1. Have you ever done this kind of work before?

Interviewer wants to know if you can learn to do the job in a reasonable time and how much training you will need. Never say "no" to this question. Instead, stress the experience you do have that will assist you in learning the new job quickly and efficiently. No two jobs are alike and you never do exactly the same work. In all jobs, new skills, rules and details have to be learned. Be sure to mention the following:
☛ Your past work experience.
☛ Your education and training related to the job.
☛ Volunteer work that might relate to the job.
☛ Any transferable skills - e.g. organizational skills, people skills.
☛ Your ability to learn quickly and how quickly you learned that type of work in the past.

2. What kind of training or qualifications you have?

Interviewer is trying to find out what school credentials you have. If you have no formal school qualifications but have a lot of experience, you might say:
☛ I didn't get formal school training for this job but I have (number) of years of experience in the field. I'm willing to learn new skills or go to school to get further training if I am offered the job. I learn quickly and I like to keep upgrading my skills.
If you have just completed a training course but have little work experience, you might say:
☛ I took a one year training program in (name of program) at (name of school) which is related to the job I'm applying for. I look forward to working in the field and putting into practice what I learned. I don't have a lot of work experience in this area but I learn quickly. I know you will be happy with my work.

3. Do you work under pressure or tight deadlines?

This question indicates that the job you're applying for will involve working under pressure. Give examples of volunteer and paid work that involved pressure and deadlines. You could mention that we are always faced with pressure and deadlines in our lives and you do not mind the stress. Stressful situations are a learning and challenging experience. You might mention the following:
☛ How you handled large rush orders at your last workplace.
☛ How you prepared for exams and homework assignments while working full-time and attending school part-time.
☛ How you managed a crisis situation. (For example: a car accident)

4. Why you choose this line of work?

The interviewer is trying to find out about your commitment to your career choice. In other words do you do it because you love the work or just take any job you can get for the money. If you did this work for many years and stopped due to a layoff,you might say:
I have done this for (number) of years. I like my work. The only reason I left my last workplace was because I was laid off.

5. How do you react to instruction and criticism?

The interviewer is trying to find out how you get along with Supervisors and how you feel about authority. You might say:
I appreciate getting instruction and criticism when it is done fairly and constructively.

6. Tell me 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.

7. Do you have any questions for me?

Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good.
How soon will I be able to be productive?
What type of projects will I be able to assist on?

8. Why should we hire you?

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

9. Tell me what irritates you about co-workers?

This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

10. What is your greatest strength?

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude.

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