Interview Questions

Answers and Critique

Tell me about yourself

What is your greatest

strength?

What is your greatest

weakness?

How do you handle

stress and pressure?

Describe a difficult
work situation /

How do you evaluate

success?

Why are you leaving or

have left your job?

Why do you want this

job?

Why should we hire

you?

What are your goals for

the future?

BE
PREPARED

Tell me about yourself

1.

Usually the first question

2.

Not an opportunity to speak about personal life

3.

Dont be boring

4.

Be specific (first impress is lasting)

5.

Good to mention some form of $$ [selling, saving.]

Example:
"I'm a seasoned Retail Manager strong in developing training programs and loss
prevention techniques that have resulted in revenue savings of over $2.3Million for
(employer's name) during the past 11 years. I'd like to discuss how I might be able to
do something like that for you.

What is your greatest strength?

Explain your skills

Talk about experiences

Give best example of why you are a good employee

Example:
When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of
schedule.

What is your greatest weakness?

Reference skills that are does not pertain to your job that you need to improve on.

Example:
If the job for I.T. configuration , mention something about Accounting:
I had difficulty with accounts payable but after training it became easier for
me.

How do you handle stress and

pressure?

Make sure answer is positive and answers directly.

Examples:
1.

I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn't
become stressful.

2.

I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging
environment.

3.

From a personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every evening. It's a great
stress reducer

Describe a difficult work situation /

project and how you overcame it

behavioral interview questionsdesigned to discover how you handled certain

situations.

Past behavior predicts future behavior

Tips:
1.

Keep answers positive

2.

Prepare answer ahead of time ( Key)

3.

Itemize answers (steps in solving problem)

4.

Results to remain successful

5.

Include strength : although it was difficult, I was able to ORGANIZE ..

No right /
wrong
answer

How do you evaluate success?

Research company and read mission statement

Formulate your answers base on their core values

Example:
1.

"For me, success is about doing my job well. I want to be recognized as someone who
always does their best and tries their hardest to make my goals.

2.

"I evaluate success based on outcomes. It's not always the path you take to achieve
success that matters. Rather, it's quantifiable results."

Why are you leaving or have left your

job?

Do not say anything bad about your previous employer

Prepare in advance / be positive / speak about future

Examples:
1.

There isn't room for growth with my current employer and I'm ready to move on to a new
challenge.

2.

I've decided that is not the direction I want to go in my career and my current employer
has no opportunities in the direction I'd like to head.

Why do you want this job?

Be honest without becoming too aggressive

Compliment company

Examples:
1.

This job is a good fit for what I've been interested in throughout my career. The
stimulating work allows me to use both my creative and research skills.

2.

As a dedicated technician, being part of a breakthrough team is an experience I'd love to

repeat.

Why should we hire you?

Company is asking What makes you the best fit for this position.

This is usually the time to sell all of your best qualities.

Key TIPS: Think of job listing , be concise, do not ramble, prepare ahead
of time, short sweet and simple

( Resume and CV combined speech

Speak about career

Discuss all of your

achievements in a
brief summary

Illegal Job Questions

Personal

History

Age
Religion
Gender

Family Status (marital status, spouse income, children)

Military Discharged

Criminal Record
Disability

Ancestry

Credit

I dont know how to say / explain it in

English