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Twenty Tough Interview Questions

 

J0B SEARCH PROGRAM

STATE OF TENNESSEE

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY

 

THE TOUGH QUESTIONS: REFINING YOUR RESPONSES

 

Here are some examples of tough interview questions you may be asked in an interview.  Enter your own answer, and then see Betty to go over.

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Name

 

Date

 

 

 
  1. How may I help you?

 

MOTIVE   The interviewer knows you are there for the job interview.  Don’t spend time explaining the obvious.  The question was only asked to see how well you handle the unexpected.  Take advantage of this opportunity to sell yourself.  This is a “go signal,” so go for it.  Be brief, but summarize your experience and qualifications.

 

SAMPLE ANSWERS

“I think we can help each other.  I have 3 years experience as a legal secretary, type 65 words per minute error free, take shorthand at 90 words per minute, and I am ready to begin work immediately.”  OR

“I am a capable and experienced ____________, and I believe we can help each other.  I have ____ years experience as a __________.  I am ready to begin work now.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. What type of work (job) are you seeking?

 

MOTIVE    This is a straight forward question, and the employer expects you to be as specific as you can.  Many job seekers answer, “I will take anything.”  Don’t do it!  Employers fear job seekers who will “take anything.”  These people are usually desperate for work and have financial problems.  Include your skills and experience in your response and be specific.

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “I am applying for the __________position for which I have ________years experience.”    OR “I am seeking any ____________ position that will allow me to use my skills of_________________________.

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. What was your last or current job?

 

MOTIVE The employer is really interested want to know if you are unemployed, if you are in school and working part-time, or if you work full time. If you are not working, would this affect the company if he hires you based on your past job history.  The interviewer wants to avoid hiring someone who has job hopped a lot, had excessive time away from the job, or taken too much sick leave or had excessive tardiness.  The employer does not want someone with a hostile attitude.  Do you always give proper notice?  Will the interviewer have a clear understand of why your last job ended?

 

SAMPLE ANSWERS “I lost my job due to company downsizing. OR I had advanced as far as I could go and with proper notice, I left to seek a position which would give me the opportunity to grow.”  Explain any issues of transportation, child care, health, or personal problem and how they are resolved.

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. Tell me something about yourself.

 

MOTIVE This is asked to see how you handle yourself and how well “you can think on your feet.”  Prepare for this question ahead of time.  What makes you special and what makes you the right person for the job. Be short, brief, and positive.  Remember your skills and abilities.  Mention your attitude and that you are looking for a career.  Conclude with, “Is this what you want to know?”

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “I have lived in Knoxville all my life.  I graduated in

_____________from The Knox County Adult High School and have job experience in _______________________.  My computer skills include keyboarding and________________.  I have an exceptional attitude and learn new skills easily.  I am looking for a career, not just a job, with a reputable company.

Is this what you wanted to know?”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. What kind of recommendation will your former employer or teacher give you?

 

MOTIVE This is asked to see if you are looking for a new challenge or if you are running away from one you could not handle.  Your answer will be checked, and you will have no problem if you departed your job or school in good standing.  Never “bad mouth” a former employer or teacher. 

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “Excellent.  If you check, I know they will speak highly of me.  OR I was a good worker/student. I had a transportation problem the, which they may mention, but this is no longer a problem.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. How long did it take you to get here today?

 

MOTIVE The employer wants to know if you have reliable transportation.  Eliminate any fear that you live too far away or have any transportation issues.

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “I live 25 minutes from here.  I drive my car but public transportation is available too.  OR I always leave a little early to be on time for any job.  This is important to me.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. Are you interested in permanent or temporary employment?

 

MOTIVE This is asked to see if you are only interested in a temporary job to get you through a short-term situation.  Your best bet is to indicate your interest in a permanent job.  Know that some companies hire temp to perm.

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “I am seeking permanent employment, but will consider temp to perm if available.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. What starting salary will you accept?

 

MOTIVE This is a hard questions.  Hopefully, you will know the salary range before you go for an interview.  But knowing what the company pays will keep you from under pricing or overpricing yourself. Let the employer bring up salary on the first interview.  If you seem to be only interested in the money, it gives the wrong impression.  Say you want a fair salary for your skills and educational level.  Benefits are also important and may not be considered when the salary is quoted, but add a lot to your salary package.

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. What are your long-range goals, say 5 to 10 years from now?

 

MOTIVE This is to evaluate your ambition and self-confidence.  Also, do you plan on staying with the company?  Avoid answers that may give the impression that you are only interested in a short-term job.  Don’t mention specific jobs in the company, but say you would like more responsibility and to move up I the company.

 

SAMPLE ANSWERS “I hope to be employed here in a more advanced position for which I have proven myself capable and deserving.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. Can you tell me what you know about our company?

 

MOTIVE Employers stay longer with a company and are happier with the job if they are aware of the work environment before they are hired.    Researching a company shows initiative, which an employer likes.  More knowledge about a company places you in a better position to relate your skills to job vacancies.  Also, if you can talk about the company, it will impress an egotistical employer who expects everyone to know of the company and its strong points.  Plus, probably the other candidates for the job have neglected this, so find out all you can so you will be remembered.

 

SAMPLE ANSWER   “I understand your company is stable and offers good opportunities.  You hire 400 people in the area, and your main produce is service over the phone.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. Would you accept my job?

 

MOTIVE Do you have ambition?  Will you produce high quantity and quality of work?  Never answer “NO.”

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “Yes I would, but only after I have learned the overall operation.  OR Yes, and I hope to prove to you that I have the capabilities to assume your position.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. Why are you seeking another field of work?

 

MOTIVE Do you have to change jobs or do you want to change jobs?  Convince the employer that your skills meet the job requirements. 

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “Foreign imports are directly causing me to seek work in another field.  I can do a job well and have the skills and confidence to do this job.”  OR After 17 years, my company has downsized.  I am ready and willing to work, have good computer skills and learn new skills quickly.

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. What is your weakest area?

 

MOTIVE The employer wants to see how your handle yourself.  Be careful and remember you are selling yourself.  Turn any weakness into a POSITIVE. 

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “Often I have been accused of being a ‘pack rat’ because I do not like to throw things away.  But I usually find that I need it later or can use it for something else.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. Whom can we contact as references?

 

MOTIVE The employer wants names, addresses, and telephone numbers of people who will verify your history.  Make sure all information is correct—if you give disconnected phone numbers or is mail is returned, employers will not make the effort to find the correct address.  Be sure and ask your references ahead of time if you can use their names.  Do not use family members.  Remember teachers are good references also.  A good answer would be to hand them a typed and accurate list of 3 to 4 names with current addresses and phone numbers.  Use academic and personal references as well as work references.

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. Why do you feel you are qualified for this job?

 

MOTIVE Be specific, sell yourself.  Tell the employer specifically how your skills and qualifications could benefit the company.  Give 4 or 5 strong points about yourself—use adjectives and words like exceptional attitude.

 

SAMPLE ANSWER “I have 5 years experience in keyboarding and call center work, with excellent job evaluations.  I can type 55 words per minute and have excellent interpersonal skills.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 
  1. Do you think you are overqualified for this job?

 

MOTIVE   The job does not require the qualifications you have, and you have more to offer than the job requires.  The employer is looking for someone who will be content and happy and stay with the job for awhile.  He is hoping to eliminate turnover.  He does not want you to “hang on” at this job until you find something better.  You need to assure this person that you will stick with this job.

 

“I do have excellent qualifications and your company has several advantages over other firms (list these).  You can provide steady work. Anyone can always learn from the product and people you work with.  I need this experience.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 

17.       How do get along with individuals you have worked with?

 

MOTIVE Employers have a fear of hiring people with personality problems or who have a “poor” attitude.  They are seeking individuals who will “fit in” with their present work force and be loyal.  Be positive, mention your attitudinal attitude score, and mention how well you get along at school or your present job.

 

“Wonderful.  I have an exceptional attitude and pride myself on good working relationships.  For example, I received a score of 201 on an attitudinal survey and have been recognized at school for my cooperation.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 

18.       Have you ever been a supervisor?

MOTIVE   Your answer will tell employer the depth of your experience, determine if you are capable of hiring and firing, and give them an idea of how you will fit in with the management level.  Do not ever exaggerate or brag but be honest about your responsibilities and duties.  Emphasize your

Strengths and ask for the chance to learn and assume more supervisory responsibilities.

 

“Yes I have.  In my current job I supervise the night shift of 11 employees and am responsible for closing the store.”

YOUR ANSWER

 

 

19.       Would you prefer a female or male supervisor?

This question should simply be answered “No preference.”

Do not elaborate. 

 

YOUR ANSWER

 

 

20.       Tell me about your accomplishments.

 

MOTIVE   The employer wants you to expand upon your capabilities.  Go ahead and “sell” yourself.  Mention that you have graduated from High School (or soon will).  List any honors or awards you have received any years in school.  Are you a scout?

Have you done volunteer work?  Have your worked on fundraisers,

Mission work, community service?

“I received recognition for my volunteer work at the Salvation Army.

I am an Eagle Scout and my grade point average is 3.2.  I will graduate next month from high school.”

YOUR ANSWER