interviewing - the questions

1. Why should I hire you?
   • I have been in interviews where this is the only question they asked.
2. Tell me about yourself.
3. What is your best quality?
4. How would you describe yourself?
5. Are you willing to relocate? To where?
   • State exactly where you would want to go.  An excellent follow up question for you to ask is concerning relocation expenses.  As always show your knowledge of their company.  Start with "I saw in your employee guide that..."
6. What do you think is your major weakness?
   • Never say that being a perfectionist is your biggest weakness.  Some applicants think that this makes you look better, but it seems that you not secure.
7. What do you think is your major strength?
8. What college classes did you like the most? Why?
   • Try to use classes that pertain to the job you are going for.  It doesn't hurt to show enthusiasm.
9. What college classes did you like the least? Why?
   • "I would have to say the core courses in my degree. Although I understand that they are need for accreditation (big word) the courses were usually taught uninspired.  The teachers as well as the students just wanted to make it through the semester."
10. Who was your favorite teacher in school?
    • An answer that I always use (and that is true) is: "Kevin Bittle - he was my advertising professor in college.  He seemed to bring the class alive.  He used case studies from real world topics and tied them into the curriculum, not simply reading from a text and try to relate it to the world.  I think I got the most out of his classes."
11. What can you bring to our company?
    • If you can - try to show how you will reduce their costs - "I have been trained in Access and Microsoft Word which means I can begin in my duties immediately" (In the back of their mind their thinking - "Access $540, Word $445 - this kid will save me $1000 in training"
12. What are three words that best describe you?
    • The three that I usually use are adaptable, responsible, and through.  Translate these into tasks for the interviewer.  Show them how you were resourceful by figuring out a new way to code a database.
13. Why are you applying for this job?
    • Sample answer: "I am applying for this job because I believe that I can contribute to this company.  My experience in the field is unparalleled, and my ability to adapt makes me believe that I can take the job to the next level" 
14. How do you feel about working overtime?
    • Be honest - if you say yes here and you don't want to you WILL be stuck.
15. What salary are you expecting?
16. What do you know about our company?
    • Have a couple of items that you know, and at least one with a number like $ of sales
17. How did you find out about this position?
    • If you heard about the position from someone in the company make sure you mention their name.  Just because companies don't talk about nepotism doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
18. In addition to salary, what benefits would most interest you?
    • Be honest in what you ask for.  If you've done your research you should know what they offer.  Try to tailor your response to what they have.  Ask for more than what they usually offer (If you think you deserve it)
19. What extracurricular activities have you done?
    • While it is a good idea to show that you are well rounded, it is a good idea to stress those activities which show team involvement and leadership.
20. Have you ever done volunteer activities?
    • Try to get out and do volunteer work, not only does it help the community but employers like to see it as well.  An added plus is that if they have no employees that volunteer you will be a great public relations item for them.
21. What was an experience in your life that you would want to go back and change?
22. Name a point in your life where you turned a negative into a positive.
    • You have to come up with your own here
23. Who is your hero, and why?
    • The greatest answer is if you can use a family member or friend, try to stay away from celebrities.
24. Do you have any questions for me?
    • Always have questions.
25. Give me an example of how you manage multiple projects.
26. How was your last employer?
    • Try to avoid putting your past employer down.  Cite their strengths and weaknesses.
27. What was your biggest failure?
28. What was your biggest accomplishment?
29. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  How about 10?
    • An answer to use only on rare occasions WHERE YOU CAN BACK IT UP is "With no disrespect I see myself in that chair." elaborate with "my management skills..... and my other skills..."
30. Why are you leaving your current position?
31. Aren't you overqualified for this position?
32. What are your career options right now?
33. Why haven't you found a position already?
    • Don't be afraid to tell them about other offers you may have.  DO NOT tell them "I really screwed up in an interview"  State that this is your first interview.
34. What books/movies have you read/seen lately?
    • Although Clerks and Mallrats are GREAT movies this isn't the time to discuss them.  Start off with a multi generational picture like Good Will Hunting or Titanic, then lead into Clerks
35. What are your outside interests?
    • Use activities that are team oriented.  A true story - a person was turned down for a job because he listed scuba diving.  The interviewer said it was a solo sport and he wouldn't be sure if the applicant could act in a team environment
36. How do you feel about reporting to a younger person/woman?
    • "I don't see people as age or gender.  I understand their ability.  If they are a manager then they arrived at that position through work and determination.  I have no problem reporting to any person."
37. Could you have done better in your past job?
    • "In hindsight....." ALWAYS come up with something for this one
38. What was your attendance in your last job?
    • We're really hoping this is good.
39. What changes would you make if you were hired?
    • You can't answer this question if you don't know anything about the company.
40. Have you ever fired anyone before?
41. What would you say to a boss that has a sub-par idea?
42. How could you have improved your career path?
43. May I contact your present/past employer for a reference?
    • This one's up to you, but I'm hoping that they can.  It is also good to have a reference letter from that boss.  Nothing is better than saying "Yes, certainly, also I have a letter of recommendation you may want to compliment that phone call."
44. Have you ever considered starting your own business?
    • This question can show drive and determination, but be careful because if you say yes - the next question is Well why didn't you?
45. Sell me the desk.
    • This is a very common question in sales/marketing/advertising related interview to gauge your knowledge.
46. Rate me as an interviewer.
    • Don't brown-nose.  Try to pick 4 good points and 1 very very very small bad point. (A good bad point is about the facility - people don't mind being told things are bad when it wasn't specifically them.
47. Tell me - who is (insert your name)
48. Tell me three things about my company.
    • You should know ten things about the company.  If they ask for 3 give 4, if they ask for 5 give 6.