What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?

What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
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1 Answer

Answer :

Interview questions: What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?

Answer tips/answer samples:

After all, the benefits of you are the amount of value you may contribute to the organization. The interviewer decides you are the best candidate just because you are potential to make the most contribution to their organization. So, this question falls among those of the most importance. By asking this question, the interviewer is questioning about your skills and abilities that may help their organization, your special talent that differentiate you from other candidates.

To answer this question successfully, first you have to sum up the key requirements of the current job. Then come how your past experience is useful to the job; How your skills are related and qualified to resolve all the issues in connection with the job; how your knowledge and personality are suitable for the job. Put them in logical order, support them with your confident tone and structure them soundly to show that you are very firm about what you can do for them.
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Related questions

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.

How many pairs of boxes are sold in the US each year?

Description : How many pairs of boxes are sold in the US each year?

Last Answer : Let's first discuss when boxes are typically used. From there, calculate the average number of boxes used for each scenario, and then multiply that by the number of people that would use it.

How many garden hoses were sold in the US last year?

Description : How many garden hoses were sold in the US last year?

Last Answer : Work backwards on this to find the answer: There are an estimated 150 million households in the US (making this up), from there we see an average of 2 hoses per household, and thus we arrive at 300 million hoses.

How many gas stations are there in the US?

Description : How many gas stations are there in the US?

Last Answer : Work backwards on this to find the answer: There are 50 states with the mean population being X million. For every X million of people there are Y number of gas stations. Thus X times Y gives you the number of gas stations in the US.

If you could get rid of any one of the US states, which one would you get rid of and why?

Description : If you could get rid of any one of the US states, which one would you get rid of and why?

Last Answer : Logically decide which state you would get rid of (perhaps the lowest revenue generating state, etc) The key is to see how you arrive at your answer.

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

Description : How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Last Answer : In today's world, companies realize that people will often only work for them from 3-7 years. Explain that you see this company in your five year plan, and that staying for 10+ years ... depend on your advancement opportunities in the future, but you would have no intentions of leaving anytime soon.

Do you know anyone who works for us?

Description : Do you know anyone who works for us?

Last Answer : This is a tricky question. If you have a close relative who works there, you should be upfront because they will likely find out later. If you happen to know someone else but don't really know what ... not want to mention the person as it could reflect badly on you if they aren't a great worker.

Tell us something about your hobbies

Description : Tell us something about your hobbies

Last Answer : Answer it with honesty, as they can go deeper into this discussion. You can include: - Browsing the internet - Blogging, - Chatting with friends, - Reading newspapers, - Reading books, - Shopping,

How long can you commit to work with us?

Description : How long can you commit to work with us?

Last Answer : I like new challenges and a chance to grow. As long I keeping getting these, I don’t think I’ll need to switch over. I’d like to believe that this relationship lasts for many years. However, I haven’t set a time limit as such.

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

Description : How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Last Answer : Some tips for this question: - It is not right to be specific; else you are giving them the impression that you are not going to stay if hired. - Specifics here are not good. Something like this should ... as much as you permit me and believe that I am doing a good job to remain in your company .

Have you ever had a problem with your peer? Can you give us an example?

Description : Have you ever had a problem with your peer? Can you give us an example?

Last Answer : Yes, it happened once. I was quite friendly with a colleague of mine from the other department. While talking to him during the lunch hour, I casually told him about the new ... discuss any departmental strategies with anyone from other department unless you have been authorised by your boss

What do you know about us?

Description : What do you know about us?

Last Answer : Follow these three easy research tips before your next job interview: 1. Visit the company website; look in the about us section and careers sections 2. Visit the company's LinkedIn page ... the company mission statement is, and how the culture and/or mission relate to your values or personality

Why do you want to work with us?

Description : Why do you want to work with us?

Last Answer : More likely than not, the interviewer wishes to see how much you know about the company culture, and whether you can identify with the organization's values and vision. Every organization has its strong ... mention that you would like to be in such a team because you yourself believe in integrity.

Do you know anyone who works for us?

Description : Do you know anyone who works for us?

Last Answer : Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organisation. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

Do you know anyone who works for us?

Description : Do you know anyone who works for us?

Last Answer : Do you know anyone who works for us? Answer tips: Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not ... Research the employer profile thoroughly, the aims of their recruitment and what are your task/roles.

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

Description : How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Last Answer : Some tips for this question: It is not right to be specific; else you are giving them the impression that you are not going to stay if hired. Specifics here are not good. Something like this should ... in the punch bowl any chance I get. So the answer to your question is, until you catch on.

Tell us about yourself.

Description : Tell us about yourself.

Last Answer : Here you need to keep your answer interesting and personable, giving a brief overview of your career history to date, why you chose your chosen career path, cover your academic background and wrap ... initially your transferable skills to be elaborated at a later stage when talking through your C.V.

What do you think about the candidates for the 2008 US election?

Description : What do you think about the candidates for the 2008 US election?

Last Answer : answer:Boise ID, and Ron Paul because he’s the only candidate that’s not a celebrity. Did you see Hillary on Insiders? I don’t even watch TV and I heard about it. WTF? Well, not only that. He’s also the only candidate that’ll run the government they way it was supposed to be run. www.ronpaul2008.com

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.

Are you applying for other jobs?

Description : Are you applying for other jobs?

Last Answer : It is okay to say that you are applying to other opportunities, as this could give them more of a reason to move quickly if they are interested in you. It isn't a good idea to tell them

Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?

Description : Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how well you can mediate a situation and handle conflict. You want to come across as someone who can compromise when necessary.

Give me an example of a time you had to persuade other people to take action. Were you successful?

Description : Give me an example of a time you had to persuade other people to take action. Were you successful?

Last Answer : Talk about a time when you've persuaded others to do something that was for the good of a project or the company. What did you do to persuade, and how receptive

Tell of a time when your active listening skills really paid o for you -- maybe a time when other people missed the key idea being expressed.

Description : Tell of a time when your active listening skills really paid o for you -- maybe a time when other people missed the key idea being expressed.

Last Answer : This could be an example from work or from school. Explain how you actively listen and what you do to remember (e.g. taking notes).

What other jobs are you applying for?

Description : What other jobs are you applying for?

Last Answer : If you're applying with other similar companies in a similar or the same industry, it's actually okay to state that as it shows you're valued and wanted.

What dierentiates this company from other competitors?

Description : What dierentiates this company from other competitors?

Last Answer : Be positive and nice about their competitors but also discuss how they are better than them and why they are the best choice for the customer. For example: "Company XYZ has a good product, but I truly believe your company has a 3-5 year vision for your customer that aligns to their business needs."

What other companies are you interviewing at?

Description : What other companies are you interviewing at?

Last Answer : Be open and share if you are indeed interviewing elsewhere, but do it in a humble way. This way you don't seem arrogant and the interviewer knows your skills are valued by other companies. This also tends to make them want you more as they know they are competing for your services.

Are you applying for other jobs?

Description : Are you applying for other jobs?

Last Answer : Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Stay focused on this job and why you are more interested in their company than any other. Anything else is a distraction.

Sell me this stapler…(this pencil…this clock…or some other object on interviewer’s desk).

Description : Sell me this stapler…(this pencil…this clock…or some other object on interviewer’s desk).  

Last Answer : 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 ... above. If he knows anything about selling, he may give you a standing ovation.     

Are you applying for other jobs?

Description : Are you applying for other jobs?

Last Answer : 1. Tips for this questions Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Let you concentration be on this ... , I am. I am looking for the best place to apply my abilities, and so far this place looks excellent.

Is there anything I’ve missed?

Description : Is there anything I’ve missed?

Last Answer : Well, I did want to mention that I was honored by my organization's board of directors for developing a program that reached out to a large number of senior citizens in need of financial assistance. We ... has been covered, he may be missing a chance to discuss something that can work in his favor.

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.

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.

Have you ever been asked to take on a project because of your unique skill or ability?

Description : Have you ever been asked to take on a project because of your unique skill or ability?

Last Answer : Our senior developer regularly asks me to troubleshoot new programs. I've been very successful at figuring out why programs aren't working properly, and I can usually do it pretty quickly, allowing the ... to plan the party. This skill probably won't be very important to the prospective employer.

Have you ever come up with new ways to solve a problem?

Description : Have you ever come up with new ways to solve a problem?

Last Answer : Yes, I have. We had a problem with dismissal from our after-school program. Too many children were leaving at once, causing chaos in our parking lot. I developed a system for releasing children alphabetically so ... hasn't had to solve any problems, how can she be expected to do so in the future?

You seem to have accomplished a lot in your current job. Do you know why you weren’t promoted?

Description : You seem to have accomplished a lot in your current job. Do you know why you weren’t promoted?

Last Answer : I wasn't promoted because unfortunately there wasn't a position to promote me to. JFR was a very small, family-owned firm. The boss's two sons held the top positions, which were right above my ... of the way things are at his current job and makes the mistake of letting the interviewer know that.

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.

What motivates you to go above and beyond the call of duty?

Description : What motivates you to go above and beyond the call of duty?

Last Answer : Honestly, I don't have a sense of what is above and beyond the call of duty. It's not like I can just do enough to get by and then stop. When I work on a project, I do my very ... recognition for my work. This candidate doesn't seem to be self-motivated, since her rewards come from the outside.

Have you ever had to overcome a major obstacle? How did you do it?

Description : Have you ever had to overcome a major obstacle? How did you do it?

Last Answer : Yes, I did. My family couldn't afford to pay for college. I applied for as much financial aid as possible, but I still had to work to pay for whatever that didn't cover. I ... this candidate hired. She needs to demonstrate perseverance and therefore should try to find some obstacle to speak about.

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.

Name the two work-related accomplishments of which you are proudest.

Description : Name the two work-related accomplishments of which you are proudest.

Last Answer : I converted a manual payroll system to a computerized system, which cuts down the amount of time we spend on payroll each week. I also wrote a manual that explained all bookkeeping department procedures ... affected the company. They also don't explain how he earned his good reviews and promotion.

What has been your greatest accomplishment as part of a team?

Description : What has been your greatest accomplishment as part of a team?

Last Answer : I worked on a team that developed a program for children who were going home to an empty house after school because their parents worked. We had volunteers who would help the kids with their ... the question because working on a team is probably typical of the position for which he is hiring.

Have you ever received formal recognition for something you accomplished?

Description : Have you ever received formal recognition for something you accomplished?

Last Answer : Yes. I won Salesperson of the Month four times when I was working for Ace Stereo. Those with the largest increase in sales over the previous month were rewarded in this way. I believe I ... for a fashion-consulting position, this answer doesn't highlight any skills that will impress the employer.

Have you ever had to take over an assignment at the last minute?

Description : Have you ever had to take over an assignment at the last minute?

Last Answer : I've had to do that more than once - actually several times. The most recent time was when a colleague was scheduled to attend a meeting out of town and came down with the flu two days before he ... in order to make a successful presentation. Never Say: Yes, it has happened. Give an 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 describe how you accomplished a personal goal?

Description : Can you describe how you accomplished a personal goal?

Last Answer : I wrote a short story, and my goal was to get it published. I went to the library and researched which magazines accepted short-story submissions. Then I sent my story to those publications that ... for about six months. This answer does not demonstrate any skills that are needed in the workplace.

Describe how you accomplished a work-related goal.

Description : Describe how you accomplished a work-related goal.

Last Answer : When I started working for Daylight Publications, I discovered that I had inherited a huge file cabinet full of photographs. We used photographs in our magazine but usually wound up purchasing stock photos, ... able to do it. This in no way demonstrates any job-related skills the interviewee has.

Do you consider your progress on your current job indicative of your ability?

Description : Do you consider your progress on your current job indicative of your ability?

Last Answer : Yes, I do. I was promoted twice on my current job. I was hired as a marketing trainee. After about a year I was promoted to associate account executive, and then after two years I was promoted ... This candidate discusses how and why she was promoted. Never Say: Yes. This answer lacks specifics.

What should I do if I’m a recent college graduate without many work-related accomplishments?

Description : What should I do if I’m a recent college graduate without many work-related accomplishments?

Last Answer : If you don’t have much work experience, draw upon your experiences as a student. Look at what you achieved while you were in college, either in your classes or through extracurricular activities.

Which of your accomplishments has given you the most satisfaction?

Description : Which of your accomplishments has given you the most satisfaction?

Last Answer : Last year I initiated a program that sent our executives into schools to work with the Young Entrepreneur Program. We sent teams into two area high schools to help the students learn how to run their ... been great. This candidate needs to focus on something she did in order to deserve that title.

Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Description : Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Last Answer : I've been successful so far because I've always worked very hard and I've always been willing to accept any challenges that are offered to me. Actually, I usually seek them out. I have excellent time- ... to think he had anything to do with his own success. If he doesn't believe it, who will?