Interview Questions

[Kettle]

I am preparing for an interview for a career type position, and am thinking of what the panel will ask me, and also good questions to ask them.

I thought info like this could be helpful to everyone on the huddle. I know there are some higher ups here, and definitely some people that have gone through interview process several times. I personally haven't got a great deal of interview experience with anyone other than my current employer so I'm looking for input.

So what questions do you expect or ask when being interviewed?

[TarPanther9180]

Tell me about yourself?

Do NOT say you are a Panther fan and love the ladies. Keep it to your career and why you entered that field.

What are your strengths?

Self explanatory

What are your weaknesses?

DO NOT saying you don't have any.

Why should we hire you?

[The Saltman]

I always ask situational questions. It seems to be harder for someone to offer good answers to a situational question if they don't know anything about the field.

[Zcustom]

Here's what my HR department gave me as a template.

More than anything I try to get the interviewee talking, as most good info is divulged while the applicant is rambling.

Interview

1. Why do you think you would like to work for our company:

(Shows if they have tried to find out anything about the company)

2. What do you know about our particular industry requirements?

(To see if they have relative experience)

3. What were your favorite subjects at school?

(Sometimes indicates basic personality traits)

4. What school activities did you participate in? Which did you enjoy the most? Why? (May show how well they mixed in with others)

Questions 3 & 4 may not be relevant if school years are too far back.)

5. What are your duties at your current job?

(Indicates how candidate can put together their thoughts, how well they will relate to the new job)

6. How do you spend your spare time?

(Breadth of interest)

7. What do you think are your strengths?

(May show if they brag)

8. What are your weaknesses?

(Are they self-critical)

9. Why are you making a job change?

(May show if there was a personality clash. Note if answer is given with rancor or bitterness)

10. What type of position are you most interested in?

(Could show what major goal is)

11. Have you traveled much?

(Could show if likes to be on the go)

12. What sort of progress in our company would seem normal to you?

(Major goals aspiring to)

13. What do you have to offer us?

(Can produce some interesting responses)

14. Do you think you’ll like this job?

(Homework on company)

15. What was your greatest weakness in your last job?

(May indicate how well along in our work environment)

16. What do you like most – least about your last company?

(Same as 15)

17. How many traffic tickets have you received in the past year?

(Test responsibility)

18. What would you have liked to do more of in your last job?

(Opportunity to expand on previous work)

19. What suggestions did you make in your last job to improve operations, morale or whatever? (Shows accomplishments)

20. What was your best boss like? Worst?

(Ability to get along)

21. Are you eager to please?

(May indicate a “yes” man)

22. What makes the difference between success and failure?

(Shows imagination, flair for conversation)

23. If you could have had any career, which one would you choose? Why?

(Show happiness level in current field)

24. Do you wish to be a leader? Why? How?

(Designed to bring out abrasive’s and aggressiveness tendencies)

25. What is the most difficult thing that you’ve ever tackled?...the most gratifying?

(How high they reach for achievement)

26. What do people usually criticize you for?

(Personality traits)

27. What do you criticize people for?

(Same as 27)

28. What types of reading do you do?

(Breadth of interest)

29. What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?

(Shows accomplishments)

30. How does this job compare with others that you have applied for?

(Shopping around)

31. Tell me something about yourself in your own words.

(Designed to make the individual open up and talk more freely)

32. Do you need any special accommodations to enable you to perform the duties required of this position? (ADA)(Should bring out any physical disabilities)

Negative Attributes to watch for:

Overbearing and conceited

Cynical

Unable to express themselves clearly

Lacks career planning

Lacks interest or enthusiasm

Criticizes past employers

Lacking in tact

Is evasive

Makes excuses

Interested only in money

Little sense of humor

Just shopping around

Poor personal appearance

Lacks social understanding

Strong prejudices

Narrow interests

Unable to accept criticism

Asks no questions about the job

[Kettle]

thanks Z. on that last negative attribute though...what are questions you like to be asked? I've already been given info on the benefits so thats out unless theres something that I just seek clarification on.

[Zcustom]

Keep in mind I hire warehouse workers for a janitorial company, so things are most likely different in your scenario, but....

I look for questions that help the person understand what their role with the company will be. It shows me that they are thinking about the "big picture" and in my world that goes a long way.

Like I said though, major caveat, cuz sometimes I'm hiring a guy to cut grass and clean toilets. Hope this helps

[PanthaSan]

Hope this helps....

[Kettle]

  Pantha-San said:

Hope this helps....

maybe it will once i'm away from proxy.

[Kettle]

  The Saltman said:

I always ask situational questions. It seems to be harder for someone to offer good answers to a situational question if they don't know anything about the field.

saltman interviewing for housekeeping position: "If you disturb a male guest in his room, are you going to work "harder" to get your "tip"?"

haha. pimpin aint easy!

[dimbee]

  TarPanther9180 said:

What are your strengths?

Self explanatory

What are your weaknesses?

DO NOT saying you don't have any.

If you get these questions, ask them when you should prepare for the real interview.

[Kettle]

those were covered in an email I replied to last week. gotta drive to the real interview. if i get the position i'll have to move. get to stay in this great state though.

[Doyle]

I was once asked in an interview who my favorite painter was. I started laughing and said Van Gough I guess because its the only one I can think of. What was the reasoning for that question?

[thefuzz]

To many of Z's questions I would reply with:

Are you serious?

[Scrumtrilescent]

You'd get punched in the nuts for asking those types of questions around here.