Interviewing Guidance (Q&A for 15 Tough Questions)

15 Toughest Interview Questions (& Answers!)
by Tania Khadder | Excelle
May 28, 2009
http://excelle.monster.com/benefits/articles/3388-15-toughest-interview-questions-and-answers


1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer:
―I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogs.‖
Don‘t just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.

Good answer:
―I‘ve always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew our clothes were amazing, but that we weren‘t marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25% in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in.‖


2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer:
―I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor‘s in Biology — but I decided that wasn‘t the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role.‖
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.

Good answer:
―I‘m really energetic, and a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I‘ve also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10% over two years. I‘m also really interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform.‖



3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad answer:
―He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I‘ve moved on.‖
Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).

Good answer:
―My last boss taught me the importance of time management, he didn‘t pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.‖



4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Bad answer:
―I can‘t stand my boss, or the work I‘m doing.‖
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.

Good answer:
―I‘ve learned a lot from my current role, but now I‘m looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set all of which, I see the potential for in this job.‖



5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
―Relaxing on a beach in Maui,‖ or "Doing your job.‘
There‘s really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you‘re ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.

Good answer:
―In five years I‘d like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I‘d like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole.‖



6. What’s your greatest weakness?
Bad answer:
―I work too hard,‖ or for the comedian, ―Blonds.‖
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don‘t want your answer to be cliche — joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.

Good answer:
―I‘ve never been very comfortable with public speaking — which, as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He said ―yes.‖ I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I‘ve given lots of presentations to audiences of over a 100 high level executives — I still don‘t love it, but no one else can tell!"



7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer:
―In my last job I earned $35,000 — so, now I‘m looking for $40,000.‖
―If you can avoid it, don‘t give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you‘ve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.‖

Good answer:
―I‘m more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I‘d expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City.‖



8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer:
―I‘m the best candidate for the role.‖
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.

Good answer:
―I‘ve been an Executive Assistant for the past ten years — my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I‘ve also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn‘t really understand the ins and outs of). I‘m an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do himself. What‘s good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.‖



9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer:
―I never finished law school — and everything that‘s happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake.‖
You don‘t want to actually highlight a major regret ñ especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.

Good answer:
―When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn‘t take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I‘d even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I‘m doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it‘s not worth doing at all.‖



10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
―I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,‖ or ―I just can‘t find a job.‖
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don‘t want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.

Good answer:
―My work is important to me, so I won‘t be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I‘m taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one.‖



11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
―I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.‖
Don‘t give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well and enjoyed that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you‘re a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.

Good answer:
I‘m a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as ―Good or Excellent‖ 95% of the time. Part of the reason I‘m interested in this job is that I know I‘d have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level."



12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
―A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.‖
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don‘t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won‘t be part of this new role.

Good answer:
―There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting — I didn‘t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I‘m happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.‖



13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.
Bad answer:
―I‘m easy to get along with, so I‘ve never had any kind of discord with another coworker.‖
Interviewers don‘t like these types of ‗easy out‘ answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning experience.

Good answer:
―I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things — from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child‘s family. Our personalities just didn‘t mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren‘t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.‖



14. What motivates you?
Bad answer:
―Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.‖
It‘s not that this answer is wrong — it‘s just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don‘t give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.

Good answer:
―I‘ve always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline — in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven — I‘m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.‖



15. How would your friends describe you?
Bad answer:
―I‘m a really good listener.‖
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn‘t care all that much. It‘s unlikely that they‘re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You‘ll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you‘re interviewing for — and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.

Good answer:
―My friends would probably say that I‘m extremely persistent — I‘ve never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job.But I really wanted the big players — so I wouldn‘t take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said ―yes‖ — the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it‘s just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it."

heartprints | YOU!

heartprints needs YOU! Help us improve the lives of youth + families by way of Mentoring | Jobs | Outreach, to inspire an energizing life of self affirming worth, and success! Volunteer | Donate | Inspire today, give us a hello@heartprints.org today!

"We're as great as we help others become!"
www.heartprints.org

"CALL TO ACTION" >> Volunteer | Donate | Inspire

heartprints needs YOU to participate! We are improving lives through the areas of Mentoring | Jobs | Outreach, and are providing the opportunity for leaders like yourself to be game changers for youth!

We're not "Waiting for Superman", more like "The Flash" (for movement/momentum), but it's not a person, it's a strategy, and an ACTIONABLE action plan. That strategy is utilizing heartprints to engage the key institutions (such as CPS, YMCA, YWCA, Strive/Mentoring Works, and others to learn insights) to interact through an aligned strategy to properly address, assess, and drive awareness through the essential constituents for building accountability of impacting OUR Schools, Parent(s)/Guardians, Teachers, and Community. We need to align and unite as a community to take ownership of our systems (together, and with action).

Sounds good, right?! So, "What do I do, and how do I align with such a movement?". Glad you asked! The opportunity to Volunteer as a Mentor/Tutor either through our partnership with the YMCA Mentoring Program, or "Adopting a Site" at an after school program as an individual, group, or company is awaiting your energy!

We provide the support, facilitators, tracking, impact, supervision, and resources so all you need to invest is your time. With your advocacy and volunteerism, we can align with the schools/organizations/community partners/community as a whole to interact around the key influence areas to impact youth, as well as their families, so they may improve their chances of success. Such areas, to mention a few, include >>

>Leadership
>Higher Education
>Jobs/Career
>Decision Making
>Participation

heartprints invites your support and engagement to participate as a Volunteer and or Donor. This can be achieved through becoming a Mentor/Tutor, sharing re-employment opportunities through our jobs initiative (CincyJobSpace), purchasing our "Charity Coffee", being an advocate and sharing our cause with others, and or donating supplies from our "Wish List". Have an amazing day.

With gratitude,
heartprints inc.

Give us a hello@heartprints.org today!
www.heartprints.org

heartprints Needs and Opportunities

Thank you "Cincy Not For Profit News" for sharing this and other opportunities!

Volunteer Heartprints Inc. is seeking those interested in mentoring and tutoring High School and Junior High Students, as well as volunteers for outreach ("Outreach Coordinators") to assist youth, families, and communities in need by earning donations/items and putting together care packages with educational supplies, health products, food, clothes, and other basic need items. To learn more, visit http://www.heartprints.org/ www.heartprints.org or mailto:info@heartprints.org info@heartprints.org.


Donate/Need NEED: Heartprints Inc. is in need of donations for putting together care packages for youth and families in need. Items needed are educational items (pens, pencils, paper, backpacks, computers/laptops, folders, books, reading and writing materials, notebooks...), health products (diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, disinfectants, detergent, soap...), clothes, bottled water, and non-perishable food items. You can also support heartprints through monetary donations at http://www.heartprints.org/ www.heartprints.org or mailto:info@heartprints.org info@heartprints.org.

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heartprints ::Handshake::

heartprints inc. is a community driven | positive impact 501(c)(3) approved non-profit organization that improves the lives of youth, families, and our communities through the focus areas of Mentoring | Jobs | Outreach to help people live a successful life.

We partner with schools, shelters, and other organizations to provide mentoring, tutoring, and materials, and supplies for those in need to improve education, leadership, decision making, and opportunities. Our CincyJobSpace initiative connects people to job leads, guidance, and resources for re-employment, general career related activities, and ways to volunteer as well.

Our Outreach consists of connecting our mentoring and jobs efforts to the materials, supplies, and other items to assist with basic needs so people can “go beyond the basics” to live a life of significance, respect, and success.

We not only provide our services in the Cincinnati, OH area, but have connected with schools, shelters, orphanages, and other organizations with mutual initiatives and values to collaborate on providing our assistance by sending clothes, food, health products, and educational supplies. Our international Outreach includes Nigeria (Lagos), Ghana (Accra), Mali, the Central African Republic, and the Honduras (La Ceiba).

Our partnerships are with Crimson Outreach and the Think!! Campaign. Collaborating with Crimson Outreach has allowed us to utilize the sales of coffee (“Coffee With A Cause!”) from the local Honduran community to assist in building a middle class, opportunities, as well as provide assistance such as how we helped build 3 homes, a school, and a water pump for residents. While mentoring we discovered that 30% of youth in the shelters we had assisted over the years would see jail and or prison one or more times in their life. While mentoring inmates, Think!! discovered the pattern of “thinking about consequences to actions” arose in each inmate’s story of civilian to prison example were the same. Think!! profiled the stories of African Americans, Latinos, and Caucasians, male, female, rich, and poor to connect this powerful message not only to inmates, but to inspire youth to consider their decision making as well.

Our partnerships and collaborations allow heartprints inc. to support our efforts towards sustainability and long term impact through the Development our Think!! DVD and Curriculum partnership, as well as coffee sales from “Coffee With A Cause!”. We also invite participation and support by Volunteering and Outreach through mentoring/tutoring, events, projects, and other initiatives. This along with depending on the generosity of Individual Contributions, Leadership Gifts from Donors (Cincinnatian Society), Corporate Donations, Grants, Sponsorships, and the donations of educational supplies, health products, and basic need items allow us to serve youth, families, and others through our community driven outreach efforts we lead.

We invite you to get involved by volunteering and or donating today, visit www.heartprints.org.

Sincerely,

heartprints inc.

www.heartprints.org

info@heartprints.org