Where could you use some improvement?

Where could you use some improvement? 
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1 Answer

Answer :

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. 
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Related questions

How do you continue learning on a daily basis? Why is continuous improvement necessary?

Description : How do you continue learning on a daily basis? Why is continuous improvement necessary?

Last Answer : You can learn on the job, through books and magazines, through social networks, blogs, seminars, mentors and so on. Continuous improvement is important because the one thing in life that is constant is change. And you have to continue to push yourself day in and day out to be the best.

What things did you learn in school that you could use on the job?

Description : What things did you learn in school that you could use on the job?

Last Answer : If you went to school specifically for this career, you will have learned a lot that will help you in the job. If you went to school for a dierent career, explain important classes that will be helpful. For example, Interpersonal Communication is a course that you can use in most jobs.

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.

If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why?

Description : If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why?

Last Answer : Have fun with the answer, just make sure you back up your answer with a genuine reason.

Why should I hire you when I could fill this job within the company?

Description : Why should I hire you when I could fill this job within the company?

Last Answer : Outside ideas and perspectives are often undervalued. ideas to the company.

Describe a team experience you found disappointing. What could you have done to prevent it?

Description : Describe a team experience you found disappointing. What could you have done to prevent it?

Last Answer : The example you give should be one in which your team did not work well together, and you will show that you've learned from it and now use open communication to make certain everyone knows his/her role on the team.

If you could do it all over again, how would you plan your academic studies dierently?

Description : If you could do it all over again, how would you plan your academic studies dierently?

Last Answer : Whatever you do, just don't act bitter. A lot of times we wish we could change the past, but focus on the positive reasons and results of the decisions you already made.

There's no right or wrong answer, but if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Description : There's no right or wrong answer, but if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Last Answer : Just be honest about where you'd like to be - you never know - you may end up bonding with the interviewer with the location. However, you want to stress that you want to work out of the location that you're interviewing for.

If you could oer suggestions on how to improve our company, what would you say?

Description : If you could oer suggestions on how to improve our company, what would you say?

Last Answer : Examine the trends of the company and also where there may be some weaknesses (news articles often document this on public companies or look at their competitors to see how they're positioning it ... you have that knowledge, think creatively on how you could improve upon that weakness for them.

If you were given more initiatives than you could handle, what would you do?

Description : If you were given more initiatives than you could handle, what would you do?

Last Answer : First prioritize the important activities that impact the business most. Then discuss the issue of having too many initiatives with the boss so that it can be ooaded. Work harder to get the initiatives done.

Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote someone from within?

Description : Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote someone from within? 

Last Answer : 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 ... bill because (then recap your strongest qualifications that match up with his greatest needs).  

How could you have improved your career progress?

Description : How could you have improved your career progress?

Last Answer : 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 ... for where you are, how you've gotten there, where you are going and you harbor no regrets.  

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  

We use PQR Write to lay out our brochures. Do you know how to use it?

Description : We use PQR Write to lay out our brochures. Do you know how to use it?

Last Answer : I use a program that is very similar to that. I also have a friend who uses PQR, and I'm sure she'd be happy to give me a crash course. I know I can learn it by the time I start work. There ... this job. Never Say: No, I only feel comfortable with Super Page. Couldn't I just keep using that?

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.

What software programs do you use most often in your current position?

Description : What software programs do you use most often in your current position?

Last Answer : Discuss the specific software that you use that pertains to your vertical. For example, you would use CAD in design.

Describe the system you use for keeping track of multiple projects. How do you track your progress so that you can meet deadlines? How do you stay focused?

Description : Describe the system you use for keeping track of multiple projects. How do you track your progress so that you can meet deadlines? How do you stay focused?

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

Describe a situation in which you had to use reference materials to write a research paper. What was the topic? What journals did you read?

Description : Describe a situation in which you had to use reference materials to write a research paper. What was the topic? What journals did you read?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see what your research methods are. Explain how you organize your research and what types of materials you use.

Describe a time when you had to use your written communication skills to get an important point across.

Description : Describe a time when you had to use your written communication skills to get an important point across.

Last Answer : This is a good time to explain how well you use email, or how you create charts or diagrams. If you've ever created a training manual or procedures manual, talk about that. The interviewer wants to know that you are a good writer.

Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way?

Description : Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way?

Last Answer : You want to explain what you did to persuade someone and not just highlight the fact that you persuaded someone. Explain what the situation was and why you needed to persuade the person, and how you did so. What were the results? Why did you use the technique you did?

How do you rate yourself in computer skills? Please describe the programs and software that you can use well.

Description : How do you rate yourself in computer skills? Please describe the programs and software that you can use well.

Last Answer : Ideally you want to able to type quickly, have the ability to eectively use Microsoft Oce, and more importantly be able to quickly adapt to computer / technology skills. More and more it's become an ... of work. If the job doesn't require technology skills - then this question shouldn't be asked!

What three character traits would your friends use to describe you?

Description : What three character traits would your friends use to describe you?

Last Answer : Friends would typically use attributes like (assuming you have these): Trustworthy, honest, hardworking, friendly, courageous, nice, diligent, organized and so forth. Not saying you have all of these, but the ... find out is to survey your friends by asking them what they consider your brand to be.

What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized?

Description : What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized?

Last Answer : Good answers: Utilizing a calendar, having a notebook with your "to do" list, focusing on your top 3 priorities each and every day, utilizing a systematic way of storing documents on your computer (like box.net)

Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.

Description : Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.

Last Answer : Example stories could be a class project, an internal meeting presentation, or a customer facing presentation.

Everyone has made some poor decisions or has done something that just did not turn out right. Give an example of when this has happened to you.

Description : Everyone has made some poor decisions or has done something that just did not turn out right. Give an example of when this has happened to you.

Last Answer : Focus on what you learned from your poor decision, and how you will no longer make the same mistakes.

Some people consider themselves to be "big picture people" and others are detail oriented. Which are you? Give an example that illustrates your preference.

Description : Some people consider themselves to be "big picture people" and others are detail oriented. Which are you? Give an example that illustrates your preference.

Last Answer : It is important to show that you are both. You want to show that you are detail oriented and can get the individual tasks done while focusing on the big picture.

Describe some times when you were not very satisfied or pleased with your performance. What did you do about it?

Description : Describe some times when you were not very satisfied or pleased with your performance. What did you do about it?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see whether you can accurately evaluate your own performance and learn from your mistakes. Focus on your learning experiences from bad performance.

Tell of some situations in which you have had to adjust quickly to changes over which you had no control. What was the impact of the change on you?

Description : Tell of some situations in which you have had to adjust quickly to changes over which you had no control. What was the impact of the change on you?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how you handle change and whether you can adapt to changing situations. Give an example of where you handled change well and explain what you did.

What are some of the things that you and your supervisor disagree upon and how do you resolve them? What do you do when you are pressed for a decision?

Description : What are some of the things that you and your supervisor disagree upon and how do you resolve them? What do you do when you are pressed for a decision?

Last Answer : The key is that you openly communicate your thoughts to your supervisor to explain your position and try to come to a mutual decision together. Also be sure to listen to his/her thoughts so that you can ... you've put thought into the reasons as to how you arrived at it and then decisively make it.

Describe some problems you encountered in your most recent position and how you resolved them.

Description : Describe some problems you encountered in your most recent position and how you resolved them.

Last Answer : Discuss your work experiences. The key is to show you're calm under pressure and can handle sensitive situations with a clear train of thought.

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.     

Give some examples of teamwork?

Description : Give some examples of teamwork?

Last Answer : Interview questions: Answer tips/answer samples: Following are some sample answers to this question: In my last job when I was a member of a software development team, I ... only helps with developing individual performance, but also makes more contribution to the organization in general.

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.

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.

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.