Job Interview Question
There
are given common job interview questions that are asked by every interviewer.
If you read this article, you will be able to pass the first stage of
interview.
1) Tell me about yourself?
This is
the most famous question for an interviewer and also most difficult to answer
this question for the candidate. This question puts all the pressure on the
candidate and the interviewer relax.
You
should alert enough to answer this question. You should start with an easy and
confident tone and answer in a proper manner. It should not be scripted. Always
remember, you are not giving interview to a robot so your articulation, your
pronunciation of each words should be clear and confident.
A good
way:
Analyze
your interviewer interests.
Express
your most important accomplishments first.
For
example:
2) Describe yourself in one world?
This
question is asked to the candidate to judge how spontaneous and explaining he
is. If he uses a word he must be able to explain that word and also represent
himself according to that word.
These
are some positive words. You can use it but be sure that you are judging with
the word.
Original
, genuine , logical, incredible, focused, curious, active, quick, balanced,
achiever etc.
3) Why did you leave your last job?
You
should be very careful with this question. Avoid trashing other employers and
making statement like "I
need more money". Instead
of this you can say that-
Sir,
it's a career move. I have learnt a lot from my last job, but now I am looking
for new challenges to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set.
4) Why this role attract you?
By this
question the interviewer wants to know that -
- If you fully understand what the job
entails
- How well you might match their
requirement
- What appeals to you most about this
job
Before
answering this question, take your own time an answer in way that convince the
interviewer. Explain your qualities according to above stated points.
For
example -- I have applied for this vacancy because it is an excellent match
for my skills and experience. This role is exactly the sort of role I am
currently targeting and I am confident I will be able to make a major
contribution.
5) What is your strength?
You
should always remember that even if your strength is not business related, find
a way to relate it to work. Tell your positive points related to the job.
For
example -these may be some great answers:
- My main strengths are the ability to
use my own initiative to take on challenges. I am always proactive at what
I do and that keeps my mind simulated and focused.
- My greatest strengths would be my
intelligence and thoughtfulness. I believe that in every work environment
you need to process every step and be detailed in your work.
- My time management skills are
excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my
work.
- I always understand the value of time
and I am always able to innovate. I listen to advice from others.
- My greatest strength is my ability to
focus on my work. I'm not easily distracted, and this means that my
performance is very high.
6) What is your weakness?
Everyone
has weaknesses so answering this question don't spend so much time on this.
This question is generally asked to know how honest you are with yourself.
State one or two minor weaknesses and try to relate it work. (avoid saying
"I work too hard" it is a very common answer). Don't pretend you
don't have weaknesses, and don't avoid answering the question.
For
example-
you can
say, "I used to be very disorganized, always forgetting assignments and
birthdays. But I managed to work out a computerized system of to-do lists and
reminders that keeps me on top of everything."
7) What is the difference between confidence and
overconfidence?
Confidence
based on facts and knowledge and overconfidence based on speculation. There is
a small difference between confidence and overconfidence. Yes, I can do this
work is self confidence. But only I can do this work is over confidence.
Or you
can say that- confidence is an internal believe that I am a right person for
this job and overconfidence is thought that I am only the right person for this
job.
8) What is the difference between smart work and hard work?
Smart
work and hard work are related to each other. Without being a hard worker we
can't be a smart worker. Smart work comes from the hard work. That means
everyone has to specialize in his work to become a smart worker. So, all of us
have to do hard work to achieve smart work.
So hard
work increases your accuracy and smart work increases accuracy as well as
efficiency.
9) What is your achievement in life?
This
question may be also asked as what are your biggest achievements? Or what are
you most proud of?
You
should discuss only work related achievements. Try to pick a recent
achievement.
For
example-
My
greatest achievement so far in my career would probably be winning the Manager
of the Year award last year.
Or
My
biggest accomplishment is overcoming my fear of failure. It gives me complete
sense of living and make me more confident.
10) What was the mistake of your life?
While
answering this question you should choose a story containing not too many
mistakes. It should be real.
Talk
about the mistake but it is also important to convince the interviewer that you
never make the same mistake again.
For
example -
I think
the worst mistake I ever made at work was in my first ever job ? five years ago
now. A more senior member of the team seemed to take an instant dislike to me
from the start ? and one day she was particularly unpleasant to me in front of
several colleagues. Later on, I was talking to one of those colleagues who was,
I thought, attempting to console me. Angry and hurt, I foolishly vented my
feelings and told her what I thought of the lady in question. I was naturally
shocked to find out that she went on to tell everyone what I had said and this
certainly didn?t help my relationship with the team member who was causing me
problems. Rather than let the situation carry on, I chose to have a quiet word
with this lady so as to find out what her problem was with me and to see if we
could put it behind us. It turned out it was nothing personal; she just
resented the fact that a friend of hers had also been interviewed for my
position and had been turned down. Once we had got matters out into the air,
her behavior changed and we actually got on quite well after that. However, I
certainly learned a lot from the experience. I learned that careful
communication is vital in managing interpersonal relationships and that if I
have a problem with someone it?s always best to talk it over with them rather
than with someone else.
13) What are your hobbies?
It is
totally depend on you what you like and what hobbies do you have but always
justify your answer.
12) What do you know about this organization?
You
should fully aware of that organization where you are going for an interview,
so check the history, present structure and working style of that organization.
Check the company's website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn pages to
gather the information.
13) Are you applying for other jobs also?
This
question have a very specific purpose. The interviewer want to know that if the
candidate admit that he has applied other places or gives a canned answer. Or
what the candidate think about their company.
Never
claim that you did not apply for other company. Despite this you can say that -
As you
know I would like to work as a software developer. Beyond your company I have
also applied to XYZ company and ABC company. This answer is more specific.
14) Do you know anyone who work for us?
This
question have just two answers, YES or NO. if you know anyone from that company
say YES, otherwise NO.
15) Would you lie for the company?
You
should answer this question in a very diplomatic manner.
You can
say that-
"It
depends on the situation, if my lie create a positive impact on the company and
It was useful for many people, then I will lie."
Or
"Probably
I would say no for lie. But if condition persists that my lie will help
thousand of persons and it not giving any impact to other persons then I will
really agree with lie. My one lie results lot of success and happiness without
hurting others rights then I expect to do this."
16) What is your objective of life?
Your
answer should be realistic and practical.
For
example -
"My
short term goal is to work in a reputed organization like yours where I can
enhance my technical skills and knowledge.
My long
term goal is to see the company at top most position where I am one of the
person responsible for that."
Or
"My
goal is to become a successful person and make my family proud of me."
17) Just imagine that you have enough money to retire right
now. Would you?
If your
answer is YES, you are surely get FAILED.
You can
say that::"No sir, I don't think so. I am a professional and I love my
work so there is no question of leave my work. Yes, it may be that I would take
a break to spend a quality time with my family."
18) What is your expected salary?
Don't
ask your salary in exact numbers, instead of this show your commitment to the
job itself.
You can
say that -
"I
am more interested in the role than the pay and I expect to be paid appropriate
money for this role based on my experience. As you also know that high cost of
living here in Delhi."
19) Explain, how would you be an asset to this
organization?
While
answering this question, don't merely say that you are hard working, dedicated,
punctual etc. because these are not assets, these are the responsibility as
management wants. Off course these are positive words and has a lot of meaning
for you as well as for company. Actually these qualities make you an asset for
the company after getting experience.
So you
can say that -
"To
become asset for an organization we have to punctual, dedicated, quickly adapt
of environment and positive working attitude I have all of these qualities so I
will prove an asset for this company."
Or
"As
I'm a fresher, I'll be passionate about my work and if given a chance I'll be
ready to expose myself into different sectors of work into the industry, and
would be faithful to the company always."
20) Why should we hire you?
Tell
your qualifications and highlight that points who makes you unique.
This
may be a good answer - (For fresher ) -
"I
believe that every one starts with a beginning, I need a platform to prove my
abilities and skills. I think your company is the right place to explore my
abilities. I need to be a part of your growth. I will do my level best."
Or
"As
a fresher I need a platform to prove my ability. If I will be a part of your
company I'll put my effort and strength to uplift your company. None is born
with experience, if you hire me I will get professional experience through your
company."
(For
experienced)
"I
have a good experience in that particular field (field of your specialization)
and I think, I have an excel wiz now to work fast and efficient."
21) What is more important to you : the money or the work?
This is
a very tricky question. The work should always be more important than the
money. This frame of mind is good for you.(at least at the time of interview).
You can
say that :
"Money
is always important, but the work is most important for me."
Or
"I
would say work is more important. If we work and achieve Company goals then
obviously money would follow .I believe work to be prior."
Or
"I
think money probably matters to me about as much as it does to anyone. It's
obviously vital and necessary for us to live and prosper but, at the same time,
it's not my single most important driving force. It is my believe that money is
rewarded for work."
22) Do you have any blind spot?
It is a
trick question. So don't specify your actual weaknesses. Instead of this try to
show you are very team oriented
For
example:
"I
would say everyone has blind spots and I would too. And that is why I believe
in teamwork because when you are a team you can point out other people?s blind
spots and they will do the same for you."
Note:
"don't admit failing as a blind spot. A failure is not a blind spot."
23) Assume you are hired, then how long would you expect to
work for us?
"I
will do my best for the growth of your company for a long period of time. As
long as I have the career growth, job satisfaction, respect and a healthy
environment Then I don't need to change my company."
Or
"I
will work as long as my presence benefits the company and I get ample
opportunity to grow and develop both professionally and monetarily."
Or
"Everyone
looks for bright future, healthy work environment, good salary, job
satisfaction and I am pretty sure that your company give such things so I don't
need to change the company."
24) Don't you think that you are overqualified for this
position?
This is
trick of interviewer to trap you and judge how boasting you are?
So, be
alert to answer this question and don't even hint to the interviewer that you
are overqualified although you are.
This is
a good answer:
"I
think I am qualified for this post because I am just a beginner and have lots
more to learn. I think qualification is not only a matter of theoretical
knowledge or results; it also depends on practical knowledge and learning. When
I will get practical knowledge then I would consider myself just a
well-qualified not overqualified. Because learning never ends."
25) Do you have any question for me?
It's
your turn now. If you get such an opportunity, you may ask questions like that:
"Thank
you for giving me this opportunity. After my overall performance till now if I
got selected what I need to improve and if I'm not selected how can I succeed
further. Can you give any advice sir?"
26) On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer?
Sir,
I'm not in the position to rate you as an interviewer. Any way I'm not going to
disappoint you. As an interviewer you've fulfilled your job, So, I can give you
10 out of 10. But I'll give you 9/10 as there should be always a scope to
increase our skills which will creates an interest in learning the things.
Thank you very much for giving me this wonderful opportunity.
Or
Thank
you for giving me such an opportunity but for sure I am not person to rate you.
As it is obvious that your position is highly reputed and you have been chosen
to undergo this process that shows your excellence at this place but still I
have to answer this question so honestly it would be 9/10 as no one is perfect
and we always leave room for improvement.
27) How do you handle stress, pressure and anxiety?
It is a
typical interview question asked to judge how you handle the job stress and
pressure.
For
example-
I
believe to work in a planned way and finish my work regularly. I always react
to situations, rather than to stress. In this way I handle situation and don't
take stress.
Or
I go to
gym regularly and do work out. In this way I remove my stress. I believe that
physical exercise is a great stress reducer.
28) What is the disappointment in your life?
This
question is asked to judge, what type of situations make you uncomfortable and
disappointed. While answering this question, don't just say your
disappointment. Instead of this, you should include what you learn from that
incident.
For
example: the greatest disappointment in my life so far as when my laptop had
stolen and I had lost all my important data. I remember, I had to work hard for
the next 10 days to re do all my work to make sure to submit on the time.
If you
did not face any disappointment in your life then say so:
Sir, I
don't feel that I have face such type of situation.
29) Would you like to work overtime or odd hours?
You
should become very honest to answer this question. Don't tell a lie or
compromise to get the job only.
30) Why did you resign from your last job?
I felt
that my talent and abilities were underutilized.
Sir, I
need to get new environment and new challenges where I could explore my best
abilities and skills So I decided to change the job. I am very thankful to my
previous company to give me chance as a fresher and I learnt a lot of things
from there.
I was
far away from my company's location so I resigned to focus on finding a job
that is closer to my home because my parents shift here with me and its my
responsibility to take care of him.
Because
I want to get a new challenging environment and new responsibility where I
prove my skill and knowledge.
31) What makes you angry?
You
should always answer this question in a manner that suits both your personality
and management too.
Sir, I
am not a short tempered person but I feel a bit of annoyance when someone
disturbs me in my work without a genuine reason. Although I am even tempered
person but when I get angry, I try to channel my negative feeling in my work.
32) What was the most difficult decision you have made in
your past life?
This
question is asked to judge your decision making capabilities. The interviewer
want to know, how you take decision in tough times.
After
completing my graduation, the toughest decision is whether to go for higher
studies or do a job. Then I chose job because getting trained is better than
educated and it was also the demand of that time.
Or
My
toughest decision was to take admission in B.tech. I belong to a lower middle
class family, my father was not in the favour of taking admission, but I
convinced him and today he is very happy.
33) How did you know about this position/ vacancy?
Just
tell the source from where you got the information about this post. If the
interviewer ask, what you know about this position or what appeals you most in
this position?
Then
you can add:
I have
carefully studied both the job description and the person specification so I am
fully aware of the duties and responsibilities of this role.
34) What gets you up in the morning?
I am
excited about the possibilities, about learning more, about getting it right
and becoming better at my career. I believe in what I?m doing. If the day comes
when I don?t, I?ll find a new career. I promise. Until then, it never hurts, to
remind myself of these things along the way.
Or
It is
my promise that gets up me in the morning. My promise is to learn something new
and someone in need. It provides me satisfaction that I am making difference in
someone life.
35) What is your favorite book?
This
question is asked to judge your taste about reading books. The interviewer
wants to know what types of book you like. Would you fit for the company
culture?
Answer
this question according to your sense, your knowledge about the book. Only
named the books you have really read. You should choose something by a
reputable author that your interviewer has probably heard of.
36) As you said, internet surfing is your hobby. Which site
you surf mostly?
This is
your choice that which sites you surf most, but while answering this question
always refers sites which are relevant to your field of job. Don?t take name of
social networking sites or other irrelevant sites.
37) How you deal with an angry or irritated customer?
I would
try to find out exactly what the problem was, and evaluate if there was
something I could do to make it right.
Or
I would
ask the customer to explain his problem and carefully listen him. After that I
do my best to solve his problem. If that problem is not regarding my work area
I spoke to someone who could help hem immediately.
38) What is success means to you?
If I
feel I am making a difference working with a team of people to make a more
profitable company. It is success for me.
If I
put a smile on someone face and make him happy it is success for me.
