1. Which course did you find the most difficult? Why?
The manager wants to know if you have perseverance: I got a D in my first term of algebra. My study skills were all wrong. I joined a study group. By the third term I pulled it up to a B and kept it there.
2. Any major problem you faced and how you solved it?
Think of something related to work, school, civic, or leisure activities. Tell it as a story. Give details. The manager wants to see how you define problems, identify options, decide on a solution, handle obstacles, and solve the problem.
3. What was your greatest weakness?
Focus on work, not character weakness. Turn it into a positive, I'm accused of being a workaholic. I like to stay and get caught up on the odds and the ends before I go home.
4. What motivates you to do a good job?
Money is not a good answer. A good answer is something like, having responsibilities and being acknowledged when the job is done right.
5. What do you like about yourself the most?
Stress positive.
Think about it.
7. Give me two reasons why I should not hire you?
You're on your own.
8. Are you at your best when working alone or in a group?
Both, I enjoy working as a part of a team and I can work independently to get my share of the work done.
9. Do you have a drug or alcohol problem?
If you do, get some help. Enroll in a program.
10. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
It's not illegal to ask this question if it has a bearing on the job you are seeking.
11. What was your greatest failure? What did you learn from it?
Fessing up to failure shows maturity. Avoid examples that might reflect on your ability to do the job.
12. What was your greatest accomplishment? What did you learn from it?
A personal touch works well here, such as your marriage, birth of child, or helping someone in need.
13. When do you hope to retire?
Certainly, not before I'm 65.
14. What do you do to relax after work or school?
Don't brag about car racing, sky diving, scuba diving, or any other sport that might be dangerous. They suggest a likelihood of injury and absence from work.
15. Do you plan to continue your education?
Continuing education courses suggest growth, ambition, promotability-and may qualify for tuition assistance.
16. Did you join any school activities?
School activities show that you're sociable and that you enjoy being part of a group, and that you can work with other people. This is important in the work place.
17. How long do you plan to work here?
A long time. This is the job I've been hoping for.
18. How many other companies have you approached?
Several for back-up, but this is where I really want to work, this is where my hopes are.
19. How did you learn about us?
Friend, relative, newspaper story, advertisements-anything to show that they are not a random choice.
Call the Chamber of Commerce or Economic Development. Get the information on the company size, its key products or services, the markets where it competes and its overall reputation.
21. What qualifications do you have?
Using your fingers, name a skill then list your qualifications. Move to the next skill.
22. What skills does this job require?
Use your fingers and count off the skills-1...2...3...
23. Why do you want to work for this post?
Talk about the interesting details of the job and why they fascinate you.
24. Relax and tell me a little about yourself?
Talk about your experience, qualifications, and accomplishments-Not your childhood, family and friends.
25. What do you do outside of work?
► Travelling.
► Foreign languages.
► Football.
► Winning any competitions i.e. chess, karate.
► Running marathons.
► A member of any societies or charities.
26. What type of salary are you looking for?
Do not get into this subject unless you are forced to. Even then you want to leave an impression that you are flexible in this area.
27. What five words would be describe you?
These should be your transferable skills such as:
► Reliable,
► Punctual,
► Organized,
► Friendly,
► Honest,
► Cooperative,
► Outgoing,
► Easy to get along with,
► Hardworking,
► Energetic,
► Take pride in my work,
► Responsible,
► Respected,
► Dedicated.
28. What are your long-term goals or career plans?
► I hope to become very good at my job and perhaps take some schooling to become more skilled in my field of work.
► I intend to learn (name of area or skills) very well so that I can be promoted to a higher position in (name skill or department).
This question indicates that the job involves working with money or valuable merchandise. Very likely the employer's insurance company requires that only bondable people be hired as a condition of their insurance policy.As long as you do not have a criminal record, and you have not previously been denied a bond, you should answer "yes" to this question.
Caution: If you answer yes when you are not legally bondable it is very likely that the employer will discover this.
30. Do you think this job would bore you?
Stress that no job is ever boring because you always learn new skills.
31. How do you react to instruction and criticism?
I appreciate getting instruction and criticism when it is done fairly and constructively.
32. What do you think of working in a group?
► The advantages of working in a group. Explain how the various individuals in a group complement one another in carrying out certain tasks.
► Give specific examples of your personal experience in a group.
33. What you do in your spare time?
Interviewers ask this question to see if your activities and hobbies might help the company and to get an idea of what kind of person you are outside your work life. Describe any volunteer work you do and any hobbies or interests that might relate to the job in some way. Stick to active hobbies, such as playing sports, carpentry,gardening, etc. Avoid mentioning inactive and non-creative activities such as watching television.
34. Tell me briefly about yourself?
I am punctual, dependable and can be counted upon to finish what I start. I get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing that I have done something well and on time.It was my responsibility to finish the orders and make sure they all met quality and safety standards within a specific deadline. On occasion, I had to familiarize myself with the product and the production process.
35. Tell me a reason why should we hire you?
I was always able to learn quickly and carry out my job responsibilities.
