Common Questions Asked During Interview

Q- How you’ll describe yourself?
Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your resume summary as a base to start. 
 
Q- What do you know about our company?
Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time to collect information including products, size, reputation, image, skills, history and philosophy of the company. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company. 

Q- Why do you want to join our company? 
Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals. 

Q- What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer. 

Q- Why should we hire you? 
Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. 

Q- What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized. 

Q- How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Not long at all -- you expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve. 

Q- How long would you stay with us?
As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing, etc. 

Q- Why are you leaving your present job?
Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated. 

Q- How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?
Concerned but not panicked. 

Q- Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment. 
One in which people are treated as fairly as possible. 

Q- How would you evaluate your present firm?
An excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences. 
 
Q- You may be overqualified for the position we have to offer.
Strong companies need strong people. A growing, energetic company is rarely unable to use its people talents. Emphasize your interest in a long-term association, pointing out that the employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more experience than required. 

Q- If you could start your career again, what would you do differently?
Nothing ... I am happy today, so I don't want to change my past. 

Q- What career options do you have at the moment?
"I see three areas of interest..." Relate those to the position and industry. 

Q- How would you describe the essence of success? According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far? 
Think carefully about your answer and relate it to your career accomplishments

Q- How much are you looking for?
Answer with a question, i.e., "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. 

Q- 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, e.g., "My understanding is that a job like the one you're describing may be in the range of Rs.______." 

Q- What kind of salary are you worth?
Have a specific figure in mind ... don't be hesitant.

Q- 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 safer to identify a lack of a skill as an area for improvement rather than a shortcoming. 

Q- Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.?
Yes, it's a way of life in business. 

Q- How have you changed the nature of your job?
Improved it ... of course. 

Q- Do you prefer staff or line work? Why?
Depends on the job and its challenges. 

Q- In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?
Keep it brief and don't brag. 

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

Q- How do you resolve conflict on a project team?
First you discuss the issues privately. 

Q- What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
Try to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.