FIFTY FAVORITE EMPLOYER QUESTIONS

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41.

What are your long-range and short-range goals and objectives, when and why
did you establish these goals, and how are you preparing yourself to achieve
them?
What specific goals, other than those related to your occupation, have you
established for yourself for the next ten years?
What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
What do you really want to do in life?
What are your long-range career objectives?
How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
What do you expect to be earning in five years?
Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
Which is more important to you, the money or the type of job?
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
How would you describe yourself?
How do you think a friend or professor who knows you would describe you?
What motivates you to put forth your greatest efforts?
How has your college experience prepared you for a career?
Why should I hire you?
What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful?
How do you determine or evaluate success?
What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
What qualities should a successful manager possess?
Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those
reporting to him or her.
What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
Describe your most rewarding college experience.
If you were hiring a graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for?
Why did you select your college or university?
What led you to choose your field of major study?
What college subjects did you like most? Why?
What college subjects did you like least? Why?
If you could do so, how would you plan your academic study differently? Why?
What changes would you make in your college or university? Why?
Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic
achievement?
What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
In what kind of a work environment are you most comfortable?
How do you work under pressure?
In what part-time or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?
How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?
Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
What do you know about our company?
What two or three things are most important to you in your job?

42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.

Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?

What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
Do you have a geographical preference? Why?
Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you?
Are you willing to travel?
Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee?
Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is
located?
49. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
50. What have you learned from your mistakes?
interview tips

1. Be on time!
Practise getting to the venue to see how long it will take. Public transport may be
useless, the traffic may have been heavy, but however reasonable it won't affect the
fact that your chances are reduced if you are late. Always remember - You never get a
second chance to make a first impression.
Aim to be early - you can always find a nearby cafe/shop/pub to wait in. And if worst
comes to worst and you are going to be late, then definitely ring in and let them know.
2. Be Prepared!
Look at the employers' website and learn something about the company before you
attend your interview. Feed them the opportunity to talk
proudly about something positive you have found.
3. Write down and practice possible questions!
Writing them down and practicing them with someone will
make it easier to remember when you get to the interview.
Use the third person when talking about the job. Avoid
sounding as though you assume the job is yours.

The Natives Guide to

Working in Ski Resorts
Usually 8.99 - Save 2!

It is fine to ask about the package on offer and

accommodation - living in and living out are particularly relevant. Don't forget to find out
if the company will guarantee a resort or chalet - many will only allocate you a country.
You could also try a fewer more testing questions such as how they differentiate
themselves from their competitors or what they think the toughest/hardest part of the
job is.
4. What are your weaknesses?
Don't be Spud from Trainspotting! 'Noneah well, ah'm a bit of a perfectionist actually!'
Try to find an area of your experience/skill that is currently lacking. An interviewer will
appreciate your candour - as long as whatever you disclose can be easily remedied.
5. You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
SMILE! Dress professionally in simple business attire. Just because you are going to be
working in a ski resort does not mean you should wear Oakleys and a fleece to your
interview. And don't forget that firm handshake and to maintain eye contact - without
glaring!
6. Be honest!

There really is no point lying about your background and/or skills. If you get caught, or
even manage to get out to resort and then get found out, you can be sure you won't be
around for long! Job interviews are about matching needs - if there isn't a good match,
then chances are that the job won't work out.
7. Check your CV for possible gaps!
Make sure you know how you are going to explain time gaps on your CV.
8. Talk about specific achievements!
Interviewers like to know how you felt about about a particular success. Some will ask
for specific examples of things you've done that you're particularly proud of; how you
solved problems; how you learned - and improved - from difficult situations.
9. Don't talk too much!
Spud again - Communication is a two-way thing so give them a chance
10. Prepare a sample menu plan!
If you are applying for a catering job then take along a sample menu plan. By this we
mean a starter/main/dessert combination over six days, ideally with a vegetarian option.
Think about teh balance of nutrients and how the colours will look on the plate. Our
recipe section has a number of favourites.
11. Take a spare photo & CV with you!
Your interviewer won't be expecting it so you will impress them. It also helps them
remember you after the interview.
12. Be enthusiastic and positive!
Don't criticize previous employers, particularly within the industry. Focus on positive
achievements and views.
12. Be on time!
And finally, Don't give up!
The fact is that you will not be offered every job however perfect you think you may be
for it. Usually it's because the interviewer was completely blind to the talent that stood
before them. However, just on the off chance that it was not, feedback from interviews
where you have been turned down can be invaluable for improving future results. Ask
politely if they can give you any feedback for the future - there's a job out there for you
somewhere.

Best of luck!!!

The Do's and Don'ts of Interviewing

What you should do Before the interview

What you should do During the interview
What you should do After the interview
What you should not do at all

What you should do Before the interview:

a. Research the company.
Research the company with whom you are interviewing. Nothing impresses an
interviewer more than a candidate that knows about the company. It shows that you have
initiative.
b. Be punctual.
Get there on time. The importance of punctuality can not be stressed enough. Plan to
arrive about 15 minutes early. It shows your regard for the interviewer's time. If you have
to wait, use the time to go over your notes.
c. Dress Professionally.
It shows that you cared enough about the interviewer and the company to present yourself
in a professional manner. In today's work place, most companies do not have a strict
code. So if you are one who hates pantyhose or a shirt and tie, relax. This may be the only
time you have to do so.
d. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Practice makes perfect. All the information that you would have obtained about
successful interviewing would be wasted if you do not practice. You can know all the
questions the interviewer will ask but if you do not practice, it would be as if you di d
not. Have a friend go over the questions with you until you are able to answer them
promptly without stuttering.

What you should do During the interview:

a. Give the interviewer a firm handshake.

Give the interviewer a firm handshake, even if the interviewer is a woman and you are
man. Nobody likes a limp handshake but by the same token do not take the person's hand
off either. While shaking, introduce yourself keeping eye contact at all times .
b. Smile.
Nothing is worse than an interviewee who looks depressed or indifferent. Would you
want to work with someone who is always depressed?
c. Maintain Eye Contact at all times.
You are confident about yourself and your capabilities. Relay that. Do not stare out of the
window or fiddle with your pencil. The interviewer is talking to you or you to him. Be
attentive.
d. Speak Clearly.
Do not mumble your words. It portrays a lack of confidence.
e. Respond to your interviewer.
If he makes a joke, smile to acknowledge that he made one, even if it was not funny.
f. Listen before you answer questions.
Make sure you have understood the question. If you do not, ask him to clarify it. Take a
second, then answer.
g. Give brief answers.
Answer promptly and intelligently. However, when asked yes or no questions, elaborate.
h. Complete the application thoroughly.
For salary requirements put negotiable, unless specified not to do so. Then put the salary
range for your profession with your experience.
i. Ask the interviewer questions.
Even if he does not ask you "Do you have any questions," ask him anyway.
j. Thank the interviewer.
Be sure to thank the interviewer for his time.

What you should do After the interview:

a. Thank the interviewer in writing.
Send the interviewer a formal thank you.

What you should not do at all:

It may be obvious to some, that most of the things you should not do are the opposite of
what you should. However, some people need reinforcing. a. Be dishonest.
If an employer asks "Do you know about ....? and you do not, say No. If you say yes, the
next question is almost always "Tell me about it."
b. Chew gum during the interview.
It's tacky and inappropriate. I would recommend that you do not before the interview
either. You may forget to remove it.
c. Smoke.
Do not smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette.
d. Refuse a job offer in the interview.
Don't ever refuse a job offer until you have had the time to think about it. It may be the
only one you get.
e. Ramble.
Make sure your answers are short and to the point.

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General Questions

Top 10 Interview Tips

Top 10 Resume Tips

Tell me about you!

Create Your Job Title

Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your resume
summary as a base to start.

Gain Work Experience

Quirky Interview
Questions
Tough Interview
Questions
General Questions
Experience and
Management Questions

What do you know about our company?

Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library
researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products,
size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and
philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the
company.
Why do you want to work for us?

If You Are Leaving a Job

Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be
part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem;
you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.

Quantifying Your
Experience,
Accomplishments

What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else
can't?

Industry Trend Questions

Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous

Job Search Questions

employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer.

Your Work Habits and

Style

What about the job offered do you find the most attractive? Least
attractive?

Salary Questions

List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor.
Your Career Goals

Why should we hire you?

Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills.
What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.
Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you are being
interviewed).
Keep it brief -- give an actions- and results-oriented definition.
How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Not long at all -- you expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning
curve.
How long would you stay with us?
As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing, etc.

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Most frequently asked Interview Questions

Why have you selected to join us?
I always longed to work with a company. I am familiar and whose
products I have used and trusted.
(Narrate briefly how you can prove your statement. Do good research

on the company before facing the interview)

Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I would like to be frank. Judge me from the work and I am sure you
will put me right where I want to be.
Note : Do not over ambitious and speak in a way that you are not
satisfied with your current job which you have applied for.
Describe your ideal career?
Talk of what you enjoy most your skills and natural talents. Do not
specify your goal and any job title.
Tell me something about yourself
Do not just repeat what you have given in your resume. Be ready with
the answer, a talent or something you did out of the ordinary. You can
sound it as unique or give it a touch of your personality.
How did you apply for the job?
Be specific and give a straight answer of how you came to know
about the vacancy. If it was advertised specify how you came across
it.
Why do you want to work here?
Have a research done about the company / organization
Give just one or two reasons why you are interested. You can add
these points (1) company's reputation(2) desire to join the specific
field of interest.
Don't you think that you are over qualified for this job?
(This question is put to you to puzzle a candidate. Be calm and answer
the question with a positive and confident approach)
Answer in the negative
My experience and qualification will just help me to do the job better.
Moreover I am at establishing a long term relationship which my
qualification will favor me to handle more responsibilities and help
me to rise to your expectations.
What competition do you see if you take up this job?
When you answer, clearly show that you have researched carefully
and acquired more in-depth knowledge about the company.
Enumerate some positive and negative traits of the company and their
competitions.
Feel confident to show that competition is not an unexpected one.
What would you do if our competitor offer you a job?
Show your confidence in the company's worth, stress the point 'I
would say No' by pointing out some qualities you found out in your
research about the company.
Why are you leaving your current job?
You should give two or three reasons for leaving.
Lack of challenge, focus on the limitations etc. Point out your
ambition to prove your worth confidently.
What salary do you expect?
(This is a tricky question to be answered carefully. Interviewers often

accept people with realistic financial goals.)

If you mention a salary that is low it shows that you are not up to the
mark. If you mention too high you have ruined a chance to get a job.
So the best is to ask for the salary they offer and then show your
capacity, how your experience and qualification rate with what is
offered.
What interests you most about the job?
(Show how you believe that you are most suited to the post. If you can
find out an earlier experience it would be fine.)
If you have experience, you can quote some similarities from the past
and how you achieved success.
What is your dream job?
Make the question a chance to display your aptitude that fits the job
you have applied for. Display how your skills can be put into suite the
challenges and modern trends.
Why should we take you?
This is often the concluding Question( Some tips to the answer)
Don'ts : Do not repeat your resume
Do not enumerate your experience
Do's
: Prove Your interest
Be positive in your answer
Be prepared with confidence in what you are going to say
Make sure the answer comes from the bottom of your heart.
If you have unlimited time and financial resources how would you
spend them
Even though it is tempting to discuss thing you would do for fun,
answer these questions with strict coherence with the job you have
applied for.
Egg: If you are into teaching, touch on your interest in adult literary
programmers and other teaching oriented aspects.
How is your experience relevant to this job?
Sketch out some similar work which you have done in your previous
job. It should be something justifiable by you, even though others may
think differently.
You can even ask some question where you can prove that your
experience stands in good strand.
How could you enrich your current job?
Design your answer to show that you are still interested in the job and
you point out a few instances where improvements can be made.
Convince the person that you can be relied on and you will not get
bored with what you do with time.
How many days where you absent from work?
Give a solid attendance record. But at the same time show you were
not responsible . Convince that you are willing to take up
responsibility.
Egg: I was absent 7 days. 4 days due to conjunctivitis and one day due

to the death of a close relative and 2 days had to accompany my

parents for their check up.
Tell me about a time you had to deal with an irritate customer, how
did you handle the solution?
The question is aimed at you to hear from yourself how you handle
people when others loose their temper. Here the best answer you can
give to describe a situation and show how you handled it with
maturity and diplomacy.
How do you manage stress in your daily work?
You can describe a situation of how you had managed stress in your
previous work if you had one or narrate how you can find time in your
busy schedule to relax a bit.
Describe a professional skill you have developed in you?
It will be better if you be specific with your answer. Narrate some
thing you worked for to fulfill your work more efficiently. Describe
how you attended a seminar and brought about the changed in your
work.
How do you manage your work to meet dead lines
Answer the question effectively . Describe in detail how your plan
out, set priorities, determine schedules, how you follow out to see the
progress and meet the dead line.
What books you read?
Do not ever say you have read a book which you have not. Here your
suggestion can lead the interviewer to know your taste and interest. It
can also hint on how you take your profession.
What are the most rewarding aspect of you most recent job?
The best way to answer it is to focus in what you do efficiently, keep
in mind the position you are applying for.
What aspects of this job do you feel most confident?
Narrate what you are good and match it with the present job
requirements. You may ask questions to clear if that particular skill
will add benefit to the company
What can motivate you?
The Interview expects an answer to know you better .Keep in tune
with your job and work you have applied for. Do not beat around the
bush.
Whom do you choose as your reference and why?
Name the references and how you know them. You can also show that
you are a person who care for relationships and how you stand in
good stead with them.
Can we call all your references?
If you have given your present boss as your reference you can tell that
you prefer to call your current boss only after you receive a confirmed
offer as he may not like you changing the job.
Do you have any questions?
Be prepared to answer this question in advance. List out a few

questions you wish to know more about. After you have faced the
interview your logic will guide you to ask the question you really
want to know more about.
How do you handle criticism
Here the interview is on the look out for your accountability and
professional character.
Simply explain a situation that caused a problem and narrate how you
faced it and overcame it.
Tell me about a situation that upset you at work
Her the interview is trying to find out how you deal with pressure. Be
diplomatic and objective with your answer. Prepare the answer so that
the answer comes as a smooth reassurance
Have you ever been fired?
If the answer is negative, the answer is simple. But if you have been
fired, you need to be prepared to the answer the follow up questions
that my come up.
If the termination was for reason beyond your control narrate it. If not
do not try justifying yourself. If you had a fault, admit it and convince
the interview that you have corrected it.
Do you change your job frequently?
Be honest and if you had changed the jobs frequently there could be
ample reasons to do so. Put them up as contracts that expired at the
stipulated time.
Be convincing when you say that you long to have a steady and long
lasting relationship with the present job you are applying for.
What is the toughest job you had?
Avoid making any negative statements especially about your previous
employer. Change the question with a positive outlook and answer it
with a satisfied remark of your outcome.
How do you handle tension?
Answer with ease that in any job and any situation that tension is a
part of it. Relax before putting the f act you are very used to such
type of works.
What is your current salary?
Do not bluff. Be specific on the answer. Do not hesitate to say the
benefits you enjoyed in the previous job. It may be verified so never
mention the benefits you have not got.
Will you be willing to accept transfer?
Tell you preference but do not specify that you will be not willing to
work else where.
What is your weakness?
Turn the question to a positive one. Simply say that you are a
perfectionist and your commitment to output of high quality perfect
work. Say this is your weakness.
Read More

Interviewing Tips
Quick advice on how to nail that interview
by Pat Kendall
The first part of interview preparation is research.
The idea is to learn as much as possible about the
organization, its philosophies, goals and plans. In
almost every interview situation, the question is
asked: "What can you do for this company?" How can
you answer this question if you don't know anything
about the firm?

Interview Preparation

Resources
Career Profiles
Organizations
Minority Issues
Women in Technology
Industry Focus
The Future of Your
Discipline
Tutorials
Ask Dr. Job
International Insights
Pure Procrastination
Quotations

Once you learn about the company, you can get a

much better "feel" for how you might fit in. Then,
during the interview, you can use this information to
your advantage. Are they a fast growing company?
Then explain how your experience working with fasttrack firms would benefit them. Are they qualityoriented? Then make them aware of your personal
commitment to quality. Do they work with charitable
organizations? Then tell them about your volunteer
experience.
Your goal is to show them that you are like-minded
that you understand and agree with their philosophy,
and therefore, would be a good addition to their team.
Another benefit of research is this: By showing them
that you've taken the time to research their company,
you demonstrate by example that you are the type of
person who gives 110%. Most candidates don't know
anything about the companies they interview with.
They don't know their products, their philosophy, their

Articles
Feature Articles

position in the marketplace or anything else about

them.

Higher Education
Graduate School

Show them that you are different... show them that

you are better than other candidates who don't
have the time or good sense to conduct some basic
research. Preparing yourself for interviews by
researching prospective employers also gives you a
certain control of the situationand if you have some
control, you're much less likely to feel nervous or
edgy.

The Job Hunt

Resume & Interview Help
Company Profiles
Regional Job Markets
Entry Level Salaries
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About GE Magazine
This Month in Print

Another key component of interviewing is knowing

your strong points. If an employer asked "Why
should I hire you?" would you know how to respond?
Are you aware of your marketable skills? Can you
provide a one-minute sales pitch on yourself?
Here's how to do it: Start with a blank sheet of paper
and make a list of your qualifications for the job you
want. This might include years of experience,
education, special training, technical skills, "inside"
knowledge of a product or market, etc. This list could
also include transferable skills like communication,
leadership, organization, accuracy, detail-orientation
or work ethic.
Now, look at this list objectively. Which items on this
list are most valuable to your potential employer?
Refine this list further, then use this information to
write a brief "sales pitch" that describes your
qualifications for the job. Organize your information
in a logical fashion, repeat it out loud and refine it
until it comes out smoothly and naturally. To
interview well, you must believe in yourself and be
able to verbalize your best qualifications with
conviction.
Now let's look at the merits of being proactive. When
the interviewer asks if you have any questions, how
will you respond? Here's another situation where your
research comes in handy. When asked if you have
questions, you can respond: "Well, I know from my
research, that ABC Company is planning to expand
into the international market. How might that affect

my job?" If you are replacing an existing employee,

you might consider asking what your predecessor's
biggest challenges were. You could also ask about
opportunities for advancement, availability of
corporate training programs, plans for expansion, etc.
Develop some relevant and intelligent questions, write
them down and be prepared to ask them at the
appropriate time.
INTERVIEWING BASICS

Review Resume Key Points. Your resume is the

potential employer's outline of your careerand in most
cases, the basis of questions asked during the interview.
Make sure you are prepared to provide details and expand
on key points.

Dress for Success. Look the part of the position

you're interviewing for (appropriate attire, meticulous
grooming, etc.). Take the time to properly organize any
paperwork you bring along (i.e., extra resume copies,
letters of recommendation, references, performance
evaluations, questions).
Do Whatever it Takes to Arrive on Time. Check out
the address and parking facilities BEFORE the interview
date.
Go Out of Your Way to be Politenot only to the
interviewer, but also to the receptionist or secretary.
Use a Firm Handshake, direct eye contact and a
friendly smile; demonstrate a sincere interest and
enthusiasm for the job.
Always Display Loyalty to Your Former Employers
no matter what they did (or did to you) never, say
anything negative about them.
Maintain a Positive Attitude and believe in yourself!

Always Follow-up by sending the interviewer a brief

thank-you letter or note.
Strategically Schedule Your Interview
Appointment. If possible, try to schedule your
appointment so that you're not the first person being
interviewed. (Research conducted by Robert Half &
Associates indicates that the first person interviewed gets
the job only 17% of the time, while the last person
interviewed gets the job 55% of the time. According to this
study, it is also recommended that you avoid interviews on
Monday or late in the afternoon.)

Pat Kendall is a Nationally Certified Resume Writer

(NCRW) and Certified Job and Career Transition
Coach (JCTC) with 19 years' experience in resume
writing and job search consulting. Pat owns and
operates Advanced Resume Concepts, a career
services and resume writing firm based in Oregon.

Contact her at reslady@aol.com. For more

information on Advanced Resume Concepts, visit
www.reslady.com/home.html.
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