tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308352532012-02-12T19:53:28.113-08:00HR Interview Questions &amp; Answers<br> How to Answer The 64 Toughest Interview QuestionsIndian Studentnoreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152385172564542282006-07-08T11:59:00.000-07:002010-12-04T08:57:15.980-08:00

General Guidelines in Answering Interview Questions#01 Tell me about yourself.#02 What are your greatest strengths?#03 What are your greatest weaknesses?#04 Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.#05 Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?<!-- a href="http://www.qksrv.net/click-2072063-10292999" target="_blank">#06 The “Silent

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152382676339873192006-07-08T11:12:00.000-07:002011-05-24T21:48:08.943-07:00

Everyone is nervous on interviews. If you simply allow yourself to feel nervous, you'll do much better. Remember also that it's difficult for the interviewer as well.In general, be upbeat and positive. Never be negative.Rehearse your answers and time them. Never talk for more than 2 minutes straight.Don't try to memorize answers word for word. Use the answers shown here as a guide only, and don't

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381955811468842006-07-08T11:03:00.000-07:002011-05-24T21:48:23.780-07:00

TRAPS: Beware, about 80% of all interviews begin with this “innocent” question. Many candidates, unprepared for the question, skewer themselves by rambling, recapping their life story, delving into ancient work history or personal matters.BEST ANSWER: Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all successful interviewing is to match

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381813515459312006-07-08T11:02:00.000-07:002011-05-24T22:09:20.402-07:00

TRAPS: This question seems like a softball lob, but be prepared. You don't want to come across as egotistical or arrogant. Neither is this a time to be humble. BEST ANSWER: You know that your key strategy is to first uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and needs before you answer questions. And from Question 1, you know how to do this. Prior to any interview, you should have a list

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381720561585772006-07-08T11:00:00.000-07:002011-05-24T21:48:54.256-07:00

TRAPS: Beware - this is an eliminator question, designed to shorten the candidate list. Any admission of a weakness or fault will earn you an “A” for honesty, but an “F” for the interview. PASSABLE ANSWER: Disguise a strength as a weakness. Example: “I sometimes push my people too hard. I like to work with a sense of urgency and everyone is not always on the same wavelength.”Drawback: This

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381619162351052006-07-08T10:58:00.000-07:002008-02-01T09:39:05.475-08:00

TRAPS: There are some questions your interviewer has no business asking, and this is one. But while you may feel like answering, “none of your business,” naturally you can’t. Some interviewers ask this question on the chance you admit to something, but if not, at least they’ll see how you think on your feet.Some unprepared candidates, flustered by this question, unburden themselves of guilt

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381507612746582006-07-08T10:57:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:58:27.613-07:00

TRAPS: Never badmouth your previous industry, company, board, boss, staff, employees or customers. This rule is inviolable: never be negative. Any mud you hurl will only soil your suit.Especially avoid words like “personality clash”, “didn’t get along”, or others which cast a shadow on your competence, integrity, or temperament.BEST ANSWER:(If you have a job presently)If you’re not yet 100%

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381426289235032006-07-08T10:55:00.000-07:002008-02-01T09:47:02.195-08:00

TRAPS: Beware – if you are unprepared for this question, you will probably not handle it right and possibly blow the interview. Thank goodness most interviewers don’t employ it. It’s normally used by those determined to see how you respond under stress. Here’s how it works:You answer an interviewer’s question and then, instead of asking another, he just stares at you in a deafening

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381354314013112006-07-08T10:54:00.000-07:002008-03-17T05:37:19.941-07:00

TRAPS: Believe it or not, this is a killer question because so many candidates are unprepared for it. If you stammer or adlib you’ve blown it.BEST ANSWER: By now you can see how critical it is to apply the overall strategy of uncovering the employer’s needs before you answer questions. If you know the employer’s greatest needs and desires, this question will give you a big leg up over other

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381259291450632006-07-08T10:53:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:54:19.293-07:00

TRAPS: The employer may be concerned that you’ll grow dissatisfied and leave.BEST ANSWER: As with any objection, don’t view this as a sign of imminent defeat. It’s an invitation to teach the interviewer a new way to think about this situation, seeing advantages instead of drawbacks.Example: “I recognize the job market for what it is – a marketplace. Like any marketplace, it’s subject to the

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381177042236712006-07-08T10:52:00.000-07:002011-05-24T21:49:20.369-07:00

TRAPS: One reason interviewers ask this question is to see if you’re settling for this position, using it merely as a stopover until something better comes along. Or they could be trying to gauge your level of ambition.If you’re too specific, i.e., naming the promotions you someday hope to win, you’ll sound presumptuous. If you’re too vague, you’ll seem rudderless.BEST ANSWER: Reassure your

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381127228128192006-07-08T10:50:00.000-07:002011-05-24T21:49:36.345-07:00

TRAPS: This is often asked by an experienced interviewer who thinks you may be overqualified, but knows better than to show his hand by posing his objection directly. So he’ll use this question instead, which often gets a candidate to reveal that, indeed, he or she is looking for something other than the position at hand.BEST ANSWER: The only right answer is to describe what this company is

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152381014704713272006-07-08T10:49:00.000-07:002008-03-17T05:39:57.010-07:00

TRAPS: This question tests whether you’ve done any homework about the firm. If you haven’t, you lose. If you have, you win big.BEST ANSWER: This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the in-depth research you should do before any interview.Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380969780864222006-07-08T10:48:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:49:29.783-07:00

TRAPS: The interviewer is trying to find out, “How desperate are you?”BEST ANSWER: Prepare for this question by thinking of how you can position yourself as a desired commodity. If you are still working, describe the possibilities at your present firm and why, though you’re greatly appreciated there, you’re looking for something more (challenge, money, responsibility, etc.). Also mention that

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380913350428862006-07-08T10:47:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:48:33.353-07:00

TRAPS: A tough question if you’ve been on the beach a long time. You don’t want to seem like damaged goods.BEST ANSWER: You want to emphasize factors which have prolonged your job search by your own choice.Example: “After my job was terminated, I made a conscious decision not to jump on the first opportunities to come along. In my life, I’ve found out that you can always turn a negative into

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380852728526982006-07-08T10:46:00.001-07:002006-07-08T10:47:32.730-07:00

TRAPS: Skillfull interviewers sometimes make it almost irresistible to open up and air a little dirty laundry from your previous position. DON’T BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule: Never be negative. Stress only the good points, no matter how charmingly you’re invited to be critical.Your interviewer doesn’t care a whit about your previous boss. He wants to find out how loyal and positive you

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380807463061532006-07-08T10:46:00.000-07:002008-05-26T10:43:18.844-07:00

TRAPS: As in all matters of your interview, never fake familiarity you don’t have. Yet you don’t want to seem like a dullard who hasn’t read a book since Tom Sawyer.BEST ANSWER: Unless you’re up for a position in academia or as book critic for The New York Times, you’re not expected to be a literary lion. But it wouldn’t hurt to have read a handful of the most recent and influential books in

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380759021474982006-07-08T10:45:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:45:59.023-07:00

TRAPS: This is a tough question because it’s a more clever and subtle way to get you to admit to a weakness. You can’t dodge it by pretending you’ve never been criticized. Everybody has been. Yet it can be quite damaging to start admitting potential faults and failures that you’d just as soon leave buried.This question is also intended to probe how well you accept criticism and direction.BEST

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380695388743782006-07-08T10:44:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:44:55.390-07:00

TRAPS: You want to be a well-rounded, not a drone. But your potential employer would be even more turned off if he suspects that your heavy extracurricular load will interfere with your commitment to your work duties.BEST ANSWERS: Try to gauge how this company’s culture would look upon your favorite outside activities and be guided accordingly.You can also use this question to shatter any

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380620627145382006-07-08T10:42:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:43:40.626-07:00

TRAPS: If an interviewer has read your resume carefully, he may try to zero in on a “fatal flaw” of your candidacy, perhaps that you don’t have a college degree…you’ve been out of the job market for some time…you never earned your CPA, etc.A fatal flaw question can be deadly, but usually only if you respond by being overly defensive.BEST ANSWERS: As every master salesperson knows, you will

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380558058811232006-07-08T10:41:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:42:38.060-07:00

TRAPS: It’s a shame that some interviewers feel the need to ask this question, but many understand the reality that prejudices still exist among some job candidates, and it’s better to try to flush them out beforehand.The trap here is that in today’s politically sensitized environment, even a well-intentioned answer can result in planting your foot neatly in your mouth. Avoid anything which

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380480337909302006-07-08T10:39:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:41:20.340-07:00

TRAPS: When an interviewer presses you to reveal confidential information about a present or former employer, you may feel it’s a no-win situation. If you cooperate, you could be judged untrustworthy. If you don’t, you may irritate the interviewer and seem obstinate, uncooperative or overly suspicious.BEST ANSWER: Your interviewer may press you for this information for two reasons.First, many

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380380860374402006-07-08T10:38:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:39:40.860-07:00

TRAPS: This another question that pits two values against one another, in this case loyalty against integrity.BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.Example: “I would never do anything to hurt the company..”If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380318358151562006-07-08T10:37:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:38:38.360-07:00

TRAPS: This question is usually asked to uncover any life-influencing mistakes, regrets, disappointments or problems that may continue to affect your personality and performance.You do not want to give the interviewer anything negative to remember you by, such as some great personal or career disappointment, even long ago, that you wish could have been avoided.Nor do you wish to give any answer

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380244020867812006-07-08T10:36:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:37:24.023-07:00

TRAPS: This is no time for true confessions of major or even minor problems.BEST ANSWER: Again never be negative.Example: “I suppose with the benefit of hindsight you can always find things to do better, of course, but off the top of my head, I can’t think of anything of major consequence.”(If more explanation seems necessary) Describer a situation that didn’t suffer because of you but from

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380174073708542006-07-08T10:35:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:36:14.073-07:00

TRAPS: An easy question, but you want to make your answer believable.BEST ANSWER: Absolutely…(then prove it with a vivid example or two of a goal or project accomplished under severe pressure).

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152380106183172342006-07-08T10:34:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:35:06.186-07:00

TRAPS: You don’t want to come across either as a hothead or a wimp.BEST ANSWER: Give an answer that’s suited to both your personality and the management style of the firm. Here, the homework you’ve done about the company and its style can help in your choice of words.Examples: If you are a reserved person and/or the corporate culture is coolly professional:“I’m an even-tempered and positive

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TRAPS: You don’t want to give the impression that money is not important to you, yet you want to explain why your salary may be a little below industry standards.BEST ANSWER: You like to make money, but other factors are even more important.Example: “Making money is very important to me, and one reason I’m here is because I’m looking to make more. Throughout my career, what’s been even more

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152379900841579612006-07-08T10:30:00.000-07:002006-07-08T11:40:19.140-07:00

TRAPS: The two traps here are unpreparedness and irrelevance. If you grope for an answer, it seems you’ve never been inspired. If you ramble about your high school basketball coach, you’ve wasted an opportunity to present qualities of great value to the company.BEST ANSWER: Have a few heroes in mind, from your mental “Board of Directors” – Leaders in your industry, from history or anyone else

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152379857250885102006-07-08T10:29:00.001-07:002006-07-08T11:40:59.806-07:00

TRAPS: Giving an unprepared or irrelevant answer.BEST ANSWER: Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was difficult…the process you followed in reaching it…the courageous or effective way you carried it out…and the beneficial results.

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152379816506004532006-07-08T10:29:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:30:16.506-07:00

TRAPS: You give a very memorable description of a very boring job. Result? You become associated with this boring job in the interviewer’s mind.BEST ANSWER: You have never allowed yourself to grow bored with a job and you can’t understand it when others let themselves fall into that rut.Example: “Perhaps I’ve been fortunate, but that I’ve never found myself bored with any job I have ever

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152379750320308612006-07-08T10:28:00.000-07:002006-07-08T10:29:10.330-07:00

TRAPS: If you’ve had a problem, you can’t lie. You could easily be found out. Yet admitting an attendance problem could raise many flags.BEST ANSWER: If you have had no problem, emphasize your excellent and consistent attendance record throughout your career.Also describe how important you believe such consistent attendance is for a key executive…why it’s up to you to set an example of

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152375789786163992006-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:23:09.786-07:00

TRAPS: Watch out! This question can derail your candidacy faster than a bomb on the tracks – and just as you are about to be hired.Reason: No matter how bright you are, you cannot know the right actions to take in a position before you settle in and get to know the operation’s strengths, weaknesses key people, financial condition, methods of operation, etc. If you lunge at this temptingly

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152375716332235472006-07-08T09:20:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:21:56.333-07:00

TRAPS: This could be a make-or-break question. The interviewer mostly likes what he sees, but has doubts over one key area. If you can assure him on this point, the job may be yours.BEST ANSWER: This question is related to “The Fatal Flaw” (Question 18), but here the concern is not that you are totally missing some qualifications, such as CPA certification, but rather that your experience is

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152375632254551992006-07-08T09:19:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:20:32.256-07:00

TRAPS: Blurt out “no way, Jose” and you can kiss the job offer goodbye. But what if you have a family and want to work a reasonably normal schedule? Is there a way to get both the job and the schedule you want?BEST ANSWER: First, if you’re a confirmed workaholic, this question is a softball lob. Whack it out of the park on the first swing by saying this kind of schedule is just your style.

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152375562026471712006-07-08T09:17:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:19:22.026-07:00

TRAPS: Answer with a flat “no” and you may slam the door shut on this opportunity. But what if you’d really prefer not to relocate or travel, yet wouldn’t want to lose the job offer over it?BEST ANSWER: First find out where you may have to relocate and how much travel may be involved. Then respond to the question.If there’s no problem, say so enthusiastically.If you do have a reservation,

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152375441933126752006-07-08T09:15:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:17:21.936-07:00

TRAPS: This “innocent” question could be a trap door which sends you down a chute and lands you in a heap of dust outside the front door. Why? Because its real intent is not just to see if you’ve got the stomach to fire, but also to uncover poor judgment in hiring which has caused you to fire so many. Also, if you fire so often, you could be a tyrant.So don’t rise to the bait by boasting how

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152375304139561002006-07-08T09:13:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:15:04.140-07:00

TRAPS: Your interviewer fears you may leave this position quickly, as you have others. He’s concerned you may be unstable, or a “problem person” who can’t get along with others.BEST ANSWER: First, before you even get to the interview stage, you should try to minimize your image as job hopper. If there are several entries on your resume of less than one year, consider eliminating the less

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152375186997741232006-07-08T09:10:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:13:07.000-07:00

What do you see as the proper role/mission of……a good (job title you’re seeking);…a good manager;…an executive in serving the community;…a leading company in our industry; etc.TRAPS: These and other “proper role” questions are designed to test your understanding of your place in the bigger picture of your department, company, community and profession….as well as the proper role each of these

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374980548161432006-07-08T09:08:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:09:40.550-07:00

TRAPS: This is another question that pits two values, in this case loyalty and honesty, against one another.BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule stated earlier: In any conflict between values, always choose integrity.Example: I believe that when evaluating anything, it’s important to emphasize the positive. What do I like about this idea?”“Then, if you have reservations, I certainly want to

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374909980410622006-07-08T09:07:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:08:29.980-07:00

TRAPS: This is another variation on the question, “If you could, how would you live your life over?” Remember, you’re not going to fall for any such invitations to rewrite person history. You can’t win if you do.BEST ANSWER: You’re generally quite happy with your career progress. Maybe, if you had known something earlier in life (impossible to know at the time, such as the booming growth in a

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374855775307722006-07-08T09:06:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:07:35.776-07:00

TRAPS: This question and other hypothetical ones test your sense of human relations and how you might handle office politics.BEST ANSWER: Try to gauge the political style of the firm and be guided accordingly. In general, fall back on universal principles of effective human relations – which in the end, embody the way you would like to be treated in a similar circumstance.Example: “Good human

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374696089462852006-07-08T09:04:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:04:56.090-07:00

TRAPS: Your interviewer is worried that this old dog will find it hard to learn new tricks.BEST ANSWER: To overcome this objection, you must point to the many ways you have grown and adapted to changing conditions at your present firm. It has not been a static situation. Highlight the different responsibilities you’ve held, the wide array of new situations you’ve faced and conquered.As a

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374627727160512006-07-08T09:02:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:03:47.730-07:00

TRAPS: If you’re trying to keep your job search private, this is the last thing you want. But if you don’t cooperate, won’t you seem as if you’re trying to hide something?BEST ANSWER: Express your concern that you’d like to keep your job search private, but that in time, it will be perfectly okay.Example: “My present employer is not aware of my job search and, for obvious reasons; I’d prefer

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374549409437592006-07-08T09:01:00.001-07:002006-07-08T09:02:29.410-07:00

TRAPS: The worst offense here is simply being unprepared. Your hesitation may seem as if you’re having a hard time remembering the last time you were creative, analytical, etc.BEST ANSWER: Remember from Question 2 that you should commit to memory a list of your greatest and most recent achievements, ever ready on the tip of your tongue.If you have such a list, it’s easy to present any of your

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374503124191562006-07-08T09:01:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:01:43.126-07:00

TRAPS: Another tricky way to get you to admit weaknesses. Don’t fall for it.BEST ANSWER: Keep this answer, like all your answers, positive. A good way to answer this question is to identify a cutting-edge branch of your profession (one that’s not essential to your employer’s needs) as an area you’re very excited about and want to explore more fully over the next six months.

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374458468046042006-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:00:58.470-07:00

TRAPS: Admit to worrying and you could sound like a loser. Saying you never worry doesn’t sound credible.BEST ANSWER: Redefine the word ‘worry’ so that it does not reflect negatively on you.Example: “I wouldn’t call it worry, but I am a strongly goal-oriented person. So I keep turning over in my mind anything that seems to be keeping me from achieving those goals, until I find a solution.

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374413624771522006-07-08T08:59:00.000-07:002006-07-08T09:00:13.626-07:00

TRAPS: You don’t want to give a specific number. Make it to low, and you may not measure up. Too high, and you’ll forever feel guilty about sneaking out the door at 5:15.BEST ANSWER: If you are in fact a workaholic and you sense this company would like that: Say you are a confirmed workaholic, that you often work nights and weekends. Your family accepts this because it makes you

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374332520545362006-07-08T08:58:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:58:52.523-07:00

TRAPS: Unless you phrase your answer properly, your interviewer may conclude that whatever you identify as “difficult” is where you are weak.BEST ANSWER: First, redefine “difficult” to be “challenging” which is more positive. Then, identify an area everyone in your profession considers challenging and in which you excel. Describe the process you follow that enables you to get splendid results

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374267218768462006-07-08T08:56:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:57:47.220-07:00

TRAPS: Sometimes an interviewer will describe a difficult situation and ask, “How would you handle this?” Since it is virtually impossible to have all the facts in front of you from such a short presentation, don’t fall into the trap of trying to solve this problem and giving your verdict on the spot. It will make your decision-making process seem woefully inadequate.BEST ANSWER: Instead,

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374212992761342006-07-08T08:55:00.000-07:002006-07-08T11:41:59.910-07:00

TRAPS: Being unprepared or citing an example from so early in your life that it doesn’t score many points for you at this stage of your career.BEST ANSWER: This is an easy question if you’re prepared. Have a recent example ready that demonstrates either:1. A quality most important to the job at hand; or2. A quality that is always in demand, such as leadership, initiative, managerial skill,

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374138901550332006-07-08T08:54:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:55:38.903-07:00

TRAPS: If you say “yes” and elaborate enthusiastically, you could be perceived as a loose cannon in a larger company, too entrepreneurial to make a good team player…or someone who had to settle for the corporate life because you couldn’t make a go of your own business.Also too much enthusiasm in answering “yes” could rouse the paranoia of a small company indicating that you may plan to go out on

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152374021975103262006-07-08T08:52:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:53:41.976-07:00

TRAPS: Not having any…or having only vague generalities, not highly specific goals.BEST ANSWER: Many executives in a position to hire you are strong believers in goal-setting. (It’s one of the reason they’ve achieved so much). They like to hire in kind.If you’re vague about your career and personal goals, it could be a big turnoff to may people you will encounter in your job search.Be ready to

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373920905163682006-07-08T08:51:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:52:00.906-07:00

TRAPS: Being unprepared for the question.BEST ANSWER: Speak your own thoughts here, but for the best answer weave them around the three most important qualifications for any position.1. Can the person do the work (qualifications)?2. Will the person do the work (motivation)?3. Will the person fit in (“our kind of team player”)?

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373872236825572006-07-08T08:49:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:51:12.236-07:00

TRAPS: Some interviewers, especially business owners and hard-changing executives in marketing-driven companies, feel that good salesmanship is essential for any key position and ask for an instant demonstration of your skill. Be ready.BEST ANSWER: Of course, you already know the most important secret of all great salesmanship – “find out what people want, then show them how to get it.”If your

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373769859381412006-07-08T08:48:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:49:29.860-07:00

TRAPS: May also be phrases as, “What salary are you worth?”…or, “How much are you making now?” This is your most important negotiation. Handle it wrong and you can blow the job offer or go to work at far less than you might have gotten.BEST ANSWER: For maximum salary negotiating power, remember these five guidelines:1. Never bring up salary. Let the interviewer do it first. Good salespeople

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373697666823222006-07-08T08:46:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:48:17.666-07:00

TRAPS: Illegal questions include any regarding your age…number and ages of your children or other dependents…marital status…maiden name…religion…political affiliation…ancestry…national origin…birthplace…naturalization of your parents, spouse or children…diseases…disabilities…clubs…or spouse’s occupation…unless any of the above are directly related to your performance of the job. You can’t even

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373597844399602006-07-08T08:45:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:46:37.846-07:00

TRAPS: Much more frequent than the Illegal question (see Question 55) is the secret illegal question. It’s secret because it’s asked only in the interviewer’s mind. Since it’s not even expressed to you, you have no way to respond to it, and it can there be most damaging.Example: You’re physically challenged, or a single mother returning to your professional career, or over 50, or a member of

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373500869798882006-07-08T08:43:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:45:00.870-07:00

TRAPS: This is slightly different from the question raised earlier, “What’s the most difficult part of being a (job title…)” because this asks what you personally have found most difficult in your last position. This question is more difficult to redefine into something positive. Your interviewer will assume that whatever you found toughest may give you a problem in your new position.BEST

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373422665650362006-07-08T08:42:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:43:42.666-07:00

TRAPS: Seems like an obvious enough question. Yet many executives, unprepared for it, fumble the ball.BEST ANSWER: Give a well-accepted definition of success that leads right into your own stellar collection of achievements.Example: “The best definition I’ve come across is that success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal.”“As to how I would measure up to that definition, I would

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373343874181472006-07-08T08:40:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:42:23.876-07:00

TRAPS: Obviously, these and other “opinion” questions should never be asked. Sometimes they come up over a combination dinner/interview when the interviewer has had a drink or two, is feeling relaxed, and is spouting off about something that bugged him in today’s news. If you give your opinion and it’s the opposite of his, you won’t change his opinions, but you could easily lose the job

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373235770189752006-07-08T08:39:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:40:35.773-07:00

TRAPS: Your totally honest response might be, “Hell, no, are you serious?” That might be so, but any answer which shows you as fleeing work if given the chance could make you seem lazy. On the other hand, if you answer, “Oh, I’d want to keep doing exactly what I am doing, only doing it for your firm,” you could easily inspire your interviewer to silently mutter to himself, “Yeah, sure. Gimme

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373133005243382006-07-08T08:38:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:38:53.006-07:00

TRAPS: Tricky question. Answer “absolutely” and it can seem like your best work is behind you. Answer, “no, my best work is ahead of me,” and it can seem as if you didn’t give it your all.BEST ANSWER: To cover both possible paths this question can take, your answer should state that you always try to do your best, and the best of your career is right now. Like an athlete at the top of his

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373072980292782006-07-08T08:36:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:37:52.980-07:00

TRAPS: This question isn’t as aggressive as it sounds. It represents the interviewer’s own dilemma over this common problem. He’s probably leaning toward you already and for reassurance, wants to hear what you have to say on the matter.BEST ANSWER: Help him see the qualifications that only you can offer.Example: “In general, I think it’s a good policy to hire from within – to look outside

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152373001245039062006-07-08T08:34:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:36:41.246-07:00

TRAPS: This is a common fishing expedition to see what the industry grapevine may be saying about the company. But it’s also a trap because as an outsider, you never want to be the bearer of unflattering news or gossip about the firm. It can only hurt your chances and sidetrack the interviewer from getting sold on you.BEST ANSWER: Just remember the rule – never be negative – and you’ll handle

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-1152372678642652202006-07-08T08:28:00.000-07:002011-05-24T21:47:57.000-07:00

TRAPS: Give a perfect “10,” and you’ll seem too easy to please. Give anything less than a perfect 10, and he could press you as to where you’re being critical, and that road leads downhill for you.BEST ANSWER: Once again, never be negative. The interviewer will only resent criticism coming from you. This is the time to show your positivism.However, don’t give a numerical rating. Simply

Indian Studentnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30835253.post-55615101340443289222006-07-01T15:38:00.000-07:002011-08-06T15:44:11.499-07:00

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