1. "Please give me an example of a time when you had a problem with a supervisor/co-worker and how you approached the problem".
Most employees have a problem with a supervisor or co-worker at some point in their career. How they handle that problem says a lot about their people skills. If you can explain to the interviewer that you were able to overcome a people problem at work, this will definitely help your chances of getting the job.
2. 'What are your salary requirements?"
"What employers are really asking is 'Do you have realistic expectations when it comes to salary? Are we on the same page or are you going to want way more than we can give? Are you flexible on this point or is your expectation set in stone?".
Try to avoid answering this question in the first interview because you may shortchange yourself by doing so. Tell the hiring manager that if you are seriously being considered, you could give them a salary range- but if possible let them make the first offer. Do some research on what the position should pay. "Don't necessarily accept their first offer, there may be room to negotiate".
When it is time to give a number, be sure to take your experience and education levels into consideration. Speak in ranges when giving figures and mention that you are flexible in this area and that you're open to benefits as well. "Be brief and to the point and be comfortable with the silence that may come after".
3. What were your expectations for the job?
In many cases interviewers will want to know what you expected from your last job when you were hired, so be prepared to answer the interview question: "What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?".
There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. The best way to respond is to discuss what you expected when you took the job and give examples of how the position worked out for you. If the job wasn't exactly what you expected, it's fine to mention that. However, you should focus on the job itself, not the company, your boss, or your co-workers (if they were a problem).
Do be careful how you answer and don't focus too much on the negative. Instead address the highlights of the job.
When responding be specific. Prepare some examples to share with the interviewer in advance. For example, if your job involved creating web applications, discuss the specific programs you developed and the responsibilities you were given. If you were provided training and opportunities for professional development to help you achieve your goals, mention that as well.
4. Your responsibilities?
When you are asked questions related to your current or previous positions, it's important to be specific and to be positive about what you did in your previous position (s).
The best way to respond is to describe your responsibilities in detail and to connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Try to tie your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position. That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. Focus most on the responsibilities that are directly related to the new job's requirements.
It's also important to be honest. Don't embellish your job, because you don't know who the hiring manager will be checking with when they check your references.
5. How did you handle challenges?
When asked this question, be sure to include specific examples of how you handled a particular difficult situation. Discuss how you researched the issue and contributed to finding a solution. Examples of good responses include:
- During a difficult financial period, I was able to satisfactorily negotiate payment schedules with multiple vendors.
- When the software development of our new product stalled, I coordinated the team which managed to get the schedule back on track. We were able to successfully troubleshoot the issues and solve the problems, within a very short period of time.
- A long term client was about to take their business to a competitor. I met with the customer and was able to change how we handled the account on a day-to-day basis, in order to keep the business.
6. What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
Don't be too negative when asked this question. The reason is that you don't want the interviewer to think that you'll speak negatively about the new job or the company when you're ready to move on, if you get this job. Rather, it makes sense to talk about yourself and what you're looking for in a new role.
Sample answer:
I enjoyed the people I worked with. It was a friendly and fun atmosphere and I actually enjoyed going to work each morning. I felt the leadership team was great as well. They knew all of their employees on a first name basis and tried to make those personal connections. I also enjoyed the fact that the office tried to do community outreach with local organisations.
One of the reasons I am leaving is that I felt I was not challenged enough at the job. As a fresh face in the working world, the company offers a great opportunity for a good entry level position; however, after being there for so many years, I felt I was not able to reach my full potential because of the lack of challenge and there was no room for advancement in the company.
While I did enjoy working there and appreciate the skills I developed while with the company, I feel my skill set can be better utilised elsewhere, where my capabilities are more recognised and there is the opportunity for growth.
Photo source: mercworks.net
Source: Jacquelyn Smith
No comments:
Post a Comment