The most often asked question in second interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
2. Tell me why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. Do you consider yourself as a successful person?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
4. What do your previous co-workers says about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. A co-worker at previous Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as co-worker having said it at the interview herself.
5. Tell me what do you know about our organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
6. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge recently?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you also applying for any other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
9. Tell me why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some certainly and thought, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who also works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
11. When was the most fun that you have had on the job?
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
12. Describe your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.
13. Tell me about your work ethic?
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
14. Tell me what position you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
15. What about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others?
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.
16. What qualities do you preferly look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
17. Tell me how you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.
18. Don't you think that you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.
19. Suppose if you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
20. Tell me if you have any blind spots?
Tricky question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
21. Tell me what have you learned from your mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intention-ed mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
22. Tell me your management style?
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
23. Tell me are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
24. Tell me would you willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
25. How you know that you were successful on this job?
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful.
