GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Tell me about yourself; short statement prepared, Limit it to work-related, Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position.
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. Why did you leave your last job; Stay positive, Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity
3. What experience do you have in this field? get as close as you can, specifics that relate to the position
4. Do you consider yourself successful? A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
6. What do you know about this organization? Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year? Have some good ones handy to mention
8. Are you applying for other jobs? Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization
9. Why do you want to work for this organization? take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization, Relate it to your long-term career goals
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.
10. What kind of salary do you need? A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
11. Are you a team player? You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
12. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.
13. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.
14. What is your philosophy towards work? Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
15. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
16. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
17. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization; You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
18. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
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.
19. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
20. 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.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude.
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude.
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay generic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay generic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer Tell me about your dream job.
See answer Tell me about your dream 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.
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
27. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].
Keep your answer brief and task oriented. Think i 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. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.
28. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
29. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
30. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well blow the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well blow the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
31. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
32. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
33. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.
34. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
35. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
36. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success. Your boss tell you that you are successful
Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success. Your boss tell you that you are successful
37. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
38. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
39. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all. 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").
Try to avoid labels. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all. 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").
40. 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.
41. As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work happily and effectively within the organization.
42. 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 ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.
43. 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.
44. 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.
45. 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 employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget
46. 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.
47. 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.
48. What do you feel this position should pay? - 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.
49. 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..."
50.
51. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
52. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
53. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
54. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position. 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 wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position. 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 wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.
55. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.
56. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
57. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.
58. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
59. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
60. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.
61. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
62. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.
Customer Service Agent Interview Questions and Answers
customer service agent position needs to cover different areas of service. An applicant for this position needs the right attitude, to be able to keep a formal and friendly relationship with customer and to be able to give precise answers to clients. A job interviewer should assess all those skills in order to pick the best candidate.
1. Why should we hire you?
2. Why did you leave your previous job?
Be very positive and practical about this. Remember that it is not about the past job anymore but about all the opportunities the job you are applying for has to offer. Make a list of all the things you consider interesting about this company and, in case there was a serious problem that forced you to leave your previous job, do not be afraid to discuss it.
Remember that Customer Service has to do with attitude so do not show the wrong one while talking about your previous job and mind your own body language.
Be very positive and practical about this. Remember that it is not about the past job anymore but about all the opportunities the job you are applying for has to offer. Make a list of all the things you consider interesting about this company and, in case there was a serious problem that forced you to leave your previous job, do not be afraid to discuss it.
Remember that Customer Service has to do with attitude so do not show the wrong one while talking about your previous job and mind your own body language.
3. How do you start communication with a client?
Emphasize on your experience dealing with all types of customer and your ability to build friendly and professional relationships from the very beginning.
Emphasize on your experience dealing with all types of customer and your ability to build friendly and professional relationships from the very beginning.
4. Tell me of a time you had to deal with an angry customer.
Mention how you can handle stressing situation with the correct attitude balance. Listening and going the extra mile for your customers is important for you. Let your interviewer know that even though you are not dominating you are definitely not passive when it comes to complaints.
Mention how you can handle stressing situation with the correct attitude balance. Listening and going the extra mile for your customers is important for you. Let your interviewer know that even though you are not dominating you are definitely not passive when it comes to complaints.
5. Tell me of a time when you had to give your best in order to satisfy your customer.
Remember that a customer service agent is more than ready to complete and exceed the customer´s expectations by combining an appropriate relationship, listening and acting.
Remember that a customer service agent is more than ready to complete and exceed the customer´s expectations by combining an appropriate relationship, listening and acting.
6. Did you ever have to fix a serious problem for a customer? How did it work? Where you successful?
The key-word is flexibility. Show your interviewer how easily you adapt to customers and serious situations in order to detect and solve any problem always taking into account both the customer and the company.
The key-word is flexibility. Show your interviewer how easily you adapt to customers and serious situations in order to detect and solve any problem always taking into account both the customer and the company.
7. Do you have any questions?
Yes, the answer is always "yes". Remember that the questions you have to ask reflect your expectations of the company you are applying for and it can be your feedback of how the interview went. So do not be shy and ask a few questions. Making a short list before going to the interview always helps.
Remember that technical knowledge is required in order to get a Customer Service Agent job (Computer knowledge, software knowledge, administrative knowledge, data entry, etc.). Languages are also appreciated and give an applicant who fulfills the basic requirements more chances to get the position, so do not forget to mention all that during the interview.
Yes, the answer is always "yes". Remember that the questions you have to ask reflect your expectations of the company you are applying for and it can be your feedback of how the interview went. So do not be shy and ask a few questions. Making a short list before going to the interview always helps.
Remember that technical knowledge is required in order to get a Customer Service Agent job (Computer knowledge, software knowledge, administrative knowledge, data entry, etc.). Languages are also appreciated and give an applicant who fulfills the basic requirements more chances to get the position, so do not forget to mention all that during the interview.
Interview Questions used for Managerial Positions
Opening
Specific Questions:
1. Experience
1. Experience
2. Skills - Planning, Analysis and Organization
3. Skills - Liaison, Communication, Negotiation, Problem Solving, Decision Making
4. Leadership/Management
5. Technical Competencies
6. Position Specific Questions
7. Essential Functions
Closing:
4. Leadership/Management
5. Technical Competencies
6. Position Specific Questions
7. Essential Functions
Closing:
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