interview questions final assignment web viewanswer 10 out of 20 interview questions. ... as a...

Employability Skills Class Student Name:

Interview Questions Final Assignment

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Type your first and last name in the Header section of this document. 2. Answer 10 out of 20 interview questions. You may choose any 10 questions.

BEFORE ANSWERING EACH QUESTION1. Read the description under Step 1.2. View the matching internet video. All videos can be found on the class website. Click

this link to go directly to the interview videos: Interview Videos (Press the CTRL key while clicking on the link.)

INCLUDE IN YOUR ANSWERSProvide or talk about situations from your own work experience that prove you have used this skill in the past:

1. What skill, or talent, or ability, or strength you USED2. When you USED that skill, or talent, or ability, or strength3. How you USED that skill, or talent, or ability, or strength

WHERE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION1. Type your answer to each question in the Step 2 square. The square or cell will expand

to fit the length of your answers.

ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW RESOURCESAdditional interview resources can be found by clicking the following link: Best Interview Questions and Answers . (Press the CTRL key while clicking on the link.)

Interview Questions

Interview Question

Step 1: To better understand how to answer this interview question, read the explanation listed below.

Step 2: Type your answer to the interview question in the box below.

1. Tell me about yourself(elevator speech)

READ THIS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION:

This is the most often asked question in interviews. Prepare a short statement to answer this question.Follow the steps outlined below to guarantee your answer will grab the interviewer’s attention.

Provide a brief introduction. Introduce attributes that are important to the job.

Provide a career summary of your most recent work history.

If you created an elevator speech in class, use this for your answer to this question.

Interview Questions Final Assignment 1

http://www.job-interview-site.com/best-interview-questions-and-answers.html

http://www.job-interview-site.com/best-interview-questions-and-answers.html

https://iteachjobskills.wordpress.com/final-class-assignments/interview-final-assignment/


Your career summary is the most important part of your response. Make sure that it supports your job objective (on your resume). Make sure your response is compelling – catches the attention and interest of the interviewer. Limit your response to your current work experience – don’t go back more than 10 years – if possible. Mention some soft and hard skills that match the job.

Mention your recent education, if applicable, that supports the job.

Tie your response to the needs of the hiring organization. Don’t assume that the interviewer will be able to connect all the dots. It is your responsibility to make certain that the interviewer understands how your experiences are transferable to the job the interviewer is trying to fill.

Interview Question



2a.What are your strengths as an employee? Tell me about a time you USED your strengths.

STRENGTHSYour strengths are a mixture of your talents, knowledge and skills. Write a positive statement that you can say with confidence.

SAMPLE STRENGTH ANSWER“My strength is my flexibility to handle change. As a customer service representative in a call center in my last job, I was able to quickly adapt to the new computer software the company implemented in the call center. My goal was to learn it quickly, and thoroughly so I could help my coworkers if they needed assistance.”

As a general guideline, the 10 most desirable traits or strengths that all employers like to see in their employees are:

1. A proven track record as an achiever2. Intelligence3. Honesty and integrity…a decent person4. Good fit with corporate culture…a team player who

fits well with the interviewer’s team.5. Likeability…positive attitude…sense of humor.6. Good communication skills7. Dedication…willingness to walk the extra mile to

achieve excellence.8. Definiteness of purpose….clear goals9. Enthusiasm…high level of motivation.10. Confident…healthy…a leader

Remember, before you answer this question, provide an example of a time that proves you have USED this strength.

2b.You might also be asked “What are your weaknesses?”

WEAKNESSFor your weakness, pick one that is NOT going to disqualify you from the job.

Then, give examples of what you are doing, or have already done, to fix your weakness. The most important point here is to show that you learn from your mistakes and your weakness, and you are taking steps to correct or fix the

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to give examples of how you are fixing your weakness.



situation – and REALLY STRESS THIS POINT ABOUT FIXING THE WEAKNESS.

Never say you are a ‘workaholic, a perfectionist because it sounds negative. Instead, try to change these negative qualities into positive ones.

EXAMPLE WEAKNESS ANSWERFor example, if the job does not require public speaking, you can say that your weakness is that you are afraid of speaking in front of a group of people. Then, tell the interviewer that you have joined a Toastmaster club or enrolled in a public speech course to overcome your fear (or weakness). Remind the interviewer that when you identify a weakness, you take actions to correct it.

Interview Question



3. How would your best friend describe you?

The interviewer really wants to know how your coworkers - NOT your friends, would describe you.Therefore, when asked about how your friends would describe you, keep the description as professional as possible.

Be confidentYou can never cast more doubts onto your answer, if you sound unconfident, unclear or uncertain about what people would say about you. Don’t start your answer using the phrase ‘I think my colleagues would describe me as...’ Don’t sound unsure or uncertain.

Be FactualAnother important aspect to remember why answering this, and any type of interview question is to provide facts and truthful information.You never want to place yourself in a position where you tell something that is not true and it could be discovered later.

Most of this information would be cross checked, and some of it may even be used to take decisions about you. For example, if you tend to describe that you have leadership qualities, there are many chances that they might consider you for leadership positions now or in the future of working with the company.

Refer to your old performance appraisals and boss’ quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself by using someone else’s words.

EXAMPLE ANSWERMy manager has told me that she can always count on me to come through in every situation. She said I’m dependable, innovative and that she appreciates my suggestions. In fact, She requested that I join the Improvement Process Team comprised of co-workers with the purpose of sharing innovative ideas that improve customer satisfaction processes.

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to provide an answer of how your boss or coworkers would describe you – NOT your friends.



Interview Question



4. What do you want to be doing five years from now?

The interviewer is hoping to discover a few things by asking this question.

1. Are you the type of person who plans ahead and sets goals? You should be.

2. Do your goals match those of the company and the position? Your goals need to fit the career path for the job. The company doesn’t want to lose you in a year or two.

3. The interviewer does NOT want to hear about your personal plans – only about your career plans. And, you career plans must have something to do with the company or job you are interviewing for.

SAMPLE ANSWER“After 5 years I see myself better skilled and more knowledgeable in my profession. I would like people to admire me for my work and hope the company would grow more with my help. I would like to be a leader for my juniors and you would be proud to have hired me.”

Remember, before you answer this question, the interviewer does NOT want to hear about your personal plans – only about your career plans and how they relate to their company.

Interview Question



5. What do you know about our company?

The WORST think you can say is “Not much.” Or “Nothing.” The WORST thing you can do is showing up at an interview knowing nothing about the company.

RESEARCH the company before the interview. Whether you are applying at McDonald’s or applying at Facebook, do a search online. Look at the company’s website. Review their recent Press Releases. Find out who they are, what kind of business they conduct, and why you’d want to work for that company. What is the company’s mission statement? Are the company’s core values, or company culture similar to your own values and culture? Would you and the company make a good fit?

Once you know about the company you can answer this question.

SAMPLE ANSWER“I’ve read about how this company is involved in the local community, and this is something I can relate to. I volunteer at my local community senior center. I feel very strong about giving something back to the community.

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to state some information about the company.

Interview Question



6. Describe your ideal job or ideal work environment.

EXAMPLE ANSWER“I would describe the ideal job as a job that makes the most of my qualifications and abilities, and gives me a chance to constantly challenge myself. I look for a stable job with quality supervision, a positive work culture at a successful company that will encourage me to work at my best.”

Other good answers to the ‘dream job’ interview question could be:A job that provides opportunity to learn, progress and

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to give an answer that talks about how your skills and strengths will benefit the company if you take this job – NOT how you will benefit from the job.



contribute to the organization.

A teamwork-oriented environment in a company that empowers employees to create and take initiatives.

A job that my skills are utilized to the maximum and allows me to grow within the organization.

I would prefer the company culture to be very team oriented and focused on delivering real measurable results while still maintaining a friendly and respectful work environment.

My ideal job would be – Open, supportive, entrepreneurial, stimulating, collaborative, inspiring, focused on fostering strengths.

I would love to work in a job in which I can work both by myself and with others to achieve the end result. I am very self-motivated so I am interested in working in an atmosphere where I can continuously learn new things and improve my skills.

My ideal job is – Friendly, fast paced, available to learning new things, challenging and of course opportunity for career advancement.

A workplace that is open to communication, staff that are approachable and willing to listen as well as give feedback.

I flourish in an environment that allows me to grow my position and gives me learning opportunities. Work environments where trust and team work are keys to success. I really enjoy working with teams and feel mutual trust and respect is a necessary component to any job.

An environment with various sized teams of equally passionate, creative and intelligent people on projects that are both exciting and practical.

I would prefer working in an interesting and professional job where everybody work hard and help each other to succeed as a team.

A job where I can use my creative abilities to support, aid and mentor other professionals.

The workplace that gives enough space and helps employees to grow. There should be healthy team work, good communication, mutual understanding between each team member. A workplace where there is respect for individual’s ideas and always appreciate good work as well as knowledge



Interview Question



7. What does success mean to you?

Or, how do you know you are successful in your job?

Or, do you consider yourself successful?

A good explanations is that success to you is about setting and achieving goals. State that you have set goals, and you have achieved some of these, and you are on track to achieve your other goals.

You could also say:You set high standards for yourself and meet them.

Your outcomes or work results are a success.

Your boss tells you that you are successful.

Remember, before you answer this question, provide an example of a time that proves you have set a goal and that you either achieved it, or that you are taking specific steps to achieve this goal. State what these steps are.

Interview Question



8. Do you have any questions for me (the interviewer)?

You should ask at least 2 questions.

Salary, pay, benefits, vacation? DO NOT ASK! Never ask about these things during an interview. You can ask about these things ONLY if and when the job or position is offered to you.

Good questions to ask the interviewer:

1. Job ChallengesYou can ask about the job challenges while emphasizing that you like to be motivated by well focused daily work challenges, multi-tasking and even pressure.

2. Career/Professional Development & Promotion OpportunitiesYou can also ask about the company policy regarding professional development and tell the interviewer that you would consider this an important aspect for enhancing your skills and experience.

“What opportunity is there for career advancement” is a good question to ask interviewers as it shows serious approach toward career and motivation.

3. Work Environment and Team membersYou may ask about your perspective team and the workplace environment/culture, stating that as a team player effective team work is your first priority.

4. The company (and department) long/short term goals and challengesOther questions can be asked to high level managers about the company goals, competition, the industry challenges etc., showing an interest in the company and its vision.

Remember, be prepared to ask 1-2 questions.



Interview Question



9. Why should we hire you?

The interviewer wants to know:

- What benefits or value are you going to bring to the company?

While answering this question, focus on providing reasons why the company should hire YOU over someone else.

SAMPLE ANSWER“From our conversations, it sounds as if you’re looking for someone to come in and take charge immediately. It also sounds like you are experiencing problems with losing customers. With my 7 years of experience working as a Customer Service Representative, I have successfully built strong customer relationships. My strong customer relationship management skills and my high energy enable me to jump right in and turn a negative situation into a positive one – and keep the customers coming back for more.

Remember, before you answer this question, provide an example of a time that proves you have brought value to your company, or to the customers of that company.

Interview Question



10. What are your salary expectations?

Try not to answer this question because if you say an amount too high, it could disqualify you from the job. On the other hand, if you say an amount too low, you could potentially end up making less than you deserve, or less than the interviewer was going to pay you.

If possible, avoid answering this question until you are offered the job. This gives you more bargaining power. If pushed by the interviewer to answer the question, ask the interviewer

SAMPLE ANSWER“I’m sure when the time comes, we can agree on an amount. What range do you typically pay someone with my background?”

Or, “that’s a hard question to answer, could you tell me what the salary range is for the position?”

Interview Question



11. Why did you leave your last job? Or, why do you want to leave your current job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. NEVER refer to a major problem with management.NEVER speak badly of supervisors, co-workers or the company. If you do, you will be the one looking bad.

The following are a list of acceptable answers as good reasons to leaving a job:

Career growth You can easily say that you are looking for a change in role and wanted more growth, or even that your position was getting stagnant. This might be an acceptable reason for quitting your job, but this by no means gives you leeway to criticize your job.

Your career path One reason is basic dissatisfaction with your career. Remember



that it is not about the particular company or the department, but your career on the whole. This reason would hold true if you have a rich career profile and are currently applying for a job in a new profession.

Looking for challenges One of the most common and simple reasons is that your job was at a standstill and you wished to seek newer avenues and greater challenges.

RestructuringAnother common reason nowadays is company restructuring. When a company restructures, it can lay off several people, and in a timeframe. Therefore, even if you have not been directly told to go, nobody would blame you if you are looking for avenues because your colleagues or some other department has been told to go.RelocationMore often than not, relocation is another reason that is blindly accepted by a company as a reason for looking for another job.While these are just some of the traditional reasons for a job change, there are some reasons that are more or less accepted today.

Enhanced EducationAnother reason that can be provided is enhancement of abilities and education. If you have recently acquired a degree and have decided to utilize your education to enhance your professional profile, this would be a good reason to give for this question.

Workplace distanceSometimes, even reasons related to daily commutation, like spending too much time commuting from your place of work to your place of residence, as well as less time spent with family can be considered to be the reason/one of the reasons for leaving a job.Remember that you cannot lie about the reason why you quit your job.In this era of references and cross references, finding out the real reason why you quit your job is as simple as dialing ten digits on a mobile device.You may also refer to the article: Answering “why were you fired” interview question.

SAMPLE ANSWER“I am looking for a new challenge at an innovative company. From speaking with you, I hear you say that you are willing to try out new technologies and methods. Although my current company promotes innovation, I think that your company takes it to the next level. That’s the type of company that I want to partner with.


http://www.job-interview-site.com/interview-question-why-were-you-fired-how-to-explain-answer-and-handle.html

http://www.job-interview-site.com/interview-question-why-were-you-fired-how-to-explain-answer-and-handle.html


Interview Question



12. Have you ever been fired from a job?

When it comes to your next job interview, the question of ‘why were you fired’ holds the key to whether or not you would be considered for the job. Keeping in view the recent economic downturn, it goes without saying that if you have recently been fired by your company; this question will pop up during the course of the interview.

There are two well-known reasons for being fired:1. Manpower cutbacks due to company financial problems.2. Differences, difficulties and finally a “divorce”.Obviously, the first reason is easier to explain while the second is much more complicated.

Some guidelines for the ways to tell why you were fired from your last job: 1. Explain the real reason – by all means. However, it shouldn’t sound like a confession.2. Do not tell lies. Lies cannot be covered up – especially not these lies.3. Do not blame your previous job, previous bosses or colleagues.4. Provide a short and crisp answer.5. Check your body language and tone of voice when answering.

Therefore, here is a good basic approach to answering the question:1. Tell why you did not meet your previous job requirements. Explain the different competencies and your expectations.2. Your learning experience.

Tips on how to handle ‘why were you fired?’ interview questionsTo be honest. Being fired means that there has been some miscalculation or misjudgment either on the part of the employer or on the part of the employee. The interviewer will therefore try hard to find out whether the mistake was on part of the employer or the employee

Your relationship with your previous employerBasically, you do not provide the complete answer to this question during the interview, but more so it depends on how you have interacted with your previous employers during your employment or even during the last month of your employment with them.Therefore, make sure that you have a good relationship with your employers throughout and after your employment. Most job interviewers today ask for references from people for whom you have worked and from people with whom you have worked. This is an endeavor pursued to get first-hand knowledge as to the nature of your relationship with your peers and superiors.

Why you shouldn’t lay the blameNever make negative comments about your previous employer, co-workers or company.

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to explain why you were fired or let go from a job.



Interview Question



13. Why do you want to work for this company?

You have 2 main objectives in answering this question:

1. You need to convince the employer that you like the company and think it is a place that you see as a good company. This must sound convincing and sincere.

2. You must sell yourself by being professional and showing you have a knowledge of the company and you have the skills the company needs.

EXAMPLE ANSWER“I enjoy working with the public and want to continue to do this with a reputable company like yours. I have viewed your website and can see this is a company with solid foundations and excellent values.”

Remember, before answering this question, you must first have researched the company to learn about the company to know and understand WHY you would want to work for this company and WHY you are a good match for this company.

Interview Question



14. How have you handled a difficult or challenging situation?

Another way the interviewer might ask the question is, “What was the Most Difficult Situation you have faced in a workplace?”One of the common questions is when the interviewer wants you to describe a specific difficult work related situation that you have faced in your previous job and how you handled it. This interview question is asked in order to evaluate your communication skills, your ability to solve problems/issues and your conflict resolution abilities (i.e. analytical skills).

Try to remember some of the difficult/hard work situations that you have experienced. There can be any number and different types of cases, most probably:

If you are in the customer service field, you might encounter one of those difficult customer service situations, where the problem is tough to solve, takes time and the customer was quite incited and angry.

It might have been any delicate issue with team-mates, co-workers or a serious distinct problem in a project.

Your answer should illustrate your abilities to deal with difficult situations effectively. While answering the question, break the situation into fragments as follows:

Describe the situation you encountered in detail.

Tell how you’ve used your skills to analyze the problem before you considered subsequent actions (i.e. solutions).

Explain the solution that you selected and your approach – why did you decide to take this particular resolution?

Finally, describe the outcomes/results and what you have learned from that situation.

Any company would want an experienced person, who is able to rise above complex situations. Therefore, make it a point to describe a work related situation in which you utilized your

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to provide an actual difficult work situation example in your answer



strong personal and professional skills.

Interview Question



15. What are your skills?

The interviewer is really asking “What skills do you have that would BENEFIT our company?”

When the interviewer asks, “What about your skills, Can you list your skills for me?”, he basically wants to know two things:

1. Are you well aware about yourself? Can you list your skills and abilities? Can you demonstrate you skills by stating examples/instances?

2. How well do your skills and abilities sync with the job requirements? How would your skills add value to the project/job in concern?

Now that you have understood the psyche of an interviewer, you will surely agree that you need to be well aware of your skills, in advance. Let us consider an example:Interviewer: “What are your job skills?”

Sample Answer-Bad: “Well, ah… I am a team player. I love to work around in teams and deliver results well in time. I can work in diverse teams and I feel I would be the right fit for the organization.”

Sample Answer-Good: “I am a team player and most importantly an idea champion. I have a knack of listening more than what I speak and perhaps, that is why I tend to gel well with team members and generate ideas from them. I make sure that everyone get a chance to voice his idea and thus, is equally involved in the project/job. Having said that, I believe I shall bring value to the project, for I shall be able to manage and involve the multi ethnic members of the team.”

Clearly, Sample Answer 2 has not only stated that he is a team player but he has further mentioned key traits of an ideal team player and how he would benefit the project in concern.

BEST ANSWERBe prepared with a list of skills – both soft and job specific (hard) – that match the job you are interviewing for. These skills would have been listed in the job description.

NEXT BEST ANSWERIf your skills are not exactly what the job description asked for, point out the skills you have that would be valuable to any company. Are you dependable, responsible and adaptable? Do you have a strong work ethic? Are you a problem-solver? Do you have the ability to work well with a team?

Remember, before you answer this question, provide an actual work experience when you USED these skills.



Interview Question



16. What motivates you? Or, how would you define success? Or, what defines success at work?

“How would you define success?” or “what defines success at work” is a job interview question that might pose problems for you if you do not know how a company functions and what its mission statement is.

Most researches show that the single best predictor for who will perform well and succeed in a new job is a person who possesses learning agility (a quick learner) – someone who can adjust himself/herself to new and different jobs.

Past performance or even experience, skills and intelligence are not as important as learning agility.Therefore, there is a tried and tested reply to this question that helps you appear level-headed and knowledgeable.

How do you evaluate success?Some people learn more than others and you would want to present that you’re among those who are capable of learning new things.Low performing employees seem to have more difficulty learning from experience and have trouble making the transition to different jobs and challenges.

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to provide an actual situation when you had to learn something new, or a situation when you had to adjust to a new job or a new situation.

Interview Question



17. How would you describe your work ethic?

Employers have begun to recruit and retain lesser employees due to the tough economic conditions. Employers have begun to emphasize on qualities such as multi-tasking abilities and strong work ethics to select and orient an applicant for the job in concern.

It is absolutely essential to possess good work ethics and demonstrate the same while being interviewed for a job. If you are able to successfully demonstrate strong work ethics; you are sure to obtain the job.

It is important for you to understand what constitutes ideal work ethics before you answer the interview question- “Describe your work ethics?”

What is work ethics? Work ethics is basically the modus operandi of doing a task keeping in mind the harmony and synergy of the coworkers involved. It also constitutes an individual’s demeanor with respect to his team members, co-workers and his sincerity towards the job.

WORK ETHIC CHARACTERISTICSSomeone with a good work ethic demonstrates several of the following characteristics:

1. Positive outlook: A positive outlook is indeed the most important aspect of good work ethics. It enables an employee to overcome the toughest of situations.

2. Respect to co-workers: An individual with good work ethics would essentially show respect to his co-workers and especially to the decision maker.

3. Inter-personal relationships: Inter-personal

Remember, when you answer this question, be prepared to include 2-3 of the work ethic characteristics in your answer. AND, provide examples of when you USED these work ethics.



relationships are yet another important aspect of good work ethics. In order to achieve better inter-personal relationships, an individual needs to learn providing genuine feedback and support.

4. Understanding approach: An individual needs to understand the work related pressures and thus, avoid bouncing off unrealistic deadlines.

5. Empathy and sensitivity: An individual with strong work ethics will be more sensitive to co-workers’ needs and demands. He would also empathize with them in testing times.

6. Honest and sincere: An individual needs to be honest and sincere to the work deliverables, his team and the employer.

EXAMPLEInterviewer: “Please describe for us your work ethics?”

Interviewee: (SAMPLE ANSWER)“I am an honest and sincere individual and I do not like to ‘Boss around’ to make my presence felt. I believe, I am more understanding than the rest and thus, able to touch-base team problems at the core level. For instance, due to my constant ‘informal get-togethers’ with the team members, I was able to realize their work pressure and thus, modify the deadline of a project. As a result of which, the team worked enthusiastically and we excelled in overall expectations of the client.”Further reading – Work Ethics Interview Questions and Answers.

Interview Question



18. Are you willing to relocate? Are you willing to travel?

Understand the difference between ‘relocating’ and ‘willing to travel.’

- Relocating means moving to a new city, or possibly a new country.

- Willing to Travel may mean driving locally around the city where you live, but still being home every night. Or, it may require flying somewhere and leaving town for a few days, weeks or months.

Be careful. If you answer “no” you could slam the door shut on a job opportunity. But, what if you really prefer not to relocate or travel, and don’t want to lose the job offer?

BEST ANSWER1. Find out where you may have to relocate and how

much travel may be involved. Then respond to the question. If there is no problem, say ‘yes’ enthusiastically.

2. If you have a problem with relocating or traveling, you might answer that you’d be open to relocating (or traveling) for the right opportunity.


http://www.job-interview-site.com/work-ethics-interview-questions-and-answers.html

http://www.job-interview-site.com/work-ethics-interview-questions-and-answers.html


Interview Question



19. What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career?

Interviewers are most interested in your fit for the job. Make sure that if you are asked this question, you talk about a work achievement that you are most proud of.

The best kinds of achievements or accomplishments should focus on benefits that you achieved for OTHER people or for the COMPANY – and NOT how it benefited YOU.

Examples :

1. You increased customer satisfaction2. You increased revenues or profit for the company3. You reduced company expenses or costs4. You reduced the workload for a co-worker5. You improved a company process

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to include an accomplishment – AND – how it benefited the company or the customer or the team.

Interview Question



20. Give an example of how you handled pressure or stress?

The interviewer wants to know how well you handle pressure and stress. Give a positive answer and provide a real example of how you’ve handled stress in the work place.

EXAMPLE ANSWER“One Friday the supervisor let us know the deadline had changed, reducing our production time to 3 days from the original 7 days. In order to complete the job on time, we would all need to work the weekend – our normal days off. I convinced the boss to host pizza lunches for everyone on Saturday and Sunday. This small thing improved team morale and incentivized the team. As a result, we successfully got the job completed on time.

Remember, before you answer this question, be prepared to give an actual example of a time when you were under stress and how well you handled it.

****THIS IS THE END OF THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS****


interview questions final assignment web viewanswer 10 out of 20 interview questions. ... as a...

Documents