10 General Questions:

Tell me about yourself.

• Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble.
• Use a ''positioning statement'' as a base to start. Your positioning statement
is the boiled-down story of your resume -- general goals, skills and background.

1. A brief summary of your personal details: You have to give your name, where you
are from and a brief review of your resume. You may also provide any other personal
detail that you choose to provide.

2. Education: You should tell the interviewer about your educational qualifications
and any relevant miscellaneous educational qualifications that you might have
amassed.

3. Professional experience: Standard questions during a job interview are “tell me

about your professional experience”. Depending on whether you are a novice or an
experienced professional, you should share your previous job experiences. If you
are a novice, then, you could tell anything that you think would be relevant for
the job. You may provide a scope of your educational capabilities and strengths or
any of your hobbies, etc.

Here are the characteristics that are most commonly associated with each of the
styles:

Analytical:
Positive Traits: Precise, Methodical, Organized, Rational, Detail Oriented
Negative Traits: Critical, Formal, Uncertain, Judgmental, Picky

Amiable:
Positive Traits: Cooperative, Dependable, Warm, Listener, Negotiator
Negative Traits: Undisciplined, Dependent, Submissive, Overly Cautious, Conforming

Expressive:
Positive Traits: Enthusiastic, Persuasive, Outgoing, Positive, Communicator
Negative Traits: Ego Centered, Emotional, Exploitive, Opinionated, Reacting

Driver:
Positive Traits: Persistent, Independent, Decision Maker, Effective, Strong Willed
Negative Traits: Aggressive, Strict, Intense, Relentless, Rigid

To demonstrate what I mean, let's take some examples from the business world. While
there are always exceptions, generally speaking the styles fit the example.

Analytical Style: Financial Manager (or programmers, engineers, and accountants).

They like systems and procedures. They are slow to make decisions because they will
analyze things to death? but their decisions are usually very sound. They prefer
working independently and are usually not very good in team environments, but they
are also dependable. They buy cars with good resale value and great gas mileage.
They are conservative dressers. At the party, they want to know why so much money
was spent on Michelob when we could have purchased Busch. They come to the party
with their laptops.

Ok, now you are really getting some insight into your style and the style of
others. It is time for the interviews. Throw out your 30-second commercial. Think
on your feet.

You will be interviewing with the human resource manager, the finance manager, the
sales manager, and the CEO. The first question each of them will ask you is: "Tell
me about yourself." How should you respond? Remember the second reason for
succeeding in a job search: focus on the needs of the people in the organization.
Here are just a few examples of how to respond to that question:
 "Tell me about yourself?"

Response to Finance Manager: "I have been successful in my career by making well-
thought-out decisions based on careful analysis of all factors. I approach problems
with logic and sound reasoning. I would enjoy working with you in developing the
appropriate systems and procedures to make our two departments function efficiently
together."

Response to Human Resource Manager: "My career has been characterized by my ability
to work well with diverse teams. I seek out opportunities to involve others in the
decision-making process. This collaboration and communication is what has enabled
me to achieve success in my department. People are the most valuable resource of
any organization."

Response to Sales Manager: "Throughout my career I have always adhered to the

principle that everyone in the organization must be sales-focused. My department is
always trained in customer service, providing outstanding support to the sales team
and to our customers. Without sales, the rest of use would not have a job. I look
forward to helping you drive sales in any way possible."

Response to CEO: "I have achieved success in my career because I have been focused
on the bottom line. I have always sought out innovative solutions to challenging
problems to maximize profitability. Regardless of the task or challenge, I always
established benchmarks of performance and standards of excellence. I have never
sought to maintain the "status quo." An organization that does not change and grow
will die. I would enjoy working with you to help define new market opportunities in
order to achieve the organization's goals."

In each instance, we responded to the "needs of the individual." It is almost

guaranteed that, when you respond appropriately to the diverse needs of the
different managers, you will become the standard by which all of the other
candidates will be measured.

I challenge you to learn about your personality and leadership style, learn about
the styles of others, and learn how to think on your feet when responding to
questions. Whether you are seeking a job or you are gainfully employed, by
understanding the needs of others you will become a more valuable person, employee,
manager and leader.

What do you know about our company?

• Know products, size, income, reputation, image, goals, problems, management
talent, management style, people, skills, history and philosophy.
• Project an informed interest. Ask several open-ended questions about the
company's course and the department's goals so the interviewer can tell you
about the company. Let her define the business in her terms.

Why do you want to work for us?

• Don't talk about what you want; first talk about their needs.
• You wish to be part of a company project.
• You would like to solve a company problem.
• You can make a definite contribution to specific company goals: identify its
management talent, increase sales in the Northeast region, and so on.

The best way to answer this question is, first of all, to be prepared and
knowledgeable about the company. Spend some time researching the company (the About
Us section of the web site is a good place to start) so you can talk about the
benefits of working for this employer.

Compare your goals with objectives of the company and the position, then reiterate
why you would be an asset to the employer. Let the interviewer know what you can do
for the company, if you get a job offer.
 Even though the question is about why you want to work here, you still need to
convince the interviewer that hiring you will benefit the company.

What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
• Relate past successes in solving previous employer problems, which may be
similar to those of the prospective employer.

What about our position do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
• List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor.

Why should we hire you?

• Because of knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. Tell what these are.

Your key strategy is to first uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and
needs before you answer questions. You might say: "I have a number of
accomplishments I'd like to tell you about, but I want to make the best use of
our time together and talk directly to your needs. To help me do, that, could
you tell me more about the most important priorities of this position? All I
know is what I (heard from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, etc.)"
Then, ALWAYS follow-up with a second and possibly, third question, to draw out
his needs even more. Surprisingly, it's usually this second or third question
that unearths what the interviewer is most looking for.
You might ask simply, "And in addition to that?..." or, "Is there anything else
you see as essential to success in this position?

Prior to any interview, you should have a list mentally prepared of your
greatest strengths. You should also have, a specific example or two, which
illustrates each strength, an example chosen from your most recent and most
impressive achievements. You should have this list of your greatest strengths
and corresponding examples from your achievements very well committed to memory.

Then, once you uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and needs, you can
choose those achievements from your list that best match up. As a general
guideline, the 10 most desirable traits that all employers love to see in their
employees are:

1. A proven track record as an achiever...especially if your achievements match up

with the employer's greatest wants and needs.
2. Intelligence...management "savvy".
3. Honesty...integrity...a decent human being.
4. Good fit with corporate culture...someone to feel comfortable with...a team
player who meshes well with interviewer's team.
5. Likeability...positive attitude...sense of humor.
6. Good communication skills.
7. Dedication...willingness to walk the extra mile to achieve excellence.
8. Definiteness of purpose...clear goals.
9. Enthusiasm...high level of motivation.
10. Confident...healthy...a leader.

You should have carefully considered this question yourself before appling for
a job interview. If you do not know the answer then the job is not for you.

STRONGER ANSWERS that would get the interviewer’s attention –

“Because I have three years experience working with customers in a very similar
environment.”

“Because I have what it takes to fill the requirements of this job - solve customer
problems using my excellent customer service skills.”
 “Because I have the experience and expertise in the area of customer support that is
required in this position.”

This is a time to let the customer (the interviewer) know what your product (YOU) can do for them
and why they should listen to what you have to offer. The more detail you give the stronger your
answer will be. This is not a time to talk about what you want. It is a time to summarize your
accomplishments and relate what makes you unique and therefore a viable fit for this position.

Product Inventory Exercise

Start by looking at the job description or posting. What is the employer emphasizing as
requirements of the job? What will it take to get the job done? Make a list of those requirements
on one side of a piece of paper.

Next, do an inventory to determine what you have to offer as a fit against those requirements. List
your skills on the other side of the paper. Think of two or three key qualities you have to offer that
match each requirement that the employer is seeking. Don’t underestimate personal traits that
make you unique – your energy, personality type, working style, and people skills.

The Sales Pitch – You are the Solution

From the list of requirements and your matching list of what you have to offer, merge the two into
a summary statement. This is your sales pitch. It should be no more than two minutes long and
should stress the traits that make you unique and a good match for the job.

Example
“With my seven years of experience working with financial databases, I have saved companies
thousands of dollars by streamlining systems. My high energy, and quick learning style enable me
to hit the ground running and rapidly size up problems. I have the ability to stay focused in
stressful situations, and can be counted on when the going gets tough. I know I would be a great
addition to your team.”

Preparing this statement ahead of the interview will give you the edge when asked questions like,
“Why should we hire you?” or “What can you bring to this position?” This will be your chance to let
the interviewers know that you are the solution to their problem.

What do you look for in a job?

• An opportunity to use skills, perform and be recognized.

Please give me your definition of a ... (the job for which you are being interviewed).
• Keep it brief and action- and results-oriented

How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
• Very quickly after a little orientation and a brief period of adjustment on
the learning curve.

How long would you stay with us?

• As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing and so on.

8 Experience and Management Questions:

You may be overqualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer.
• Strong companies need strong people.
• Experienced executives are at a premium today.
• Emphasize your interest in a long-term association.
 • The employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more
experience than required.
• A growing, energetic company is rarely unable to use its people talents.

What is your management style?

• If you've never thought about this, it's high time you did. Open door is best,
but you get the job done on time or inform your management.

"I find that it is not effective to use only one type of management style, I have
to adapt according to the individual I am dealing with and the situation. For
example with inexperienced employees I use a management style that involves a high
level of task instruction and close supervision. I find this effective because the
employee needs to be secure that they know exactly what to do and how to do it.
They also require constant support to build their confidence. For a more
experienced employee who is comfortable with the work, I delegate the task and
expect them to come to me for help if they need it. This demonstrates my trust in
their ability to do the job on their own."

Work-force diversity has important implications. Managers need to be able to

recognize employee differences and respond to those differences in ways that ensure
effective working relationships.

Are you a good manager? Give an example. Why do you feel you have top managerial
potential?
• Keep your answer achievement- and task-oriented and emphasize management
skills -- planning, organizing, controlling, interpersonal and so on.

What did you look for when you hired people?

• Skills, initiative, adaptability.

Have you ever fired anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it?
• You have had experience with this and it worked out well since it wasn't a
good fit, or you've focused on having a great team that works well together so
have never been presented with this problem.

What do you see as the most difficult task in being a manager?

• Getting things planned and done on time within the budget.

What do your subordinates think of you?

• Be honest and positive; they can check your responses easily.

What is your biggest weakness as a manager?

• Be honest and end on a positive note: "I have a problem reprimanding people so
I always begin with something positive first."

1 Industry Trends Question:

What important trends do you see in our industry?

• Keep your answer to two or three trends.

4 Questions If You Are Leaving a Job:

Why are you leaving your present job?
• Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty.
 • Give a "group" answer if possible; for instance, "Our department was
consolidated or eliminated."

How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?

• Concerned but not panicked.

Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.

• Where people are treated as fairly as possible.

How would you evaluate your present firm?

• An excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences.

12 Questions Quantifying Your Experience and Accomplishments:

Have you helped increase sales? Profits? How?

• Describe in some detail.

Have you helped reduce costs? How?

• Same as above.

How much money did you ever account for?

• Be specific.

How many people did you supervise on your last job?

• Be specific.

Do you like working with figures more than words?

• Be honest but positive.

In your present or last job, what features did you like the most? Least?
• Same as above

In your present or last job, what are or were your five most significant
accomplishments?
• You could refer to the key accomplishments already identified on resume.

Why haven't you found a new position before now?

• Finding a job is easy but finding the right job is more difficult. You are
being "selective."

Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If yes, what do you
think held you there?
• Challenge, but it's gone now.

What do you think of your boss?

• Be as positive as you can.

Describe a situation in which your work was criticized?

• Pick an example that emphasizes how you grew from the experience.

What other types of jobs or companies are you considering?

 • Keep your answer related to this company's field.

8 Questions on Your Work Habits and Style:

If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your greatest strengths and
weaknesses?
• Emphasize skills -- don't be overly negative about your weaknesses; it's
always safe to identify a lack of a skill or experience as a shortcoming rather
than a personal characteristic.

Can you work under pressures and deadlines?

• Yes. Quite simply, it is a way of life in business.

How have you changed the nature of your job?

• Improved it, of course.

Do you prefer staff or line work? Why?

• It depends on the job and its challenges.

In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been
overlooked?
• Keep it brief and don't brag -- that is, stick to the facts.

Don't you feel you might be better off in a different size company? Different type
company?
• Depends on the job -- elaborate slightly.

How do you resolve conflict on a project team?

• First discuss issues privately.

What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
• Attempt to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.

3 Salary Questions:

How much are you looking for?

• Answer with a question: ''What is the salary range for similar jobs in your
company?''
• If they don't answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth
in the marketplace.

How much do you expect, if we offer this position to you?

• Be careful; the market value of the job may be the key answer -- ''My
understanding is that a job like the one you're describing may be in the range
of $______.''

What kind of salary are you worth?

• Have a specific figure in mind, but don't necessarily volunteer it. To
negotiate with savvy, read our salary negotiation tips.
4 Personality Questions:

What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended
• Talk about books, sports or films to represent balance in you life.

How would you describe your own personality?

• Balanced.

What are your strong points?

• Present at least three and relate them to the interviewing company and job
opening.

What are your weak points?

• Don't say you have none.
• Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have
one if interviewer presses.
• Turn a negative into a positive answer: "I am sometimes intent on completing
an assignment and get too deeply involved when we are late."

"I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined
Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."