The most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview

Being prepared is half the fight.

Congratulations! You applied for a job and now you are getting ready for that important
job interview. Your English is excellent or at least suitable and you are looking forward
to making a good impression on your future boss. Now, you need to make sure that
you also have the right type of English for that job interview.
The job interview in English contains specific questions and appropriate answers. It
also requires certain flexibility in your usage of tenses.
When you walk in the room the very first impression you make on the interviewer can
have a great influence on the rest of the interview. It is important that you introduce
yourself, shake hands, and are friendly. The first question is often a "breaking the ice"
(establish a rapport) type of question. Don't be surprised if the interviewer asks you
something like:
Interviewer: How are you today?
Did you have any trouble finding us?
What do you think of the weather lately?
Answer the question without going into too much detail. The language you use should
be simple but polite, for example;
How are you today?
A good answer:
I'm fine thank you, and you?
I'm well thank you.
A bad answer:
So, so
OK
Not so well
Ok, now thats clear so lets get down to the questions. Think about the most
appropriate answer for each question asked.




QUESTIONS
1. Tell me about yourself.
Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extra careful that you don't
run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics:
early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last
subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best
points on it.
2. What do you know about our organization?
You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image,
goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if
you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the
time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that
you wish to learn more.
You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a
number of companies.
Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."
Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all
sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.
3. Why do you want to work for us?
The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you
like-animals?
Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your
homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that
your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be
involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if
the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that
fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a
great deal of emphasis on research and development emphasizes the fact that you
want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is
encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention
a reverence for numbers.
If you feel that you have to think up an answer to this question - if, for example, the
company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it
really doesn't interest you, then you probably should not be taking that interview,
because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.
Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid
approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since
most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to trick anyone in an interview. But even if you
should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.
4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a
bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from
your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests,
combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to
set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.


5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least
attractive about it?
List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive
item.
6. Why should we hire you?
Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your
energy. (See question 4.)
7. What do you look for in a job?
Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire
to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward
opportunity rather than personal security.
8. Why do you want to be a flight attendant? (or other profession)
Keep your answer brief. Present specific motivation or logical reasons. Avoid simply
focusing on the benefits the job gives you, for example, a high salary or long vacation.
9. What do you think is the hardest part of working for people younger/older than
you? What is the biggest challenge in dealing with younger/older people in the
workplace (employees, customers, suppliers)?
Try to demonstrate the differences between the experienced and inexperienced in your
answer.
It is no big deal, but one issue comes to mind. They frequently are vague about what
they want accomplished. They also send conflicting messages. By seeking clarification
from the start, everyone knows what is expected.
10. How long would you stay with us?
Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would
have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of,
"As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."
11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for
this position. What's your opinion?
Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization,
and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open
up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that
experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so well
qualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing,
energetic company can never have too much talent.
12. What is your greatest strength?
Since you have prepared this question it wont be difficult. Remember talk about
skills. Not your ability to drink beer. You can say things like: I work well under
pressure. When there is a deadline (a time by which the work must be finished), I can
focus on the task at hand and structure my work schedule well.


13. What is your greatest weakness?
Careful with this one. There is no right answer but the interviewer expects you to say
something. He or she will find out so like in the previous question be truthful. You can
say something that is negative but also seen as positive: i.e. I am overzealous (work
too hard) and become nervous when my co-workers are not pulling their weight (doing
their job). However, I am aware of this problem, and before I say anything to anyone, I
ask myself why the colleague is having difficulties.
Here you explained showing you are aware of this but can control. Any answer like this
can lead to another question which may try to go deeper into this weakness.
14. When can you begin?
Dont seem too eager. Give yourself time to do the things you need to do. Go to the
unemployment office; get your new ID etc.
As soon as you would like me to begin.
Show your willingness to begin.
15. What type of people do you work with most effectively?
Your answer should be positive and showing that you work well with others and in a
team. Teamwork is essential in todays large companies.
You can say: I tend to work well with those who are confident and straightforward.
16. Tell me about your salary expectation.
Well-prepared applicants can ask back. First, ask the company's salary range, and
then, answer taking into consideration your qualification and the skills the job requires.
17. What Were Your Expectations for your last Job?
There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. The best way to respond is to
discuss what you expected when you took the job and give examples of how the
position worked out for you. If the job wasn't exactly what you expected, it's fine to
mention that. However, you should focus on the job itself, not the company, your boss,
or your co-workers (if they were a problem).
18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?
Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to
the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your
reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so;
otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not
mention personality conflicts.
The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear
that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful.
Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an
interview.
19. What Motivates You?
There isn't a right or wrong answer to interview questions about what motivates you.
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. Consider, in advance of
interviewing, what actually does motivate you and come up with some specific
examples to share during the interview..


20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The
least?
Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't
cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may
wonder why you remained there until now.
21. What do you think of your boss?
Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about
him in similar terms at some point in the future.
22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.
23. What do you feel this position should pay?
Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure
for as long as you can do so politely. You might answer the question with a question:
"Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar
jobs in the organization?"
24. What are your long-range goals?
Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job
you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm
like yours, I would like to..."
25. What Has Been The Greatest Disappointment In Your Life?
Your response to the question will help the interviewer determine know how easily you
are discouraged.
If possible, tell about a personal disappointment i.e. the early death of a parent, child,
or school friend. Believe it or not, it is okay to have not had a "greatest"
disappointment.

26. What Are You Passionate About?
When you're asked during a job interview it's a good opportunity to share what is
important in your life. It's also an opportunity to show your dedication and what's
important to you.
Your response doesn't need to be work focused, but do be sure that what you share
isn't something that could potential cut in to your working hours.
For example, you don't want to say that you're a mountain climber with the goal of
climbing Mountain Everest or that you're getting ready for the Tour de France or
looking to spend the winter skiing in the Alps.



27. What will you do if you don't get this position?
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.
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.














REFERENCE
In part reprinted from FOCUS Magazine -- January 5, 1983 found online.
Robert Johnson, QUDOS Director, own question and answers
Glasbergen cartoon: www.glasbergen.com