10 Killer Job Interview questions and Answers

24 Aug 2007

Behind every interview question there is a concern or another question. Your job is to process the question thinking about what the interviewer’s concern might be. In other words, why is the interviewer asking you this question?

Q#1 – How long have you been looking for a job? (Concern – is there something wrong with you that other employers have picked up?)

A#1 – “After I was laid off from my last job, I took the opportunity to take some time out to examine my career goals and where I was going with my life. I have just begun my search in the last few weeks. I have a definite goal in mind and have been selective about the positions I consider. Your company and this position are of great interest to me.”

Q#2 – How did you prepare for this interview? (Concern – are you interested enough to do some research, or are you going to “wing it”?)

A#2 – “When I found this position posted on the internet (monster.com) I was immediately interested. I checked out the company website and mission statement, looked at the bios of company founders and executives, and was impressed. Once I had the interview appointment, I talked with friends and acquaintances in the industry. And, I’m sure I’ll find out a lot more in today’s meetings.”

Q#3 – What is your salary expectation for this job? (Concern – Can we afford you? Can we get you for less than budgeted?)

A#3 – “I’ll need more information about the job and the responsibilities involved before we can begin to discuss salary. Can you give me an idea of the range budgeted for this position?”

Q#4 – How do you keep current and informed about your job and the industries that you have worked in? (Concern – Once you get the job do you continue to learn and grow – stay challenged and motivated?)

A#4 – “I pride myself on my ability to stay on top of what is happening in my industry. I do a lot of reading – the business section of the newspapers and magazines. I belong to a couple of professional organizations and network with colleagues at the meetings. I take classes and seminars whenever they are of interest, or offer new information or technology.”

Q#5 – Tell me about a time when you had to plan and coordinate a project from start to finish. (Concern – behavioral questions – seeking an example of specific past behavior)

A#5 – ” I headed up a project which involved customer service personnel and technicians. I organized a meeting to get everyone together to brainstorm and get his or her input. From this meeting I drew up a plan, taking the best of the ideas. I organized teams, balancing the mixture of technical and non-technical people. We had a deadline to meet, so I did periodic checks with the teams. After three weeks, we were exceeding expectations, and were able to begin implementation of the plan. It was a great team effort, and a big success. I was commended by management for my leadership, but I was most proud of the team spirit and cooperation which it took to pull it off.”

Q#6 – What kinds of people do you have difficulties working with? (Concern – ability to be flexible and work in a diverse environment?)

A#6 – “In my last three jobs I have worked with men and women from very diverse backgrounds and cultures. The only time I had difficulty was with people who were dishonest about work issues. I worked with one woman who was taking credit for work that her team accomplished. I had an opportunity to talk with her one day and explained how she was affecting the morale. She became very upset that others saw her that way, and said she was unaware of her behavior or the reactions of others. Her behavior changed after our talk. What I learned from that experience is that sometimes what we perceive about others is not always the case if we check it out.”

Q#7 – We expect managers to work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have a problem with that? (Concern – are you a work-aholic or a person who requires balance?)

A#7 – “I have no problem working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour days. What I have found works for me is to work smarter, not necessarily longer. My goal is to get the job done, whatever that takes, in the most efficient manner.”

Q#8 – When have you been most satisfied in your career? (Concern – what motivates you? Or demotivates you?)

A#8 – “The job before the one I am currently at, was my most rewarding experience for me. I worked in a wonderful team environment. There was a lot of camaraderie. I worked with a team of four people and we did some really original thinking. It is that kind of environment I want to be involved in again.”

Q#9 – Why do you want this job? (Concern – are you using the shot-gun approach to job search or do you really know what you want?)

A#9 – “I’ve been very careful about the companies where I have applied. When I saw the ad for this position, I knew I found what I was looking for. What I can bring to this job is my seven years of experience, and knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to communicate and build customer relationships. That, along with my flexibility and organizational skills, makes me a perfect match for this position. I see some challenges ahead of me here, and that’s what I thrive on. I have what you need, and you have what I want.”

Q#10 – We are ready to make an offer. Are you ready to accept today? (Concern – we don’t want you to go away and think about it and change your mind – we want you.)

A#10 – “Based on my research and the information I have gathered during the interview process, I feel I am in a position to consider an offer. I do, however, have a personal policy that I give myself at least 24 hours to make major life decisions. I could let you know by tomorrow.”

There is no way you can accurately predict the questions that will be asked in an interview, but you can be ready and prepared by thinking about the factors that might concern an interviewer or employer before the interview.

——————

Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Coach, is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part “Interview Success Tips” report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach http://www.interviewcoach.com

56 Responses to 10 Killer Job Interview questions and Answers

Larry Gambone

August 24th, 2007 at 20:59

I guess that “Because I am unemployed and need a job, you fuckwit!” is not the correct answer to #9, even though you might feel like saying it.

Weekly Roundup - August 31 | Human Resources 101

August 31st, 2007 at 15:46

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Gormly Blog » Blog Archive » 100 Resources for Interviewers and Candidates

September 26th, 2007 at 11:16

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Marie Angel Roperez

October 10th, 2007 at 22:09

hello!! i am really satisfied with your posted answer.

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November 16th, 2007 at 12:59

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Jobs

December 17th, 2007 at 01:13

Question 1 does trap many people who don’t expect it. I think it’s best to give some excuse as to why you really haven’t been looking, if it’s been a long time.

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January 5th, 2008 at 13:22

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Darrell

February 1st, 2008 at 08:07

No 7 is an interesting one.
According to former Labor Secretary Robert Reich writes that “the income of a young man in his 30s is now 12 per cent below that of a man his age three decades ago”.

He adds that families have coped by putting women to work, by working longer hours, and by using more credit.

“The typical American now works two weeks more each year than 30 years ago,” says Reich. He adds that “we…put in 350 more hours a year than the average European, more even than the notoriously industrious Japanese”.

So anyone on the receiving end of a question about hours of work should have no illusions about what is expected, and what it will take to succeed.

Alz

March 23rd, 2008 at 00:27

Thanks! Very helpful indeed

Lekiya

April 29th, 2008 at 10:18

Thanks for the tips that was very helpful.

LOUIS SITSOFE HODEY

May 21st, 2008 at 07:45

Can you please send this very article into my mail? I would be very grateful.

antonio

May 27th, 2008 at 14:43

any tips for a computer job interview, im kind of nervous dont know what to expect

job interview tips

June 18th, 2008 at 00:28

Great stuff. I found above questions very knavish and answers are awesome. I want to know about 2 minutes interview. Waiting for reply.

Thanks a lot!

Alan

July 8th, 2008 at 14:35

It’s funny how every interviewing SO-CALLED expert has an opinion…the internet and it’s tips do nothing but give out false information and will in most cases hurt the person interviewing…#9 How much money do you want to make? NEVER give them a dollar figure….money is important YET MY CAREER IS MORE IMPORTANT…the money will come. IF THEY PUSH…..Ask them what their top performer makes….$80,000…you smile and tell them I want to make $81,000…I want to be your top performer.

http://www.interviewthebest.com

July 8th, 2008 at 14:39

Meant to say #3…the money question.

Thomas Mkusa

August 27th, 2008 at 14:17

It is really an excellent tip: Big up!!!

Bobby Parsons

September 8th, 2008 at 21:40

Very good advice

It’s best to be the most prepared for an interview
http://www.mockquestions.com

Practice makes perfect!

October 1st, 2008 at 08:08

Thanks you for such great posting. It really helps me a lot.

Shaista

October 16th, 2008 at 05:40

Great job! I would definitely use these tips for my upcoming interviews.
Thanx…

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Jessica Bell

October 24th, 2008 at 10:43

This article is very informative… great job!

J Penny

October 29th, 2008 at 07:58

What about thsoe wierd interview questions that seem completely unrelated to the position? For example “What animal would you choose to be?”. They are used to evaluate how you react to the unexpected, your ability to think on your feet and give a coherent answer! There is no wrong or right answer.
Best Job Interview

!bretleseabe!

November 3rd, 2008 at 03:00

Do you dream of your ?
Make your choice of ?
With over 100 species of domestic and ?

Please slap me!

budi

November 11th, 2008 at 17:54

Dear sir
Introduce me first, my name budi martanto from indonesia, I have interview jobs question and need your help to answer it, below are the question:
1. Briefly describe your ideal job?
2. Why did you choose this career?
3. What goals do you have in your career?
4. How do you plan to achieve these goals?
5. Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?
6. Tell us about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What were
the repercussions?
7. Do you have reference list?
8. Why do you want to work here?
9. Why should we hire you over the others waiting to be interviewed?
10. Give us details of your present Employment Status.
11. How soon can you travel down to any Location posted U?
12. What three Specific Job Positions do you target from the Company?

14. What is your Future Plans for the Company if Permanently Employed?
15. What is your current Salary?
16. What is your expected Salary?

finnaly, thank you very much

regard

budi martanto

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hakim

January 2nd, 2009 at 15:19

Can I hav please as best answers to questions bellow for an interview an thanks in advance:
1-how does your past or present jobs experience fit to the requirement of this job.
2- tell about a time you had difficulties working in a team.
3- tell about a time when it was necessary to plan several alternative of actions in response to a change in organization,s direction.
4- talk about a time you found it particularly tough to make a decision.

10 Killer Job Interview questions and Answers « Life is Challenge……

January 13th, 2009 at 03:25

[...] questions and Answers Posted on January 13, 2009 by Sonvir Singh Attri Behind every interview question there is a concern or another question. Your job is to process the question thinking about what the [...]

Gabriel Mbusya

January 26th, 2009 at 04:12

This is a nice tip of. Congratulation for informing us more on this matter.

RAUL TRUJILLO

February 23rd, 2009 at 16:19

What is the best anwser: Tell me about a goal that you did not meet.

sheila may

February 26th, 2009 at 00:21

helo!
wow!
thanks a lot!
it is really a big hepl to me most especially that i’ll be having an interview right now!
at least i have now an idea!
but then, i hope that you are going to post here about those people who is not yet employed eversince and just seeking for a job!
thanks you again!
gooddluck to me!
heheheh!

SlingDing

March 25th, 2009 at 13:27

I have a few job interviews lined up this week and this was a definite refresher. I have been out of the job hunt scene for 3 years so I know I am a bit rusty.

Thank you for sharing this resource.

Daniel

March 25th, 2009 at 14:41

Fantastic! All I need to do is memorize a few of these answers and I am good to go.

Richard Adofo Frimpong

April 6th, 2009 at 09:24

please i need answers to the following interview questions
1. Briefly describe your ideal job?
2. Why did you choose this career?
3. What goals do you have in your career?
4. How do you plan to achieve these goals?
5. Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?
6. Tell us about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What were
the repercussions?
7. Do you have reference list?
8. Why do you want to work here?
9. Why should we hire you over the others waiting to be interviewed?
10. Give us details of your present Employment Status.
11. How soon can you travel down to any Location posted U?
12. What three Specific Job Positions do you target from the Company?

14. What is your Future Plans for the Company if Permanently Employed?
15. What is your current Salary?
16. What is your expected Salary?
thanks you.

April 24th, 2009 at 08:49

it is really a good site. am happy to visit this, it helps me verry much

April 30th, 2009 at 13:36

Wow, I love the questions and the tips. Simply fantastic.

http://www.mockquestions.com

Shakil Ahamed

May 3rd, 2009 at 15:16

Dear sir
Introduce me first, my name SHAKIL AHAMED from BANGLADESH, I have interview jobs question and need your help to answer it,As early as possible before next 12 hour,s. Below are the question’s:

1. How would you describe your self….?
2. How would you describe your ideal job…..?
3. Why did you choose this careers….?
4. What goals do you achieve in your career…?
5. How do you plan to achieve these goals….?
6. What exactly do you look for in a job….?
7. What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life….?
8. What motives you to do a good job….?
9. Which post do you like to apply for…..?
10. Have you ever been to LONDON before…..?
11.What is your present job and what is your present salary…..?

Shakil Ahamed
Dhaka,Bangladesh
E-mail: shakilnisa@yahoo.com

May 4th, 2009 at 01:14

Dear sir,
Introduce me first,
I am ” SHAKIL AHAMED from BANGLADESH.
I have interview jobs question and need your help to answer it,

I want to build my career in a 5 star’s hotel.
The hotel name is “Abba queens gate hotel” location london.
My applying post “It management”
My interview question is below.Please solv my question’s as early as possible before
next 4 hour’s and reply my mail account.

Below are the question’s.

1. How would you describe your self…….?
2. How would you describe your ideal job……?
3. Why did you choose this careers….?
4. What goals do you achieve in your career…?
5. How do you plan to achieve these goals….?
6. What exactly do you look for in a job….?
7. What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life….?
8. What motives you to do a good job….?
9. Which post do you like to apply for…..?
10. Have you ever been to LONDON before…..?
11.What is your present job and what is your present salary…..

finnaly, thank you very much
regard
Shakil Ahamed
Dhaka,Bangladesh
E-mail: shakilnisa@yahoo.com

Jesus

May 21st, 2009 at 12:25

this is really great interview questions and example answers

Livinus Ashio

May 22nd, 2009 at 07:21

Those interviews questions and their answers were simply great. Could you please tell me how I can answer this question? “Tell us about yourself.”

May 22nd, 2009 at 07:23

Those interview questions and their answers were simply great. Could you please tell me how I can answer this question? “Tell us about yourself.”

diamond

June 8th, 2009 at 22:37

kool…helpful hve a nterview 2morrow so …give ya xtra feedback then…

Thanks!!!

Latoya

June 14th, 2009 at 00:50

I appreciate the assistance from the possible answers for an interview.

deen

June 15th, 2009 at 05:40

enna koduma sir ethu

seo services Chandigarh

July 1st, 2009 at 17:53

i think here is a interview question its nice collection of good question please accounting’s again

Dumisani monareng

July 12th, 2009 at 01:46

This site is very helpfull,can u please send me more questions and answers on my email

Neha

July 20th, 2009 at 19:41

Ver informative tips

mohankandair

July 21st, 2009 at 06:58

hi neha can u help me when i go for interview than my interviwer ask me different type question can u tell me or sent me interviews question and ans, plz min, 50

ASH

August 6th, 2009 at 22:11

Hi folks,

I have been laid off since March and going for my first job interview tomorrow. Have been working in accounts payable but going for cashier or helper work at a new supermarket chain store.

Any tips for me

emily

September 12th, 2009 at 17:15

i wish i would’ve read these questions before i went to my interview, i was asked every single question here by 4 different people . i am so mad…………

Edward

September 17th, 2009 at 03:16

Can you email me a brief of the questions: WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESSFULL SITUATION?

davinci

September 25th, 2009 at 15:58

hello, Carole Martin iam having aninterview sooon. Iam anenglish teacher .the interview will be held in institute of plastic company . so i need your help what are the questions that will be asked . if possible with their answer.can you?

QIMI

October 10th, 2009 at 19:56

dear Carole martin,

I will get interview with my Prof. in internal medicine. i am GP in Indonesia. Could you tell me how to prepare a Medical interview????

Résumé Candidate » Blog Archive » The Interviewing Cheat Sheet:

October 20th, 2009 at 09:04

grace

October 29th, 2009 at 05:44

it was highly appreciated :D
keep on posting.. it helps me a lot..
any way.. thank you so much..

Nazan

November 3rd, 2009 at 19:26

Hi All,
Please provide some good answers for following Qs:
1. Briefly describe your ideal job?
2. Why did you choose this career?
3. What goals do you have in your career?
4. How do you plan to achieve these goals?
5. Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?
6. Tell us about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What were
the repercussions?
7. Do you have reference list?
8. Why do you want to work here?
9. Why should we hire you over the others waiting to be interviewed?
10. Give us details of your present Employment Status.
11. How soon can you travel down to any Location posted U?
12. What three Specific Job Positions do you target from the Company?

Regards,
Nazan
asknazan@gmail.com