There are usually two types of questions asked in job interviews. The first set of questions we'll be discussing generally requires objective answers relating to your qualifications and work experience, as well as those that require you to expound on your personality and attitude.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF
It's a very rare occasion that you meet an individual who has experienced going to numerous job interviews and has never been asked to describe themselves. This question is usually asked at the start of the interview and your answer is usually the sole basis for the first impression your interviewer will have of you.
For that very reason, it's important to keep your answer of moderate length - not too short, but not too long either. Just give them a sneak peek of who you are.
EXPLAIN WHY YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB
Naturally, this is the right time to state all the positive things about you that would make you the ideal candidate for the job. Remember not to go overboard however, as that would turn your prospective employer off rather than convince them to hire you.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE COMPANY AND WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US?
The answers the interviewer would receive in response to this question will help them recognize which applicants are simply interested in the perquisites of the job (high pay, travel incentives, and so forth) and which ones sincerely desire to work for their company.
WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR OLD JOB?
While it's absolutely necessary that you do not lie about anything related to your previous employment; it's better, however, not to draw too much attention to anything which may make you look like an undesirable candidate for the job. If you're suddenly confronted with an unpleasant truth - showing that the interviewer has done a thorough research on your work background - just try to be as candid as you can whenever you reply to your interviewer's questions.
The second type of questions are mainly situational and let the interviewer know how you'd normally react under different circumstances. It lets the company know, for instance, how good you are at managing people, handling pressure, and interacting with clients.
DESCRIBE YOUR COPING TECHNIQUES WHEN ASKED TO DEAL WITH HIGHLY STRESSFUL SITUATIONS
The best way to answer this question is offering a specific situation where you were indeed able to cope successfully in spite of a stressful atmosphere. Explain about the factors that contributed to such an atmosphere then move on to the coping techniques you employed to keep your head clear and focused.
ARE YOU GOAL-ORIENTED?
Naturally, your answer must be YES. And to make your answer thorough and compelling, look back to your past once more and specify the most difficult goal that you were able to achieve and what you did to make that possible.
HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY DEAL WITH CONFLICTS?
People have different ways of dealing with conflicts. Whatever your answer is, it's imperative that you can show yet another past situation where your method was able to successfully diffuse tension and resolve differences.
GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF A SITUATION WHEN YOU FAILED TO ATTAIN YOUR OBJECTIVE
No matter what experience you have in this area, it's imperative that you stress how you got back on your feet and refused to let failure hamper you from trying again!
GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF A TIME YOU TOOK INITIATIVE AND ITS OUTCOME
This is a very important question especially if you're applying for a position of authority such as one at the managerial or executive level. Your answer must clearly emphasize your competency in leading.
This list offers some of the basic types of interview questions you will encounter. Be certain to prepare yourself, and don't go into an interview cold.
The types of questions you may be asked will differ according to the requirements of the particular job. Generally speaking, there are two types of interview: the general interview and the technical interview. These interview types differ according to the questions asked. The questions asked in the general interview remain very similar regardless of the job. In this style of interview, the aim is to test the candidate for their communication skills and confidence.
Some examples of typical questions are:
* Can you please tell us what educational qualifications you have? * What school/university etc did you attend to complete your education? * What particular position in our company have you applied for? * Do you feel confident that you can obtain this job? * What was your job before applying for this one? * Are you looking for a stable and permanent job with our company or would you consider leaving after a period of time? * What is the highest priority for you: the payment, job satisfaction, job security, or convenience? * What was the level of your previous salary? * What expectations do you have of our company? What payment would you expect if you were successful in obtaining this position? * What knowledge do you possess about our company? * Are there any medical or disability issues regarding your ability to perform the tasks required in this position? Do you have any specific requirements to assist you at work? * What other interests and hobbies do you pursue? * Briefly detail a few examples of when you applied your analytical abilities in the past. * What are your long-term goals? * What are your short-term goals? * Where do you expect to be five years from now? * Tell us why you think that you are the best person for this job. * Why did you choose to leave your previous employment? * Tell us what you think is meant by ?a team player?? * Can you cite examples from the past when you demonstrated that you were a team player? * How would you handle a dispute with a colleague? * Can you provide us with a few examples from the past, when you were able to successfully avoid an argument? * Can you give a brief description of an interesting incident that happened during your previous job? * What do you feel you can achieve by having the opportunity to work with this company? * Whereabouts do you live? * Would you be comfortable if you were offered a transfer in the future? * (If living at a distance) Would you have any difficulties with traveling this distance each day? * Is there anything that you would like to know about this company?
These are only a few of the common personal questions that are often asked for all types of jobs in many organizations. These may often be asked by a particular interviewer whose special responsibility it is to ask them. The technical questions are asked by special technical interviewers.
It is important that your answers to these questions depict clear and professional thinking and that they are answered confidently.
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