Question Bank

Following are a few common questions asked which will help you organize for an upcoming interview:

1. Tell me something about yourself?
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2.  What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

3. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be used. Relate it to your long-
term career goals.

4. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples -  Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude.

5.How do we call you an exception when compared to our other employees?
Here you have every right to blow your own trumpet and say you are good at the things you would want to mention. Tell them your skills and interests and applying those to their company would reap profitable results.

6. Why do you think you are important to the organization and why should we hire you?
Create a good answer with your abilities to perform in the organization as that of being an exception to the company. These terms coined well can bring in a lot of meaning to this answer. Answer with a lot of confidence when you talk about yourself.

7. What do your co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Mr. Tayade, a co-worker at Breech Company, always said I was the hardest workers he had ever known. It is as powerful statement and should be said with utmost confidence.

8.How long do you think you can bring in a meaningful contribution to our firm?
For this question, analyze the exact role for which you are being interviewed. Analyze the pros and cons of the role and make conclusions. Give them a meaningful answer where in how you can bring in profits with this kind of challenging situation like your team, the competitors etc.

9.How long you would stay with us?
Admit that you want challenging career and you would stay with them indefinitely until you get challenging projects. But also mention to them you will give a lot of time before you think of hopping jobs.

10. What do you think is most attractive about this job position and what seems least attractive?
List three or four attractive factors of the job and mention a single, minor, or unattractive thing about the job.

11. What kind of remuneration are you expecting?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, that’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

12. Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dont be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.

For example: You should hire me because I am the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job.

13. What are your long term objectives?
Your employer wants you to make his job easier. So give him what he is looking for. The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.

An example: Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel  I will be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I am presently doing to prepare myself . . .

Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

14. What is your greatest weakness?
Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.

You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, I am now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and how you are using it.

Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job is done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive.