Be ready for the

challenge of getting
a new job

- Curriculum Vita (C.V)

- Personal Statement
- Common Interview's Questions and How to
Answer them
- Answering Some Common Questions in an
Interview
 Personal Statement
(You are simply required to decide your working style)

-Steps for writing one's Personal Statement:

1. Describing general interests:
Ex: Iam interested in tourism as it is an exciting industry and it will give
me a golden chance to meet people of different types and nationalities.

2. Describing specific interests:

Ex: The sector of tourism I want to work in is tourism guidance/
accommodation and catering/ package tours/travel agencies……………….

3. Describing skills and qualifications:

Ex: My skills and qualities are various / I enjoy a variety of skills and
qualities / My skills and qualities include the following:

Personality Traits
( qualities)

Iam………
Smart/intelligent/clever
extrovert
hardworking
flexible
open-minded
organized
practical
self-confident
friendly
creative
understanding
 +infinitive + ing or noun
( skills) ( skills)
(be able to/be willing (be good at/dislike/like/enjoy/feel
to/can/know how to) confident about)

-I can make people relax -I enjoy meeting new people

- I know how to use -I like working in groups as well as
computers individually
- Iam willing to work -Iam good at languages
long hours - Iam good at dealing with people
- Iam able to do more -Iam good at explaining different
than one task at the same issues
time -I feel confident about dealing with
-I can speak English as large groups
well as French well.

3. Describing experience and training:

Ex: I have already had some training and experience in tourism .This
includes an initial tourism training certificate and experience with/in………

4. Describing language ability:

Ex: I really need to improve my English language skills in a number of
ways.I need to get more practice at speaking English. My vocabulary for
tourism is good, but I need to use such vocabulary more fluently
 Examples of answers to the most common questions in an interview

Ex 1: Why should we hire you? / What are your weaknesses and

strengths?

Although Iam still green in the work market as Iam a fresh graduate;
just finished my university study at the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Iam
hardworking, flexible, practical and willing to learn.

-You can add:

At the same time, I am not that green guy as I worked before at different
places during my university study just to gain life experiences and to earn
my living to support my family.

Ex 2: What do you look for in a job?

It seems that the Shakespearean wise saying:"Life is a grand theatre"

has always proved its excellence. So, besides gaining experiences, I
honestly look for good work culture, chances for advancement, team
environment, building client relations and rewarding as well.

Ex 3: Why are you applying for this job?

I really appreciate the one who always fine tuning (improve/enhance)

his skills as well as his abilities. It is the life path I have chosen to follow
and this job seems to be more suitable for me, helping me enhance my
character.

Ex 4: What can you do for us?

As a man of actions, not words, I guarantee being a creditable

image for your company/hotel/travel agency/organization……, if you
honored me to be one of your staff. My personal statement includes my
skills, interests, abilities and even the points that I have to improve. My
qualities and skills include………..

………………………………………………………………………………
 Examples of
Behavioral Questions
If the job posting states the company is
looking for a “team
player”, possible interview questions
could include:
Tell me about a time when you had to
adjust to a
co-worker’s working style in order to
successfully
complete a project.
Describe a situation when working
with others produced
better results than if you had completed
the project on
your own.
Can you share with me a time when
demonstrated your
ability to work as an effective team
member?
Questions about You
 What are your strengths?
-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.

 What would you do differently if you could start your working life
over?
 How do you balance life and work?
 What is your preferred way to communication - instant message,
phone, or email?
 Do you check voicemail and email when on vacation?
 What is your favorite book? How about your favorite movie?
 What historical figure do you admire and why?
 If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with,
who would it be?
 What did you do during this six month gap in employment?
 What do you love?
 What led you to this point in your life?
 Do you consider yourself successful?
 What inspires you in a job?
 What excites you most about the position and what do you think
would be stretch for you?
 Who are the influencers in your life?
 How do you measure success?
 Describe your dream job.
 Describe a job that would be your worst nightmare.
 If you were the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of this company what
would be the top two things that you would do?
 How will your greatest strength help you perform? -
 Are you lucky? -
 Are you nice?
-There are many kinds of "niceness" - being compassionate
towards others, being a team player, being respectful of your boss
or your staff, etc

 How would you describe yourself? -

 Describe a typical work week?
 Describe your work style?
 Do you consider yourself successful? Why? -
 Do you work well with other people? -
 Do you take work home with you? -
 How are you different from the competition? -
 How do you view yourself? Who do you compare yourself to? -
 How many hours do you normally work? -
 How would you adjust to working for a new company? -
 How would you describe the pace at which you work? -
 How do you handle stress and pressure? -
 What motivates you? -
  Are you a self motivator? -
 What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? -
 Tell me about yourself. -
 What has been the greatest disappointment in your life? -
 What are you passionate about? -
 What are your hobbies? -
 What do people most often criticize about you? –
 What is the worst thing that you have ever gotten away with? -
 What is your dream job?
 What is your professional development plan?
 What makes you angry?
 When was the last time you were angry? What happened? - Why did
you choose your major? -
 Why should I take a risk on you? -

Interview Questions about Money (kiss od death)

 What are your salary expectations? –

- It is open based upon the position and the overall compensation
package. I would like to know more about the responsibilities and
the challenges of the job prior to discussing salary.

- Redirect the strategy: I'm still trying to fully understand the role
and what's involved, but I'm happy to talk about my qualifications
for this role.

- -simply do search on fair salary for such position

 - -That's not something I'm comfortable answering

 What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term? -

 Why would you take a job for less money?

Interview Questions about the New Job and the Company

 Should employees use social media at work? -
 What interests you about this job? -
 Why do you want this job? -
 What can you do for this company? -
 Why should we hire you? -
 Why shouldn't we hire you? -
 Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants for the job? -
Why are you the best person for the job? -
 What do you know about this company? -
 Why do you want to work here? -
 What challenges are you looking for in a position? -
 What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job? -
 How can you contribute to this company? -
 What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days on the job? -
 What would you do if you found out the company was doing
something illegal? -
 Are you willing to travel? -
 What are the most significant trends in your field? -
  What is good customer service? -
 How long do you expect to remain employed with this company? -
 When could you start work? -
 Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you
would like to know?

Interview Questions about the Future

 What are you looking for in your next job?
 What is important to you?
 Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? -
 Where do you see yourself in 10 years? (for older applicants) -
 What are your goals for the next five years / ten years? -
 How do you plan to achieve those goals? -
 How would you feel about working for a younger manager? -
 What will you do if you don't get this position? -
 Where else are you interviewing?

The most common questions

 1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

2. How did you hear about the position?

3. What do you know about the company?

Say, ―I’m personally drawn to this mission because…‖ or ―I really

believe in this approach because…‖ and share a personal example or two.

4. Why do you want this job?

(e.g., ―I love customer support because I love the constant human

interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a
problem"), (e.g., ―I’ve always been passionate about education, and I think
you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of it‖).

5. Why should we hire you?

6. What are your greatest professional strengths?

―persuasive communication‖ or ―relationship building‖).

7. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

―I can't meet a deadline to save my life‖ is not an option, but I am working

to improve. Additionally, I have never been strong at public speaking, but I
have recently volunteered to run meetings to help me be more comfortable
when addressing a crowd.

8. What is your greatest professional achievement?

9. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've faced at work, and how

you dealt with it.

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

11. What's your dream job?

12. What other companies are you interviewing with?

13. Why are you leaving your current job?

For example, ―I’d really love to be part of product development from

beginning to end, and I know I’d have that opportunity here ―Unfortunately,
I was let go,‖
14. Why were you fired?

15. What are you looking for in a new position?

16. What type of work environment do you prefer?

17. What's your management style?

―While every situation and every team member requires a bit of a different
strategy, I tend to approach my employee relationships as a coach...‖)

18. What's a time you exercised leadership?

19. What's a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?

20. How would your boss and co-workers describe you?

21. Why was there a gap in your employment?

―I decided to take a break at the time, but today I’m ready to contribute to
this organization in the following ways.‖
22. Can you explain why you changed career paths?

23. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

24. What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?

(e.g., ―I think a great starter project would be diving into your email
marketing campaigns and setting up a tracking system for them.‖)

25. What are your salary requirements?

26. What do you like to do outside of work?

27. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?

―Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say… ‖

28. Are you planning on having children?

Questions about your family status, gender (―How would you handle
managing a team of all men?‖), nationality (―Where were you born?‖),
religion, or age, are illegal—but they still get asked (and frequently). For this
question, think: ―You know, I’m not quite there yet. But I am very interested
in the career paths at your company. Can you tell me more about that?‖
29. What do you think we could do better or differently?

30. Do you have any questions for us?

What do you want to know about the position? The company? The
department? The team?
Examples of typical interview
Decide what are your own strengths and
weaknesses?
 Applying for a vacant job

Maher: Good morning, sir

Official: Good morning. Can I help you?
Maher: Yes, please. I read your advertisement in Al-Ahram of 4th April. I
would like to apply for the vacant job.
Official: You need to fill an application form and submit copies of your
qualifications, in addition to a military service certificate and four
passport-size photos.
Maher: This file contains all the documents you need.
Official: Let me check. Well, your papers are okay.
Maher: What about the interview with the manager?
Official: Well, after checking all the applications, we will ring the
candidates that will be interviewed.
Maher: It is ………………………. Thank you.
Official: You are welcome.

All the Best

Nesreen El-Harery
 Closing the Interview
Provide a copy of your References
Restate your interest in the position and why
you feel you are the ideal candidate
Thank the interviewer(s) for their time
Shake the interviewer’s hand
Remember to SMILE!
 Post-Interview

Reflect on interview – note unexpected

questions, or answers that need polishing
Send a Thank You email / card (within 24 hours)
Follow up (clarify during interview)
Prepare for a second interview
Continue your job search
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. Why was there a gap in your employment between [insert date] and [insert
date]?

7. What can you offer us that someone else can not?

8. 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. What’s your availability?

30. Who’s 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 you’ve 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. What do you like the most and least about working in this industry?

48. Would you work 40+ hours a week?

49. What questions haven’t I asked you?

50. What questions do you have for me?

51. Do you have any questions for us?

If we came to an agreement ,where you offered me a position at your company

How do you see me fitting in around here?