Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job?

Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

Candidate: I advised customers on financial matters. After I consulted the customer, I completed a customer inquiry form and catalogued the information in our database. I then collaborated with colleagues to prepare the best possible package for the client. The clients were then presented with a summarized report on their financial activities that I formulated on a quarterly basis.

Comment: Notice the amount of detail necessary when you are talking about your experience. One of the most common mistakes made by foreigners when discussing their former employment is to speak too generally. The employer wants to know exactly what you did and how you did it; the more detail you can give the more the interviewer knows that you understand the type of work. Remember to vary your vocabulary when talking about your responsibilities. Also, do not begin every sentence with "I". Use the passive voice, or an introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation
by

Related questions

Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the work you needed to do?

Description : Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the work you needed to do?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see if you have the ability to multitask. Give an example of how you organized your work.

What were the responsibilities of your last position?

Description : What were the responsibilities of your last position?

Last Answer : Describe your responsibilities but discuss the results/metrics that show how you made an impact on the company in that role. This way it shows you hold yourself accountable.

Tell me about the types of word processing you did on your last job.

Description : Tell me about the types of word processing you did on your last job.

Last Answer : Discuss your familiarity with Microsoft Oce, Lotus Notes, Zimbra, Apple software products and so forth. A typewriter doesn't count. It's obsolete.

Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?

Description : Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?

Last Answer : Employers ask this especially if the position you are applying for is higher than your former position. This is for them to gauge if you are up for the challenge of the new position. Give a ... the right person for this job. Highlight any additional duties/projects you took on in your current role.

What are your responsibilities?

Description : What are your responsibilities?

Last Answer : Interview questions: What are your responsibilities? Answer tips/answer samples: In any interviews, the interviewer takes his/her time to ask candidates the questions related to their experience, skills ... ? It's because the hiring manager will be checking with when they check your references.

Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.

Description : Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.

Last Answer : Explain the situation, and what you did to go above and beyond? How did others react?

Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had.

Description : Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had. 

Last Answer : 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 ... 's probably because you're not challenging yourself to tackle those problems right under your nose.  

Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job?

Description : Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job?

Last Answer : Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job. This is one of common job interview questions. Answer tips Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization. Try to talk ... it makes you happy on the workplace. Trying to show people that you are a sense of humor.

Your resume shows that you were with your last company for a number of years with limited increase in rank or salary. What can you tell me about this?

Description : Your resume shows that you were with your last company for a number of years with limited increase in rank or salary. What can you tell me about this?

Last Answer : Don't say anything bad about the company. Did you like your job and you didn't want to move up? Did your company have a tight budget and rarely gave increases to anyone? Was your rank level a broad range so that you really did move within it, but on paper it isn't as noticeable?

Tell me about the last time you missed a goal or deadline.

Description : Tell me about the last time you missed a goal or deadline.

Last Answer : Unless you're a completely perfect person, chances are you've messed up before on a goal/deadline. If so, discuss how you fell short and what you would have done in retrospect to achieve it.

Tell me about a dicult decision you've made in the last year.

Description : Tell me about a dicult decision you've made in the last year.

Last Answer : We all have dicult decisions in our lives. Show how you were able to arrive at it and then how you decisively acted.

Tell about a recent job or campus experience that you would describe as a real learning experience? What did you learn from the job or experience?

Description : Tell about a recent job or campus experience that you would describe as a real learning experience? What did you learn from the job or experience?

Last Answer : Focus on what you learned and how you will take those lessons and use them in the future.

What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Description : What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Last Answer : I think I was very successful in all aspects of my last job. I'm particularly proud of my work with new hires. I developed programs that helped integrate them into the company and this in turn helped our ... . If not, it appears that you can't think of anything you did well at your last job.

How did you progress at your last job?

Description : How did you progress at your last job?

Last Answer : I was hired as a sales associate by K.R. Nickel Stores seven years ago. I became assistant manager of the girls' clothing department two years later. My boss said she never saw a young associate work ... of girls' clothing. This interviewee must talk about how he got from point A to point C.

Why did you leave your last job?

Description : Why did you leave your last job?

Last Answer : Don't talk bad about the company, even if you left because you hated your manager. Explain the reasons you left and why the new job would be a great fit for you.

How much were you absent from your last job?

Description : How much were you absent from your last job?

Last Answer : Be honest because this could come out in a reference check. If you were absence more than most people, explain why. You'll want to explain that you are committed to the job and will be dependable.

In your last job what kinds of pressure did you encounter and how did you react?

Description : In your last job what kinds of pressure did you encounter and how did you react?

Last Answer : Do not show your fear or uneasiness in handling pressure. Everyone likes to have a worker who can handle pressure calmly and with a clear train of thought. Show how you would logically come to a conclusion in a pressure filled situation.

If you are allowed to change one thing about your last job, what would it be?

Description : If you are allowed to change one thing about your last job, what would it be?

Last Answer : I have been working at a senior level since last many years. These roles have always needed me to make real time decisions. Sometimes the facts, figures and other information in real time cases are not ... I had had the complete data and figures but there was no way to get them in real time.

What was the toughest part of your last job?

Description : What was the toughest part of your last job? 

Last Answer : 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 ... the open position, and you enjoyed least those tasks that are unimportant to the position at hand. 

Could you have done better in your last job?

Description : Could you have done better in your last job? 

Last Answer : 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 ... , but since we couldn't, we just had to go for it. And we did learn from it  

What have you been doing since your last job?

Description : What have you been doing since your last job?

Last Answer : Interview questions: What have you been doing since your last job? Answer tips/answer samples: Maybe the interviewer will ask about what you have been doing in the time period that you didn't ... . However, you need to have legitimate reasons for your non-employment while you were out of work.

Why did you leave your last job?

Description : Why did you leave your last job?

Last Answer : Here you will need to be careful as there are many possible answers you could use, just remember to NEVER talk negatively about any prior or current employer to a potential employer. No one wants ... opportunities, for you to grow professionally, or you were looking for the chance to work abroad.

What did you like least about your last job?

Description : What did you like least about your last job?

Last Answer : Bad answer: "A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.    Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your ... much time out of the office. I'm happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.  

It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Description : It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Last Answer : When I was a freshman in college, I decided to run for president of the management club. My opponent was in his junior year. I came up with what I thought and still think was a great ... must give a more detailed answer. This one leaves the interviewer to wonder why the applicant lost the election.

Tell me about the personal accomplishment that you are the proudest of.

Description : Tell me about the personal accomplishment that you are the proudest of.

Last Answer : Last year I ran a marathon for the first time. I've been a runner for years, but I never ran more than four miles at a time. I began training four months before the big day. It was ... of how she reached this goal, this candidate doesn't show off any strengths when she gives this example.

Tell me how you were of value to your previous employer.

Description : Tell me how you were of value to your previous employer.

Last Answer : My previous employer valued my ability to deal with difficult clients. Whenever we had a client who was very demanding, my boss would ask me to be the one to work with her. He said he knew I was so ... up on time. Showing up on time is expected and doesn't set this candidate apart from any other.

Can you tell me about your greatest accomplishment at work?

Description : Can you tell me about your greatest accomplishment at work?

Last Answer : I'm particularly proud of the mentoring program I started about five years ago. I noticed that new employees were having trouble getting acclimated to the company, causing a very high turnover ... is important to share this information, this interviewee doesn't indicate what led to that promotion.

Tell me about a crisis you encountered at work and how you handled it.

Description : Tell me about a crisis you encountered at work and how you handled it.

Last Answer : Last year, a virus was causing our computers to send out thousands of e-mail messages to our clients. We were being inundated with angry phone calls before we even knew what was going on. Our ... . This candidate is resourceful, but he shouldn't have had anyone running his errands on company time.

With your eyes closed, tell me step-by-step how to tie my shoes.

Description : With your eyes closed, tell me step-by-step how to tie my shoes.

Last Answer : Take the time to visualize the shoe first. Then as you go through the process make sure you describe it step by step in great detail.

Tell me 10 ways to use a pencil other than writing.

Description : Tell me 10 ways to use a pencil other than writing.

Last Answer : This is a test on your creativity. A pencil could be used as a eating device, as a measurement tool, as a liquid stirring device, etc.

Tell me about the PowerPoint presentations you have developed.

Description : Tell me about the PowerPoint presentations you have developed.

Last Answer : Have you developed a detailed presentation before? Was it logically ordered? How was it received by the person viewing it? Was there an ending to it that drove home the point? Was there animation involved? How was it creative? All good questions to think of as you answer this question.

Tell me about your school experiences.

Description : Tell me about your school experiences.

Last Answer : This isn't a time to talk about attending frat parties, but rather a time to speak about how you volunteered with the Red Cross chapter at your school, or how you often attended the theatre productions. Speak to your academic experience as well, but don't only focus on that.

Tell me about a professional assignment you've handled.

Description : Tell me about a professional assignment you've handled.

Last Answer : Give an example of an assignment you've done, what the assignment was, how you did it, and what the results were.

Tell me the contribution you can make to the organization.

Description : Tell me the contribution you can make to the organization.

Last Answer : Explain your goals for the position, and why your experience and education make you a good fit for the organization.

Tell me about your accomplishments that show you have initiative and a willingness to work.

Description : Tell me about your accomplishments that show you have initiative and a willingness to work.

Last Answer : Give an example of a time when you took initiative and did not wait for someone to ask you to do something. How did your manager/co-workers react to it?

Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?

Description : Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?

Last Answer : This example should be a time in which a more important priority came up and you had to focus on that, instead of the other deadline you had. Don't give an example of a time when you were bad at managing your time and missed the deadline.

Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company/class/organization was facing. What was the challenge? What role did others play?

Description : Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company/class/organization was facing. What was the challenge? What role did others play?

Last Answer : The company wants to hire someone who can come up with solutions to problems the company is facing, and can eectively implement those solutions. Give an example from the past that shows this.

Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision, but didn't have all the information you needed.

Description : Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision, but didn't have all the information you needed.

Last Answer : This question is designed to see whether you know how to ask the right questions to get the information you need. The company doesn't want someone who makes a decision without all of the information.

Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. How did you handle the situation?

Description : Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. How did you handle the situation?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how you handle conflict and to see whether you can move beyond it. Explain what you do in such a situation and how you stayed level-headed.

Tell me about a difficult situation when it was desirable for you to keep a positive attitude. What did you do?

Description : Tell me about a difficult situation when it was desirable for you to keep a positive attitude. What did you do?

Last Answer : This is similar to the last question except that it focuses on you instead of others. The company wants to know that you can keep a positive attitude even when times are dicult. Give an example and explain what you do to keep your spirits up.

Give me an example of an important goal which you had set in the past and tell me about your success in reaching it.

Description : Give me an example of an important goal which you had set in the past and tell me about your success in reaching it.

Last Answer : Many people want to mention their college education as the goal, but unless you achieved it through a dierent path than most people you should try to come up with a dierent example.

Tell me about a decision you made recently and how you reached it.

Description : Tell me about a decision you made recently and how you reached it.

Last Answer : The key is to show that you put a lot of thought (weighing out the pros and cons) but were able to be decisive. Be sure to explain your logic in arriving at the decision.

Think about the changes you have seen and tell me how you handle change.

Description : Think about the changes you have seen and tell me how you handle change.

Last Answer : You can cite personal life changes, work place changes, career changes, technology change, industry change. The key is to discuss how seeing or experiencing that change has helped your development. For ... in social media has broadened my horizons and helped me learn new forms of ecient marketing.

Tell me about a time when you were held accountable for a problem that you hadn't caused.

Description : Tell me about a time when you were held accountable for a problem that you hadn't caused.

Last Answer : If someone puts the blame on you (incorrectly), the best thing you can do is NOT to retaliate. You want to make it known that you were not to blame (explain all the facts) and then focus on fixing the problem in the best way possible.

Tell me the dierence between good and exceptional.

Description : Tell me the dierence between good and exceptional.

Last Answer : Good gets the job done on time and is high quality. Exceptional is a game changer - it stands out, it's creative, it's above and beyond expectations. Tell the interviewer a story about how you were exceptional

Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn't want me to know.

Description : Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn't want me to know.

Last Answer : Talk about a trait that you would consider a weakness. No need to talk about your deepest darkest secrets here.

Tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.

Description : Tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.

Last Answer : Hopefully you've never had to do this, but if you did, talk about how hard it was personally to fire anyone but that you did it objectively.

Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.

Description : Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.

Last Answer : Not every decision is popular. In fact, almost every decision is bound to make someone unhappy at some point. The key is to demonstrate how it impacted others positively and why you chose it.

Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed. How did you handle it? Why? Were you happy with the outcome?

Description : Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed. How did you handle it? Why? Were you happy with the outcome?

Last Answer : In many scenarios, you will not have all the information needed. The key is to make the best possible decision based on what you deem to be a sucient amount of information.

Tell me about a problem that you’ve solved in a unique or unusual way. What was the outcome? Were you happy or satisfied with it?

Description : Tell me about a problem that you’ve solved in a unique or unusual way. What was the outcome? Were you happy or satisfied with it?

Last Answer : In this question the interviewer is basically looking for a real life example of how you used creativity to solve a problem.