Recent questions tagged interview-questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Description : How do you feel about the way your career has progressed so far?

Last Answer : I'm pleased with how my career has progressed. When I graduated from college, I was hired to work as a trainee at Rogers, Inc., a small advertising agency. Being a trainee meant I answered the phones ... where I am. Don't assume the interviewer knows where you are right now or how you got there.

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.

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.

Description : What traits will a person need in order to become successful? Do you have these traits?

Last Answer : To be successful, a person needs excellent organization and time management skills. She has to get along well with her boss, coworkers, and clients. She must always be willing to learn new skills. Yes, I ... the game may help you be successful, but your success may not be based on any real skills.

Description : Please discuss a project you supervised.

Last Answer : I managed the expansion project at the shopping mall in Greenhaven. It involved increasing the size of the mall by 20 percent. I supervised a staff of fifty-five project team professionals. We completed ... supervised a mall expansion right outside the city. It went well. This answer is too vague.

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.

Description : How do you think others rate you as a supervisor?

Last Answer : Turnover in my department since I was promoted to supervisor five years ago has decreased from 30 percent to 10 percent. The reason, I believe, is that I treat those who work under me fairly. When a big ... and they do what I tell them to do. There's more to being a good supervisor than this.

Description : As you know, this is a new programming-director position. We’re thinking about having the person in this position also handle promoting our programs. Is that something you can handle?

Last Answer : My primary responsibility as program director at the Art Council was program development. However, we had a very small staff, so I was usually responsible for promotion as well. I wrote press releases, ... of this job. If it turned out not to be, would this candidate be disappointed and quit?

Description : Are you good at doing research?

Last Answer : I haven't done a great deal of research at work, but I do a lot of it on my own. Before I make any major purchases, take any medication, or go on vacation, I do a lot of research. I'm very ... Say: I guess so. I like using the Net. An avid Internet user does not necessarily make a good researcher.

Description : What is your management style?

Last Answer : I'm a hands-on manager. I dive right in and work alongside my employees. This not only sets a good example for them, but also helps keep me aware of everyone's strengths and weaknesses. This interviewee ... how and when things get done. Ruling with an iron fist does not lead to a satisfied staff.

Description : We handle a large volume of tax returns here. How has your experience prepared you for this?

Last Answer : During college, I participated in the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. For two nights a week from February through April, I spent a few hours preparing individual tax returns in a public ... find some past experience that proves to the interviewer he can handle a large volume of work.

Description : Are you computer literate?

Last Answer : I'm proficient in several programs, including WordRight, Bottom Line, and Quick Pages. Instead of just saying she is computer literate, this candidate goes beyond that and discusses which software ... should be more specific, making a point of mentioning programs that are specific to his field.

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?

Description : How do you manage your time?

Last Answer : I prioritize my work. I figure out what needs to get done first, next, and so on. Then I calculate how much time I will need to spend on each activity or project. I set a schedule for myself ... , he can get everything done as long as he works long hours, which could cost the employer in overtime.

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.

Description : How are you at delegating?

Last Answer : I have such a high level of trust in my staff members that delegating to them is easy. I know each person's strengths and weaknesses, so I can easily decide who can handle certain jobs and duties. I try to ... 'm good at delegating. I don't want to do all the work myself. This guy just sounds lazy.

Description : Have you ever been in a situation where the majority disagrees with you? What did you do?

Last Answer : I haven't been in that situation, but here's what I would do if I were: First I would listen to why the majority felt the way they did. Then I'd decide whether I needed to reconsider my position. If I ... blue. Since I had the most seniority, they had to do it my way. Flexible? No. A bully? Maybe.

Description : You haven’t worked in this field before. What makes you think you’d be good at this?

Last Answer : I am very organized, I work well on a team, and I have very good communication skills. Although I haven't worked in this particular field before, I know these skills will make me a valuable ... the mistake of dwelling on her lack of experience in this particular field instead of on her strengths.

Description : How are your presentation skills? How do you prepare for presentations?

Last Answer : I didn't always like making presentations, but since I had to make a lot of them in my last two jobs, I've gotten very good at it. I do a lot of research before any ... well-thought-out answer. This candidate would have benefited from a little preparation to get him through the interview.

Description : How well do you think you perform as a manager?

Last Answer : I've never officially had the title manager, but I've often had to act as manager when my boss was out of the office. He's always been very pleased with the job I've done. This ... you should talk about that. If you've had no managerial experience, then you can talk about it hypothetically.

Description : Why did you choose this career?

Last Answer : When I started college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I visited the career office and they gave me some self-assessment tests. Based on the results, they gave me a list of careers that ... way to make a career choice. It may make the interviewer wonder how this person will make other decisions.

Description : Can you describe your ideal work environment?

Last Answer : I want to work in an environment where I can use my presentation skills to help the company increase its client roster. It's important that I work in a fast-paced environment, because I like ... employer's offices, this answer doesn't say anything about the job or her qualifications for it.

Description : I see that you worked full time while attending graduate school. How did you manage to balance everything?

Last Answer : It was difficult, but I managed not to fall behind at work or school. I worked five full days a week and took classes two evenings a week. I studied on the other three nights and on ... interviewer's question or tell him anything about the candidate other than that she doesn't handle stress well.

Description : How do you make decisions?

Last Answer : I evaluate the situation before I decide what I need to do. If there is someone who has had experience with similar situations, I'm not afraid to ask for advice. This interviewee isn't going ... interviewee clearly doesn't put a lot of thought into things, including how to best answer this question.

Description : Should I discuss my personal likes and dislikes on a job interview?

Last Answer : Only if you can relate them to your career or to the job for which you are interviewing. For example, if a prospective employer asks what you like to read, stick to talking about professional literature.

Description : What is the last thing you read?

Last Answer : I just finished the latest book on management techniques by Jane Brown. I'm always trying to keep up with the latest literature in the field. Reading is a great way to keep up with changes in ... have time to keep up with your professional literature if you want to be seen as a dedicated applicant.

Description : We’re not a company that does things the same way year after year. How do you react to change?

Last Answer : When it's appropriate, change is important. For example, when I heard about a new payroll system at a conference last year, I did a little investigating, found out it was better than what we ... interviewer might wonder if the candidate's love of change includes finding a new job every other year.

Description : What pet peeves do you have about coworkers?

Last Answer : Too much negativity has always bothered me. I think if you're going to complain, you should be able to offer some solutions to fix the things you think are wrong. By giving this answer, this ... time. This candidate seems to be too easygoing. She'd rather let things slide than deal with them.