Interview Questions
First Interview (the screening interview)
From your point of view the objective of the screening interview is to pass it, nothing more or less. This means providing the screener with solid facts that fit the picture of the job. You need only to satisfy screeners, not impress them. Screeners are usually HR people.
Second Interview (the make or break interview)
Be prepared for both technical questions and those that gain an insight into your personality and value system. You're going to have to convince potential supervisors and colleagues that you are competent and also a reasonably agreeable person. Focus your attention on the interviewer rather than on the impression you are trying to make. Listen carefully to what interviewers say and try to read their reactions to you. If they appear to lose interest in what you're saying, change course by asking them a question.
"Have I answered the question to your satisfaction?" or "Was there something else you wanted me to address?"
"Do you want me to go into (technical) detail?"
Typical non-technical questions
Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain answers where possible by providing facts from your experience. Overall, this explanation should not be longer than 2 to 3 sentences.
- Avoid saying anything negative about present or previous employers or co-workers.
- Ask questions to show interest in the Company and the position.
- Ensure they know you are interested in the position; never close the door on an opportunity.
- Look alert and interested at all times and look the interviewer in the eye.
- Relax, smile and have a positive attitude. Give the appearance of energy as you walk.
- Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: In preparing for the interview, write down 3 technical and 3 non-technical personal strengths. For each strength, document something external that proves the strength is also perceived by others as strength, i.e. you received a bonus in recognition of work you completed, you completed the implementation of a system, you met objectives, and it was noted on your performance evaluation.
Weaknesses: The area of weaknesses is difficult. The way to answer any question about your weaknesses is to either:
1. Describe a weakness or area for development that you have worked on and have
....now overcome; or
2. Describe a characteristic that could be perceived as either a strength or a weakness.
- Why did you change certain jobs on your resume - especially why are you looking to leave your current employer? (Hint: Never be negative of your current / previous employer or boss)
- What do you know about our company? Why do you want to work here?
- What do you like most and least about your current position (or supervisor)?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What are the best and worst things your boss would say about you?
- Name 5 adjectives that would best describe you.
- What are your concerns in your current situation and what would you improve?
- How have you changed or improved the nature of your job?
- Why should we hire you?
- What can you do for us that someone else can't?
- Why did you choose this particular vocation?
- What contributions to profits have you made in your present or former positions to justify your salary level there?
- What do you think determines a person's progress in a good company?