INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

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The following answers are provided as samples only. It is important to reword them personally, since memorized textbook responses do not appeal to employers as much as genuine, well thought-out answers.

 

1.  Tell Me About Yourself

 

Purpose:

            To put you at ease.

            To learn from you why they should or should not hire you.

To find out if your mind is on what you can offer the employer or if it is on personal concerns   that may interfere with your work performance.

            To learn a little bit about your background.

 

Suggestions:

Briefly touch on the following three areas.

            A.  Your qualifications and experience related to this position.

            B.  Your attributes, including your ability to get along with others.

C.  Some appropriate personal information to indicate stability and a wall rounded character.  For example, personal interests, community involvement and fitness.

Be prepared for further questions from the interviewer about the interesting points you have made.

 

EXAMPLE:

 

“In terms of my work experience I offer a solid                      (Name your field) background that includes                      (Give a brief qualifications’ benefit statement).  In terms of my personal attributes I am                      and                      (Mention a few of your attributes) and I really enjoy this field of work.  On a personal note I                     (Name a physical activity), I

                     (Name a hobby or interest) and enjoy                       as a (family/community) activity.  I (we) have settled in this area and I’m looking forward to working for an organization such as this.”

 

2.  Tell Me About Your Experience with This Type of Work

 

Purpose:

            To find out if you can do the job or not.

 

Suggestions:

A.  If you have done this work, state where and give examples of your achievements.

B.  If you have done related work, or had related training, say so and list your transferable skills indicating    your interest in this position and willingness to learn.

C.  If you have not done this work, mention work-related attributes and skills and quickly indicate your interest in on-the-job training.  If eligible, describe wage subsidy possibilities.

 

EXAMPLE:

 

If you have specific experience:

“Yes, I worked at                      (Name(s) of companies from                      (Date) to                       (Name duties) and my achievements were                      (Name special results/ achievements.)  My training in this field includes                            (Summarize training).”

 

 

If you have no specific experience:

 

“My background includes                      (Name related transferable skills, training), I’m quick to learn, I take pride in meeting the goals and standards of an organization and once trained in your specific                      (Product, service, procedures), I feel I would be an asset to your firm.”

 

3.  Why Do You Want to Work Here?

 

Purpose:

            To find out what you know and like about the organization and if you would stay. 

            To see if your work qualifications fit their requirements and approach.

To find out if you are genuinely interested in contributing to the company or only want the security, benefits or prestige they offer.

 

Suggestions:

A.  Describe what you know about the organization.  If you can honestly compliment the company on such points as its reputation, service, product, location, growth, quality or appearance, do so.  Indicate the interest and care you have put into collecting background information. 

B.  Indicate your liking for the work you do and how your skills match their requirements.

            C.  Make ”you” statements, not  “I need” statements.

 

EXAMPLE:

 

(IF you can give specific, honest examples)

“Your organization has a reputation for                      (Give examples) and I’m really interested in utilizing my                      (Your occupational field) skills here and growing with the company.”

 

4.  Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

 

Purpose:

            To discover any problems you have that would be a reason not to hire you.

To assess your attitude toward employers, supervisors, policies, organizational changes, or difficult situations.      

 

Suggestions:

A.  Find something positive to say about your former company (its product, service) and its personnel.

            B.  Briefly and matter-of-factly state your reason for leaving.

C.  If you left on good terms or have a good letter of reference from you last job, say so.

D.  If you left on bad terms, keep in mind that your interviewer may check references.  Mention what the employers appreciated about you, some of your work achievements and the good relationships you still have with some personnel, and the opportunity you seek for new challenges and career growth and contribution.

 

 EXAMPLES:

 

Check your reasons for leaving your last job from the following possibilities.

 

A.  If you left on good terms:

            For business reasons:

• The company went out of business.

• Our department was moved to another province.

• There was new ownership with a change of staff.

• The company downside due to merger/economy/other.

•  It was seasonal work.

• The hours were reduced.

• The contract ended.

• There was a change in government/municipal/company policy.

• Other

 

            For personal reasons:

• To look after the family.

• To attend to a one-time medical matter that is now taken care of.

• To reassess my career.

• To find a position that required less travel time and time away from my family.

• To take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to such as travel.

• I moved.

 

B.  If you left on bad terms:

• There was a company reorganization and my job description changed.

• We just didn’t see eye to eye.

• It was time for a change.

• I did a career evaluation and realized that the position I am applying for is really where I should be at this point in time.

• The company was taking a new direction and this offered an opportunity to re-evaluate my own career goals and development.

• For reasons of company confidentiality I am not at liberty to discuss this.  However, I want to assure you of my excellent work record and personal performance level and integrity. Here is a copy of my most recent performance evaluation/reference letter.

• Other.

 

5.  What Kind of Salary Do You Need?

 

Purpose:

To find out how close you come to what they are willing to pay and if you are realistic about current salary ranges and rates.

            To get an idea of your own sense of self-worth.

 

 

Suggestions and Examples:

            A. Politely say:

“I’m really interested in finding out what salary range you are offering.”

They will often share this information.

B.  Express your interest in working for them and request more specific information about the job description if you need it, stating that your responsibilities will influence the salary.

 

“I’m negotiable and ready to discuss an amount which is fair to both of us, and takes into account my responsibilities and qualifications.”

C.  If the employers are obviously interested in hiring you, or insist on an answer name an amount or range that you know is realistic.  Know what you need to make your personal monthly budget.  Ask about benefit plan, raises and opportunities for training and promotion if they are indicating an interest in hiring you.

 

6.  How Much Were You Absent from Work in Your Last Job?

 

Purpose:

            Find out if they can depend on you to be at work.

 

Suggestions and Examples:

A.  If you had an excellent attendance record, say so.  Show enthusiasm and liking for the field you are in.

“I’ve had an excellent attendance record.  I take pride in my work and know that my contribution is needed.”

B.  If you had poor attendance and it was due to something now dealt with, briefly explain this to the employer.  Indicate that you are committed to having a reliable work record. Mention positive references and previous good work or school records.

 

7.  How is Your Health?

 

Purpose:

To find out if you will miss work, or perform poorly, costing the employer money and time.

 

Suggestions:

            Do not mention anything that will not interfere with your work performance:

 

A.  If you have excellent health, say so.  If you are over 45, or if your health may be in doubt, briefly mention any positive points you can make about your fitness, stamina and ability to cope with pressure.  Indicate a positive work attitude.

B.  If your health is poor, or you have an obvious disability, or you missed work in the past for physical or mental health reasons, put any doubts to rest by assuring the employer that you are ready for work.  If appropriate, have employment and medical references available.  Also, ask to demonstrate your ability to perform your work if it is a physical disability or if you give the appearance of not being able to do the work. If you are eligible, mention a wage subsidy.

 

8.  When Are You Available for Work?

Purpose:

            To find out how soon you can start.

            To find out if you have other commitments.

Suggestions:

A.  If you are free to start immediately and if you are keen to work for the company, say so.

            B.  If you are working and need to give notice, state the length of time you need.

 

9.  What Are Your Greatest Strengths?

 

Purpose:

            To discover reasons for hiring you.

            To find out how well you know yourself.

To find out if you believe in yourself and are confident that you are the right person for the position.

 

Suggestions:

Briefly mention that besides the work skills, training and/or experience that you would contribute, you also offer job-related qualities such as (list your attributes).  If possible, and if there is time, be ready to back these attributes up with specific illustrations, for example, a time at work when you met a tight deadline.

 

10.  What Are Your Weaknesses?

 

Purpose:

To discover if you are wrong for the job due to such reasons as a lack of experience or training, poor people skills, refusal to follow orders, poor attitude, laziness, and inability to cope with pressure, to name a few.

 

Suggestions:

A.  Describe a positive attribute that you know you have.  For example state that it’s important to you to meet deadlines; maintain high standards; satisfy the customer; maintain the equipment; or see that all messages are answered.  Then continue with a statement of reassurance such as: “I have to really make myself be patient (diplomatic, firm) when I see that this is not happening.”  Be ready to describe such a situation and how you effectively handled it.

        OR

B.  Honestly state an obvious weakness or disability, then describe factors that compensate for it.  Remember that once you have raised a doubt you have to explain it immediately.

            OR

            C.  If you genuinely cannot think of any weaknesses, tell the employer this.

 

EXAMPLE:

“I’m so enthusiastic that I want to do 100 things at once, so I have to sit down and make a list of priorities and plan a schedule.  That always works well with me.” 

“I’m eager to have computer training, so I’m enrolling in evening courses for next term.”

 

11.  What Was Your Last Employer’s Opinion of You?

Purpose:

To find out how you perceive your relationship and performance with your former employer.

To compare your opinion with that of the last employer. To find out reasons to hire or not hire you.

 

Suggestions:

A.  Indicate if you had a good relationship with your employer and mention some of the employer’s qualities that you admire. If you have a good written reference or performance evaluation, quote it and have it available.  Mention positive facts that the employer had mentioned and would probably say about you.

B.  If you left on bad terms, mention that you did not see eye-to-eye on some issues.  Then mention the positive aspects of your performance that the employer would likely agree were true.  For example, your punctuality, quality of work, ability to deal with the public, or others.  Mention any positive facts about the employer or product, and omit reference to the negative ones.

 

12.  What Are Your Long-range Goals?

 

Purpose:

            To discover whether you will stay with the company.

            To find out what it is that you really want.

            To identify your career plans.

            To see if your goals fit in with the company.

Suggestions:

Keep your answer work-related, with this company in mind.  State your interest in and commitment to staying and growing in this field of work.

 

13.  What Kind of Machines or Equipment Have You Worked With?

 

Purpose:

            To find out if you can fill the job requirements and operate their equipment.

 

Suggestions:

Name the job related equipment you can operate giving specific types, brand names, categories, sizes and where and how you used it.  If you have not operated the equipment they have, assure them of experience on similar types and express a willingness to learn.

 

14.  Can You Work Under Pressure or Tight Deadlines?

 

Purpose:

            To find out if you can fill the job requirements and operate their equipment.

 

Suggestions and Examples:

            A.  Reply to this with “yes” if that is true of you.

            B.  Say that:

“ I know pressure and deadlines are a part of work and I enjoy meeting realistic goals and challenges.”

 

C.  Give job-related examples from your past experience to show how well you coped with pressure.  Describe what you consider normal deadlines and pressures for the type of work you would be doing.

D.  If you cannot cope with pressure, first state some positive strong points (for example your thoroughness, cheerful attitude, punctuality) then add that you prefer knowing deadlines well in advance and work better in that situation.

 

15.  Are You Thinking of Going Back to School or College?

 

Purpose:

• To find out if you will not be staying very long.  (Employers invest time and money in locating and training new employees which they do not want to lose.)

• To discover your career plans and ambitions.

 

Suggestions:

            A.  If you plan to stay in this field for quite a while, state this.

B.  If you are going back for more education full-time, be honest.  State when this would happen, then assure the employer of advantages of hiring you such as your ability to learn quickly, reliability, productivity, compatibility and honesty.

C.  If you are going back for courses that are on your own time, say so.  Five assurances that it will not interfere with productivity.  Let the employer know if the courses are work-related and that you are eager to upgrade your skills and stay up-to-date.

D.  Indicate readiness to take any training or upgrading offered or recommended by the employer.  Some organizations pay for training.         

               

16.  What is Your Greatest Achievement?

 

Purpose:

Discover if you are able to recognize and share this information.  Provide even more reason to hire you and get your talents working for them.

 

Suggestions:

            A.  Briefly describe a work-related achievement that shows your knowledge and expertise in the field, or in dealing with people or problem-solving.  Give specifics about the situation.  If you are new to the workforce or are re-entering it, take an example from school, volunteer or part-time work, or recreational challenges.  Then show how the skill is transferable to this job.  It might, for example, demonstrate quick-thinking, flexibility, leadership, creativity or dedication.             

 

EXAMPLE:

 

“When I was with                      company, I increased the rate of (Customer return/productivity/bottom-line profit/accident prevention/product protection/other) because of my                      (Give reasons).”

 

17.  How Long Have You Been Out of Work?  How Often Have You Changed Jobs?

 

Purpose:

            To find out if you have a work-ready attitude.

            To find out if you are a poor risk who will not stay on.

            To see if you are settled, able to cope and be reliable, and get along with others.

 

Suggestions:

A.  State the length of time it has been since you left your last job, then, if it is true, point out that you have been working diligently at a full-time professional job search, doing career planning, interviewing people in the field and staying up to date with industry trends.  Be careful about mentioning volunteer or family work too much in case the employer gets the impression that it will take all your time even when you are working.

B.  Explain any good reasons you had for changing jobs so often.  These could include moving, the recession, cutbacks, or a health or family concern (such as a child or elder-care) seasonal or contract work, or other reasons.

 

18.  Illegal Questions

 

Employment:

Except where there is a genuine occupational requirement, it is discriminatory and contrary to the Human Rights Act[1] for a person or an employer to refuse to employ or to dismiss a person, or to discriminate against a person with respect to any term or condition of employment because of the person’s:

T         race

T         colour 

T         ancestry

T         place of origin           

T         political belief

T         marital status

T         physical or mental disability

T         age

T         sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), or conviction for a criminal or summary conviction charge that is unrelated to the employment.

 

It is also contrary to the Human Rights Act for an employer to pay less to one sex for work that is similar or substantially similar to work performed by the other sex.

If you are asked an illegal question it is important not only to know your rights but also to be able to respond to the question with dignity and assertiveness.  If it is an employer you want to work for, indicate a willingness to demonstrate your suitability for the job without compromising your rights.

            Respond with a counter question.

 

EXAMPLES:

“Could you tell me how my (age, marital status, place of birth, religion, etc.) might have any bearing on the job I am applying for?”

 

            OR

 

“That’s a very interesting question. I’d be happy to answer it if you could tell me the reason for asking it”

 

If the employer does not mention a topic but you feel it could be an unstated concern, you may want to tactfully bring the subject out into the open and put doubts to rest.

                       

• Mention: experience, fitness, flexibility, current knowledge, maturity, stability, no child-care commitments, common sense, reputation and business/client contacts.  There may be an objection that you are over-qualified, or may expect a higher salary or pension.  Mention (if it is true) that, at this point in your career, job-satisfaction is a higher value for you than a higher profile, higher paying position and this is what you want to be doing.

• Youth

• Mention: flexibility, pride in punctuality and work performance, energy, eagerness to learn, any good attendance, sports or academic achievements at school, reference from previous employer, paid or volunteer.