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

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

1 Answer

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 levelheaded that I would always stay calm, even when a client was really trying my patience. By giving this answer, the candidate not only says why she thinks her boss values her, but she talks about it from her boss’s perspective. She presents a skill that this employer will appreciate as well.

Never Say: “I always showed up on time.” Showing up on time is expected and doesn’t set this candidate apart from any other.
by

Related questions

Tell me about a special contribution you have made to your employer?

Description : Tell me about a special contribution you have made to your employer?

Last Answer : Before an employer makes his/her decision to hire you, they will need to know how you have performed in the past and any other special contributions that you can bring to the company "In my ... answers, instead focus you answers on the actions you took and the positive results that you obtained.

Tell me about any issues you've had with a previous boss?

Description : Tell me about any issues you've had with a previous boss?

Last Answer : Arrgh! If you fall for this one you shouldn't be hired anyway. The interviewer is testing you to see if you'll speak badly about your previous supervisor. Simply answer this question with extreme tact, diplomacy and if necessary, a big fat loss of memory. In short, you've never had any issues.

If I asked your current employer to tell us about your accomplishments, what do you think he would say?

Description : If I asked your current employer to tell us about your accomplishments, what do you think he would say?

Last Answer : He would probably talk about the time he asked me to present a new marketing campaign to one of our more difficult clients. I spent over a week preparing for that presentation. Since I knew this ... breaks one of the cardinal rules of job interviewing - to never speak negatively about a former boss.

If your previous co-workers were here, what would they say about you?

Description : If your previous co-workers were here, what would they say about you?

Last Answer : Ok, this is not the time for full disclosure. If some people from your past are going to say you're a boring A-hole, you don't need to bring that up. Stay positive, always, and maybe have a ... or even better "John Doe has always said I was the most reliable, creative problem-solver he'd ever met."

Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Description : Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Last Answer : I recently found a way to help my employer save money on office supplies. For years, they bought office supplies from the same place. It was several blocks away, so it was pretty convenient. I have found that shopping ... of saying he'll just do the job, he needs to show why he'd be great at it.

This organization is very dierent to your current employer, how do you think you are going to fit in?

Description : This organization is very dierent to your current employer, how do you think you are going to fit in?

Last Answer : Explain what makes you a great fit. If the company culture is more to your liking, or if the industry is more appealing, then explain those things. Give some examples of how you adapt to dierent situations.

Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you approach the problem? What role did others play? What was the outcome?

Description : Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you approach the problem? What role did others play? What was the outcome?

Last Answer : Describe the problem, what the process was for coming up with solutions, and how you came to the best solution. What were the results?

May I contact your present employer for a reference?

Description : May I contact your present employer for a reference?

Last Answer : 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 ... time is right, then by all means you should contact them. I'm very proud of my record there.  

I see from your resume this isn’t your first job working in a medical office. What skills did you pick up on your two previous jobs that you think would help you on this job?

Description : I see from your resume this isn’t your first job working in a medical office. What skills did you pick up on your two previous jobs that you think would help you on this job?

Last Answer : When you described the job to me, you said you needed someone who was good with patients. You also said you wanted someone who knows a lot about the different insurance plans. My primary ... who is good with patients and insurance. That would be me. This candidate needs to elaborate.

Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs or school that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

Description : Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs or school that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

Last Answer : It would be good to have an example from school and from work. Explain what you did and why you wanted to work hard, and how you managed your time.

Give an example of how you applied knowledge from previous coursework to a project in another class.

Description : Give an example of how you applied knowledge from previous coursework to a project in another class.

Last Answer : Many classes require knowledge from previous classes, even basic skills like writing and math came from previous classes at some point. If you've ever had a research class, the skills learned in that class will transfer over to most future classes.

What do you think of your previous boss?

Description : What do you think of your previous boss?

Last Answer : Do not belittle or talk badly of your last boss - it will come o as being petty. Instead, talk about the positive lessons you were able to learn from your last boss.

Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Description : Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Last Answer : Answer tips: No matter the response, don't get too negative. Possible answers: not enough of a challenge, not given enough responsibilities for your qualifications, unable to continue developing skills ... our greatest and only asset. I would definitely consider this if ever looking for another one.

What did you like or dislike about your previous job ?

Description : What did you like or dislike about your previous job ?

Last Answer : What you liked - and what you didn't like - about your last job or the company you worked for is an indicator of how you might feel about this position if you were to be hired. Be careful ... last one. It's important to be positive and enthusiastic about the job for which you're being considered.

What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Description : What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Last Answer : Again another chance to reinforce your positive traits - There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solve

Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?

Description : Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position? 

Last Answer : 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 ... , consistent attendance is important because (Pick up the rest of the answer as outlined above.).    

What previous experience do you have in retail?

Description : What previous experience do you have in retail?

Last Answer : Sub: Free Retail interview questions and answers Interview questions: What previous experience do you have in retail? Answer tips/answer samples: There is nothing stopping you from showing off a ... working, starting from those that are the most similar to the company you are applying into.

What did you like or dislike about your previous job?

Description : What did you like or dislike about your previous job?

Last Answer : Interview questions: What did you like or dislike about your previous job? Answer tips/answer samples: Do not be too negative when answering the question about your dislike of your previous ... at another place where can understand deeply my ability and there are more opportunities to go further.

Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Description : Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Last Answer : Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job? Answer tips 1. No matter the response, don't get too negative. Possible answers: not enough of a challenge, not given enough ... but I always thought it would have been great to add that community' component to the workplace.

What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Description : What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Last Answer : What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is? Answer samples There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver.

What do you think of your previous boss?

Description : What do you think of your previous boss?

Last Answer : Bad answer: He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on   Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your ... no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.  

How would it look to a potential employer if I didn't allow them to contact previous employers?

Description : How would it look to a potential employer if I didn't allow them to contact previous employers?

Last Answer : I’ve sometimes avoided giving that info to potential employers in the past and it’s never stopped me from getting a job. All you have to do is be honest in the interview and tell them basically what you say above. Others may disagree, but that’s been my experience.

Proper answer to give prospective employer regarding termination from previous employment?

Description : Proper answer to give prospective employer regarding termination from previous employment?

Last Answer : First they can't tell the next employer. They are only suppose to say you did work for them. Othersiwe it can be seen as slander. Second, it is about selling yourself. Let them see that quality that ... able to keep you busy enough. So they let you go and others in the company due to slow business.

I have a 401k account from a previous employer can I roll my funds over to a money market account without penalties and withdrawl from it months down the road ?

Description : I have a 401k account from a previous employer can I roll my funds over to a money market account without penalties and withdrawl from it months down the road ?

Last Answer : A lot of the answer depends on your age. If you are younger than 59 1/2 you will have a 10 % penalty on the amount you withdraw from your 401K and the amount will be regarded as income in ... 401K but there are regulations the IRS has on how much you can withdraw each year depending on your age.

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 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 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 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.

Tell me about a time when you were asked to complete a task but didn’t have the information you needed. What did you do?

Description : Tell me about a time when you were asked to complete a task but didn’t have the information you needed. What did you do?

Last Answer : SITUATION  When I started my summer internship at XYZ Online Marketing, I quickly realized that it was a small organization which meant that I was left to my own devices. I had to figure things out on my ... data I could access, I was able to call him back to give him the information he wanted.

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.

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.

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

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

Last 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 ... the passive voice, or an introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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?