General Questions
1. Tell me about you!
Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your resume summary as a base to start.
2. What do you know about our company?
Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company.
3. Why do you want to work for us?
Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.
4. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer.
5. What about the job offered do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor.
6. Why should we hire you?
Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills.
7. What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.
8. Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you are being interviewed).
Keep it brief -- give an action- and results-oriented definition.
9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Not long at all -- you expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve.
10. How long would you stay with us?
As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing, etc.
Tough Interview Questions
If You Are Leaving a Job
If You Are Leaving a Job
1. Why are you leaving your present job?
Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated.
2. How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?
Concerned but not panicked.
3. Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.
One in which people are treated as fairly as possible.
4. How would you evaluate your present firm?
It's an excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences.
| Tough Interview Questions Your Work Habits and Style 1. If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Emphasize your skills, and don't be overly negative about your weaknesses. It's always safer to identify a lack of a skill as an area for improvement rather than a shortcoming. 2. Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.? Yes, it's a way of life in business. Be sure to cite examples of your success. 3. How have you changed the nature of your job? Explain how you have improved the efficiency, productivity, and the like. 4. Do you prefer staff or line work? Why? It depends on the job and its challenges. 5. In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked? Keep it brief and don't brag. 6. Do you feel you might be better off in a different size company? Different type company? It depends on the job -- elaborate slightly. 7. How do you resolve conflict on a project team? Explain that communication is important, and that you would first you discuss the issues privately. 8. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make? Try to relate your response to the prospective employment situation. Tough Interview Questions Salary Questions 1. How much are you looking for? Answer with a question, e.g., "What is the salary range for similar jobs in your company?" If the interviewer doesn't answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth in the marketplace. Check out Monster.com's Salary Center. 2. How much do you expect, if we offer this position to you? Be careful; the market value of the job may be the key answer, e.g., "My understanding is that a job like the one you're describing may be in the range of $______." 3.What kind of salary are you worth? Have a specific figure in mind…don't be hesitant.  Tough Interview Questions Personality Questions 1. Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you? It depends on the circumstances. 2.What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended? Talk about books, sports or films to show that you have balance in your life. 3. What is the toughest part of a job for you? Be honest. Remember, not everyone can do everything. 4. Are you creative? Yes. Give examples that relate to your current job. 5. How would you describe your own personality? Balanced is a good word to use, but remember the type of company you are interviewing at. Some companies may want someone who is aggressive and a go-getter. 6. Are you a leader? Absolutely! Cite specific examples using your current job as a reference point. 7. What are your future goals? Avoid, "I would like the job you advertised." Instead, give long-range goals. 8. What are your strengths? Present at least three and relate them to the company and job you are interviewing for. 9. What are your weaknesses? Don't say that you don’t have any. Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have one if the interviewer presses. Turn a negative into a positive answer: "I am sometimes intent on completing an assignment and get too deeply involved when we are late." Be Prepared to Answer Such Questions As... Tell me about yourself? Tell me about your background, accomplishments? What are your strengths? Weaknesses? How would you describe your most recent job performance? What interests you about our company? How do you stay professionally current? What outside activities are most significant to your personal development? And, be prepared to ASK questions, such as... What would I be expected to accomplish in this position? What are the greatest challenges in this position? How do you think I fit the position? Remember a lack of questions may be mistaken as a lack of interest. Not letting these kinds of subjects catch you off-guard is a key factor in maintaining your composure during an interview. Rehearse these questions and answers in your mind (or even out loud, if you can) in the days before the interview. General Questions  Tell me about you! Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your resume summary as a base to start. What do you know about our company? Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company. Why do you want to work for us? Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't? Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer. What about the job offered do you find the most attractive? Least attractive? List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor. Why should we hire you? Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. What do you look for in a job? An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized. Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you are being interviewed). Keep it brief -- give an actions- and results-oriented definition. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? Not long at all -- you expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve. How long would you stay with us? As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing, etc Q. Tell me about yourself. A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and career related. Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?) A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing former employers and say generic statements like, "It's a career move." If you were fired, it's not likely that your ex-employer will reveal it or at least not why, so you can still consider making generic statements. Q. What are your strengths? A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job. Q. What are your weaknesses? A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related. Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as being meticulous about the quality of your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." According to Web resources, it's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it. Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself? A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well. Q. What do you know about our company? A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview. Q. Why do you want to work for us? A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Q. Why should I hire you? A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from management. Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction? A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than the reward. Q. What makes you want to work hard? A. Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play, but again, focus more on achievement. Q. What type of work environment do you like best? A. Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but you can also work independently without a lot of support. If you're required to attend regular project planning and status meetings in doing your job, then indicate that you're a strong team player. Q. Why do you want this job? A. Say what attracts you to the job, but of course, avoid statements like, "I just need a job." Q. How do you handle pressure and stress? A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview itself and the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam a fifth of Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers. Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle. A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show for solving it. Q. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now? A. Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are interviewing. (The interviewer might also be looking for how the company will benefit from you achieving your goals.) It's probably not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or her job, but it's okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position. Q. What qualifies you for this job? A. Tout your skills, experience and other qualifications, especially those that match the job description well. (Save and study the job ad!) Q. What are your skills (or experience) for this job? A. Similar to above. Q. Why did you choose your college major? A. The interviewer is likely fishing to see if your are interested in your field of work or just doing a job. Explain why you like it. Besides your personal interests, including some rock-solid business reasons might show you have vision and business sense. How do you handle failure or disappointment? Suggestion: Answer positively. Answer may include you may feel bad, and you take caution so that it does not happen again. Sample Answer: As a normal human being, failure hurts my feeling. However, I do not let it get in my way. Do you criticize others? Under what condition? Suggestion: Use your judgment. Remember criticism hurts feelings and does not help in any normal situation. Are you a good communicator? Suggestion: Interviewer looks for a good communicator. If you are not a good communicator, start practicing.
23. Where would you like to be in five years? Suggestion: Be positive and honest. Do not give an impression that you will leave or take over someone else's job (worse if that is the position of the interviewer). Sample Answer: In five years I want to be a valuable part of this company and help it to reach its goal. I also want to manage a challenging project and bring in the latest technology that will benefit the company.
Following are some questions you may be asked by the interviewer to know about you, your hobby, how you spend your spare time and weekends, etc. Since the answer fully depends on you, we do not have any suggestions or sample answers. Just remember answer them positively and honestly.
Questions About Organization If you are really interested about a company, you naturally do some kind of research about the company. Interviewers like it if you know about their company and the industry in general. These are some questions asked by the interviewer to know how much homework you have done about their organization.
Questions About Work An interview wants to know if your are fit for the position they want to hire you. These are some of the questions asked by the interviewer to know about your skill, how you do handle work issues, you expertise, etc. 12. Why do you want this job? Suggestion: Tell your reason, be specific. 13. Do you think you have enough skill to work in this position? Suggestion: Be positive, explain with example. Sample answer: Yes, I have enough skill for the position of web developer. I am creative, good with presentations and have 2 years experience with HTML and Internet. I know how to promote and attract people to a web site. I made a site for myself and I am getting about 500 hits per day. 14. If we are using certain technique to solve certain problem and you find that you know a better way to solve those problems, what will you do? Sample answer: I will suggest my solution. If it is possible I will make a prototype and/or a visual presentation of the solution to illustrate my suggestion. 15. What skills did you improve in your last work? Suggestion: If few tell them about all. If you improved many skills, talk about the skill relevant to this job. 16. Tell us what do you think an ideal working environment should be? Suggestion: Answer may include: job satisfaction, appreciation, feels at home, etc. 17. Will you describe a situation where your work was criticized? Suggestion: Be honest and as positive as you can. 18. What other kinds of job position or companies may interest you? Suggestion: Answer should relate to your field and same as this company. 19. If you are given an assignment which is a part of a big project and there is no detail specification, how do you handle it? Sample answer: At first, I will do all the general tasks without going to details. The little knowledge I get from the spec, I will try to fit this assignment with the whole project. By then I will have a clear idea about the assignment and the missing details. I will put all my questions in a paper and will setup a meeting or send an email to the designer or the person who gave me the project, and will find out all the answers. While waiting, I will plan on how to approach the problem. 20. Your supervisor gave you an assignment in the morning that will last for a week and he is leaving for one-week vacation tomorrow. What will you do first? Sample answer: I will go over the specification or requirement of the assignment and will plan my strategy to complete the assignment. If I find something not clear or if I have question I will write them down in a paper. Then I will meet my boss and get all the answers. Questions About Work Part II 10. Your supervisor gave you an assignment in the morning that will last for a week and he left for one-week vacation and you don't understand the assignment. What will you do? Sample answer: All assignments have something common to do, such as, setting it up, do paper work, research, etc. I will do them first. If someone else knows about this project I will talk to that person. If nothing works, I will ask my acting boss to give me some other work for the time being. 11. One of your teammates quit job today. He completed half of his assignment and it is given to you and you are not sure what he did. How will you handle it? Suggestion: Sometimes it is better to start over than to finish someone else's unfinished work. Go over work requirement and find out what to do. Check half-done assignment and take whatever you can use and process. Your answer should be something like that. 12. Tell us about a tough project, which you helped to finish? Suggestion: Tell then the most impressive one. 13. Do you prefer supervised or unsupervised working condition? Suggestion: Say which ever makes you comfortable and productive and explain it. 14. What can you do for our company? Why should we hire you? Suggestion: Tell them about your education, skill and past experience that you can use for this company. Use some example from your past to illustrate. 15. How do you manage your time at work? Suggestion: Answer should be productive. 16. What do you prefer, verbal or written (email) communication? Suggestion: Both are OK. Whatever you say, justify. 17. How much supervision do you need to complete a job? Sample answer: In the beginning I may need some help. Once I understand the project, I do not need any supervision. However, occasional check and feedback will help me to assure myself that I am on the right track. 18. How long would it take you to get adjusted and start productive work? Suggestion: Answer may include, time for orientation, adjustment, etc. should not be very long. Sample answer: Since, I do not know anything about company's standard, rules or style of doing an assignment, I need to learn that, plus I need to learn about your corporate policies. Since I am a fast learner, I can learn all that within your planned or allocated time. To do the actual work, if it matches with my skill, it would not take much time. 19. Have you helped to increase sales? Profits? How? Suggestion: Explain with real example. 20. Have you helped reduce costs? How? Suggestion: Explain with real example. 21. Do you like working with figures more than words? Suggestion: Tell your preference with some explanation. Questions About Team Work 22. If you have a disagreement with a coworker, how would you handle it? Suggestion: Answer should include discussing the problem, reasoning, etc. If one-to-one meeting does not solve the problem, help from the common boss or an arbitrator may be asked. 23. What minimum quality should a person have to be your teammate? Suggestion: Be practical and reasonable. Sample Answer: Although, I can work with any person, it will make my life easier if the person is a team player, can communicate and nice in behavior. 24. What behavior of a person do you not like? Suggestion: Search for most common one, such as lazy, not-punctual, bad behavior, foul mouth, etc. 25. If you find that your teammate is rude, racist and/or sexist, how will you handle it? Sample Answer: If there is a corporate policy, I will follow it. If not, I will warn the person the first time and if he continues, I will report it to the proper authority. 26. How do you handle a teammate who thinks he/she is always right or knows better? Sample Answer: If it does not interfere with any of my work, I try to leave it alone. If it interferes with my work I will talk and reason with the person. If that does not work I will talk to my superior. 27. If there are 4 people in your team and you think your are doing half of the work what will you do? Sample Answer: It depends on circumstance. If I feel that my boss thinks I am the only person who can do the job, I will do it. Normally if I can finish the work within the allocated time, I will not complain. Otherwise I will just let my boss know about it and if she still insists on my doing it, I will do it. 28. If there are 4 people in your team and you think your supervisor assigning you only 1/8 of work, what will you do? Sample Answer: If I feel that my boss did not give me the work because he does not have enough confidence on me, I will talk to him and do something to improve his confidence. In all other cases, once I finish my current work I will let my boss know that I can take a new assignment. While waiting for new work, l will spend the free time to learn new skills that may help me in my work. 29. You have a deadline and no time and one of your teammate needs some help, What will you do? Sample Answer: If the solution is easy one and not time consuming I will help my teammate. Otherwise I will tell him to wait until I finish my project and then I will help him. 30. We don't know everything; that is why we have supervisor, teammate, manuals and books? Under what circumstance will you take help and from what source? Sample Answer: If there is not much time and I need little help I will ask my supervisor and teammates if they are not busy. In all other circumstances, I will get help from the manual. 31. Do you like to work in a team? Why? Suggestion: Tell your preference. Make sure your desire does not conflict with the interest of the company. 32. Do you like to work alone? Why? Suggestion: Same as last question. Sample Answer: I have experience in working both alone and in a team. I can work in both situations. However, I can concentrate and work better, if I work alone. 33. Suppose you are working in a team and a project is given to your team. All the team members want to solve that project in a certain way and you know a better way to solve the problem. How will you convince them? Suggestion: Answer can include, discussing your plan with them, illustrating with some example, etc. Questions About Previous Work 34. How did you do in your last performance evaluation? Suggestion: Be positive and honest. 35. Why did you quit your last job? Suggestion: Be positive and honest. Sample Answer: There were no regular work hours in my previous work. I was always on call and it was taking a toll on my family life. I was not told about irregular hours when I took the job. I don't mind working irregular hours sometimes; however, I don't want to do it every week. I talked to my superior to solve this problem and no hope of change was given to me. So I started looking for new job. 36. How do you describe your previous boss? Suggestion: Be as positive and as nice as you can. 37. What did you liked in your previous boss? Suggestion: Be positive and honest. Sample Answer: My boss was a nice person. She always listened to our opinion. She made us feel part of the team and kept us informed. She often came and asked about the work progress and if we needed any help. She always helped us. 38. What you didn't like in your previous boss? Suggestion: Be nice, say something common or obvious and true. Sample Answer: It was very hard to get hold of him when we needed him. He seemed to be always busy and had no time for us. However, it may not have been his fault he had too much responsibility. 39. What did you like about your previous work environment? Suggestion: Answer may include: your coworkers were friendly, you can experiment with new technologies, etc. 40. What didn't you like about your previous work environment? Suggestion: Be nice, say something common and true. 41. In a given day, how many hours did you work, how many hours did you spend in learning at your previous job? Suggestion: Be practical. When a new project is given or new technology is introduced employee spend more time in learning than working and it changes in the latter stage. Show that you were utilizing your time properly. 42. Why do you want to leave your present job? Suggestion: Give real reason and refine it. Do not give the impression that you do it for fun. 43. How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits such as stock options? Suggestion: You are not happy about it, but you had your reasons. 44. How would you evaluate your present firm? Suggestion: Give your opinion. Avoid talking negative. Tough or Negative Questions 45. Why you were fired from your last job? Suggestion: If you were fired wrongfully, say it nicely. Do not show any grudge against your old employer. If you were fired because of your fault, say it in a less damaging way. Sample Answer: I cut prices on our product to make a customer happy without asking my superior. The company lost money and I was fired because of that. I agree it was my fault I should have asked my superior. Now I learned my lesson and it will never happen again. 46. It is been six years since you started your bachelor degree; why are you not finished yet? Suggestion: Be as positive as possible. Explain your reason. Following should not be the answer: you are having too much fun and do not have time, you do not think a degree is important, etc. 47. If you joined our company, another employer offer you more money, will you leave us? Suggestion: If you say yes, probably you will not get this job. If you want you can tell them the salary that will make you happy and keep you with this company. Sample Answer: If I accept the job that means I also like the salary I do not think I will leave. 48. What are the things in a job that make you more productive? Less productive? Suggestion: Remember, no work environment is 100% perfect and to everyone's liking. However, we adapt and make best of what we have. So your answer should be practical. 49. Why have you been unemployed for the last 2 years? Suggestion: You must have a sound reason for not working so long or having a big gap in your work history. Some of the good reason can be: · Taking care of a sick family member. · Raising children. · Looking for a right job where you can really contribute (it will not work if the period is too long). · Trying to be self-employed. · Study or training. · Learning new skills. · Exploring or traveling (For a short gap only). 50. At your last employment you were working at the same position for five years without any promotion. Is there any reason for it? Suggestion: Avoid saying something negative. Tell the truth in a positive way. Sample Answer: There was not much growth in our department. None of the people working in my department had been promoted. That is one of the reason I applied to your company. 51. How long will you stay with us? Suggestion: Longer is better. As long as you and your employer are happy, you are contributing and achieving. 52. What salary are you looking for? Suggestion: Don't be too specific, you may give a range. Better, ask if the company has a salary scale and base your answer on that. Remember salary is related to market value. Guess yours worth before you come. An interviewer is not ignorant. 53. What kind of salary do you think you are worth? Suggestion: Find your market value and give a range. Sample Answer: I checked a few sites on the Internet and found that the salary for a web developer range from 45K to 60K per annum, depending on the responsibilities and duties involved. I am not entirely set on a number and am willing to negotiate. 54. How many players play in soccer game? Suggestion: This or similar question has nothing to do with your career. So right or wrong answers do not matter. Interviewers want to see if you can think about a non-related subject. Sample Answer: I am not sure, but my guess will be at least 2 player in each side, one in the goal and one to play. I will put the number between 7 to 12 in each team. Am I close enough? Technical Questions These questions are meant for computer professionals. However, other professional people may find them interesting. 55. If you write a program, do you think it will never fail or do you take precaution against failure? Explain. 56. What do you understand about software maintainability? How do you prepare for it? 57. There are two ways to program, inside out and outside in. Which one is your preferred method of programming? why? Inside out - You write each module first and then join them to make the whole program. Outside in - You build the skeleton of the whole program first and then write each individual module. 58. Did you write any library functions or methods. How do they differ from regular functions or methods? 59. What are your preferred platforms for development and why? 60. Why do you need a source code control system? Did you ever use any one of them? 61. What is a make utility. Did you ever use it? 62. What is the advantage and disadvantage of visual tools? 63. What is error logging? Why we need logging in our program? 64. You have a program that works, but does not have any logging or output any message in case of an error. If you get one day to do one of following: (i) You can test the program and make sure it is doing what it is suppose to do; or (ii) You can write code to catch errors and enter message into a log file. Which one will you do and why? 65. why do you need a specification for a program? 66. What is an environment variable? 67. What is a configuration file? 68. How do you prioritize multiple projects? 69. If someone tells you that your program is not working, how are you going to approach this problem? 70. What is client/server programming? 71. What is Object Oriented programming? 72. How much do you know about computer hardware and architecture? 73. To do programming, do you need to know about computer architecture? 74. What do you prefer, writing code or managing a project? Why? | |
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