Job Interview Questions And the Answers

Question #1 :Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment.

Answer : You'd be surprised how many job applicants fumble when asked about prior
employment. Don't be one of them! Refresh your memory prior to the interview by reviewing
your resume, so you can speak about your prior work history in detail and accurately.

Question #2 : What Education Do You Have ?

Answer : Education and training come in many forms. In addition to colleges and universities,
vocational-technical institutions, private career schools, and military schools count heavily.And
you can discuss other learning resources such as the following :

·1. Company training programs you’ve participated in and what you learned in those training
programs.
· 2. Trade or professional journals that you read regularly, online, or in print.
·3. Professional conferences, seminars, and workshops that you’ve attended recently , especially
those offering CEUs (continuing education units).
· 4. Webinars through which you find new information; many are free.

If you must address your lack of required education, discuss your experience and skills as
education. Speak of experience-based knowledge and skills, for instance, and redirect the
conversation to your self-teaching efforts.
Assure the interviewer that your degree-less state does not affect your ability to do the job
well. Use specific examples from your experience to prove this point

Question #3 : What do you do to keep up-to-date in your job? How do you improve
yourself professionally?
Answer : Describe your participation in professional associations, seminars, meetings and
activities,and Internet professional discussion groups. Say you study professional websites and
magazines, look for technical breakthroughs, and seek certifications that document your
continued skill building (describe certifications).

Question #4 : What led you to choose your field of major study?

Answer : Show how your major is reflective of your natural abilities and passion.

Question #5 : What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
Answer : When you're asked what don't like about your previous job, don't be too negative.

Question #6 :
What problems have you encountered at work? and how did you deal with them?
Answer : When you respond, be sure to include a positive outcome to the problems you
reference in your answer.
Question #7 : Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
Answer : Be careful answering questions about previous managers. You don't want to come
across as difficult, and you want to cast any past experiences in the most positive light possible.

Question #8 : Why Did You Resign From Your Job?

Answer :
Example answers :
1. I resigned because there were limited opportunities for advancement and I wanted to
further my career.
2. I graduated from college and resigned in order to find a position where I could use my
education and related experience.
3. To be honest, the position wasn't a fit and I decided it made sense to resign and to
refocus my career path.
4. I resigned from my job because I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity
to use my skills and experience in a different capacity than I have in the past.
5. My family relocated to this area and my previous employer doesn't have an office here.

Question #9 : Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Answer : Firstly, relax! The interviewer just wants you to talk for just a couple of minutes about
why you would be good at this job. It’s an all-time favorite interview question, although many
people hate it, and can be asked in various forms. When you do answer the question, remember
to be natural and tell me only the parts about yourself that paint a picture of someone who fits the
job you’re interviewing for.
Example answers :
1. I'm a people person. I really enjoy meeting and working with a lot of different people.
2. I'm a creative thinker. I like to explore alternative solutions to problems and have an
open mind about what will work best.
3. I'm efficient and highly organized. This enables me to be as productive as possible on
the job.
4. I enjoy solving problems, troubleshooting issues, and coming up with solutions in a
timely manner.

Question #10 : What is Your Greatest Strength?

Answer : When you are asked questions about your strengths, it's important to discuss attributes
that will qualify you for the job.
Sample answers :
When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete
the project well ahead of schedule.
· My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in
excelling at my work.
· I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult
situations.
Question #11 : You seem over-qualified for this job, can you tell me why you are
interested?
Answer : The interviewer is challenging you! They want to see if you are REALLY interested in
this position and they want reassurance that you won’t get bored and leave. You must show them
your interest in this job, and your answer should show how your qualifications and experience
bring value to the role. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and play down any idea of this job being a
‘backward step’.

Question #12 : How Would You Describe Your Work Style?

Answer : When you are asked about how you work during an interview, it's important to impress
the interviewer with your competency and accuracy, rather than just your speed.
Sample Answers
· I am very focused on my work, and consequently, am able to work quickly.
· I keep a steady pace, and check my work as I go along, to prevent mistakes from snowballing.
· Because I am very organized, I am able to accomplish a lot in a limited amount of time.

Question #13 : What is Your Greatest Weakness?

Answer : When you're asked what your greatest weakness is, try to turn a negative into a
positive.
Sample answers :
· Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that
really helped my organization skills.
· I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend a little too much time
checking it. However, I've come to a good balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is
done correctly the first time.
· I've learned to make my perfectionism work to my advantage at work. I am excellent at meeting
deadlines, and with my attention to detail, I know my work is correct.

Question #14 : How do you handle stress and pressure?

Answer : Now days doing job is very hectic and the employee or executive have to bear lots of
stress and pressure. The person who be able to handle this sort of pressure can survive the job
successfully, otherwise there is no place for them. So this is a typical interview question can be
asked to get a sense of how you handle stress and pressure on the job.

Question #15 : Describe your work ethic?

Answer : Work is worship for me and my company is my temple. I do my work for the benefits
to the organization. I believe in hard working with excellent use of my talent, skills and
experience. My dedication and commitment is towards my company.

Question #16 What is your ideal job?

Answer : Beware! This is a trapping question mostly asks to the interviewee to measure their
career by time scale (at what point in your career?). So before answering you should analyze
your career on the time scale measured by you, because you determine what do you want to be in
future. You can count your strength before them and according to it deliver your
Question #17: What do you look for in a job?
Answer : Best answer : “I want to be recognized by my working performance, knowledge, skills,
dedication and talent.”

Question #18 : What Motivates You?

Answer : The interviewer is trying to understand the key to your being successful in the job he is
interviewing for, and wants to make sure it's a good fit. Your response will vary based on your
background and experiences, but, you will want tonshare your enthusiasm and what you like(d)
best about your job.
Example answers :
· I have always wanted to ensure that my company's clients get the best customer service I can
provide. I've always felt that it's important, both to me personally, and for the company and the
clients, to provide a positive customer experience.
· I have spent my career in sales, typically in commission-based positions, and compensation has
always been a strong factor in motivating me to be the top salesperson at my prior employers.

Question #19 : What are your salary expectations?

Answer : Before you start talking pay (and salary negotiations) with a prospective employer,
you need to find out how much the job (and you) are worth. You will need to take the time to
research salaries. That way you will be prepared to get what you're worth and to get a job offer
that's realistic and reasonable.
Once you know what you should be earning, how do you go about getting it? Start by being very
patient. When interviewing for a new position, do your best not to bring up compensation until
the employer makes you an offer. If you're asked what your salary requirements are, say that they
are open based upon the position and the overall compensation package. Or tell the employer
you'd like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to
discussing salary.

Question #20 : Why should you be hired?

Answer : When the interviewer asks "If the people who know you were asked why you should
be hired, what would they say?" he or she wants to know what your perception is of what others
think about your qualifications and abilities.
Sample Answer :
· I'm sure if you asked my friends that question they would say you should hire me because I
have the skills outlined in the job description and I bring 10+ years of expertise to this position.
Words they've used to describe me are: hard working, professional, trusted and a team player.

Question #21 : Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?

Answer : The interviewer wants to know if you're a team player or would rather work on your
own.
Best answer :
· I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. In researching the
LMN company, your mission statement and the job description, I could see similarities to my
previous position where there were some assignments that required a great deal of independent
work and research and others where the team effort was most effective. As I said, I'm
comfortable with both.
Question #22 : What type of work environment do you prefer?
Answer : When you are asked about work environments, your best bet is to say you're flexible
because, at this stage in the interview process, you don't know what it will be like working for
the company.
Sample answer :
· I can be flexible when it comes to my work environment. What is the environment in the
Engineering department here at RRS, Inc? (Once they've described the work environment,
include key phrases they've used when you describe your preferred work environment).

Question #23 : Why do you think you will be successful at this job?
Answer : The interviewer is concerned as to whether you see this as a career move, or stop-gap
employment.
Sample answer :
· As my resume reflects, I have been successful at each of my previous places of employment.
My research of your company, the job description outlined, and the information we've exchanged
today, lead me to believe I have the skills and experience for which you are looking; and I'm
eager to be a contributing employee.

Question #24 : Tell me about a time that you participated in a team, what was your role?
Answer : Companies, for the most part, do not want "Lone-Rangers" - - they are looking for
employees who will adapt to the company culture and get along with others.
Sample answer :
· In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required
a different kind of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was
invaluable. I continued to grow as team member while on my sorority's debate team and through
my advanced marketing class where we had numerous team assignments.

Question #25 : Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Answer : The obvious answer that comes to mind is, "Because you have an opening, and I need
a job." While this may be true, it won't earn you any points in a job interview. The interviewer is
looking for an answer that indicates you've thought about where you want to work – that you're
not just sending your resume to any company with a job opening. Researching the company and
industry before your interview will make you stand out as a more informed and competent
applicant.
Sample answer :
· Based on the research I've done, this company is an industry leader. When I visited your Web
site, I found some impressive information about future projects you have planned. I was also
impressed with the founders' backgrounds and the current financial statements. This is the
company I've been looking for, a place where my background, experience and skills can be put to
use and make things happen.

Question #26 : What Can You Do for This Company?

Answer : 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.
Question #27 : Why Should We Hire You?
Answer : The best way to respond is to give concrete examples of why your skills and
accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job. Take a few moments to compare the
job description with your abilities, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your
other positions. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and the position.

Question #28 : What do you know about this company?

Answer : Prepare in advance, and in a word, research, so, you can provide relevant and current
information about your prospective employer to the interviewer. Start by researching the
company online. Review the "About Us" section of the company web site. Google the company,
read blogs that mention it, and check Discussion Boards and social networking sites.
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.

Question #29 : Why do you want to work here?

Answer : Compare your goals with 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.
Sample answers:
· 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.

Question #30 : What challenges are you looking for in a position?

Answer : 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.
You can continue by describing specific examples of challenges you have met and goals you
have achieved in the past.

Question #31 : What can you contribute to this company?

Answer : 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.
 Example 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.
· I am experienced in the areas this company needs to grow, and my ability to plan ahead will
help facilitate that growth.

Question #32 : Are you willing to travel?

Answer : When you are asked about your willingness to travel during an interview, be honest.
There's no point in saying "yes" if you would prefer to be home five nights a week. It is perfectly
acceptable to ask how much travel is involved. That way, you can weigh how much you would
need to be on the road and make an educated decision as to whether the amount of travel
required fits in with your lifestyle.

Question #33 : How long do you expect to remain employed with this company?
Answer : When you respond, be sure to frame your response so that it's positive. I've heard
applicants say that they only want the job for a short amount of time or are planning to relocate
or go back to school. Responses like that aren't going to impress the hiring manager who is
looking to hire a long-term employee. Example answers :
· I believe that this company has the capacity to offer me a rich and satisfying career,
and I would like to remain employed here for as long as I am having a positive
impact.
· I would like to pursue my career here for as long as I have the opportunity to.
· I would like to remain employed here for as long as my services are needed.

Question #34 : Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you
would like to know?
Answer : It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be
asked is "What can I answer for you?" Have interview questions 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. Here are questions to ask the interviewer so you
can ensure the company is a good match for your qualifications and interests:
· How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
· How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
· Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
· What is the company's management style?
· Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?
· How many people work in this office/department?
· How much travel is expected?
· Is relocation a possibility?
· What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
· What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
· How does one advance in the company?
· Are there any examples?
· What do you like about working here?
· What don't you like about working here and what would you change?
· Would you like a list of references?
· If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
· What can I tell you about my qualifications?
· When can I expect to hear from you?
· Are there any other questions I can answer for you
Questions NOT to Ask
· What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)
· If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to
mention prior commitments)
· Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of
getting to work don't mention it now...)
· Did I get the job? (Don't be impatient. They'll let you know.)

Question #35 : What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?
Answer : The best way to respond to the interview question "What are your goals for the
future?" or
"Where do you see yourself in five years?" is to refer to the position and the company you are
interviewing with. Don't discuss your goals for returning to school or having a family, they are
not relevant and could knock you out of contention for the job. Rather, you want to connect
your answer to the job you are applying for. Examples of good responses include:
· My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn,
take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.
· I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization, like
this one. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in (related)
professional associations.
· Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from a technical position
to management.

Question #36 : How do you plan to achieve those goals?

Answer : As a follow-up to the interview question "What are your goals for the future?" the
interviewer will often ask how you plan on achieving those goals. A good answer to this question
will speak specifically about what you are going to accomplish and how you are going to
accomplish it. Examples of good responses include:
· I plan on gaining additional skills by taking related classes and continuing my
involvement with a variety of professional associations.
· I noticed that XYZ company (the company you are interviewing with) provides inhouse
training for employees and I would certainly be interested in taking classes
that would be relevant.
· I will continue my professional development my participating in conferences,
attending seminars, and continuing my education.
Question #37 : What will you do if you don't get this position?
Answer : When you're interviewing for an internal position within your company, you may be
asked what you will do if you don't get the job. The interviewer wants to know whether you are
concerned about just the advancement opportunity or the company.
Best example answer :
· I am committed to this company and its advancement so, should I not be selected, I will work
with and support whoever might get selected. However, I do feel that my experience in the
department and with the team would make me the best candidate.
 INTERVIEWING TIPS
1. Tell me about yourself.
Most people get tongue-tied on this one. For one thing, they don’t know where to start. Should
you go back to childhood? Should you discuss your personal life? Should you give dates? Here
use the rule of thumb, “Stick to business,” and emphasize anything pertinent to the particular
job you’re interviewing for.
Consider this appropriate answer (but make sure yours matches the situation!):
“I am dependable and a quick learner. I have two years’ experience as an analyst. I’m looking
for a company that will give me an opportunity to use my skills while helping the company
achieve its goals.”

2. Where do you see yourself one year from now, or what are your career goals?
Most people will respond with an honest answer such as, “I want to grow and advance with the
company. I’m ambitious and eventually want to be in management, moving up the corporate
ladder.”
That sounds OK, until you put yourself in the employer’s position. He or she is thinking, “This
person wants to advance to quickly,” or “This person wants my job.” Or perhaps, “This person
is not willing to do the job for which we are interviewing for as long as we need them in that
position.”
Employ this rule of thumb: Be honest, but be generic.
Consider:
“After a year with the company, I’ll probably be looking for additional responsibility because
I’m a person who enjoys a challenge. I would like to be paid accordingly for that
responsibility but, most importantly, I’m looking for a company I can be with for years to
come.”

3. What do you expect from a job?

Be honest, but remember that growth and advancement are taboo.
“I expect to be given respect as an employee and as a person. I like to feel appreciated when
a job is well done.”

4. What is your best quality, or what is your greatest asset?

Use a quality that would be beneficial to the employer for this job. For instance, if it’s a
management position, your best quality could be “motivating others,” “delegating” or “being
fair.” If you’re applying for a receptionist position, your answer could be “my telephone skills”
or “a warm and patient personality.”

5. What is a quality you need to develop, or what is your worst quality?

This question calls for a positive negative:
“I’m a perfectionist. I always want things done perfectly, although I realize I have to allow
others to make mistakes.”
Or:
“I’m always early for appointments instead of just being on time, and sometimes people
aren’t prepared.”
6. What would you consider an ideal job for you?
If possible, be general. The moment you get specific, you limit yourself.
Take, for example, a specific answer such as, “I would be working independently with numbers
and learning a new computer system.”
A safer answer would be:
“My ideal job would be a position where I feel I am contributing and productive, and where I’d
be learning new things about my job and the company.”

7. Give two reasons why I should hire you.

Employers want to hear words such as “loyal,” “dependable,” “team player,” “efficient,”
“workaholic,” “dedicated,” “organized,” effective.” Be careful, however, to only use words
that truly apply. Otherwise you start off on the wrong foot, trying to be something you are
not.
You can become more specific when your qualities or technical abilities match the position:
“I could increase company profit and productivity in six months with my production scheduling
experience and management skills.”

8. What do you know about our company? What can you do for us?
Do your homework. Quite often the local library or Better Business Bureau can provide
valuable information about a company. But do make an effort, even if you have to do it in the
waiting room by asking the receptionist questions such as, “How many employees does the
company have?” “How long has the company been in business?” “Are there other companies
with similar goals?” Employers are impressed when you care enough to check them out. They
then know you are sincere about looking for a permanent home for yourself.
Then you can respond to this question intelligently:
“I’m eager to learn more, but I do know the company was founded in 1946 by the Saunders
family, that you now have three divisions in two states, that you have more than 6,000
employees, and that you pride yourselves on service. Providing top-notch service is certainly
part of my philosophy, and that’s one of the reasons I feel I will fit in well here.”

9. What kind of salary are you looking for?

This is the most dreaded question of all and yet one of the most important. There are two good
responses:
“I have been interviewing for positions ranging between $_____ and $_____. However, finding
the right company is really most important to me, because I plan to be with that company for
a long time.”
Or:
“I’m currently at $_____, so I’d like to at least make a lateral move. Finding the right
company for my future, however, is what is most important to me.”
Both of these responses give a figure, but they also show some flexibility so you don’t lose out
on an opportunity because of miscommunication. Your goal is to get the offer. You can always
accept or reject it, but without an offer, you don’t have a decision.
10. Would you consider less?
Respond with a question:
“What figure did you have in mind?”
“A lot depends on your benefit package. Could you explain that to me?”
Notice how asking a question gets you out of the “hot seat” and back in control.

11. What have you done that shows initiative?

Choose something that will exhibit an ability you’d use in the position you are interviewing for,
such as:
“I read the computer tutorial and documentation at home and taught myself the new software
package the company just purchased.”

12. Who has influenced your life?

Be prepared with the name of your mentor or idol and the reason their influence has made a
difference so you aren’t caught off guard.
For example:
“Armand Hammer, the industrialist, has set an example for me. He not only made a fortune
through brilliant business deals, he also influenced our world through diplomacy. I didn’t
always agree with his beliefs, but I do admire the way he worked to make the world a better
place for all people.”

13. How do you define success?

You may have your own answer for this one but if not, here are a couple that are sincere and
to the point:
“Success to me is doing exactly what makes me happy.”
“Success is feeling good about myself.”
“Success is setting personal goals and attaining them.”

14. What major problems have you faced in your career, and how have you solved them?
Once again, if you have had a major problem, try to be general. For instance, if you had
trouble with your boss and finally quit, you might say:
“I worked with someone who had different principles and standards, and I learned that
sometimes you have to walk away from a situation in order to grow personally. This was
especially tough for me, because I’m usually persistent and very loyal.”

15. Which is more important to you: the money or the type of job?
Straddle this one:
“Both, to a degree. If I’m not happy doing a particular job, then no amount of money would
be sufficient. If however, the money is right but I’m bored or just not feeling good about
myself, then the money doesn’t matter in the long run.”

16. Why have you held so many (or so few) jobs in the past six years?
“I know it may look like I’m a job hopper, but there were a lot of circumstances beyond my
control. The most important thing for me right now professionally is stability in both the
company and my position.”
17. What did you like most about you last job?
The answer should fit the job for which you’re applying. In other words, don’t say, “a Fortune
500 atmosphere” if interviewing with a small company. Or, don’t say “interaction with
coworkers”
if the job requires you to work alone.
Try something such as:
“I enjoy paying attention to detail, the fast pace and the team atmosphere.”
Least?
When answering the second part of this question, don’t say, “managers,” “my boss,” “my
coworkers”
or anything else that puts down the company. The interviewer will immediately
picture you saying something similar about this company the next time you’re in the job
market, so once again say something such as:
“It’s more than 20 miles from my home.”
Or:
“There wasn’t enough work to keep me busy.”

18. What did you like most about your last manager?
Again, be careful about being negative. For the first part of the question, consider:
“She was very challenging.”
Least?
“I would have liked more feedback on the job I was doing.”

19. Why did you leave?

Be truthful, but if it’s too negative, such as you had a personality conflict, think of another
way to say it.
“I felt I had stagnated professionally and, after discussing the situation with my boss, we both
felt I would have more opportunity with another company. It was a mutual parting.”
If you quit or were terminated and there was new management, you could also mention that
there was a lot of turnover at that time.

20. Why did you move?

Instead of saying, divorce, death or some other negative that reveals your personal life (which
is no one’s business), it’s best to say one of these:
“I felt there are more opportunities here.”
“I wanted to be closer to family members.”
“I was seeking a more dynamic community.”
It helps to go through these questions with someone else or even alone just so you get used to
hearing your voice. You’ll learn to articulate the questions you seem to fumble over, and
you’ll become much more comfortable with them-and yourself.
When you’re preparing for and finally in the interview, keep in mind that there are many
different ways to ask the same question. If, however, you are prepared with the basic
responses and realize that both parties want the same things (appreciation, stability, team
orientation, dependability and loyalty), you will do very well on your interview.