 Pioneers in Executive Search
Review this typical interview question and think about how you would answer them. Read the
question listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.
1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interview. You need to |
| have a short statement prepared in your
mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work related items unless instructed
otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you
are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present. |
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| 2.Why did you leave your last job? |
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| Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management
and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do. You will be the one
looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a
chance to do something special or other forward-Iooking reasons. |
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| 3. What do you know about this organization? |
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| This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find
out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the
major players? |
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| 4. What do co-workers say about you? |
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| Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase
will work. J ill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest worker she
had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself. |
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| 5. Do you consider yourself successful? |
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| You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set
goals and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others. |
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| 6 Why do you want to work for this organization? |
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| This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the
organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your
long -term career goals. |
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| 7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year? |
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Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be
mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention. |
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| 8. Are you a team player? |
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| You are of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often
perform for the good of.the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team player
attitude .Do not brag; just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point. |
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| 9. How long would you expect to work for us if hired? |
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| Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As
long as we both feel I'm doing a good job. |
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| 10. Have you ever been asked to leave a position? |
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| If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the
People or organization involved. |
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| 11. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization? |
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| You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as
they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship. |
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| 12. Tell me about a suggestion you have made. |
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| Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered
successful. One related to the type of the work applied for is a real plus. |
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| 13. What is your greatest strength? |
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| Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: your ability to prioritize,
your problem-solving skills, your ability to work under pressure, Your abi!ity to focus on project,
Your professional expertise, your leadership skills, Your positive attitude. |
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| 14. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is? |
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There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team
player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver. |
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| 15 What is more important to you: the money or the work? |
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| Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer. |
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| 17. Tell me about your 'ability' to work under pressure. |
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| You may 'say' that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the
type of position applied for. |
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| 18. What motivates you to do your best on the job? |
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| This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge. Achievement.
and Recognition. |
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| 19. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others. |
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| Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you
settled. |
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| 20. What kind of salary do you need? |
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| A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not
answer it. Instead, say something like, That's tough question. Can you tell me the range for this
position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say what you want
Talk about the wide range of salary components that different organizations have. |
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| 21. Do you have any questions for me. |
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| Always have some questions prepared.Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. |
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