professionals and same kind of organization in collecting information on this field, which can make them feel that you are interested. So the most important thing is to match your skills with the occupation.

Question: 86. Are you creative? Are you analytical? Can you work under pressure? Answer: Hey, you got to give an affirmative answer with a suitable example as these questions test your confidence and capability. Since past achievements are indication for your future success talk about your past experience, achievements and while explaining stick to what you can do. Also discuss a particular assignment in which you excelled yourself.

Question: 87. Do you consider yourself a natural leader? Answer: The interviewer can baffled you with this question; however, you have to come with yes with good explanation. Most of us dont actually show that much of confidence to lead but here you have to pick out some of your skills that you have used in your previous organization or which will be useful for this one also. Yes, you have to focus on your interpersonal skills.

Question: 88. Tell me about your life at College or University. Answer: School, college and universities are full of opportunities, so the interviewer wants to find out what qualities you have gained in these period to develop a good personality. No needs to look your past regretfully pointing out any unsuccessful things, rather present what you have learnt in a positive way so that the interviewer can assess your capability. Be honest, whether your experiences were all good or not.

Question: 89. Do you have the required qualifications to handle this job? Answer: This question is to prove your credibility by demonstrating the skills you have learnt. If the job is technical in nature, you need to present your technical knowledge at the interview. Employers may use service data agencies to verify your details mentioned in the CVs, so avoid any kind of small lies in the details of your CVs.

Again, its important for you to know the required qualification otherwise it will not possible for you to show your eligibility. So study first the basic qualification required for the respective post and then highlight your selling points i.e. experience, skills, achievements and academics by targeting the job to prove their relevance to the job.