Extra Class – Job Interview

Teacher Carol
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN JOB INTERVIEWS

1. Tell me about yourself. Use Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, don’t ramble. Touch on
“Picture Frame Approach” these four areas:
 How many years, doing what function
 Education – credentials
 Major responsibility and accomplishments
 Personal summary of work style (plus career goals if
applicable)

Prepare in advance using this formula:

1. “My name is…”

2. “I’ve worked for X years as a [title]”
3. “Currently, I’m a [title] at [company]”
4. “Before that, I was a [title] at [company]”
5. “I love the challenge of my work, especially the major
strengths it allows me to offer, including [A, B, and C]”.

6. Second, help the interviewer by focusing the question with a

question of your own: “What about me would be most relevant
to you and what this company needs?”
2. Did you bring your resume? Yes. Be prepared with two or three extra copies. Do not offer them
unless you’re asked for one.
3. What do you know about our Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the
organization? only way to prepare for this question. Do your homework, and you’ll
score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and
people, especially any friends that work there. “But I would love to
know more, particularly from your point of view. Do we have time to
cover that now?
4. What experience do you Try to cite experience relevant to the company’s concerns. Also, try
have? answering this questions with a question: “Are you looking for overall
experience or experience in some specific area of special interest to
you?” Let the interviewer’s response guide your answer.
5. In your current or last Give one or two accomplishment statements
position, what were your
most significant
accomplishments? In your
career so far?
6. If I spoke with your previous Be consistent with what you think the boss would say. Position the
boss, what would he or she weakness in a positive way (refer to #12)
say are your greatest
strengths and weaknesses?
7. How would you describe your Keep your answer short and relevant to the job and the organization’s
personality? culture.
8. What are your strong points? Present three. Relate them to that particular company and job opening.
9. What are your weak points? Don’t say you have one, but give one that is really a “positive in
disguise.” I am sometimes impatient and do to much work myself

PRIME LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

Extra Class – Job Interview
Teacher Carol
when we are working against tight deadlines.” Or “I compliment and
praise my staff, but feel I can improve.”
10. What do you look for in a Flip this one over. Despite the question, the employer isn’t really
job? interested in what you are looking for. He’s interested in what he is
looking for. Address his interests, rather than yours. Use words like
“contribute,” “enhance,” “improve,” and “team environment.” Fit your
answer to their needs Relate your preferences and
satisfiers/dissatisfiers to the job opening.
11. Why are you leaving your Never answer with negative reasons, even if they are true. However,
present position? some companies have financial problems which may preclude you
from staying with them. Frame your answer positively by answering
why you want to move to the target company instead of why you left
or want to leave your most recent job. For example, instead of
answering, “I don’t get enough challenges at [company],” respond, “I
am eager to take on more challenges, and I believe I will find them at
[hiring company]. ”I’m not unhappy (at my present employer).
However, this opportunity seems to be particularly interesting and I am
interested in pursuing it further. Never personalize or be negative.
Keep it short, give a “group” answer (e.g. our office is closing, the
whole organization is being reduced in size). Stick to one response;
don’t change answers during the interview. When applicable; best
response is: I was not on the market when PPR Career contacted me
and explained what you are doing, it peaked my interest.
12. Describe what would be an Team work is the key.
ideal working environment?
13. What kinds of people do you Use this question as a chance to show that you are a team player: “The
find difficult to work with? only people I have trouble with are those who aren’t team players, who
just don’t perform, who complain constantly, and who fail to respond
to any efforts to motivate them.” The interviewer is expecting a
response focused on personality and personal dislikes. Surprise her by
delivering an answer that reflects company values.
14. How would your co-workers Refer to your strengths and skills.
describe you?
15. Why do you want to work for You feel you can help achieve the companies objectives, especially in
us? the short run. You like what you’ve learned about the company, its
policies, goals and management: “I’ve researched the company and
people tell me it’s a good place to work.”
16. What was the last book you Think this through. Your answer should be compatible with accepted
read? Movie you saw? norms.
Sporting event you attended?
17. What are you doing, or what Talk about formal courses and training programs.
have you done to reach your
career objectives?

18. How have you helped your Refer to accomplishments.

company?
19. Describe some situations in Refer to accomplishments. Everyone has had a few of these pressure

PRIME LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

Extra Class – Job Interview
Teacher Carol
which you have worked situations in a career. Behavior-related questions aim at assessing a
under pressure or met candidate’s character, attitude, and personality traits by asking for an
deadlines? account of how the candidate handled certain challenging situations.
Plan for such questions by making a list of the desirable traits relevant
to the needs of the industry or prospective employer and by preparing
some job-related stories about your experience that demonstrate a
range of those traits and habits of conduct. Before answering the
questions, listen carefully and ask any clarifying questions you think
necessary. Tell your story and conclude by explaining what you
intended your story to illustrate. Finally, ask for feedback: “Does this
tell you what you need to know?”
20. Give an example of your Refer to accomplishments.
creativity.
21. Give examples of your Draw examples from accomplishments.
leadership abilities.
22. What are your career goals? Talk first about doing the job for which you are applying. Your career
goals should mesh with the hiring company goals.
23. What are your objectives? Refer back to question #22 on goals.

(How does the person handle

stress? What is their
confidence level?)
24. Why should we hire you? This may sound suspicious, negative, or just plain harsh. Actually, it’s
a call for help. The employer wants you to help him/her hire you.
Keep your response brief. Recap any job requirements the interviewer
may have mentioned earlier in the interview, then, point by point,
match your skills, abilities and qualifications to those items. Relate a
past experience which represents success in achieving objectives
which may be similar to those of the prospective employer.
25. How much do you expect if Be careful. If you don’t know the market value, return the question by
we offer this position to you? saying that you would expect a fair salary based on the job
responsibilities, your experience and skills and the market value of the
job. Express your interest in the job because it fits your career goals –
Receptive to a reasonable and competitive offer – don’t talk $’s. It’s
always best to put off discussing salary and let PPR Career handle
that. ANSWER: I’m open to a competitive offer. I’d prefer to discuss
the opportunity and allow my recruiter to handle any salary questions

PRIME LANGUAGE INSTITUTE