QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CANDIDATE part II

1. How do you handle criticism?
Suggestion: Choose your answer wisely.
Sample Answer: A nice and constructive criticism helps me. Although abusive or bad criticism may hurt my feelings, it will not reduce my performance.
2. How do you manage your time?
Suggestion: Should be positive, and explain with example.
3. How do you handle deadline and pressure?
Suggestion: Be positive in your answer and explain with example.
4. How do you persuade someone to agree with your point of view?
Suggestion: Answer may include explaining your view, showing the positive side, etc
Sample Answer: By communication, I tell them what benefit my point of view will bring for them. I explain the up side and the down side of my proposal and most the time they agree. I am always to negotiate and modify my plan with their input, if situation demands. So things always work out.
5. What do you find frustrating?
Suggestion: Be positive in your answer, explain with example.
6. Are you willing to learn new skills? Can you learn fast?
Suggestion: Answer should be yes. Give them an example where you really learn fast
7. Do you have problem in getting along with others?
Suggestion: Be positive, should not be a problem.
8. How do you deal with surprises? For example; In an exam, you have been asked a question from a topic that has never been taught to you; how do you handle it?
Sample Answer: I try not to get nervous. First I answer all the questions I know and then I go back to this problem. I answer it as best as I can.
9. Did you prepare for this interview? How?
Suggestion: Answer may include; researching about the company, reviewing your skill etc.
Remember this question may generate more questions and you must be ready to answer them.
10. What are your hobbies?
Suggestion: Talk about your good hobbies.
11. Do you like to travel?
Suggestion: Answer should be yes, however be honest.
12. Do you have any problem in relocation?
Suggestion: Tell the truth. Remember, the more flexible you are, the more chances you have to get the job.
13. 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 o reach its goal. I also want to mange a challenging project and bring in the latest technology that will benefit the company.

Resources;
1. job interview success
2. Guide to job interviews
3. Principals interview

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CANDIDATE part I

1. Why did you choose this profession?

   Suggestion: Answer should be close to actual reason. If the job is in advertising, the reason can be you have artistic ability; you can visualize what people will like etc. Avoid negative answer, such as, for money, you do not know what to do so you have chosen this profession, etc.

   Sample answer: I always liked math and problem solving, even when I was kid. When I was in high school, I was fascinated with the computer and the programming so I decided to be a computer scientist. Now I know I made the right decision and I am happy about it.

2. What can you tell us about yourself?

   Suggestion: Answer may include where you came from, what school you went to, your education, skill, job and accomplishments. Try to answer the questions in one to two minutes. Use the information from your resume and cover letter for this answer. Do emphasize your strong points.

3. What are your strong points?

   Suggestion: Talk about strong points related to the job you applied.

4. What are your weak points? How do you correct them?

   Suggestion: Be honest and choose one or two less damaging correctable weak points and tell them how you are planning to correct them.

   Sample answer: Sometimes I do not succeed on an assignment on the first try; I get demoralized and become less enthusiastic. Since I identified my problem, I am working on it. I am convincing myself that it is not possible for anyone to succeed anywhere on the first try and I am not an exception. To tell you the truth, it is working .Now; if I fail I do not give up any more and try harder.

5. Why should we hire you for this position?

   Suggestion: Your answer should include your education, skill and experience pertaining to the job position. Talk about some skill you have which may put you above other applicants.

6. What is the toughest problem you have solved so far?

   Suggestion: Talk about a problem you have solved. if you have solved many tough programs, chose the one that may be related to this company’s work and/or which may impress them. For example, if the company is a financial institution, talk about some financial problems you have solved.

7. Tell us about one of work assignments or dealings where you failed. What should have you done?

   Suggestion: Choose a less damaging situation.

8. How do you handle failure or disappointment?

   Suggestion: Answer positively. Answer may include you may feel bad and 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.

9. Do you criticize others? Under what condition?

   Suggestion: Use your judgment. Remember criticism hurts feeling and does not help in any normal situation

10. Are you a good communicator?

     Suggestion: Interviewer looks for a good communicator. If you are not a good communicator, start practicing.

Resources;

1. job interview success
2. Guide to job interviews
3. Principals interview