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Resume Writing/Interview Tips
FAQ's


SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS/ ANSWERS
 
Some of the expected Questions along with sample Answers are given below. A candidate will have to appreciate the expected Questions and prepare his Answers relevant to the Company, the job applied for and his previous job/experience.
  1. Question : How Would You Describe Yourself ?
    Answer When you respond, keep in mind the type of position you are applying for,
    the company culture, and the work environment. Your answer should help show the
    interviewer why you’re a match for the job and for the company.

    • I’m a people person. I really enjoy meeting and working with a lot of different people.
    • I’m a perfectionist. I pay attention to all the details, and like to be sure that everything is just right.
    • I’m a creative thinker. I like to explore alternative solutions to problems and have an open mind about what will work best.
    • I’m efficient and highly organised. This enables me to be as productive as possible on the job.
    • I enjoy solving problems, troubleshooting issues, and coming up with solutions in a timely manner.
  2. Question : What Have You Been Doing Since Your Last Job ?
    Answer The best way to answer this question is to be honest, but do have an answer prepared. You will want to let the interviewer know that you were busy and active, regardless of whether you were out of work by choice, or otherwise. Here are some suggestions on how to explain what you did while you were out of the workforce.
    • I worked on several freelance projects, while actively job seeking
    • I volunteered for a literacy program that assists disadvantaged children
    • My aging parents needed a temporary caregiver and I spent time looking after them
    • I spent time constructing a house
    • I took some education/skill trg classes
    It doesn’t really matter what you did, as long as you have an explanation.  Hiring managers understand
    that people lose their job- it can happen to anyone - and it’s not always easy to find a new job fast. Also, there are legitimate non-employment reasons for being out of the work.
  3. Question : What were your Responsibilities ?
    Answer. 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 your responsibilities that are directly related to the new job’s requirement. 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. Interviewers expect a candidate for employment to discuss what they do while they are working in detail. Before you answer, consider the position you are applying for and how your current or past positions relate to it. The more you can connect your past experience with the job opening, the more successful you will be at answering the questions.
    It should be obvious that it’s not a good idea to talk about no-work related activities that you do on company time. Keep your answers focused on work and show the interviewer that you’re organised
    (“The first thing I do on Monday morning is check my voicemail and email, then I prioritize my activities for the week.”) and efficient.
  4. Question : How Do You Handle Stress/Pressure ?
    Answer A typical interview question, asked to get a sense of how you handle on-the-job stress, is “How do you handle pressure?” Examples of good responses include: Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive.

    • I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn’t become stressful
    • I actually work better under pressure and I’ve found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment.
    • From a personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every evening.It’s a great stress reducer.
    • Prioritizing my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done when, has helped me effectively manage pressure on the job.
    • It the people I am managing are contributing to my stress level, I discuss options for better handling difficult situations with them.
    • I find that when I’m under the pressure of a deadline, I can do some of my most creative work.
    • I’m not a person who has a difficult time with stress.When I’m under pressure, I focus, and get the job done.
    • I find it exhilarating to be in a dynamic environment where the pressure is on.
    • I find a past pace to be invigorating, and thrive when the pressure is on.
    • I’ve done some of my best work under tight deadlines, where the atmosphere was very stressful.
    • I’m the kind of person who stays calm under pressure, and handles stress fairly easily.
    It’s a good idea to give examples of how you have handled stress to your interviewer.That way, they get a clear picture how well you can work in stressful situations.

    Interview Questions to Ask the Employer
  5. It’s your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be
    asked is ”What can I answer for you?” Have interview questions of your own ready to ask.You
    aren’t simply trying to get this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether
    this company and the position are a good fit for you. Here are questions to ask the interviewer
    so you can ensure the company is a good match for your qualifications and interest.
  6. Interview Questions to Ask the Employer
    • How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
    • How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
    • How much travel is expected?
    • Is relocation a possibility?
    • What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
    • What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
    • If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
    • When can I expect to hear from you?
    • Are there any other questions I can answer for you?
  7. Interview Questions NOT to Ask
    • What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)
    • If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to mention prior commitments)
    • Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work don’t mention it now ....)
    • Did I get the job? (Don’t be impatient. They’ll let you know.)

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