Job Interview Questions

[scheherazade_79]

Ace an Interview Zade Style

What would you consider to be your main weakness?
Perfectionism. (Give an example of you getting so absorbed in a work task that you forgot the outside world)

What would you consider to be your main strengths?
The ability to think outside the box. (Give an example of you coming up with a solution to something when everyone else failed) Tenacity. (Give an example of a situation where you refused to give up)

How would you define a problem?
A question awaiting an answer.

Why are you interested in working for this company?
Do your background research, and list all the positive attributes of the firm you're applying to - staff development, rumours that it's a very positive working environment, the prestige, association with quality etc. etc.

Where do you hope to see yourself in ten years?
Do your background research on this one, too. Even if you see yourself partying in Amsterdam when you hit that age, lie and show awareness of career structure and demonstrate ambition.


I've only ever had two interview, and only one was for a job - but coming up with examples that'll make the interviewer laugh worked well for me, as did talking about other non-interview related things. If you can keep them chatting for a few minutes afterwards (30 minutes is my record ) it's usually a good sign.

Good luck

 

[BlackShanglan]

One caveat on answering "greatest weakness" with "perfectionism" - it's a very common answer to that question. I think Scheherazade's advice to include a specific example is definitely important; it will help illustrate the issue and make you stand out a bit.

 

[ringle]

Make a good visual impression. Dress well, smile, wear a nice perfume, add a pushup bra, nice hairdo, and give the impression of being happy/cheerful. I know it's superficial but studies show that the better looking person will always be chosen over the less so, all other things being equal. And in many cases even when an inferior candidate. Life's never fair, but that's the way it is.

 

[R. Richard]

Shanglan pointed out that a key weakness is attacks on previous employer(s). One question that is very frequently asked is, "Why did you leave/are you leaving your last job?" The best answer I have been able to come up with is, "Image! I was seen as a specialist in an area that I regard as a dead end. I tried to recast my image, but was apparently unsuccesful, which was too bad as they are a good group of people to work with." [I feel that it was a good answer as it politely pointed out, 1) I will not be stuck in a dead end job; 2) I tried to get reassigned rather than just leaving; 3) I liked the people I worked with/was a good team player but was just in the wrong role.]

 

[WARNINGWARNING]

Make a good visual impression. Dress well, smile, wear a nice perfume, add a pushup bra, nice hairdo, and give the impression of being happy/cheerful. I know it's superficial but studies show that the better looking person will always be chosen over the less so, all other things being equal. And in many cases even when an inferior candidate. Life's never fair, but that's the way it is.

McK's in.

 

[McKenna]

First interview went well. They told me they had 85 applicants for this position, of which they chose three to interview. I was one of the three! Wow.

 

[Samandiriel]

First interview went well. They told me they had 85 applicants for this position, of which they chose three to interview. I was one of the three! Wow.

YAY!!!!!

 

[WARNINGWARNING]

First interview went well. They told me they had 85 applicants for this position, of which they chose three to interview. I was one of the three! Wow.

Ah. They must subscribe to Literotica!

 

[TxRad]

Sorry for being late but i can't help much on this. I've had the same job for 35 years.....

All I have to say is Yeah on making the final cut and knock em dead....

 

[CharleyH]

I have until about 9:30 AM MST to prepare for a job interview. I've been running a few questions and answers through my head, but I want to make sure I'm thoroughly prepared. So....


What's the worst interview question you've ever had to answer? What was the best/most interesting?


Any tips to keep in mind from the interviewee perspective?


Any tips to give from an interviewer's perspective?


Many thanks in advance!

Sorry I did not see this. I could have prepared you for anything! (You serously need to PM me sometimes!) I hope it went well for you, Kenna.

 

[rgraham666]

* Apparent sense of entitlement
* Attacks on last / current employer
* Inability to acknowledge a weakness or fault
* Slick, overly glossed presentation with failure to address specifics
* Evasive answering of questions
* Expressed disinterest in human/teamwork skills
* Contemptuous or disdainful attitude toward other employees
* Lack of understanding of / interest in the specific position and company hiring

Don't feel I'm entitled to anything.

Oops.

My problem is the list is longer than the interview.

Slick is not an adjective ever applied to me.

I have the exact opposite response to questions.

I'm not disinterested in human/teamwork skills, i just seriously suck at them.

Even if they're contemptuous and disdainful of me?

Oops.

Been drinking. Don't mind me.

 

[BlackShanglan]

Been drinking. Don't mind me.

Not recommended for a job interview, but it's a characteristic I value in a friend. Cheers, Rob - here's to no hangovers.

 

[rgraham666]

Not recommended for a job interview, but it's a characteristic I value in a friend. Cheers, Rob - here's to no hangovers.

Never going to be another job interview, Shang. I've learned my lesson.

I'm too uneducated, too much of a loner and too crazy to ever have another job again.

 

[McKenna]

Sorry I did not see this. I could have prepared you for anything! (You serously need to PM me sometimes!) I hope it went well for you, Kenna.

I do seriously ned to PM you sometimes! (Which reminds me, I owe you a HUGE thank you for the last one. )

 

[McKenna]

Ah. They must subscribe to Literotica!

If you think my porn's good, you should see my technical manuals.

 

[kendo1]

Just got here.
Good luck with the next one.

More reserarch on the company, methinks.

 

[TheOlderGuy]

First interview went well. They told me they had 85 applicants for this position, of which they chose three to interview. I was one of the three! Wow.

congratulations. when will you hear their final choice?

 

[CharleyH]

Don't feel I'm entitled to anything.

Oops.

My problem is the list is longer than the interview.

Slick is not an adjective ever applied to me.

I have the exact opposite response to questions.

I'm not disinterested in human/teamwork skills, i just seriously suck at them.

Even if they're contemptuous and disdainful of me?

Oops.

Been drinking. Don't mind me.

No mind (happy fun ) but lets get some real answers.

 

[L_homme]

Any tips to keep in mind?

Just be yourself. Too much over preparation will make you appear unnatural.

 

[TriggerHippie]

Never going to be another job interview, Shang. I've learned my lesson.

I'm too uneducated, too much of a loner and too crazy to ever have another job again.

Dunno ... brilliance is always in demand.




Luck with the interviews, McK. Don't get discouraged if it takes awhile; my last interview process took about six weeks and I love my job.

Peace.

 

[WARNINGWARNING]

If you think my porn's good, you should see my technical manuals.

oh, do you write too?

 

[CharleyH]

I do seriously ned to PM you sometimes! (Which reminds me, I owe you a HUGE thank you for the last one. )

You owe nothing. I like to give gifts.

 

[TriggerHippie]

You owe nothing. I like to give gifts.

Umm, how are they packaged? These gifts you give?

"Can you tie her in a knot,
Can you tie her in a bow ..."

 

[CharleyH]

Umm, how are they packaged? These gifts you give?

"Can you tie her in a knot,
Can you tie her in a bow ..."

For her or you?

 

[TriggerHippie]

For her or you?

<laughing> I like you. And you're trouble on the hoof, Ms. Charley.

I'm so not sub-ish. Unless I wanna be. I'll fight you every inch of the way ....