Interview Guide

Interview Questions and Answers

“Tell me about yourself?”

Always this will be the first question the interviewer will ask you when you take a seat in an interview room. As they always say, first impression is always important, so you have to make sure you have prepared yourself well to answer this question well. Keep it short and clear within 2 to 3 minutes or four in some cases.

How should you answer then?

Like I said, you need to make enough research on what organization expects from the new staffs before sitting for an interview. You should answer them in the following manners; your answer is to solve how your qualities which are qualifications, work experience and personalities are relevant to the position in question.

Therefore, you should only provide information applicable to what is required for the job, but not irrelevant ones pertaining to your family or personal events.

Or  You can use A formula to answer “Tell me about yourself”

You can use Present-Past-Future formula to answer the above question also.

You Can Use The Guide Below to Win Your Interview.

Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

Tell Me About Yourself 

You walk into the interview room, shake hands with your interviewer and sit down with your best interviewing smile on. Guess what their first question is? “Tell me about yourself.”

Do you “wing it” and actually tell all manner of things about yourself? Will you spend the next 5 minutes rambling on about what an easy-going, loyal, dedicated, hard working employee you’ve been? If this is the case, you stand a good chance of having bored your interviewer to death thus creating a negative first impression.

Because it’s such a common interview question, it’s strange that more candidates don’t spend the time to prepare for exactly how to answer it. Perhaps because the question seems so disarming and informal, we drop our guard and shift into ramble mode. Resist all temptation to do so.

Your interviewer is not looking for a 10-minute dissertation here. Instead, offer a razor sharp sentence or two that sets the stage for further discussion and sets you apart from your competitors.

Give them “your synopsis about you” answer, specifically your Unique Selling Proposition. Known as a personal branding or a value-added statement, the USP is a succinct, one-sentence description of who you are, your biggest strength and the major benefit that a company will derive from this strength. Here is an example of a Unique Selling Proposition: “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.”

The key is that you must lead with your strongest benefit to the employer. Be specific and don’t wander about with some laundry list of skills or talents. Be sure to put a monetary value on your work if at all possible and be ready with details when you’re called upon. Give an estimated value to the $$ you’ve either helped to make or save for your employer.

Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? 

I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. In researching the LMN company, your mission statement and the job description, I could see similarities to my previous position where there were some assignments that required a great deal of independent work and research and others where the team effort was most effective. As I said, I’m comfortable with both.

Give Some Examples of Teamwork 

In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required a different kind of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was invaluable. I continued to grow as team member while on my sorority’s debate team and through my advanced marketing class where we had numerous team assignments.

In my last postion, I was part of a software implementation team. We all worked together to plan and manage the implementation schedule, to provide customer training, and ensure a smooth transition for our customers. Our team always completed our projects ahead of schedule with very positive reviews from our clients.

Tell me about a time that you participated in a team, what was your role?

Companies, for the most part, do not want “Lone-Rangers” – – they are looking for employees who will adapt to the company culture and get along with others.
In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required a different kind of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was invaluable. I continued to grow as team member while on my sorority’s debate team and through my advanced marketing class where we had numerous team assignments.

What is Your Greatest Weakness?

  When you’re asked what your greatest weakness is, try to turn a negative into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to get projects completed or wanting to triple-check every item in a spreadsheet can be turned into a strength i.e. you are a candidate who will make sure that the project is done on time and your work will be close to perfect.

Note that the term “weakness” isn’t used in the sample answers – you always want to focus on the positive when interviewing.

I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming week, but I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense.

What is Your Greatest Strength?

This is one of the easier interview questions you’ll be asked. When you are asked questions about your strengths, it’s important to discuss attributes that will qualify you for the job. The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for.

I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations.

Why Should We Hire You? 

The best way to respond is to give concrete examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job. Take a few moments to compare the job description with your abilities, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other positions. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and the position.

Why do you think you will be successful at this job?
The interviewer is concerned as to whether you see this as a career move, or stop-gap employment.
As my resume reflects, I have been successful at each of my previous places of employment. My research of your company, the job description outlined, and the information we’ve exchanged today, lead me to believe I have the skills and experience for which you are looking; and I’m eager to be a contributing employee.

Why Do You Want This Job? 

This is not only a fine opportunity, but this company is a place where my qualifications can make a difference. As a finance executive well versed in the new stock options law, I see this position as made to order. It contains the challenge to keep me on my toes. That’s the kind of job I like to anticipate every morning.

• I want this job because it seems tailored to my competencies, which include sales and marketing. As I said earlier, in a previous

position I created an annual growth rate of 22 percent in a flat industry. Additionally, the team I would work with looks terrific.

• I well understand that this is a company on the way up. Your Web site says the launch of several new products is imminent. I want

be a part of this business as it grows.

• Having worked through a college business major building decks and porches for neighbors, this entry-level job for the area’s most

respected home builder has my name on it.

• As a dedicated technician, I like doing essential research. Being part of a breakthrough team is an experience I’d love to repeat.
• This job is a good fit for what I’ve been interested in throughout my career. It offers a nice mix of short- and long-term activities. My

short-term achievements keep me cranked up and the long-term accomplishments make me feel like a billion bucks.

• I want this job selling theater tickets because I’d be good at it. I’m good at speaking to people and handling cash. I would like a job with

regular hours and I’m always on time.

• Although some companies are replacing Americans with imported low-wage workers, you are standing tall. This company’s successful

strategies, good reputation and values make it heads and shoulders above its competition.

• I’d fit right in as a counter clerk in your fine drycleaners. I have observed that the counter clerk position requires competence at handling

several activities in quick order — customer service, payments, bagging and phones. I like multitasking and, as a homemaker, I have a lot of

practice keeping all the balls in the air.

• The work I find most stimulating allows me to use both my creative and research skills. The buzz on this company is that it rewards people

who deliver solutions to substantial problems.

What are the Most Difficult Decisions to Make?

  There is no right or wrong answer to questions like “What are the most difficult decisions to make?” or “Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it.” These are behavioral interview questions designed to discover how you handled certain situations. The logic behind these type of questions is that how you behaved in the past is a predictor of what you will do in the future.

Give concrete examples of difficult situations that actually happened at work. Then discuss what you did to solve the problem. Keep your answers positive (“Even though it was difficult when Jane Doe quit without notice, we were able to rearrange the department workload to cover the position until a replacement was hired.”) and be specific. Itemize what you did and how you did it.

The best way to prepare for questions where you will need to recall events and actions, is to refresh your memory and consider some special situations you have dealt with or projects you have worked on. You can use them to help frame responses. Prepare stories that illustrate times when you have successfully solved a difficult situation.

What did you do during this six month gap in employment?
Everyone, at some point, will probably have a gap in employment. Do not “waste it”.
Best Answer: For the first month, I worked on my “to do list” at home and accomplished a great deal. Then I began building a plan to reenter the workplace. While it took a little longer than I’d anticipated, I’ve learned a great deal about myself, am rested and looking forward to new challenges in the workplace.

What led you to this point in your life?
The interviewer wants to know if you are unhappy, frustrated, or lost?
My “road of life” has been interesting, sometimes challenging and always rewarding. The steps along the way that have led to this point in my life are, in some ways, very different than I had imagined; however, I like who I am today in part because of my past. An example is when the second company on my resume suddenly closed their doors during a down-turn in the economy. For a very brief time, the road ahead was unknown; however, I discovered I had previously untapped strengths such as perseverance.

Are You Willing to Travel?

  When you are asked about your willingness to travel during an interview, be honest. There’s no point in saying “yes” if you would prefer to be home five nights a week.

It is perfectly acceptable to ask how much travel is involved. That way, you can weigh how much you would need to be on the road and make an educated decision as to whether the amount of travel required fits in with your lifestyle.

What’s most important is to get a good understanding of what’s involved before you are offered the job, rather than being (unpleasantly) surprised after you have already been hired.

Salary Negotiation 

Before you start talking pay (and salary negotiations) with a prospective employer, you need to find out how much the job (and you) are worth. You will need to take the time to research salaries, so, you are prepared to get what you’re worth and a job offer that’s realistic and reasonable.

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Job seekers

What common soft skills do job seekers need?

Quick Answer

Generally, job seekers need soft skills such as time management, emotional intelligence, focus, creativity and drive.

 They must have the analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate different issues and come up with solutions. 

Other important skills are to communicate well with others, to naturally adapt to change and to approach team environments with a cooperative mindset

Read More below....................................................................................................................................................

CV

Before you even submit your CV for a new job remember the goal of a CV is help you move onto the interview stage.

You have to hold the attention of the person reading your CV long enough to do just that. Your CV needs to be a personal marketing tool.

Remember your CV is a unique to you it in terms of content and layout.

 Below are just some things that you should consider:

• Spell check. Avoid spelling mistakes

• Must be easy to read and visually appealing

• Information must be accurate, genuine and to the point- use bullets points where possible to keep your CV concise

• Personal details- name, address, contact telephone numbers, cell phone numbers and email address, nationality,  gender languages spoken, date of birth, marital status.

• All educational qualifications.

• Full employment history (listing the most recent first) Name of company , position held, duration of employment and list of responsibilities in relation to the position.

• Achievements in relation to employment.

• References must be up to date. This person should preferable be someone you report to or in HR and not a friend or family

Cover letter

Some clients will request candidates include a motivational/cover letter. The cover letter allows you to target the job and the employer in a very specific way, leaving the resume to market your skills, qualities and experience as a part of the bigger picture.

 Below are just some things that you should consider:

• The covering letter should one page – no heavy borders, graphics or photographs.

• Aim for a maximum of three paragraphs. Remember simple is best.

• Use upbeat and positive language, and avoid exaggerated statements.

• Ensure there are no spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes.

• Always use black ink. You should use a font that offers a clean and clear appearance, eg, Times New Roman or Arial.

• Your covering letter should be tailored specifically for each application.

• Be concise and to the point. Avoid repeating what’s in your CV. A cover letter supplements a CV and provides additional information on your qualifications for the position for which you are applying.

• Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization. Identify your most relevant skills or experiences. If the organisation is not disclosed in the job advert, write the letter specifically to the position addressing the key requirements.

• It is a mistake to be too informal as this can be seen as unprofessional.

• Express yourself with confidence.

The interview

If you meet the job and clients requirements you will be called in for an interview for further screening and suitability for the position.

Before the interview:

• Do your research on the company or position you are applying for.

• Go over your CV.

• Plan your route to our offices so you can arrive at least 5-10 minutes before the interview.

PUNCTUALITY IS IMPORTANT!! (location of our offices)

During the interview:

• Be presentable and wear suitable clothes.

• Bring along a copy of your CV.

• Turn off your cellphone as soon as you arrive.

• Don’t sit with your arms crossed: open body language is always more comfortable.

• Please be honest and open with our agents as all information will be verified  and checked.

• Remember our agents represent the client.

• Do not be informal as will make you appear unprofessional.

• Please be aware all our interviews are conducted in English.

• Listen to the question before answering it.

• Have a positive attitude.

• End of the interview thank the agent and end with a firm handshake.

Some questions you can expect to be asked:

• Tell me about yourself?

• What are some of your strengths?

• What are some of your weakness?

• What are some of your achievements?

• What makes you suitable for this position?

• Why do you want this job?

• Why are you leaving your current job?

• What are some challenges you faced during your career? And how did you over some them?

• What is your current salary? And what are your salary & benefit expectations?

• Tell me about your references?

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Wouldn't it be great if you knew exactly what a hiring manager would be asking you in your next interview?

 While we unfortunately can't read minds, we'll give you the next best thing: a list of the most commonly asked interview questions and answers

1. Tell me about yourself

You can start by saying, I would like to express my gratitude  to you for giving me  an opportunity to introduce myself  I am .............(here goes your name) ........... years old. I am from .........  (your current address)I completed my graduation in ......................... (put your education i.e. certificate, dip, bachelor, masters or PhD) from the ........................ (put your institution). And now I am working at ..................................... (put the company you work  with if you have one) as .....................(tell them what you are doing right now if you have one - it's okay if you don't have)


About my family, there are ........(e.g. 5 members) members in my family. My father is a ............... (your father's occupation) and my mother is a .............( your mother's  occupation)  I have..........(two) the siblings.

My hobbies are making new good friends, listening song, watching movies (you can mention your hobbies).

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

You may select one weakness and two, three or four strengths

Strength

Hard worker.

§     Self-motivated.

§     I can't leave without complete the task.

§     Eager to learn anything.

§     Good listener.

§     Ability to handling critical situations.

§     Developed new things.

Weakness

§     Sensitive.

§     Easily believing other.

§     Over thinking.

§     I give more importance for others feelings than mine

§     Bipolar disorder.

§     I am a hard worker but not a smart worker and I am trying to improve it

§     I am not rich

§     Can't say no if somebody asked for help.

3. Why should we hire you?

(Choose One of them)

As a fresh, you should I hire me because I know I am trustworthy with you, and also I will do my work with care. Besides that, I want to improve my skills and ability with this company. Then if I qualified this Interview I will work better.

OR

I am fresher. And I want to improve my knowledge and skills. And am also hardworking person and also committed.

OR

I am passionate about what I do, and being a fresher, on hired, it will allow you to shape me as you want, which will get a value addition of all my skills and motivation.

OR

First of all, my educational qualification is matching with your requirement. More ever I have 2 and half year good experience. I believe in teamwork. I'm able to work under all circumstances and pressure as well I’m pretty cool, sharp minded and positive attitude and innovative.

4. Why do you want to work here?

(Choose One of them)

SIR, I have gone through your company website, it's a growing company and working on new technologies. I will learn a lot of things in this company and with learning, I will contribute in company's growth as well.

OR

I want to work at your company because it provides a long-term future and opportunities for growth. Moreover, it encourages employees to get hands-on experience and take on challenging projects to learn more, that's what I am looking for.

OR

There are three things behind I'm choosing this career. First one is I'm very much passionate in this field. I want to learn new things from this field and also want to part with it. 
The second one, currently I'm working as a piping engineer, where I also have to manage clients of the company in the project section. We have to show our works and talking about circuits so these all relate to interpersonal and managerial skills. Here in this company also we have to handle the clients. So the skills match with the position. 
The last one, I always consider a stable job. In such as this company is a stable one and I'm looking for those kinds of company.

OR

My skills match with your requirement and I was searching an Organization where I can learn new things every now and then with company growth

OR

Your company is a reputed company. I am fresher. It is a privilege for me to work with your company. I need a platform to start my career enhance my knowledge and skill.

5. What are your goals?

(Choose One of them)

My short term goal is to get a job in good company where I can use my all strength and knowledge and increase my skills. 
My long-term Goal is to my parents happy.

OR

My short term goal is to get the job in your organization. 
My long term goal is to be the respectable position, happy, successful in your organization.

OR

My short term goal is to get a job in your organization. 
My long term goal is to get a best employer award in this organization with your hand for hiring me.

OR

My short term goal is to get a job in Goodwill Company. Where I utilize my knowledge & improve my skills. 
My long term goal is to be a respectable position in a society & Make a happy my parents.


6. How much salary do you expect?

(Choose One of them)

Salary is not the first priority. To get a good job in your company, but had a respectable salary to my knowledge, I will prove it to my expectations.

OR

Salary is secondary for me. My first requirement is learning. Considering company policies I know that you will pay me the best you can.

OR

During my previous job, I got gross salary of ......................(here mention your last salary) Tsh

But regarding this, here I came to prove myself that what I have learned in its field.

So it will be better that You can provide me salary according to my performance.

OR

I am a fresher, salary is not a priority for me. This is a big platform to start my career and I also want to improve my knowledge and skills. So I expect a considerable of salary according to my ability and your company norms which fulfill my economic needs.

OR

Sir, I am a fresher I want to get a job and improve my knowledge. So my salary is as per company standards or norms.

7. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

(Choose One of them)

I would still like to contribute to the company as long as the company provides a good working environment and opportunity for me to grow as an individual so that I can contribute more to the company's success.

OR

As long as I love my job I will stay.

OR

Sir, I would like to stay with the company as long as the company provides good working environment, job satisfaction, and growth in the company.

OR

I would like to work until there is nothing left for me to contribute towards company's success.

8. How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?

(Choose One of them)

For me, success is getting peace and happiness in our life. It's because if you have a peace of mind you can understand many things easier than others. And if you have happiness in your life its means you are satisfied in your life.

OR

Success to me is as if climbing a mountain. That is all the learning from every possible situations, failure, mistakes and gathering knowledge and experience to learn to overcome all the odds to proceed to next level of challenge.

OR

Success is a continuous journey, not a destination.

OR

Success is mental satisfaction and happiness. The more I am satisfied and happy more I am successful.

OR

I think, you want a real equation other than some philosophical crap. Last year I researched on this and was able to form a simple success formula.

I found, a person success depends on 8 factors.

1. Health.
2. Wealth.
3. Knowledge.
4. Character.
5. Personality.
6. Influence.
7. Social and family Profile.
8. Peace of mind, spiritual growth, inner calm etc.

9.Strength.

I formulated my own equation from this, you can develop your own version according to your needs.

OR

Success is like a diamond that is given to us by the Lord, it is in our hands actually, so the only way to have this is to dig it out and polish it to ourselves.

9. What makes you angry?

(Choose One of them)

The one and only thing make me angry that is when someone compares me to someone else.

OR

It's really a frustrating thing is when someone’s are blaming each other, instead of solving the particular problem, like our system. That's makes me angry.

OR

Doing nothing, becoming useless is just wasting the great weapon (human brain) which makes me angry

OR

I won't get angry often. Even if I get angry, I won't expose it to others.

OR

I think reacting to everything is such a waste of energy. But really a frustrating thing is, when employers are blaming each other’s, instead of solving the problem together. That makes me angry.

10. What is the difference between confidence and over confidence?

(Choose One of them)

Confidence is based on facts and Figures but overconfidence is based on speculation. Suppose I wrote exam very well. If someone asks me how the exam was then if I say I will get 90% for sure. It's confidence because you know how you wrote.

But if I say I get top in the class or college. Then it's over confidence because I don't know how the rest of the college wrote the exam. Maybe someone in the class is the better student than me.

OR

Confidence is what satisfy both you and me and overconfidence is what satisfy only me and represent me as a highbrow.

OR

If I say I can do this work means that's confidence.

If I say I am the only person who can do this work means that's over confidence.

I think the distance between confidence and over confidence is very small.

OR

Confidence means I can do this work perfectly.

And overconfidence means, nobody can do this work perfectly except me.

OR

Confidence is our positive attitude regarding the particular thing. It helps us to do things properly. It is the key to success. On the other side, overconfidence generate proud in our mind. That'll sink us.

OR

Confidence: I can do most of the things.

Overconfidence: I can do anything.