10 Killer Job Interview Questions and Answers
Behind every interview question, there is a concern or another question.
Interview Skills – Questions They May Ask and Answers You Should Give
Behind every interview question, there is a concern or another question.
Your job is to process the question, thinking about what the interviewer’s concern might be. In other words, why is the interviewer asking you this question?
Check out these 10 Killer Job Interview Questions and Answers.
Interview Questions and Answers
Interview Question 1
How long have you been looking for a job?
(Concern – is there something wrong with you that other employers have picked up?)
Answer
“After I was laid off from my last job, I took the opportunity to take some time out to examine my career goals and where I was going with my life. I have just begun my search in the last few weeks. I have a definite goal in mind and have been selective about the positions I consider. Your company and this position are of great interest to me.”
Interview Question 2
How did you prepare for this job interview?
(Concern – are you interested enough to do some research, or are you going to “wing it”?)
Answer
“When I found this position posted on the internet (monster.com) I was immediately interested. I checked out the company website and mission statement looked at the bios of company founders and executives and was impressed. Once I had the interview appointment, I talked with friends and acquaintances in the industry. And, I’m sure I’ll find out a lot more in today’s meetings.”
Interview Question 3
What is your salary expectation for this job?
(Concern – Can we afford you? Can we get you for less than budgeted?)
Answer
“I’ll need more information about the job and the responsibilities involved before we can begin to discuss salary. Can you give me an idea of the range budgeted for this position?”
Interview Question 4
How do you keep current and informed about your job and the industries that you have worked in?
(Concern – Once you get the job do you continue to learn and grow – stay challenged and motivated?)
Answer
“I pride myself on my ability to stay on top of what is happening in my industry. Consistently I do a lot of reading – the business section of newspapers and magazines. Recently I joined a couple of professional organisations and I network with colleagues at the meetings. Also, I take classes and seminars whenever they are of interest or offer new information or technology.”
Interview Question 5
Tell me about a time when you had to plan and coordinate a project from start to finish.
(Concern – behavioural questions – seeking an example of specific past behaviour)
Answer
“I headed up a project which involved customer service personnel and technicians. I organised a meeting to get everyone together to brainstorm and get his or her input. From this meeting I drew up a plan, taking the best of the ideas. I organised teams, balancing the mixture of technical and non-technical people. We had a deadline to meet, so I did periodic checks with the teams. After three weeks, we were exceeding expectations and were able to begin the implementation of the plan. It was a great team effort and a big success. I was commended by management for my leadership, but I was most proud of the team spirit and cooperation which it took to pull it off.”
Interview Question 6
What kinds of people do you have difficulties working with?
(Concern – the ability to be flexible and work in a diverse environment?)
Answer
“In my last three jobs, I have worked with people from very diverse backgrounds and cultures. The only time I had difficulty was with people who were dishonest about work issues. I worked with one woman who was taking credit for work that her team accomplished. I had an opportunity to talk with her one day and explained how she was affecting morale. She became very upset that others saw her that way and said she was unaware of her behaviour or the reactions of others. Her behaviour changed after our talk. What I learnt from that experience is that sometimes what we perceive about others is not always the case if we check it out.”
Interview Question 7
We expect managers to work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have a problem with that?
(Concern – are you a workaholic or a person who requires balance?)
Answer
“I have no problem working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14-hour days. What I have found works for me is to work smarter, not necessarily longer. My goal is to get the job done, whatever that takes, in the most efficient manner.”
Interview Question 8
When have you been most satisfied in your career?
(Concern – what motivates you? Or de-motivates you?)
Answer
“The job before the one I am currently at was the most rewarding experience for me. I worked in a wonderful team environment. There was a lot of camaraderie. I worked with a team of four people and we did some really original thinking. It is that kind of environment I want to be involved in again.”
Interview Question 9
Why do you want this job?
(Concern – are you using the shot-gun approach to job search or do you really know what you want?) Use this guide – Uncovering the Interviewer’s Hidden Needs
Answer
“I’ve been very careful about the companies I have applied to. When I saw the ad for this position, I knew I found what I was looking for. What I can bring to this job is my seven years of experience, and knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to communicate and build customer relationships. That, along with my flexibility and organisational skills, makes me a perfect match for this position. I see some challenges ahead of me here, and that’s what I thrive on. I have what you need, and you have what I want.”
Interview Question 10
We are ready to make an offer. Are you ready to accept today?
(Concern – we don’t want you to go away and think about it and change your mind – we want you.)
Answer
“Based on my research and the information I have gathered during the interview process, I feel I am in a position to consider an offer. I do, however, have a personal policy that I give myself at least 24 hours to make major life decisions. I could let you know by tomorrow.”
There is no way you can accurately predict the questions that will be asked in an interview, but you can be ready and prepared by thinking about the factors that might concern an interviewer or employer before the interview.
This article was contributed by Carole Martin
Interviewing for a customer service role? Try our top ten customer service tips.
Interview Questions and Answers
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