Trick Interview Questions

Source note: This was put together by the SENF (Senior Executive Networking Forum), which is a group in Southern California and sent our way by Dale Wight of our Los Angeles chapter.

INTRODUCTION

Question: How are you?

Hint: Be wary of this seemingly simple question. Even if you have a pounding headache or are terribly nervous, sound upbeat and confident.

Answer: I am feeling fine today. Thank you for asking. How about you?

Question: Did you have any trouble finding us today?

Hint: Even if you have got lost five times, do not complain. You should always ask for specific directions before the interview.

Answer: Thanks to the excellent directions your secretary provided me, I had no trouble at all finding your office.

Question: May I get you something to drink?

Hint: Unless you are parched, refrain from drinking anything (especially alcoholic beverages) during the interview. There is a chance you could spill your drink on yourself or the interviewer.

Answer: I am fine right now, but thank you for asking.

Question: Describe yourself to me.

Hint: A great question! Use action verbs and powerful adjectives. Plan an answer to this question in advance -- otherwise, you might be stumped if you're put on the spot during the interview.

Answer: The three adjectives that come to mind are dedicated, tenacious and organized. I'm dedicated to the company I work for -- the only reason I ever left a job in the past was due to the company closing its doors. I would not work for a company whose goals I do not fully support. I've read your mission statement, and I believe in your goals. Secondly, I'm tenacious. When there's something to be done, I get it done. I work well as a team member and as a team leader. I excel at motivating a group toward its goals and I virtually always finish projects ahead of schedule and under budget. And thirdly, I am organized. Some of my colleagues have joked about me and my organizer book never being seen apart. To a degree, this is true. I am a list-maker. If something needs to be done, I break it down into manageable chunks, and schedule deadlines for each phase of completion. Wouldn't you say that these three qualities would be advantageous in your company?

Question: In five words or less, describe yourself.

Hint: Come up with an answer to this one before you get into the interview. If you try to answer it on the spot, you may be stumped. Develop a list of adjectives that describe you in a way that would be attractive to potential employers. Stick to the amount of words the interviewer allots you. Do not elaborate unless you are asked.

Answer: Organized, creative, diligent, friendly and resourceful.

INTEREST IN THE ORGANIZATION

Question: Where or how did you hear about this opening?

Hint: Be specific. Some companies track how well different methods of advertising for positions work for them. If a current employee of the company (or someone the interviewer knows) recommended you, by all means, name names!

Answer: A friend of mine mentioned this position to me. My friend knew that I have experience in a similar position. After a long discussion, we decided that it would be a good idea for me to contact you about this opportunity.

Question: Do you have any friends or relatives working here?

Hint: Some companies have regulations about relatives working for or with each other. Be honest. If the employer finds out later that your cousin is your supervisor, it may mean immediate dismissal.

Answer: Yes, I have several friends that work for your company. One of them has recommended that I speak with you about this position. I do not have any relatives working here.

Question: How could you contribute to our company's goals?

Hint: To answer this question effectively, you must know what the company's goals are. Before your interview, you should ask about the company's mission statement, which will clue you into their goals.

Answer: I found it interesting that your company so prominently displays its mission statement in the lobby. I think that says something very positive about a company. And I was especially pleased that you so clearly delineated your community relations goals. I would spend a great deal of time working with the leaders throughout the city and do whatever it takes to help improve this community, including volunteering to work with several organizations in a managerial capacity. Not only would this help to improve the community, it would also help to keep your company name visible.

Question: What made you apply for this position?

Hint: Talk about what makes you qualified for the position. Also, if a company employee recommended that you apply, name names.

Answer: A friend of mine who works here told me about this position. I have several years of experience doing similar work for another company, and I am sure that my experience would greatly benefit your company.

Question: Why are you considering our company?

Hint: The interviewer wants to know what makes this company stand out in your mind.

Answer: Your company has some distinct challenges coming up in the next year. The company I worked for before faced similar challenges, and we were very successful in addressing them. I am very excited about the opportunity to apply what I have learned to help your company.

KNOWLEDGE OF THE ORGANIZATION

Question: All positions have pluses and minuses. What do you imagine would be the pluses in this position? The minuses?

Hint: Talk much more about the pluses than the minuses. It will make you sound like a more positive person.

Answer: I would imagine the pluses would far outweigh the minuses, or why else would I be here today? Based on the job description and my assessment of your corporate culture, I would imagine that one plus would be the informal, family-like atmosphere. The employees seem to genuinely like each other and care about the success of each other and the company. Another plus would be the contact with the public. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them make decisions, which is one of the reasons I chose this career. As far as minuses go, I can foresee only one possible minus. Because everyone appears so close here, it might be difficult for a new person to adapt and fit in. However, I do not foresee this happening to me once I join your team.

Question: What can you bring to this company?

Hint: Talk about your skills and education, and tailor them specifically for this company

Answer: I bring a background that includes a related degree and several years experience in a similar position with another company. The contacts I have already made in my previous position will help me be productive immediately.

Question: What are your expectations of this job?

Hint: The interviewer is wondering if you have any idea what the job entails. Let the interviewer know that you know more about the job than you saw in the want ad or job description.

Answer: This particular position has a lot of room for innovation and creativity. I usually go well beyond the basic job requirements and try to add considerable value to the organization I work for. I am very excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to start working for you as soon as possible.

Question: What do you know about our products and services?

Hint: The interviewer wants to know that you know more than the average person on the street about the company.

Answer: From the research I've conducted, I learned that your company has a wide and diverse product line. Your service people are known as the best in the business, according to the book "Looking for Excellence." The combination of your quality products and services makes your company enticing to me.

Question: What do you think are this company's biggest problems, and how would you go about solving them?

Hint: You'll need to have done some solid research on the company to answer this question. Answer it in a way that makes you sound confident, but not cocky.

Answer: With the drastic downsizing that your company has gone through during the past two years, many of your employees are wondering if their jobs will be the next to go. Effective communication between management and employees would be of great help in this situation.

Question: What material have you read about our company?

Hint: The interviewer wants to know what kind of research you have done on the company.

Answer: I have read your annual reports and company newsletters. I have also read several magazine articles about your company. I learned that your company is one of the leaders in our field, and I would very much like to become part of your team.

Question: What do you know about the history of our organization?

Hint: You should know more than just what you read in the local papers. Find out when it was founded and who its former leaders were.

Answer: I was excited to learn that your company will be 50 years old next year. This means that plans for the Golden Anniversary celebration should begin soon. I would very much like to be a part of the planning committee. I look forward to meeting some of the company's former leaders, especially your former president.

CAREER FIELD KNOWLEDGE

Question: How do you feel about government controls in your field?

Hint: There's rarely a field that does not have any governmental controls, so discuss how well you work within the guidelines.

Answer: I believe that most governmental controls are there for a reason, so I do my best to work within government guidelines. For example, when my former company was designing its new building, we made sure that we complied with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Question: What do you think is the greatest challenge facing your field today?

Hint: Keep up with the latest journal articles -- these articles will keep you abreast on the challenges and how companies are overcoming them.

Answer: The greatest challenge, as I see it, is dealing with the rapid advances in technology. My former company was very much on the cutting edge of technology, yet we were able to pick and choose the technologies that were truly useful and cost effective. I look forward to applying what I have learned and helping your company use technology effectively.

Question: What do you think will be the next major breakthrough in your field?

Hint: The interviewer is wondering if you are keeping up with, or know anything at all about, your field.

Answer: It's interesting that you asked that question, because I was just reading a book that addressed the same topic. I agree with James Miller, author of "The Corporate Coach," when he says that customer service is the key. Many companies do not care about the details -- and the details are what keep your customers coming back. Your current customers will become repeat customers if you pay attention to their needs. I noticed in his book that he mentioned your company as one that is at the leading edge in exceptional customer service. That's one of the reasons I would like to work with your company.

RESUME

Question: Tell me about your work history.

Hint: The interviewer wants a brief rundown of not only the jobs you've had, but also the skills you've gained through these jobs.

Answer: I've been working almost my entire life. As a teen, I was an entrepreneur, starting a baby-sitting service in my neighborhood. Since then, I've been presented with a variety of challenges. All of the positions I've held required similar skills -- familiarity with the public, creativity, managing others and hard work.

Question: Tell me about this gap in your employment.

Hint: Be honest. The level of detail you go into will depend on how comfortable you feel talking with the interviewer. If you have many gaps, and filled those times with volunteer work, mention that on your resume. You may head off the question before it's even asked.

Answer: This is not really a gap, but a break I took to further my education. I wanted to devote 100% of my efforts to my studies so I took a leave of absence for two years.

Question: Tell me more about the career objective I see here on your resume.

Hint: Describe for the interviewer how you chose your objective. If you've written several resumes with different objectives on each, be sure you know which one you've sent to this interviewer.

Answer: Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to go into sales. I was always coming up with one way or another to make money. When I was in high school, I had a job in a record store. There, I learned that there is more to sales than getting money from a customer. I learned that you have to develop a relationship with your clients, both current and potential. I've always been good at sales and at maintaining relationships, which is why I would like to work for your company.

CAREER SEARCH

Question: Are you looking at other employers? Do you have any other offers?

Hint: Of course you are looking at other employers! But do not imply that you have other job offers if you do not. Interviewers have a way of checking up on facts.

Answer: I have just begun my career search, and I have several interviews scheduled for the next two weeks. This is my first interview, so I do not yet have any job offers.

Question: How did you get your most recent job?

Hint: Discuss the methods you used. Be sure to mention the thorough research you undertook, if it applies.

Answer: I am a member of the alumni association from my alma mater. At one of our monthly meetings, another alumnus mentioned that he was looking for a person with my skills. After I briefly explained my background to him, we scheduled a formal interview. Two weeks later I started working there .

Question: In your current job, is there room for advancement? If not, is that why you are looking elsewhere?

Hint: Elaborate. The interviewer wants to know why you are leaving your current job

Answer: Yes, there are opportunities for advancement, but only for those who can spend 50% of their time traveling. My family and community commitments are too important to me to spend that much time away. That is one of the reasons why a position with your company is so appealing to me.

Question: What is the reason you are out of work now?

Hint: Offer a reasonable and honest explanation. If you were fired from your previous position, do not badmouth the company.

Answer: The company I was working for had some financial difficulties. They were forced to lay off some of the employees, and they started with those who had been there the least amount of time. I was one of the ones they let go, since I had been there only a few months.

Question: If you do not get this job, what are your plans?

Hint: Let the interviewer know that you are actively pursuing a career, and that this is just one of your prospects. Try not to sound desperate.

Answer: Before I left my former employer, I carefully laid out a plan for my career search. I have several prospects, including a second interview with another company later this week.

Question: Does your current employer know you are looking for a job?

Hint: Elaborate. The interviewer is probably asking to find out if they can call your current employer for a reference.

Answer: Yes, we have discussed the possibility of my leaving the company. He is not happy to see me go, but he realizes that there are no real opportunities for advancement for me in his business. He will gladly discuss my qualifications and job performance with you.

Question: Why are you looking for work?

Hint: "Because I need a job" is not an adequate answer. Think about why you need a job.

Answer: I am currently employed, however, I am looking for a position in which I can use my creativity to help the company achieve its goals.

Question: Why did you leave your last job?

Hint: Try to fit your answer into one of these categories: location, challenge, prestige or advancement. Even if you had severe personality conflicts with your previous employer or co-workers, do not mention them now. It will make you look like you're the one who's hard to work with.

Answer: When I first began working with my current employer, the office was just a ten-mile commute from my home. The company expanded rapidly, and had to move into a larger facility. Unfortunately, the new location is more than fifty miles away, making my commute more than an hour and fifteen minutes each way.

EXPERIENCE - GENERAL

Question: Evaluate for me your most recent company.

Hint: Be honest, but do not badmouth any employer you've worked for. If you do, the interviewer may wonder if you'll do the same about his company.

Answer: My current company is a leader in its field, both in technology and in sales. It has competent management and qualified employees. What it lacks, however, is the personal touch that I see here at your company. One friend of mine who works here told me about your company and how it helps the community. I also know that your employees enjoy being involved with each other socially.

Question: Which position has given you the most satisfaction?

Hint: Describe the position, rather than just naming it. Offer a reason why the position was so satisfying.

Answer: The position I've been most satisfied with is that of Charity Liaison for my company. Most years, we gave a holiday party for needy families. Seeing the children's faces light up when they saw the simple decorations and gifts we worked on made the long hours worthwhile.

Question: Tell me about the first job you ever had.

Hint: Some interviewers want to know about childhood jobs, while others are more concerned with your first "real" job after high school or college, so ask for clarification, or briefly mention early jobs before you talk about the first "real" one.

Answer: The first job I had was as an interviewer for a marketing research company -- you know, one of those people in malls with clipboards. I've never been a shy person, but this job taught me how to present myself with confidence to total strangers. I had to be polite, and accept rejection gracefully when it occurred. I also had to be thorough and accurate in filling out the questionnaires. This involvement with marketing research helped me make the decision to minor in Marketing in college.

Question: Tell me about a problem you once had on the job. How did you go about resolving the problem?

Hint: Be specific. The interviewer is wondering what process you go through to make a decision.

Answer: When a company I used to work for changed locations, I found myself with a one-hour commute instead of the twenty minutes I was used to. I suggested to my boss that I arrive at work two hours early, and leave two hours early, each day. By doing this, I avoided the traffic, my disposition improved dramatically, and I became a much more productive employee.

Question: Describe for me one or two of the most important accomplishments in your career to date.

Hint: To answer this question, you'll either have to think fast or prepare an answer in advance. Think about your entire career and be able to fully discuss three of your successes. Select the one that applies most to this company when answering during the interview.

Answer: When I began my career in sales, I was with a company that had only two salespeople. This meant a lot of quick stops visiting each of our customers and not much time getting to know our customers on an individual basis. After a year on the job, I suggested that with two additional sales persons, the company would be able to excel at individualized customer service. Six months after we put the plan in to effect, sales increased by 30% and customer satisfaction nearly tripled.

Question: Give me an example of a time you were innovative on the job.

Hint: Show your creativity, but don't sound like a "loose cannon."

Answer: In my previous job, I convinced my manager that we should begin using the computer that we had bought a year earlier. Up until then, it had been collecting dust because no one there knew how to use it. I developed a database for tracking all the information we needed about our customers, using software that was already loaded onto the computer. As a result, our paperwork time was cut in half, and our written communications looked much more professional.

Question: What have you done in your previous positions to help reduce costs?

Hint: Even if you had no authority to make purchasing decisions, you still could have helped the company save money.

Answer: One of the programs I initiated was to save the rejected pages from the copier, pad them, and use them as scrap paper. The local printer agreed to pad these for free as their part of helping the environment. So we not only saved money on purchasing scratch pads, we also helped to save a few trees in the process.

Question: What opinions did you give to your most recent employer to help make the company successful?

Hint: Try to sound as though you have good ideas, but you do not presume to know the company better than the owner. You want to sound confident, not cocky.

Answer: When my boss was looking for a better way to meet customers' needs, he would come to me, because I was the one in contact with customers on a daily basis. The most successful idea I had was to contact the customers after the sale was made, to see if they liked the products or if there was anything more I could do for them. Up until then, many of the customers only heard from sales people when a sale was made. The customers liked the personal attention. We increased our repeat business by 58% in the first year.

Question: Describe a project you initiated and how it turned out.

Hint: Here's your opportunity to shine. Talk about your creativity and innovation, in addition to your attention to details.

Answer: I am a member of a local charity organization. We wanted to raise money to fund our activities, and I suggested that we create a cookbook as a fundraising project. Four other people from our group volunteered to help collect and proofread the recipes. I oversaw the entire production of the cookbook. We sold 90% of the cookbooks before the end of the first month, and the remainder of them at a craft fair in the summer. There was no initial cash outlay, and we raised a considerable amount of money.

EXPERIENCE – THIS POSITION

Question: What experience would you like to gain here?

Hint: Stress what you have to offer the company more than what the company can offer to you.

Answer: I gained some supervisory experience in my previous position. Though I feel comfortable and confident supervising a staff, I would like to hone these skills. Working for your company, I will draw on my past experiences while adapting to your way of doing business.

Question: How well are you prepared for this position?

Hint: Show the interviewer that you know what the position entails and how your background complements the position.

Answer: Although I don't have experience doing this kind of work, my education has given me a considerable background in this area. With a combination of my educational background and on-the-job experience here, I know that I will be a productive member of the team.

Question: What previous work experiences do you think prepare you for this position?

Hint: Try to draw something out of each of the positions you've listed on your resume to show that you're made for this position.

Answer: I've learned something from each of the positions I've had in the past, in addition to what I've learned at school. As an assistant manager with my previous employer, I learned how to successfully motivate a diverse group of people. Some of our employees were there full-time, while others worked part-time. I learned to adapt my management style to the employees. After I was promoted to manager, I refined my skills in delegating responsibilities and in scheduling projects. My skills in managing, delegating and scheduling make me an excellent candidate for this position.

MANAGEMENT STYLE PREFERENCE

Question: How does an ideal manager make you successful?

Hint: Stress the importance of a good manager, but talk about an individual's initiative as well.

Answer: An ideal manager would be one who shares information willingly and freely with his associates, who motivates those around them to achieve their potential, and who works toward the company's goals at all times. Although I prefer working with ideal managers, I realize that they do not always exist. In this case, I can still get the job done, and try to motivate my co-workers to do the same.

Question: Are you able to do the work your boss does? Why? How do you do it better?

Hint: If your boss is not training you to do some of the things she does, it may indicate that you are not "management material."

Answer: Yes, ever since I joined the company, I have been accepting increasing levels of responsibility. A good manager knows that part of their job is to train the employees to fill in for them. Because my manager has shared knowledge with her direct reports, each one of us can take up part of her responsibility when she is away, and together we keep the company running. I would not presume to say that I do any part of her job "better," but I am more comfortable and knowledgeable about computer software and hardware than anyone else in the department. When there is a problem or a question, everyone comes to me for advice.

Question: Describe for me the management style of your current employer.

Hint: Stay current on the latest management trends. Reading business periodicals will help.

Answer: We have a very hands-on management style, and my direct boss manages mostly by walking around. He always gives immediate feedback to his employees. He has also empowered us to make decisions on the company's behalf in his absence.

Question: How do you handle disagreements with your superiors?

Hint: Don't say that you never have any. Pick a situation, even a hypothetical one, and describe how you'd work through it.

Answer: I am a calm and rational person. If I were to come to an impasse with my supervisor, I would recommend that we have a discussion in private about the situation. If no mutual agreement could be reached, I would accept my supervisor's viewpoint, unless I felt compelled to stand my ground on moral or ethical grounds.

Question: Do you delegate authority well?

Hint: The research you have done on the company should have provided you with an idea of how closely management gets involved with projects. If micromanagement is the key, discuss how you like to closely supervise your employees. If employee empowerment is the buzzword of this company, talk about how you can delegate well when you trust the people you work with.

Answer: Once I get to know the people I am working with, I feel comfortable delegating my authority, based on the capabilities and reliability of the individuals involved. I like to start out with small projects for my employees, until I get a feel for the team.

Question: Describe for me your favorite supervisor.

Hint: If you know that the interviewer knows and likes your favorite supervisor, it won't hurt to name names. Otherwise, use adjectives without naming a specific person.

Answer: I've had the opportunity to work with many excellent supervisors, but my favorite would have to be the first one I had right out of college. He knew that I was still "green," but he allowed me to make my own decisions. I would frequently come to him for advice. He would always ask me what I thought I should do in the situation. He knew that I had a good head on my shoulders, but most of all, he trusted me and empowered me to make my own decisions.

Question: How much direction or feedback do you require?

Hint: Try to find out before the interview how closely management supervises employees, and base your answer on that.

Answer: I work well on my own, and I enjoy having a supervisor I can go to with questions when I am unsure. Sometimes, a simple question that is answered early in a project can help speed the process immensely.

Question: What do you look for when you hire people?

Hint: You would need to adapt your answer to the type of people you would be hiring.

Answer: It depends on the positions I would be looking to fill. For example, if I were hiring a computer programmer, I would want someone with great technical expertise. If I were hiring a secretary, I would want someone with superb office administration skills, computer skills, and a pleasant personality. But in general, it's most important to hire people who will both fit in with the current corporate culture and add to the bottom line.

Question: Have you ever had to fire an employee?

Hint: Elaborate. Describe the situation that led to the firing and what your thought processes were. This question will typically only be asked of people with previous supervisory experience.

Answer: Yes, I did have to fire a subordinate in my last position. Our company had a very strict policy about when and where breaks were to be held. This employee repeatedly disregarded the regulations. I called him into my office and tried to find out if there was any reason why he could not follow the rules. He just shrugged and looked away. One week and three warnings later, I fired him.

Question: How do you get people to do what you ask?

Hint: Stress communication skills. Avoid sounding like a dictator.

Answer: The key is right there in the question you asked. I ASK people when I would like them to do something -- I do not tell. Most people appreciate my style of management, and when they appreciate it, they are much more likely to do what I ask.

Question: How would you describe an ideal supervisor?

Hint: The way that you describe this "ideal" person may indicate what type of supervisor you will be, or what type you prefer working for.

Answer: I have worked for several outstanding supervisors, so let me provide you with a composite of their best characteristics. An ideal supervisor would get to know each of his or her employees on an individual and personal basis. It is only through getting to know the employees that the supervisor can utilize them to the best of their abilities. The ideal supervisor would also empower the employees, allowing those who can be trusted to make decisions on the company's behalf. And finally, an ideal supervisor would use the team concept and stress working together toward goals.

Question: Do you have a proactive or reactive approach to problem management?

Hint: Someone with a proactive approach anticipates and looks for possible problems and heads them off before they cause difficulties. On the other hand, someone with a reactive approach spends most of his or her day "stomping fires." If you were a company president, which approach would you want your managers to have?

Answer: I usually have a proactive approach, though I am good at reacting when truly unexpected situations arise. For example, two years ago I worked for a local manufacturing company. Because of a bizarre series of events, there was a fire near one of the machines. All of the employees in the area knew what to do if a fire occurred because we held biweekly safety meetings to help head off such a contingency. We escaped with no injuries and only minor damage.

Question: Are you comfortable with making decisions?

Hint: Of course you are, especially if you're interviewing for a management-level position.

Answer: Yes, I feel very comfortable, because I know that I do not make decisions on whims -- I take the time to analyze the situation and the possible ramifications of any decision I make. Sometimes I am lucky enough to have a great deal of time to make these decisions; other times, I must make decisions on the spot. In either case, I feel confident in my abilities in decision-making.

Question: Give me an example of how you solve conflicts within the workplace.

Hint: If you've never been a supervisor, offer an example of how you helped settle a dispute between co-workers.

Answer: When I was working at my previous company, I noticed quite a bit of friction between two of my co-workers. After listening to them bicker for several days, I helped them figure out the cause of their misunderstandings. The workplace became a much more productive and friendly place without their bickering.

Question: As a supervisor, how would you handle an employee who is chronically late or absent?

Hint: The interviewer wants to know what kind of relationship you build with your subordinates -- do you jump to conclusions, or do you ask questions to find answers?

Answer: My reaction to the employee would depend in part on company policy for such a circumstance. But if I were the one to make decisions concerning tardiness or absenteeism, I would first and foremost call the employee into my office BEFORE the problem became chronic. If the employee offered no reasonable excuse for the problem, and did not correct the situation after our discussion, I would recommend terminating the person's employment. Companies must have responsible, dependable employees to remain functional and successful.

TEAMWORK

Question: What would your subordinates have to say about your management style?

Hint: This question offers you the opportunity to brag about yourself, but not sound like you're doing so, because you are talking through the "mouths" of your subordinates. If it's possible, try to make your management style appear as though it would fit in well with the company you're interviewing with.

Answer: Based on roundtable discussions I hold every month, I have a good idea how they would answer this question. They would say that I am a fair-minded manager. I empower my team members to make decisions, and I support those decisions. They would also say that I am available. Some managers SAY they have an open-door policy, but I truly do have one. When a team member has a problem or concern, about either something professional or personal, they would say that they feel comfortable coming to talk with me about it.

Question: Are you a good team member?

Hint: Companies need good team leaders AND members. Many companies today are using the team concept rather than the committee concept. Offer an example of a successful team project in which you participated.

Answer: Yes, I am a good team member. There is an old adage that two heads are better than one, and sometimes five heads are better than two. Last year, I was a member of a community group that was trying to raise money for new playground equipment in the park. The team that I joined was responsible for selecting the equipment. Rather than having all adults on the team, we included some of the children who would be enjoying the equipment. The children really helped us make the decisions about what to buy. Now that the playground is completed, it is one of the cleanest and friendliest in the area.

Question: What types of people do you work best with?

Hint: Watch out -- the interviewer may be looking to see if you are prejudiced in any way. Stress character traits rather than gender or ethnic background.

Answer: In my previous position, I had experience working with all types of people. I can work with just about anyone, but I prefer motivated, hard-working, honest people.

Question: Are you a leader or a follower?

Hint: Companies need leaders AND followers. Offer an example of your success in each role.

Answer: I am a good team member. Sometimes this means leading the team, other times it means supporting a team towards its goals. Depending on my experience in a certain area, I will vary the roles I take. What counts is that the project gets done successfully -- not that I am the one to take the glory for being the leader. If there is a more competent person to be the leader, I am satisfied simply by working as a team member and helping the team reach its goals.

Question: Are you more comfortable working in a team environment or on your own?

Hint: Employers need people who can work well BOTH ways.

Answer: Some projects are more suitable for teams, others for individuals. I work well both ways, depending on the project.

Question: What kinds of co-workers do you like best?

Hint: This may be a trick question to discover any potential prejudices on your part. Talk about character traits rather than racial, religious, or ethnic backgrounds.

Answer: I work well with most types of people, but if I could choose a group of people to work with, I'd choose people who are committed to the company's goals, who have integrity, and are pleasant to be around.

Question: Are there any types of people who seem to "rub you the wrong way"?

Hint: The interviewer may ask you this question in hopes of you revealing prejudices. Talk about character traits instead.

Answer: I pride myself upon being able to get along with most people. However, I would much prefer being around people who do not lie, blame others for their shortcomings, or steal.

EDUCATION COLLEGE/SCHOOL

Question: At our company, we highly value college internships. Tell me what you learned by completing your internship.

Hint: Internships are a great way to begin networking before you graduate. In addition, they allow you to apply your "book" knowledge to real-life situations. With an internship, you will have practical experience in addition to your degree.

Answer: Even though an internship was not required for graduation, I felt that it would be beneficial for me to apply the knowledge that I had gained through my years in college. I learned the job quickly and stayed with the company after graduation.

Question: Describe for me the most enjoyable experience you had in college.

Hint: Try to make this one education -- not social -- related.

Answer: I thoroughly enjoyed my years in college. Probably the most memorable educational experience I had was when I took an economics class as an elective. Most of my friends thought I was crazy, but I wanted to learn more about how our economy worked. I had a fabulous professor in this course. He had no formal attendance policy, but I never even considered missing one of his classes. He explained complex theories so thoroughly and in such concrete terms that everything just "clicked." I earned my first 100% on an examination in his class. I enjoyed his teaching methods so much that I took the next class in the series, also as an elective.

Question: Why did you choose your alma mater?

Hint: The interviewer wants to know about your decision-making process -- so "It was close to home" might not be the most effective answer for you.

Answer: In high school, I would go the guidance counselor's office quite frequently and look at the college catalogs. I spent two weeks between my junior and senior years visiting campuses and talking to the students and faculty. I even sat in on classes. The college I chose won out over the other colleges because of the faculty's involvement with the students and their enthusiasm for their subjects. I also liked the small teacher-to-student ratio.

Question: What courses did you like the most, and the least, in college?

Hint: Try to choose courses that are job-related for the ones you liked and ones that are not job-related for the ones you did not like. Avoid saying that you did not like math, even if it may be true. The interviewer may think that you have no aptitude for numbers.

Answer: I tried to make the most of any course I took in college, and to figure out how it would apply to my future. The courses I enjoyed most were in Business and Economics. As for those I enjoyed least, those were the required science courses that were taught in 400-student lecture halls. The content was useful, but I prefer being able to have contact with the professor and to participate in class.

Question: How much of your education did you finance yourself? And how?

Hint: Paying for part of all of your education, either through work or loans that you are repaying, shows responsibility. Even if you worked "only for spending money," you helped to finance your college education. Figure up a percentage.

Answer: While I was in college, I worked part-time at a local store. This job, combined with my student loans that I am almost through paying off, helped me pay for more than 80% of my college expenses.

Question: How did you choose your major?

Hint: The interviewer may want to be reassured that you do not make snap decisions.

Answer: Ever since I was a kid, I was interested in business and technology. When I started college, I selected a major that is consistent with these interests.

EDUCATION - GENERAL

Question: How well did you do in school?

Hint: Be honest. Toot your own horn if you excelled. However, if you did not do well, you should offer an explanation for your grades.

Answer: If you're wondering if I got a good education, the answer is yes, even though my grade point average may not reflect it. During my junior and senior years, I earned a high GPA. But during my freshman and sophomore years, I did not know how to study well for college courses, and I would put things off until the last minute, which was usually too late. As a result, my grade point average for those two years suffered. After I took a class in time management and study techniques, my grades improved drastically.

Question: Tell me about the extracurricular activities you were involved in.

Hint: If you attended a large school and did not take advantage of the professional and social organizations there, the interviewer may wonder why. A good reason for not being involved in many extracurricular activities is that you carried an unusually heavy course load or were working nearly full-time to help finance your education

Answer: I worked about 20 hours a week while I was in college, so I did not have the opportunity to participate in as many extracurricular activities as I would have liked. However, I was a member of the student club for three years, and treasurer my last year. I organized a membership drive during my sophomore year that brought in 20 new, active members.

Question: What have you done to further your education since your graduation?

Hint: The interviewer may want to know if your skills are up-to-date, especially if you graduated several years ago. Talk about on-the-job training and journal articles you've kept up with, as well as seminars, classes, and so on.

Answer: Because this field is changing constantly, I've done quite a bit to keep up with the latest changes in technology. I'm up-to-date on the most recent programs and tools, and have attended several seminars to learn about new developents. In addition, I keep up with the trends in our field by reading journal articles.

Question: Can you explain your high grades and low grades?

Hint: Even if your grades were low, do not make excuses. Simply explain the situation and tell how you would do things differently now.

Answer: When I was taking a class I was truly interested in, I usually earned an A in it. However, I tended to slack off in the other classes. Now I realize that to have a well-rounded education, I should have spent the same amount of effort in all of my classes. It's amazing how maturity helps.

Question: Did you work while going to school?

Hint: Most interviewers like to see that you helped put yourself through school. If you did not, offer a reason.

Answer: Yes, I did work part-time through most of my college career. As I mentioned on my resume, I financed 75% of my college education through loans and part-time work. I also found that when I was working and going to school at the same time, I managed my time much more efficiently.

Question: Did you ever drop a course in school?

Hint: Some students give up on courses after they discover that real academic work will be involved. If you dropped a course, offer a reason for it.

Answer: Yes, I did drop one course during my senior year. It turned out that a roommate of mine from my junior year was teaching the class. To eliminate any possibility of the appearance of favoritism, I dropped the course that semester and picked it back up the next semester.

Question: If you could do it all over again, what courses would you take?

Hint: The interviewer is wondering how much foresight you had when selecting the courses you would take in college. Stress how the courses you did choose helped, and mention one or two courses that you would like to take.

Answer: Looking back over the courses I took, I believe they prepared me well for my career. However, if I were to take any classes right now, I would definitely take more computer classes. I understand how to use most of the popular business software programs, but I could use a refresher on how the computer itself works.

Question: What was your class ranking in high school and college?

Hint: Amazingly enough, some interviewers will ask you this question even if you're ten years out of school. If you do not know the answer, you should be able to find out from the registrar's office at the school you graduated from.

Answer: In high school, I was number 11 out of 170. In college, I was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi for being in the top 5% of my graduating class.

Question: What didn't you like about school and why?

Hint: If you liked school, say so. If pressed to give an answer, try not to complain or blame others.

Answer: If I had to find one thing I did not like about school, it would have to be the students who were there in body, but not in mind. I was, and still am, interested in learning new ideas, and I would get frustrated when we would have to go over the same material several times because some of the students simply were not paying attention. One of my teachers in high school noticed this and asked me to become a tutor.

Question: How did your teachers and professors influence you to pursue this profession?

Hint: The interviewer may want to know how much influence your educators had upon you.

Answer: As a child, I was always praised for my writing skills. My high-school teacher suggested that I pursue this interest further, and I am very glad I did. I was very successful in college because I had a sincere interest in the subject matter.

Question: How could you have done better in school?

Hint: Even if you had an A average, it could have been better. Think about what you would do if you had the chance to do it over again.

Answer: When I was in school, I usually earned good grades, but I was a bit of a procrastinator. I would wait until the night before a test to study or until the week before a paper was due to start on it. Looking back, I know if I had the same time management skills then as I do now, I would have earned A's instead of B's with just a little more organization.

Question: Was the school you chose right for you?

Hint: If it was, great -- tell why. If it wasn't, do not wallow in self-pity -- explain how you would do things differently now.

Answer: Yes, it was. This particular school excels in faculty involvement with student projects. I found the close relationship with faculty and staff rewarding and enjoyable

SKILLS AND TRAINING

Question: Can you give me an example of your problem-solving skills?

Hint: Elaborate. Think of an example that would relate directly to the job for which you are interviewing.

Answer: I was working for a local store as a sales clerk. Almost every time I tried to use our credit-card verification system, I'd get a message that said "please wait." Then it dawned on me that we only had one telephone line in the store. I talked with the supervisor the next day, and he added another phone line.

Question: What special skills do you have?

Hint: Your answer to this question will depend on what skills are necessary for the position. The research you have conducted will help you answer the question.

Answer: I am trained in using all of the popular business software programs and have superior organizational skills. I have extensive experience working in a similar environment, and I'm sure I will become productive immediately.

Question: How has your education or training helped you to perform jobs better?

Hint: If your education or training has helped you, this should be an easy question to answer. If not, perhaps you should consider going back to school, or explain that on-the-job training worked well for you.

Answer: When I was in college, we took many classes they told us would cover almost any type of situation we would encounter. The one contingency I was not prepared for was dealing with un-motivated people. Fortunately, I was able to improve their motivation by making them part of an exciting team effort.

Question: Are you familiar with any foreign languages?

Hint: With the marketplace as global as it is these days, knowledge of a foreign language is helpful. However, do not exaggerate your knowledge level.

Answer: I speak, read and write French fluently. I also have a working knowledge of Spanish.

Question: What are you doing to prepare yourself for advancement?

Hint: Employers typically do not like employees who are content to remain stagnant in their current positions. Discuss the seminars you've attended, the books you've read, the classes you've completed, and so on.

Answer: I have recently completed a series of seminars in communication and management skills. Some of the topics I learned more about during these seminars are supervisory skills, interactive listening, creativity and innovation. I also keep current on trends in my field by subscribing to industry newsletters

Question: How do you feel about working with computers?

Hint: Almost every business has some type of computer in it these days. Be sure that you know what type of computers the business you're interviewing with has and what types of software they use.

Answer: I feel very comfortable using computers. In addition to being familiar with most of the popular business software programs, I am also good at troubleshooting software and hardware problems.

GOALS AND CAREER OBJECTIVES

Question: If you could have any job here, which one would it be and why?

Hint: With any luck, you will be interviewing for the job you'd most like. Avoid telling the interviewer that you want their job.

Answer: When I learned about this new position from your vice-president of marketing, I said, "This job description was written specifically for me." I am very excited about the possibility of joining your organization.

Question: What is your dream job?

Hint: Try to avoid specifics here, unless you are interviewing for your dream job right now. Talk about the type of people you'd like to work with.

Answer: In the best of all worlds, I would like to work with a group of highly motivated, creative people on challenging projects. The people you work with can make any job fascinating.

Question: Why did you select this area of work?

Hint: The interviewer is looking for insight into your decision-making process. Avoid saying, "I am a people person," at all costs!

Answer: I was always fascinated by this field of work, and naturally I chose it as my major at school. I am very excited about this position because it falls right in line with my interests and education.

Question: Imagine that you're selecting your career path all over again. What would you do differently?

Hint: Show the interviewer that you carefully planned your career, and that you had no mistakes along the way

Answer: I'd do it all the same way again. I've learned something from each position I've had.

Question: If you had a choice, where would you work?

Hint: You do have a choice, and you chose to interview with this company.

Answer: I would want to work for a company that was successful, that would value my worth as an employee and that would allow me to grow professionally. Your company would allow all three, so I want to work here.

Question: Who was the greatest influence on your career development?

Hint: If you think it will be helpful, offer a name. If not, simply describe the person and the effect the person had on your career development.

Answer: I would say that my mother was the greatest influence. She did not graduate from high school, and she wanted something better out of life for me. She did not push me in any particular direction, but she encouraged me to explore many fields before I made a decision. Once I made my decision, she helped me to decide that furthering my education through seminars and classes would be helpful in enhancing my career.

Question: What do you expect of your future employer?

Hint: Have reasonable expectations, but don't talk about salary!

Answer: I would like an employer who respects me as an individual and who fosters an environment of creativity. I enjoy being able to talk to my employers as people, not just as bosses. In return, I would provide the best in anything I am faced with for my employer.

Question: Would you like to be president of a company someday?

Hint: Sound ambitious (if you are), but do not appear as though you are out to take the job of the current company president.

Answer: Yes, I would like to lead a successful company someday, but not right away.

JOB PERFORMANCE

Question: Give me an example of how you manage multiple projects.

Hint: The interviewer wants to know about your successes in time management.

Answer: When I have several projects going on at once, I make internal deadlines for each project and keep track of my progress relative to these deadlines. I note all the due dates and additional information about each project, such as to whom I've delegated parts of the projects. I can tell at a glance when internal deadlines are coming up. This system has been quite useful for me for the past several years.

Question: Have you ever been fired? If so, what led up to the firing?

Hint: Be honest. Interviewers can and will check your background thoroughly.

Answer: I've never been fired, but I have been laid off. The company I was working for was in its fifth consecutive quarter of losses, and I was the one in my department with the least seniority.

Question: Can you give me an example of a project you failed at and how you handled it?

Hint: Try to find something from a long time ago.

Answer: When I was a freshman in college, I was a typical freshman -- concerned more with my social life than my grades. I was a part of a group project in a science course. I let my fraternity commitments take precedence over my group. I let them down. When I saw how hard the rest of the group had to work to make up for my part, I decided then and there that I would never let that happen again. Even though I earned a "C" in the class, I retook the class because I knew I could do better. This time around, I led the group and we earned an "A." But more importantly, I earned the respect of my peers.

Question: What areas of improvement were pointed out to you during your most recent performance appraisal?

Hint: Everyone has something to improve upon. Find something minor, and then tell what you did or are doing to correct it.

Answer: Though my supervisor rated me as superior in all areas, he did note that I needed to work more on delegating my authority rather than taking on an entire project myself. I found that once I worked on getting to know each of my co-workers on a more personal level, I felt much more comfortable sharing the workload. As a result, our department was more cohesive than many of the others during the last departmental review.

Question: All of us have some pluses and minuses in our performance; what are some of yours?

Hint: When you mention the minus, try to turn it into a plus -- or at least talk about a minus you had in the past and how it is corrected now.

Answer: hat's a tough question... One of my strong points is that I am assertive. When I want to say or do something, I analyze the situation, then I act accordingly. Another strong point is that I love to learn. I enjoy reading, even reading computer manuals. Now for my weakness...I guess it would be that I sometimes get too involved in projects. I like things to be done well, and I've been involved in many situations in which if it was going to be done right, I would have to be the one to do it. However, I have recently discovered the art of delegation.

Question: Describe for me the appraisal system used by your last company.

Hint: All companies evaluate their employees, some with more formal procedures than others.

Answer: The company I worked for conducted annual performance reviews. Sometimes they would also conduct a mid-year review to recognize outstanding performance.

Question: Tell me how you were evaluated during your last two evaluations.

Hint: All companies evaluate their employees, some with more formal procedures than others. If your evaluations were less than stellar, tell the interviewer what you did to improve once you learned of your shortcomings.

Answer: On my first evaluation, I earned excellent marks in all areas except for delegation. I wanted to be deeply involved in every project in the department. Once I got to know my employees and co-workers on a more personal level, I felt more comfortable in trusting them with responsibilities. I'm proud to say that on my most recent evaluation, I excelled in all areas. My supervisor noted that she was impressed with my delegating abilities now.

Question: In your last position, what were your three biggest disappointments?

Hint: The interviewer may be looking to see if you accept your own shortcomings, or if you lay blame on others. If you do not have three disappointments, mention one, and wait to see if the interviewer will ask you for more.

Answer: About the only disappointment I had was that I could not spend more time working on my projects there. I succeeded at everything I started, but I was finishing my education at night, so I was not able to put in the overtime like I was used to. Because I could not do everything myself, I learned how to delegate my authority more effectively.

Question: Describe the kinds of tasks you do best and enjoy the most.

Hint: Try to find out what type of tasks are required for the job for which you're interviewing. It's not a good idea to mention that you do not like "picky little details" when you're looking for a job that requires you to balance a cash drawer at the end of each day.

Answer: I truly enjoy working with computers and learning new software programs. That's one of the reasons I was so interested in this position

Question: In your last position, what were your three biggest accomplishments?

Hint: This question offers you the opportunity to really shine. Develop an answer to it before you go into any interview.

Answer: My first big accomplishment was convincing my manager that computerizing our records would be a great timesaver. My second accomplishment was getting through my first year with a 50% decrease in staff turnover. My third accomplishment was finishing my degree while working full-time. I maintained a high grade-point average in college and never missed a day of work.

GENERAL

Question: In the best of all worlds, describe for me your ideal work environment.

Hint: Try to be sure that the answer you offer closely correlates with the environment at the company you're interviewing with. If it does not, the interviewer may wonder if you'll be satisfied or happy with the position.

Answer: Based on the discussions I've had with several of the employees here, this is about as close to ideal as anyone will find. You offer your employees the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. You also encourage your employees to become involved with community activities.

Question: What percentage of your time would you be able to travel?

Hint: Be realistic. If you have many family commitments, 100% would probably not be reasonable. Try to find out how much travel time is usual BEFORE going into the interview.

Answer: As I understand it, your employees typically travel three days a week, with an occasional weekend on the road. I would be comfortable with that schedule.

Question: If asked for proof of citizenship, can you furnish it on your first day of employment?

Hint: This is a perfectly legal question for the potential employer to ask. If your answer is no, assure the interviewer that you are legally entitled to work in this country

Answer: Yes, I'd be happy to provide you with proof of citizenship.

Question: How do you feel about working overtime?

Hint: If you cannot or do not want to work overtime, and the position you are interviewing for requires overtime, perhaps the position is not for you. However, you should realize that most management positions, which many people think are 9 to 5, really involve more hours than 40 in a week.

Answer: I am not a clock-watcher. I believe in getting the job done and done correctly. If that means working more than 40 hours in a week, that is fine with me.

Question: What has been the longest period of time you have been absent from any job and why?

Hint: This question may be used to discriminate against you -- to determine if you have children or parents that would take time away from your job. Answer honestly, but briefly. Of course, the "best" answer is that you have a perfect attendance record. If this is not true for you, do not answer this way.

Answer: I took an unpaid leave of absence of two months from my job two years ago to help my mother move closer to my home after my father passed away. Since then, I have rarely missed a day of work.

Question: Do you have a valid driver's license?

Hint: Elaborate. If the job requires that you drive your own or a company vehicle, your answer should be "yes." If it does not, assure the interviewer that you'd have no problems getting to and from work.

Answer: Yes, I have a valid driver's license and an excellent driving record.

Question: We require a medical exam before starting. Are you willing to take one?

Hint: Elaborate. If your answer is "no," you should have a great reason for refusing. This refusal may disqualify you from further consideration.

Answer: Yes, I would be willing to take the exam.

SELF EVALUATION

Question: What makes you angry?

Hint: The interviewer is not looking for a list of your pet peeves. Talk about situations that are job-related.

Answer: I am usually a calm and even-tempered person, and it takes a lot to actually make me angry. If I had to think of a situation that would make me angry, it would be having an employee who was undermining the work of others and the department as a whole. Employees that try to cheat, steal and lie their way to the top usually get derailed along the way.

Question: What was the least exciting time in your career? What did you dislike about it?

Hint: Try to get out of answering this question if you can -- say that you have usually enjoyed all of your jobs. If pressed, talk about what you found that was not interesting and what you did to remedy the situation. Be sure that if you mention something that was not exciting to you, it will not be the focus of the position you're applying for.

Answer: I try to make the best out of all the positions that I hold. I realize that it is not the employer's goal in life to be sure that I am entertained at all times. After all, that's why it's called "work," not "play." But I guess the least exciting time was in a position in which I was not allowed to use any creativity or initiative. The company strongly resisted any changes, even when the changes would have drastically improved customer service. When I discovered this resistance to change, I decided that I would be better off with a company that would welcome change.

Question: Do you enjoy detailed work?

Hint: Based on the way this question is phrased, the interviewer obviously expects a "yes" for an answer. Back up your answer with an example of a successful detailed project you worked on.

Answer: I do enjoy details, but I don't overlook the "big picture." I have always been successful in balancing both views.

Question: What would you say are your weaknesses?

Hint: Talk about a minor weakness (not something like drug addiction or thievery) -- preferably one that you had in the past, but you've corrected.

Answer: When I was in college, I had a problem with procrastination. I took a time-management class and learned how to break projects down into manageable chunks and set internal deadlines. More importantly, I learned to motivate myself to stick to the deadlines I set. My grades improved from B's to A's, and more importantly, I learned an important skill that I've carried over into my business life as well.

Question: What motivates you?

Hint: Be sure that your answer will fit in with the corporate culture.

Answer: A challenge. I like doing what other people have given up on. Even in the most simple of everyday tasks, I strive to do things faster, better, and in more creative ways.

Question: How well organized are you?

Hint: Offer specific examples of how well you organize rather than simply saying, "very well."

Answer: On a scale of one to ten, I would say that I'm at least a nine. I rarely leave my home without my organizer book with me. In it, I keep track of just about my entire life: projects I am working on, birthdays, addresses, and even a gift shopping list that I add to as I come up with ideas. Being so organized is an amazing time-saver, both in my personal and professional life.

Question: Describe the kinds of tasks you like the least.

Hint: Assure the interviewer that you enjoy (or at least do not dislike) a majority of the tasks required for the completion of the job you are interviewing for.

Answer: When I am on the job, I am not there just to have fun. I realize that some tasks are more interesting than others, and I try to put the same amount of enthusiasm into each task I am committed to.

Question: When you are faced with an ethical or moral dilemma, what do you do?

Hint: Talk about your decision-making process, and avoid any religious commentary. Make your example work-related.

Answer: When I'm on the job, I first find out if there's a company policy that will help me make my decision. If there is, I tend to rely on what the company says the best choice would be. If there is not, and I have a few moments to think, I usually write out lists of pros and cons of the different decisions I could make. Looking over these lists, I can usually see which decision would be the best one to make in the situation.

Question: If I were to call your references, what would they say about you? Are they expecting a call?

Hint: If you do not prepare your references to expect a call from the interviewer, you may be in for trouble. Choose references who will say only good things about you, and ones that will have the time to help you out in your career search.

Answer: Yes, I've been keeping in touch with my references throughout my job search. My teachers would likely tell you about my academic successes and how well I helped to lead class discussions. My previous manager and peers would probably tell you about my ability to successfully handle several projects at one time. I have known each of my references for at least five years.

Question: What would make you happy in a job?

Hint: Answer honestly, but do not stress salary.

Answer: If I were in a position in which I could contribute to the company's bottom line, grow professionally and work with co-workers with similar goals, I would be very happy.

Question: What's the greatest honor you've ever had?

Hint: Try to come up with an answer to this one before the interview. Make the honor one from your professional, not personal, life.

Answer: The greatest honor I've ever had occurred several years ago. My manager asked me to participate in a panel discussion with him and two other industry experts. It was quite an honor to be regarded as one of his peers rather than a subordinate.

Question: Have you been happy in your past positions? What would have made you happier?

Hint: Sound positive and upbeat. No employer wants a sullen employee.

Answer: Yes, I have been happy in the positions I have held in the past. I always look for the positive in any situation. The happiest times I have experienced in any position have been those times that I helped the company achieve its goals quickly and efficiently, and those times that I encouraged fellow employees to achieve their potential.

Question: How well do you handle criticism?

Hint: Employers need employees who can handle criticism. Look at criticism as a way of improving yourself and your performance.

Answer: I view criticism as another type of feedback -- a feedback that I will use to enhance my productivity and performance. When it is presented in a constructive and clear manner, I wholeheartedly welcome criticism. If it is unclear, however, I will ask questions to get at the heart of that person's concern.

Question: How well do you work under pressure?

Hint: Offer an example of a pressure-filled situation that you handled well.

Answer: Though I work well in all situations, I work especially well when I'm under pressure. I like having deadlines. For example, when I was in college, I earned my best grades during the times that I was working a part-time job and taking a full-load of classes. I would set internal deadlines for myself in any project I was undertaking. The projects were much easier to manage when I would break them into segments -- each segment with its own deadline. I continued this process of making internal deadlines when I left college and began my career, and I still do so today.

Question: What do you admire most about your best friend?

Hint: Whom we choose for our best friends says a lot about us. Some people even say your best friend is a true reflection of yourself.

Answer: What I admire most about my best friend is her loyalty. We have been friends since childhood. We moved to different towns in high school, and we have kept in touch ever since. Many people would not be able to maintain a long-distance friendship like ours, but when something is worth it, you work for it.

Question: Can you describe your working style?

Hint: Stress your diligence, attention to detail, and anything else that will show the interviewer what a valuable employee you will be for the company. Knowing exactly what this specific position entails will help.

Answer: I enjoy working on projects from concept to completion. Once I get started on a project, I dive right in and get going. Sometimes I end up working very long hours without ever realizing it because I get so involved in my work. I know how to take a stress-break so that I do not get burned out, but I am always anxious to get back to work.

Question: What would you say are your strengths?

Hint: Think about the position you're applying for -- what strengths does one need to succeed in this position? Talk about your job-related strengths, rather than ones from your personal life.

Answer: Several strengths are important in this field, and I have these strengths. I communicate well in a variety of situations, and I even enjoy speaking in public. I also write well and am proficient in the latest computer technologies.

Question: Do you have a personal budget? Do you enjoy budgeting?

Hint: If budgeting is a part of the job for which you are interviewing, you should have some experience with budgeting, either in your personal or professional life.

Answer: It may sound odd, but yes, I do enjoy budgeting. I get a sense of satisfaction from setting goals and fulfilling those goals. I have a personal budget that I stick to. In addition, I was responsible for authorizing all purchases of office supplies in my last position. Because of my diligent cost-cutting manner, my company saved 15% on office supplies.

Question: In your opinion, is conflict inevitable?

Hint: Elaborate. The interviewer wants to know how well you deal with conflict.

Answer: Not only is conflict inevitable, it is also healthy. A company full of "yes men" does not come up with new ideas; it simply perpetuates the old ways of doing things. When conflict is handled well, it helps, rather than harms, a company. To handle conflict well, one must be open-minded and willing to listen to differing opinions without being judgmental.

Question: How do you perform under tight deadlines? Can you give me an example?

Hint: Some jobs have tighter deadlines than others. If you cannot handle the pressure of such deadlines, you might want to consider working elsewhere.

Answer: I enjoy the pressure of deadlines. However, I do not put off projects until the last minute. When I was in college and had a term paper due, I would create milestones for writing the paper that I would keep up with. By breaking a project into logical steps, it is much easier to keep on track and not get behind.

OUTSIDE INTEREST

Question: What do you do to maintain good health?

Hint: Indicate that you have a strong interest in maintaining your health. Try to discover what the current employees at the company do to maintain their health.

Answer: Maintaining good health is very important to me. I exercise several times a week, usually participating in team sports, and I watch what I eat.

Question: What are your favorite sports?

Hint: Look around the office of the interviewer for hints about what type of answer the interviewer is looking for. Also, there's a rumor, which quite possibly could be true, that people who say during an interview that they play team sports (such as soccer, volleyball and softball) are offered higher starting salaries than those who mention truly individual ones (such as marathon running).

Answer: I try to stay in shape and to do so, I participate in several sports. I see that your company sponsored a Little League team last season. I've been a coach for a team on the other side of town for the last few years. In addition, I enjoy playing racquetball and softball.

Question: What was the last movie you saw and why did you choose it?

Hint: The interviewer may be making small talk. The interviewer may also be probing for information on how you make decisions in your personal life. Use your best judgment in how to answer this question, particularly if the last movie you saw was "Slasher Zombies from Mars."

Answer: Just last week, I saw "Aladdin" for the first time. I've always been a big fan of anything by Disney, and I wanted to see if the computerized animation in this movie compared well to that in "Beauty and the Beast."

Question: How do you spend your leisure time?

Hint: Look around the interviewer's office to see if you might have any leisure-time activities in common. (You might see trophies, team pictures, books, and so on) Do not mention so many leisure-time activities that the interviewer wonders when you have time to go to work.

Answer: I enjoy playing racquetball, reading and spending time with my family.

Question: Do you drink?

Hint: Assume that the interviewer means drinking alcoholic beverages. This is a touchy question. If you do not drink, say so, but be brief and not self-righteous. If you do not drink any longer and you are a recovering alcoholic, simply say that you do not drink. If you do drink, admit it, but don't go on and on about the blow-out party you went to last night.

Answer: Yes, I do drink socially on occasion.

Question: Do you belong to any professional associations? Which ones?

Hint: If your field has professional associations, you should look into joining them -- even if you are not employed now. These groups offer great networking opportunities. You should at least be familiar with the names of the associations.

Answer: Yes, I am a member of the International Listening Association. I will present a paper at the next association's conference.

Question: Do you smoke?

Hint: Be honest. Some companies only hire non-smokers because the health insurance is less expensive for non-smokers than for smokers. Don't be boastful about being a non-smoker -- the interviewer may smoke, and you do not want to risk offending her.

Answer: No, I do not.

Question: What book are you currently reading and why did you choose it?

Hint: Keep up with the popular fiction and nonfiction books -- your library usually will have all of the top-sellers. If you do not read books, talk about what you do instead. (For example, you could say that you spend your time working on an antique car.)

Answer: There are two books I'm reading right now. One is "The Corporate Coach" by James B. Miller. It is a wonderful book about the importance of customer service to the well being of an organization. For escape, however, I'm reading an excellent book by Stephen King called "Nightmares and Dreamscapes." King is from near my hometown, and I have a complete collection of his books.

UNLAWFUL QUESTIONS

Question: Do you own your own car?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. The interviewer can ask you if you would have any problems getting to work on time, but not if you own a car.

Answer: If you're wondering if I would have any problems arriving to work early or leaving late, I would not. I have reliable transportation.

Question: What is your native language?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. The interviewer may use your answer to discriminate against you if you do not answer with the "right" language. You may want to answer the fear behind the question without directly answering the specific question.

Answer: I am fluent in English and Spanish.

Question: Where were you born?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. The interviewer may use this answer to discriminate against you if you were born outside of this country, or even from a different part of this country.

Answer: I appreciate your interest, but would prefer that we focus the discussion on my job qualifications.

Question: What does your spouse do for a living?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. It's none of the interviewer's business if you have a spouse. However, the interviewer can ask if any of your family members work in this company or for the direct competition.

Answer: My spouse and I have been able to balance our mutual work commitments. My spouse is very supportive of my career.

Question: Your last name sounds familiar. Does your family attend the local church or synagogue?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. Though the interviewer may be asking a question like this merely out of curiosity, he or she may also be trying to surreptitiously discover your religion.

Answer: No, I do not attend that one.

Question: What type of military discharge did you receive?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. The interviewer can ask you if you were in the military, but cannot ask you about the type of discharge. Of course, if you had an Honorable Discharge, you may want to volunteer the information.

Answer: I left the military with an honorable discharge. I was awarded with a meritorious service medal upon my departure.

Question: Do you own your own home or rent?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. The interviewer could use your answer to discriminate against you on the basis of socioeconomic status.

Answer: I live not far from here and will be able to arrive to work on time.

Question: You look too old to be starting a career now.

Hint: UNLAWFUL. In addition to being unlawful, hearing this question would be quite a blow to your ego.

Answer: I believe that my extensive experience will be of great benefit to your company. I can work effectively with people of all ages.

Question: Do you attend church regularly

Hint: UNLAWFUL. There is no legal reason for an interviewer to ask this question.

Answer: I am involved with the local community but try to keep this involvement separate from my work.

Question: Have you ever been arrested?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. Anyone can get arrested. What's important is whether or not you've ever been convicted -- and only if you've been convicted of a felony. Other than that, the interviewer does not have a legal need to know.

Answer: No, I have not.

Question: How many children do you have?

Hint: UNLAWFUL. This question is usually used to discriminate against women, though some men are now being asked the same questions. Answer the fear behind the question.

Answer: I have a stable family life, and I do an excellent job in separating my professional and personal life.

POSSIBLE UNLAWFUL

Question: Do you belong to any clubs or organizations?

Hint: The interviewer may be prying to find out about your religious or ethnic background, so stick to professional organizations when answering this question.

Answer: I am a member of the International Listening Association and the Society for Training and Development.

Question: How would you feel about working for a female boss?

Hint: This question may be asked to discover prejudice on your part.

Answer: I have worked for male and female supervisors, and I have no particular preference one way or the other. Gender is not important.

Question: How supportive is your family of your career?

Hint: This question is in the "fuzzy" area of lawfulness. You do not have to be specific about which family members are supportive. The employer may be trying to get you to tell whether you are married or have children. Offer a brief answer.

Answer: My family fully supports my career decisions.

OFF THE WALL

Question: What do you think about the country's economy?

Hint: This question is two-fold. First, the interviewer may want to know your partisan orientation. Second, they may want to know how well you keep up with current economic events.

Answer: Our country has gone through some significant changes during the past decade. On a more local note, I saw in this morning's paper that your company's stock is up 1/4 point, and with the recent changes you implemented, the future looks very promising.

Question: What article in today's paper did you find most intriguing?

Hint: Be sure to keep up with current events. If you are interviewing out of town, read the company's local paper before your interview.

Answer: I typically read the afternoon edition of the newspaper. In yesterday's paper, I was fascinated by the heroism of a 14-year-old boy who rescued the two children he was baby-sitting when their house caught on fire. It's amazing what people can do when faced with adversity.

Question: Who are the U.S. Senators from your state?

Hint: Shame on you if you do not know this! It must mean that you do not care about the future of your state, the interviewer may think.

Answer: John Doe is the senior senator, and Octavia Pollard is the junior senator.

Question: What do you think the economic situation will be a year from now?

Hint: The interviewer wants to know how well you are keeping up with economic news. In order to make an informed estimate, you need to be aware of what is currently happening on the economic front.

Answer: From all indications, it looks like the economy is taking a turn for the better. The Index of Leading Economic Indicators seems more positive now than it did three months ago, and I certainly hope the trend continues.

Question: Of all the people you've been associated with, whom did you dislike most and why?

Hint: Be careful with this question. Talk about character traits, but do not name a specific person. What if the interviewer knows and likes the person you are discussing?

Answer: I am one who can get along with most people in most situations. However, I had an employee once who stole from our company and lied about it, blaming the thefts on an innocent co-worker.

Question: What do you generally have for lunch?

Hint: Tell the interviewer the truth, but focus on the more healthy aspects of your diet. Most employers do not like or expect employees to skip or work through lunch every day. Taking some time out is good for you.

Answer: I try to vary my lunches. I prefer to eat a light dinner, so I usually eat a heavier lunch. For example, yesterday, I had a salad and a club sandwich. Sometimes, I'll eat leftovers from dinner the night before -- I can't stand to see good food go to waste.

Question: Can you type?

Hint: This question used to be asked of females who were interviewing for management positions. If they could type, quite frequently they were offered secretarial positions instead of management positions! Now, however, most people are expected to know how to type on a computer.

Answer: I feel confident typing on a computer, though I have not had the need to use a typewriter for the past several years. I am familiar with most business software programs.

Question: In your opinion, what is the best museum in town?

Hint: The interviewer wants to know how much you take advantage of the cultural aspects of your city. If you've never been to a museum, talk about other cultural activities in the area. If you are not from the city in which you are interviewing, talk about a museum in your hometown.

Answer: In my volunteer work, I've accompanied many groups of children to the Children's Museum. I get excited watching them learn, and I usually learn something new myself.

Question: What did you do last Saturday and Sunday?

Hint: Be careful with this question. The interviewer may be asking it to get you to reveal information they cannot legally asked for. For example, you should not talk about going to a specific religious service. On the other hand, the interviewer may be curious about your activity level or involvement with community events.

Answer: I spent the most recent weekend with my family. We attended a baseball game, went rafting, and toured a local manufacturing plant. It was almost a relief to get back here so that I could relax!

Question: What television programs interest you most?

Hint: Do not say, "I only watch educational TV," unless it is true. Mention a variety of programs, but avoid "trash TV" shows.

Answer: I do not get much time to watch television. I do watch the local and national news every morning. For entertainment, I like classic comedy shows and cartoons from several years ago. I also like nature specials, and black & white movies.

Question: When you were growing up, what was your home life like?

Hint: Stress the positives and do not dwell on the negatives.

Answer: My parents are strong believers that education is the key to a person's success. Excelling in school was important to my whole family. Quite often, we did things together as a family. Somehow, when we went on camping trips, it seemed like it always rained. We brought cards and board games to amuse ourselves until we could go outside again.

STRESSFUL QUESTIONS

Question: You seem overqualified for this position. Don't you think you'd become bored quickly and want to quit?

Hint: Underscore that you work hard in every job you have and that you are committed to the company's goals.

Answer: At first glance, it may appear that I am overqualified for this position. I have several years experience in a similar field and extensive education. However, I think it is important to learn a job from the ground up. I will prove myself in this position, because I know that your company has great opportunities for dedicated employees.

Question: Sell me the pen you're holding right now.

Hint: Almost every job requires some kind of selling, whether it be products or ideas. When you try to sell the pen, remember this old advertising adage: "Sell the sizzle, not the steak." Describe the benefits rather than features.

Answer: As you can see, this is a fabulous pen that every successful executive should have. It is lightweight, so it will be easy to use. The ink flows smoothly, making for a much more impressive signature on your business letters and contracts. And most of all, it is the pen used by the president of your company. Wouldn't you like to have his authority and power someday? Now, how many of these pens would you like to buy today?

Question: What would make you leave us?

Hint: Try to fit your answer into one of these categories: location, challenge, prestige or advancement.

Answer: I would stay with your company for as long as I was challenged professionally and was offered the opportunity to grow professionally within the company.

Question: Do you think you are uniquely qualified for this position? If so, why? If not, why did you apply for the position?

Hint: Of course you are uniquely qualified. Tell what makes you stand apart from the pack.

Answer: I'm sure that most of your applicants have a college degree and some experience, but in addition to these, I have traveled throughout the world extensively. I can converse in three languages, and I have a knack for getting to know people quickly and easily. These qualities would be advantageous for an employee in your company, wouldn't they?

Question: Imagine I told you you've done a lousy job so far in this interview. What would you say back to me?

Hint: Try not to get upset if the interviewer asks you a question such as this. What you should do is remain calm and ask for constructive criticism.

Answer: I'm always looking for ways to improve. What would you recommend I do to improve in this situation?

Question: All of us have some skeletons in our closets. We at this company do a thorough background check on all of our potential new hires. What would you rather tell us now than have us find out on our own?

Hint: With any luck, you won't have any "skeletons." But if you do, consider how badly you want the position, and use your best judgment when answering this question.

Answer: When you do a background check on me, I do not believe you will find any surprises. Is there anything specific you would like to ask me about?

Question: Tell me the worst thing you've heard about this company.

Hint: If you've heard anything truly awful about the company, you probably would not be in the interview in the first place. Discuss the research you did on the company, and how pleased you were with what you found.

Answer: I would not be here if I had discovered anything unsatisfactory when I was preparing for this interview. In fact, I could not find any derogatory information at all about this company, and that's a very good sign. Every employee I spoke with did nothing but praise the business practices here.

Question: If someone were to question your credibility, how would you react?

Hint: Explain to the interviewer that you can maintain grace under pressure.

Answer: I would first ask the person why they believe this way. Perhaps I had said something in the past that they misinterpreted, or perhaps they simply do not yet know me well. After they explained why they do not find me credible, I would describe my qualifications in whatever area was necessary. If this still did not work, and my company was in danger of losing a client or customer, I would turn the customer over to a co-worker or manager. It is not as important for ME to maintain the customer as it is for US to maintain them.

Question: When will you consider yourself a success?

Hint: Avoid talking about money. You may want to ask the interviewer for clarification on which aspect of your life you should discuss.

Answer: I consider myself a success now. I work hard and put 100% of my efforts into projects I believe in. I may not be rich now, but money is not the only measure of a person's success.

Question: Evaluate my performance as an interviewer.

Hint: This is one of the more stressful questions that you'll encounter. The interviewer will probably be able to tell if you are not being honest. There is also a chance that they are trying to discover if you can give constructive criticism well.

Answer: I'll have to admit that this is one of the tougher interviews I've been in so far. However, it appears as though you truly care about selecting the right person for the job, otherwise you would not be so thorough with your questions.

Question: How long would you stay with our company?

Hint: Perhaps the interviewer has hired many people in the last year, all of whom have quit. Assuage their fears, and let them know that you're in it for the long haul.

Answer: I would stay with the company for many productive years, as long as I was contributing to the company's goals and was offered the potential for career growth.

Question: Do you have any outstanding debts?

Hint: This is really none of the interviewer's business, but this question could offer you the opportunity to discuss your fiscal responsibility.

Answer: I like to stick to a budget, and part of my budgeting does include repaying my student loans. I also have a car loan that I just have four more payments on. I try to live within my means at all times.

Question: Your resume makes you look like a job-hopper. What could you say to convince me you'd stay with us for any length of time?

Hint: There are many valid reasons for changing jobs frequently, but one that the employer never wants to hear is that you could not get along with your boss or the other employees. Stress that your days of job-hopping are in the past, and you are willing to make a long-term commitment to the right company.

Answer: I financed 50% of my college education through part-time work. When I was in college, my course schedule changed every quarter. In order to maintain my "B" average, I sometimes had to find a new employer who would be able to provide me with a work schedule that would not conflict with my courses and allow me to offer my best to the company as well.

Question: How would you feel working for someone younger than you who makes more money?

Hint: This is a question used to "stir you up."

Answer: I would not have any problems with this -- I have a great respect for the chain of command.

Question: Are you sure you can handle going to school and working at the same time? Won't one or the other have to suffer?

Hint: The interviewer wants to know how well you can manage your time and responsibilities.

Answer: Throughout my college years, I have always worked and attended classes at the same time. I can budget my time better when I have many things going on. I have always achieved superior ratings on my performance evaluations while maintaining a high grade point average in school.

Question: If, after two weeks on the job, I were to tell you "you've been making a lot of mistakes lately and need to improve," how would you handle this criticism?

Hint: Remain calm, and indicate that you appreciate constructive criticism.

Answer: I always strive to do my best at anything I do. I would first ask you in which areas you think I need improvement. Then I would ask how you would recommend that I best make these changes. I truly appreciate constructive criticism.

Question: Why should we hire you?

Hint: Some interviewers ask this question in every interview. Hope that this interviewer does, also. This question allows you to state very clearly how well you are matched for the position.

Answer: Based on the job description you've provided for me and the research I've done on your company, I would say that I am an excellent candidate for this position. You want someone with education and experience, including experience in managing people. I have a college degree and several years of experience. I adapt quickly to new situations, and I would welcome the opportunity to become a part of your team.

Question: Describe for me the worst boss you've ever had.

Hint: Resist the urge to name names. What if the interviewer knows and likes the boss you describe?

Answer: Though I've had the opportunity to work for several wonderful managers, I worked for one whose managerial skills left something to be desired. He was a technical genius but had no experience in leading people. He would give no feedback until the project was done. By that time, it was too late to make any changes. He became frustrated himself after six months of being a manager, and returned to his technical job.

INTERVIEW CONCLUSION

Question: If I were to extend you an offer now, would you accept it?

Hint: Even if you are certain that this job is the one for you, ask for some time to make an informed decision. If salary has not been brought up, right now might be the time to do it.

Answer: I am certainly interested in this position. However, I would like to think about your offer overnight and get back with you in the morning, if that would be acceptable to you. I do not feel comfortable making snap decisions about such important matters.

Question: How soon can you start?

Hint: This may be a "buy" sign. The interviewer is interested in the possibility of hiring you. Try not to sound overanxious or desperate.

Answer: If, after we finish discussing the opportunities available here, we decide that I am right for the position, I would be able to begin work immediately.

Question: Could you leave me with a list of your references?

Hint: You should always bring a list of references on the same type of paper as your resume and cover letter to the interview with you. Though you do not need to identify them as such, you should have personal, professional and educational references for the interviewer to choose from.

Answer: Yes, I'd be happy to.

Question: Are there any questions you would like to ask me?

Hint: A well-prepared interviewee ALWAYS has questions. Avoid bringing up salary or benefits unless the interviewer starts discussing them first.

Answer: Yes, I do have a few questions for you. The first question is, "Could you describe for me the first project I would be working on?"