Interview - FAQs

1.Tell me something about yourself
This  statement is usually made at the beginning of the formal part of interview. Do not just repeat what you have given in your resume. Be ready with the answer, a talent or something you did out of the ordinary. You can sound it as unique or give it a touch of your personality.
"Tell me, starting with school, and progressing through the jobs that you have held about what you have been doing. Include any accomplishments, and bring you up to the present.

2. How did you hear about this position? 
This answer demonstrates the the quality of your sources of Information. Be specific and give a straight answer of how you came to know about the vacancy. If it was advertised specify how you came across it or if your neighbour happens to be the chairperson and CEO of the organization you are meeting with (or other employee), do not hesitate to mention he or she told you about the opening.

3. What is the reason you are planning to leave the organization?
Be careful that your motivation is not totally selfish. Don't tell that the present company would not give you any increment or promotion. You should give two or three reasons for leaving like lack of challenge, focus on the limitations etc. Point out your ambition to prove your worth confidently. Be reliable to your answer. Consider reasons you may have included in your cover letter, on the application. Your tone and your nonverbal signals while giving answer is very important. You need to be comfortable and confident with the answer , regardless of what you say.  

4. Are you looking for a permanent or temporary Job?
This question is little tricky. If you say the wrong answer, the interviewer pull you out  of the box. Try to get an information about the type of post is available there. 

5. What were your positions, Salary, dates of employment for the past years?
Usually this question is asked in an employment application. Be consistent in the details on the application as well as on the resume . Take care while giving the details about salary  because it may repeat in the personal interview and you must provide the same answer. Otherwise your credibility may be questioned due to the dissimilarity. Moreover if you are appointed, some employers may ask you to provide a most recent copy of your salary voucher to confirm the accuracy of your stated salary.  

6. Can we contact your references /present/former employers?
If you are not resigned from the present job, you definitely do not let your present employer know about job search.  If you have given your present boss as your reference, tell that you prefer to call your current boss only after you receive a confirmed offer, as he may not like you changing the job.

7. How do you feel about your career progress to date?
To be frank, explain your satisfaction up to a point and meanwhile try to let them know that the same point is the reason for deciding to move on in this direction now.

8. How would you describe your own personality?
It is better to review the first section of your personal worksheet that you have completed earlier. Ask to your friends, family  and colleagues what words could be used to describe you. It is advisable to create a definition which is needed to fill the position and cite your characteristics that support your candidacy.  Your answer should be 2-3 minutes long, remember that more questions will be asked, which will allow you to go into more detail about you.

9. Have you received any other job offers?
Employers like applicants who are actively sought by others. A positive answer can show that you are efficient. A positive answer should be true as it may be verified. Once you admit that you have other offers pending, you need to be careful while giving the information. But don't disclose too much about the offers.

10. We find gaps in your resume. What were you doing this time?
It depends on the situation and what you did while you were not employed. You should be prepared to answer the question before hand. Make your answer crisp, brief and focused on the point and but do not be defensive. If you have period of unemployment on your resume, be prepared to answer further questions about it. If the gap is for a personal or family, avoid details about it and simply state that due to family or personal reasons you were unable to work for a period . 

11. What do you do with your spare time?
The interviewer is looking for some insight into your personality by asking the question. If you say something be ready to answer more question on the topic.

12. Describe a major goal you have set for yourself?
Plan the answer carefully. Select a imperative  project either professional or personal. It can be concerned with education, job or some personal development program.  A goal related to job is preferable because it portray the fact that you are very serious about a career and a job.

13. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends that work there.  Also relate it to your long-term career goals. Honesty is the best policy, compliment the company, point out one specific qualification you posses. 

14. How long would you expect to work for us if selected?
Don't specify any time frame.  Make them sure that you are willing to work for a long time.  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.

15. What are your strong points? What are your weak points?
Be Positive and take this opportunity to let the employer know about your strong points. Try to include the points that are relevant for the position and also important for you. Loyalty, a strong work ethic, good interpersonal and communication skills , a project and result orientation are all personal characteristics that interviewers love to hear.   
Do not be as open with your weakness as with your strong points. Your weakness should be a honest assessment of an area in which you lack experience or need to improve upon. Don't  mention that you are always late, and unable to deal with people well etc. 

16. Have you ever been denied a salary increase?
The Answer " Yes" denotes you are a person with a problem, regardless of the situation of the company you are working.  Being denied a salary increase and not getting the salary increment is different. So Be careful about your answer and it is always recommended to give a negative reply. 

17. What do you know about the position for which you are applying?
It is always advisable to figure out some details about the organization and post for which you are applying. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Take this as a best opportunity to show the depth of your knowledge about the position. If you have a lot of information, try to explain it in a few words but with confidence. Lack of knowledge about the position will create a bad impression on your employers. 

18. Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized?
Your answer to this question gives an opportunity to the interviewer to get an idea about your ability to communicate effectively, your tolerance to criticism, the environment in which you have been working etc. Give only one, but portray them as being born out by the situation itself. Tell how you have corrected or plan to correct your work.

19. You may be over-qualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer
This question is put to you to puzzle a candidate. Be calm and answer the question with a positive and confident approach. Getting a candidate who has more experienced than required is worth for the employer. Try to answer like this "My experience and qualification will just help me to do the job better. Moreover I am at establishing a long term relationship which my qualification will favor me to handle more responsibilities and help me to rise to your expectations."

20. What is your greatest accomplishment?
If possible, try to tell an accomplishment which is related to your job like taking a great risk to get the project and and make it work. For this a deep review of your career life is required. if you note some solid accomplishments as well, you may be able to make the jump onto a recruiter's short list. If you don't have anything to say related to your job, go for your family or personal life achievement such as building a house, completing your degree etc. Narrate the things as a small story with a short and clear manner.