Common Interview Questions and how to answer them

[Tuandamane]

One of the easiest ways to build confidence before a job interview is to prepare answers to questions you might be asked. Whether you're applying for a position as a web programmer, accountant, or legal secretary, interviewers often use some general questions to assess candidates, so you'll increase your chances for success if you prepare for them in advance.

Six common questions are listed below, along with insights from several recruitment professionals about how to answer. As part of your interview preparation, take the time to formulate answers to each question, focusing on specific tasks and accomplishments.

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

This is one of the most well-known interview questions, and interviewers often ask it indirectly, as in, "What did your most recent boss suggest as areas for improvement in your last performance review?"

This is tailoring your "strengths" answer to skills that will benefit the prospective employer. Though you may have a knack for building gingerbread houses, it might be of little value for the job at hand.

When it comes to weaknesses, or areas of growth, Olson recommends building on your answer to include "how you have improved, and specifics on what you have done to improve yourself in those areas."

"Why did you leave your last position?"

"Interviewers will always want to know your reasoning behind leaving a company ? particularly short stints," says Olson. "Be prepared to tell the truth, without speaking negatively about past employment."

"Can you describe a previous work situation in which you ... ?"

This question comes in many forms, but what the interviewer is looking for is your behavior on the job. Your answer could focus on resolving a crisis, overcoming a negotiation deadlock, handling a problem coworker, or juggling multiple tasks on a project.

The theory behind this type of question is that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, The key to responding well is preparing real job examples, describing your behavior in specific situations that demonstrate important skills that the job requires.

"What is your ideal work environment?"

This question is not about whether you prefer a cubicle or an office, so think broadly to include ideas about supervision, management styles, and your workday routine.

This question is used to candidates because it can give "a sense of their work habits, how flexible they are with their schedules, and how creative they are."

"How do you handle mistakes?"

The best strategy for this general question is to focus on one or two specific examples in the past and, if possible, highlight resolutions or actions that might have relevance to the job you're interviewing for.

(Employers want to know they're hiring someone with the maturity to accept responsibility and the wherewithal to remedy their own mistakes

"What is your most notable accomplishment?"

Candidates think of three or four accomplishments and quantify what their actions meant in terms of increasing revenues, saving resources, or improving resources.

This is to being able to quantify achievements in candidate career, also will launch a candidate ahead of the rest, and demonstrate ability to do the same as a future employee.

The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview

Being prepared is half the battle.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extra careful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."

Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and developments emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.

6. Why should we hire you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your definition of [the position for which you are being interviewed].

Keep your answer brief and task oriented. Think it in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain, asks the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?

Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's your opinion?

Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so well qualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?

You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction").

A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.

As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work happily and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?

Keep your answer achievement and task-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. What do you look for when you hire people?

Think in terms of skills. Initiative and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?

Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?

Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employees to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.

The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?

Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?

Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?

Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?

Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?

Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"

If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.

If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.

If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.

If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to respond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)

Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.

But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. What are your long-range goals?

Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..."

25. How successful do you you've been so far?

Say that, all-in-all; you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.

Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.

More:

Read THIS POST

 

[IsayaMwita]

Tuandamane,
Si mpaka wakuulize hivyo ama? je wakiuchuna tu unadhani utaanza kubwabwaja bila kuulizwa? usiwafanye watu kukariri haya,

 

[Tuandamane]

Tuandamane,
Si mpaka wakuulize hivyo ama? je wakiuchuna tu unadhani utaanza kubwabwaja bila kuulizwa? usiwafanye watu kukariri haya,

Mkuu haya ni maswali are very very common kwy intvws, nyingi almost zote,rejea kichwa cha habari Six Common Job-Interview Questions nimeyaleta hapa ili wadau wapate uwanja mpana wa kujua kwanini wanauliza maswali haya na lengo ni nini na jinsi ya kujibu , bado naamini kabisa hii post ita wasaidia wengi sana

Kuhusu kujibu si lazima ufuate haya yaliyowekwa hapa, from here utakua very confident na kujibu maswali yao, Mkuu nahisi hujanielewa kabisa lengo la kuweka hii post, na kuwa na walakini kama unauzoefu na intvws

Bado kama hii post si ya faida kwako unaweza tuu ukaiignore

 

[IsayaMwita]

Mkuu,

Nimekuelewa kumbe kila utakapokwenda popote ni lazima ukutane na haya maswali, sawa mkuu, keep it up,

 

[Shukuru]

Jamani kasema common questions means they tend to appear so many times in most of the interviews; so si lazima uyakute ila ni rahisi sana kuyakuta..

 

[IsayaMwita]

Shukuru,
Kwani nimebicha? nimebicha!!!!!! nakuuliza nimebicha, mkuu nimemsoma na pia niko naye
hakuna zengwe mkuu.

 

[Bubu Msemaovyo]

Tuandamane,
Si mpaka wakuulize hivyo ama? je wakiuchuna tu unadhani utaanza kubwabwaja bila kuulizwa? usiwafanye watu kukariri haya,

Mkuu Isayamwita ukiona wameuchuna maana yake wewe ndiye unayetakiwa kuwauliza maswali kama vile Mmeniita kuja hapa kufanya nini. nk

 

[IsayaMwita]

Bubu msema hovyo,

Hapo patakuwa hapatoshi, kwanza watacheka, watasema jamaa ana ukwasi wa job, da!!!!, hii itakuwa ya mwaka nguo kuchanika,

 

[Buswelu]

Nshafanya technical interview....asikwambie mtu...anayekufanyia anajua unatakiwa ujue nini kwenye kazi yako..then ndio anakufanyia interview...anakuja na 17 question ambazo ni moja kwa moja zinahusiana na kazi yako...akiwa ameambatanisha na CV yako pembeni.

Hii inamaa kuwa ametoa maswali kulingana na CV yako...just imagine umefanya kazi fulani three years ago ukaandika kwenye CV yako then ndio linakuwa swali la kwanza kuulizwa...?

Harafu saa nane mchana tena kwa kiingereza....technical interview asikwambie mtu.

Regards

 

[Lambardi]

Interview Ni Kiboko Jamani Hata Kama Ukiyajua Hayo Yote Watakavyo Twist Maswali Na Kukubana ...utakoma Kuringa....ukipataa Kazi Utaidharau Sana Interview......ila Huwa Ni Kimbembe

 

[Mbu]

Hivi ukiulizwa na jopo la interviewers;

"Briefly describe youself!"

unajibu nini?

 

[Shishi]

' tell me more about yourself'

 

[Mbu]

' tell me more about yourself'

... wallahi nikiulizwa hivyo huona bora nikipepesa macho darini, kama kuna pangaboi ndio kabisa, nayafuatisha mapanga yanavyozunguka,

Jameni nielimisheni...

 

[Quemu]

... wallahi nikiulizwa hivyo huona bora nikipepesa macho darini, kama kuna pangaboi ndio kabisa, nayafuatisha mapanga yanavyozunguka,

Jameni nielimisheni...

Kaka,
Ukiulizwa hivi wewe anza kubwabwaja tu...wapeleke kila mahali...kushoto kulia, chini, juu......wapigishe mpaka round-about. Wenyewe wata blow...

On a serious note, hivi kuna mtu ameshawahi kupigwa swali kwenye interview na akajikuta anazubaa kwa kutokuwa na jibu mpaka akajicheka mwenyewe? .....Sometimes, you just gotta laugh!!!

 

[Shishi]

Kaka,
Ukiulizwa hivi wewe anza kubwabwaja tu...wapeleke kila mahali...kushoto kulia, chini, juu......wapigishe mpaka round-about. Wenyewe wata blow...

On a serious note, hivi kuna mtu ameshawahi kupigwa swali kwenye interview na akajikuta anazubaa kwa kutokuwa na jibu mpaka akajicheka mwenyewe? .....Sometimes, you just gotta laugh!!!

QM, Acha bwana, this is a very serious question that can make or break the rest of the interview, the secret is to keep it short, sell yourself without repeating your resume.

 

[Shishi]

Q: "Tell me about yourself."
This is a chance for you to shine -- but not to tell your life history. Begin by listing your traits and accomplishments you feel are relevant for the position. Don't delve into personal information unless it relates to the position you're vying for.

 

[Shishi]

Mchongoma I hope this helps....

basically your 2mins of fame!!

 

[Quemu]

QM, Acha bwana, this is a very serious question that can make or break the rest of the interview, the secret is to keep it short, sell yourself without repeating your resume.

I hear ya'

Unajua tatizo ni wapi pa kuanzia kujibu hili swali!

Je uanzie kuelezea academic achivements zako au u-jump kwenye professional level?

I mean, it's very easy to blank out when you are thrown such a question, regardless whether you have prepared or not...

 

[Shishi]

emphasise on the qualities that are relevant for the job!!

QM, jamani we know out of experience that this question pops up in most if not all interviews, so the best is to prepare beforehand but dont make it look like you reherased for it.. LOL. match your positive traits, qualifications and experiences to the job in question!

 

[Shishi]

dont we love the internet...........

"Tell me about yourself."
Sounds simple, doesn't it? On the other hand, where do you start? The interviewer is looking for a quick overview of your career and your academics. What the interviewer doesn't want to hear is about your family, pets, hobbies, boyfriend/girlfriend, or the funny thing that happened to you yesterday. What they're really asking is, "Tell me about your professional self." The best way to answer this is to give a brief summary of your career so far, focusing on specific accomplishments. Try something like this: "My first job was as a receptionist at XYZ Corporation, but I was promoted after just three months. I worked my way up to sales manager for the Northeast. I doubled sales in the Northeast, and brought in ten new clients in my first quarter."

Finally, explain why you're looking for a job. But don't bad-mouth your current job or your boss; it will reflect poorly on you. Say something like: "Now I'm looking for a new challenge." This is also a good time to throw in some of the information you've learned in your research about the company: "I'm looking for a company with a dedication to preserving the environment and I believe your company offers that."