Interview Questions

Questions in each interview will vary, but you should be prepared to answer questions such as the following:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
3. Tell me about the last time you were complimented at work.
4. Give me an example of one of your accomplishments at your last job.
5. You do not have much experience in this field. How do you know you will be able to handle this job?
6. How do you go about making important decisions?
7. How do you handle conflict?
8. What specialized training have you received?
9. What do you read?
10. What do you do in your spare time?
11. Why should we hire you?
12. We all recognize the importance of good communication. What do you do to ensure that your communication is effective?
13. Every now and then we miss a day. Tell me about the most recent day you missed.
14. Tell me about a situation which illustrates your ability to organize and schedule people or tasks.
15. If you were successful in obtaining this position, what training do you feel you would require?
16. How would others describe you?
17. Tell me about a goal you set for yourself and successfully achieved.
18. Is there anything you want to discuss about this position that we have not talked about?

Interview Tips

The interview process can vary. An interview may be based on a review of your resume, or a combination of assessment techniques, aptitude tests, and personality questionnaire or job simulation exercises. Some interviewers will ask you to relate past experiences while others will ask you to respond to hypothetical situations. Even though the interviews vary in process, they all are aimed at assessing your potential to perform the job.

Going for an interview can be intimidating, but preparation will help you feel more confident.

1. Be Prepared
Find out some information about the company or organization. Find out about their values, read their mission statement; in general what they are about. Understand what the job is that you are applying for. Understand what skills and personal traits are required. Identify your own skills and match them to the organization’s needs. Review your experiences and achievements in recent years. Use your past experiences to demonstrate skills that you have. Demonstrate how your past experience can serve you in the job that you are applying for. Present yourself professionally at the interview. Be on time. Do a trial run before hand to make sure you know where you are to go. The best preparation is to understand you. Have a clear understanding of your own skills, personality and career goals.

2. Remain Calm
Take your cues from the interviewer. Shake his/her hand when they extend theirs to you. Wait until they indicate where to sit. Listen carefully to the interviewers. They will explain the interview process. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but keep remembering that they are also an opportunity for you to display your abilities for the job. Listen carefully to the questions so you can give the information that is requested. Make sure you understand the question. If you are confused or it is unclear, it is appropriate to politely ask for clarification. Never misrepresent yourself. Be honest in answering the questions. Remember you will spend approximately one-third of your time at work, so it is important that you are capable of doing the job and that you find it interesting and challenging. Don’t be afraid of silence. The interviewers may need time to write notes about your responses.

3. Evaluate
The interview process is also a time when you can evaluate the company and the job you are applying for. This is the time to determine how the company and their needs fit with your needs. There is no magic formula for interviews. If you are not successful it means that you were not the best candidate at the time for this particular job. It does not mean that your skills and abilities are of no value. Some organizations are prepared to give you feedback on your performance and this is always useful if available.

4. Summary of Tips
Research the hiring organization. Go by yourself to the interview. Arrive 10 minutes early. This gives you time to physically and mentally prepare for the interview. Bring copy of your resume as well as your references. Make only positive references to your previous jobs. Dress appropriately. You will be evaluated on your personal presentation as well as your responses. Know your resume and be prepared to answer questions about it. Make eye contact with all of the interview panel. Be prepared to demonstrate situations that validate your skills and abilities.

If given the opportunity, have some questions that you can ask about the company that demonstrates your understanding of them.
Regardless of your experience and qualifications, your entire future seems like it depends on the impression you make on one or two people during a short meeting. Try to focus on the idea that this is a special time, a time to tell them about your skills, abilities and personality and a time for you to get more insight into the company.