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Questions to Expect |
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Following are sample questions frequently asked during
interviews. We would suggest that you consider them and a mentally prepared
"positive" response to each. To get to know you, the interviewer may first pose
some general questions, such as:
- If you could have your choice of any job, what would it be and why?
- Why do you want to go into this field?
- What are your short- and long-range goals and how do you expect to achieve them?
- What does success mean to you? How do you measure it?
- Do you plan to further your education? If so, to what extent?
- What have you done to improve yourself during the past year?
- If you could relive the last 15 years, what changes would you make?
- Tell me about your greatest achievement and greatest disappointment?
- What are some of your weaknesses?
- Tell me about the best and worst bosses you've ever had.
- What constructive criticism have you received from employers?
- Everybody has pet peeves. What are yours?
- What else do you think I should know about you?
The interviewer will also want to learn about your experience and
your reasons for seeking a new position and may ask the following questions:
- When did you leave your last job and why?
- How long have you been out of work?
- What have you been doing since you left your last job?
- What did you like most and least about your last job?
- At your last job, how much of the work did you perform independently?
- At your last job, how much was performed by a team?
- Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?
- What are some of the problems you have encountered in your past jobs?
- How did you solve the problems?
- Have you ever offered suggestions to management? How did management respond?
- What prevented you from advancing in your former positions?
To learn about your plans for the future and your motivation for
applying for the job, the interviewer may ask the following questions:
- Why do you want to work here?
- What could you contribute to our facility?
- If you feel you have any weaknesses with regard to this job, what would they be?
- What do you expect to experience in this job that you did not experience in your past
jobs?
- Assuming we make you an offer, what do you see as your future here?
- How do you feel about evening work? Weekend work?
- Are you considering other positions at this time?
- How does this job compare with them?
- What is your leadership style?
- How do you feel about relocating?
Sometimes the interviewer will ask vague questions that, if
unexpected, may be difficult to answer. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Are you switching careers?
- You don't have the necessary experience or background for this position.
- Why do you believe that you could handle this position?
- Since you are overqualified for this position, what do you hope to gain from it?
Eventually, money will become an issue. Among the questions that may
arise pertaining to compensation are the following:
- What are your financial needs?
- What is the minimum salary you will accept?
- What is your salary history?
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