One With The Machine

1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. An adjective would do like “I’m eager” from there the question will go deeper. Make sure you don’t state negative attributes.

2. Why did you leave your last job?
Be as honest as possible, if you didn’t like the management then say it. At least you would know if the company you’re applying for has the same management style. This will save you a lot of future grief.

3. What experience do you have in this field?
If you have previous job experience the state them all. But if not then get as close as possible, and say something like “I think there can never be a perfect employee, as well as there could never be a perfect company. All I’m asking for like every other applicants is the chance to prove myself, and I would be very happy if you grant me that opportunity”

4. Do you consider yourself successful?
Yes or No, if you go for yes then it would be an easy way out. But if you go No, I would suggest that you answer something like “well I think I’m not yet successful as I’m not yet satisfied with my current output (in terms of knowledge gain or performance). I guess its natural for people not to feel success until they reach a certain age.” Or say something like “90% of the populate of in the world today is dissatisfied, I think I part of it… but I take it’s a good thing since it promotes perseverance on my end”

5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. If you don’t have then make something up that doesn’t sound like your blowing your own horn. “I was always referred to as the worker ant in our tiny/huge colony” LOL

6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. This is also your chance to show your interest on the company. After answering the question, make sure you ask a question back. Like “what other products do you have?”

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
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.

8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus

9. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

10. What kind of salary do you need?
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 a 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 that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.”

11. Are you a team player?
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 attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

12. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Say something like “I hope I could work here as long as possible, as long as you’re happy with my performance”, if you have future plans of going to other places to look for work, don’t state it.

13. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

14. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

15 Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved. But if you were involved in a very scandalous situation then for all means use BS technique (you got nothing to lose, because you already lost it!).

16. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
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.

17. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison. If you’re not really qualify for the position but still would want that job say something like “hard work surpass genius”

18. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
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 work applied for is a real plus.

19. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great. Say something like “I never really have that kind of experience before, and I hope I won’t with my next company”

20. What is your greatest strength?
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 ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

21. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can’t wait to get to work.

But if you want to be a bit humorous and a bit sarcastic say something very impossible like if you’re applying for a software developer position then say “I want to be an Astronaut, but that’s just my dream job”

22. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest. And if all things fail, say something “I think I can given the chance an time to adjust” always stay positive

23. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest. But if you really need the job then say yes (you would want them to believe that you’re the “perfect” candidate until you find a better offer)

24. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did
not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

25. When can you start working?
This is very positive question which could mean you got the job, if you don’t currently have work and not applying for another company. Then say “As soon as possible”. But if you’re currently employed and still looking for other options (better offers). Then tell them that “your company requires you to 30days notice, so probably 30-45days from now”, this will give you enough time to decide if you really want to continue.