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Sample
Interview Questions
You're Most Likely to Encounter
I often get asked about what
types of job interview questions I was
asked during my interview.
My experience is that other than questions that may come up during the
"stress" job interview, the questions I have seen asked (and have asked
myself) are specific and apply directly to the job or the organization.
If you have experience in the job you are interested in...and have a
basic understanding of the company, you should be fine.
Before I list a few questions that are common with most job interviews,
let me address the "out in left field question".
We all have heard
stories about the employer who drops the, "If you were a
tree/animal/pasta (pick one), which one would you be and why?”
I have two ways to address this. First of all, the correct response
would always be in a calm, non-defensive manner.
There is no way to
prepare for this type of question. If you are truly stumped, ask if you
could have some time to think if over and please come back to it later.
And second, I would ask myself, do I seriously want to work for an
employer who is wasting my time with such a ridiculous question.
Unless
you are interviewing for a psychologist or psycho-therapist position,
what does it have to do with the job?
Wouldn't it be more productive to ask me about my qualifications?
If
the person asking me this interview question was going to be my future
supervisor, I would be judging him/her as well.
I would ask myself, "Do
I really want to work for this guy/gal?"
I have been to a ton of interviews and sat on both sides of the table.
And never had that type of stupid question posed.
I guess my response
would be, "I would be
the best can of soup I could be".
And then turn
the table around and say "What
are some of the skills you look for in a
can of soup?
...I'd love to learn more so I can make the biggest
impact on
your organization as I can"? Just my opinion of
course!
You may have a different approach.
Let's move on to the more realistic interview questions.
Interview
questions about your management style
- What is your approach to handling a difficult
boss?
- Your supervisor tells you do to something that
you know is completely
incorrect. What do you do?
- If your supervisor criticized you in public,
what would you do?
- What are some of the things your boss did that
you disliked?
Questions
about your communication style
- Tell me about a situation at work that required
excellent communication
skills.
- Do you prefer to speak directly with someone or
through written
correspondence?
- What is your experience communicate with upper
level management?
Questions
about your motivation
- What motivates you to do your best work?
- What do you find most frustrating at work?
- What is your greatest strength (weakness)?
Questions
about your future goals
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Do you consider yourself successful?
- Do you set goals for yourself and how do you do
that?
Questions
about handling stress
- What kinds of decisions are most difficult for
you?
- What is the most difficult work situation you
have faced?
- What do you do when you have a great deal of
work to accomplish in a
short period of time?
You can see more interview tips such as dress and appearance in the
marketing
yourself section.
Having a good understanding of what to
expect will go along way.
Also, for additional job
interview advice, don't forget to check out the interview preparation,
interview
technique and interview
tips sections.
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