Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
* How did you get your last job?
A polished answer is what is expected. Frame the answer in such a way that it shows how you had planned to get the job. Make sure it was not by happenstance.
* What was your position in your last employment?
Provide a consistent answer. Precision will help you from answering the questions which will follow from ambiguous answers.
* What is the reason for you leaving your last job?
Answer the question with confidence. Do not give a selfish answer. Frame the answer in a broader way. Do not point out short comings of the company.
* How did you hear about this position?
Be honest with the answer. This will help you from complicating the interview by giving a wrong answer later.
* Have you received any other job offers?
A positive answer can show that you are efficient. A positive answer should be true as it may be verified.
* What do you do with your spare time?
The interviewer is looking for some insight into your personality by asking the question. If you say something be ready to answer more question on the topic.
* What is your current salary?
Answer carefully. If you have filled up a form they would already know it.
* Have you been denied a salary increase?
A positive answer shows that you are a person with a problem.
* Have you had a pay cut?
A detailed explanation is needed it you agree you have had one. Be prepared for the follow up questions .A negative answer is the best.
* Have you been asked to resign?
Prepare in advance how to answer the question if the answer is yes. Disclose the circumstances objectively.
* Has your work been criticized?
This question asked by an experienced interviewer can give an insight into your ability to communicate, your tolerance to take criticism, and the environment you have been working. The ideal way is to describe a situation that shows your work was criticized, but portray them as being borne out by situation itself.
* We find gaps in your resume. What were you doing this time?
You should be prepared to answer the question before hand. Make your answer crisp, brief and focused on the point and but do not be defensive.
* Do you have any objection to psychological testing?
You can answer that you have no objection to being tested. The interviewer is probably just trying to find out if you have any problems.
* Can we contact your references?
Be sure that the references you give are people who will stand strong in your favour. You can therefore answer in the affirmative.
* Are you looking for a temporary or a permanent job?
Prepare your answer carefully before hand because it offers your potential employer a clear chance to judge you by the statement you make.
* How long have you been without work?
Answer the question with a convincing tone with a positive touch. If possible narrate why you were unable to work.
* What career option do you have at the moment?
Be specific with your answer. If you are answering to a human resource consultant you may quote your interest if not stick on to what you have applied for because the person may lose interest in you if you divert from the present context.
* What do you look in your job?
Whatever you say add that I am looking for a job where I can make meaningful contributions and grow professionally.
* Describe a major goal you have set for yourself?
Plan the answer carefully. Select a concrete project either professional or personal. It can be concerned with education or some personal development programme.
* How do you feel about your career progress so far?
Be frank with the answer. Keep it so straight forward that it becomes the answer to demonstrate satisfaction to a point which is the reason for deciding to move in the particular direction now.
* How do you define success?
This is a question which should be answered in a way to impress the interviewer. Example; I define success as being able to financially provide for my family while performing work that is tied to the success of the organization that employ me.
* What personal trait is needed to be a success in this job?
Some of the qualities that are to be included as you answer the question are Persistence, Work Ethics, Loyalty, Truthfulness and Insatiable Curiosity. Be ready for the follow up questions by preparing some instances where these qualities were put to use.
* What are your long range goals?
Aim for the top and express it politely. Do not forget to be practical and realistic.
* What will you do if this job is not offered to you?
Show your disappointment. Simply express how you have a lot to loose .
* If you could start your career again what changes will you prefer?
This is a tricky question .Be careful with your answer. Just point out how you could have improved your career rather than go for a change in career.
* What do you know about the position you are applying?
Do a lot of ground work before you attend the interview. This will help you to answer the question with precision.
* What is your learning style?
Even though it may look to be a silly question if asked a definite answer should be given .The question can be made use to project your systematic nature.
* How do you keep update with the latest trends in your job?
This is a question which throws light on your personality. It should be answered with accuracy. Include the latest techniques available like the Internet.
* Why did you choose the subject?
A simple question but it will show how you determined your career and what aspects made you choose the career that you are pursuing.
* Have you worked for a difficult person?
This question is aimed at you to show how you handle work pressure and how you will satisfy tense situations as and when they arise.
* How much time do you spend for your hobby?
A question to be answered in a creative and subtle way that the time you spend will not interfere with the working span.
* What mode of communication do you prefer?
In the present situation most of the big companies are with their communication on line. Answer the question considering the level to which you have applied for. Do not hesitate to say you are well versed in all modes
* Do you plan and organize before you start a work?
This question is aimed at you to show how systematically you plan and proceed with your projects. If you have experience give a systematic answer. Do not beat around the bush as they are looking for a concrete stuff in your answer.
* How were you evaluated in your last job?
Be brief and honest. Clarify the evaluation with a system.
* What are things that you find difficult to do?
The question is asked to make you answer the thing you do not like to do. Remember to have a piratical touch in your answers.
* What is your relationship with your former employer?
It is a question aimed at to know you better. The answer will throw light on how you were in the last work place.
* Describe a situation where you could not attain your goal?
Be ready with the answer before hand or you may land in trouble. Choose one and give correct details
* Can you work overtime?
Do not be intimidated. Agree if you are willing but clarify the details before making commitments.
* Do you have any questions?
Be casual and clear all the doubts you have. Do not try out any question that will bring forth any questions back to you.
* Have you had difficulty getting along with others?
Give a reply in the negative and bring forth the idea that you are easy to get along with others.
* What can you do for us that others cannot?
This is a question that can be answered to bring out your talents and to prove that you are efficient and dynamic.
* What reservations do you have about working here?
Do not have any negative at the moment to pint out. Answer the question with a positive statement. Point out the organization as one where you really wanted to belong and work.
* Why do you want to work here with us?
Do a deep study about the organization and have a list of merits ready so that you will be able to give a steady and easy answer.
* This job requires long hours will it be a problem for your spouse /children?
Frame the answer in such a way that you give equal importance to your work and family. You should be able to prove your credibility.
* Do your spouse work?
The question gives an insight if you are the only bread earner of the family. If the answer is yes there will be follow up questions as to who takes care of the children and the rest.
* Whom should we notify in case of an emergency?
The question gives a clear insight on whom you depend and trust .It is almost as equal as giving a reference.
* Are you in the habit of changing your jobs frequently?
Answer the question with the resume you have given .If it shows many places worked give a reply that you wish to stick to the present job applied for.
* What do your parents do?
The question is asked to understand the background of the applicant. If a parent has a positive tie- in to the organization /industry that you are seeing, employment you may mention this.
* Are you a religious person?
An odd question but if the organization is run by religious institutions your answer in the positive will have real good effects.
* What organizations do you belong to ?
You may list the various organization in which you are a member. Make sure you do not list any organization that can bring negative impact.
* How old are you?
Just a question asked to remind you that you are too old for the job or too young for the job. Be aware and answer the question with accuracy.
* How flexible are you ?
Be brief, direct and focused with the answer. Prepare the answer and keep it ready.
* How do you deal with change?
The ideal answer is to give an idea that you can accept any change as long as it is for the good. The answer also throw light on the personality. It also reflects how dynamic you are.
* Do you think you are too young for this post?
Convince the maturity that you have will stand in good stead than the years of experience.
* Will you be willing to start at a lower salary because of your inexperience?
Deal with the question by emphasizing the fact that inexperience will not come in the way of doing the work efficiently. Have many justifications to prove it.
* Do you have any disability?
This is a broad question to be answered carefully. If you have any, disclose them.
* How long have you been disabled?
A follow up question of the previous one that can be supported with documents.
* Have you filed a compensation claim with any company you worked for?
If the answer is yes it is better to say that you do not wish to answer the question and end at it. There is no law that prevents one from getting a job because of prior workers compensation claim.
* Have you been a target of sexual harassment? Have you filed a complaint?
This question is raised to determine your proclivity to take legal action at work place. Be open and express yourself freely as the question came from them and it was not you who initiated it.
* Have you ever been arrested?
The question can be answered negative unless you were arrested and proved guilty by a court of law. This is because a person who is arrested is innocent until proven guilty.
* Has any court found you guilty?
This question is asked to clear and clarify if any criminal record is present.