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Interviewing Guide

TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
and how to handle them

 

What kinds of work have you done?
Highlight skills you think are important in the new job and cite examples of successes or unique achievement in past situations

How did you like your last employer?
Never criticize a former employer in an interview. You might express appreciation for what you learned on that job. If pressed as to why you left, it might be for a situation offering more opportunities for advancement.

What kinds of people rub you the wrong way?
This is no time to get into personal likes and dislikes, the interviewer really wants to see if you get along well with most people. A good answer may be that generally like those with whom you have worked but that you do get upset with people who don’t do their share of the work.

What are your major weaknesses?
Once again, this is not time to let it all hang out. The best approach is to describe a weakness that may actually be an advantage to the employer: being impatient to get things done or the tendency to take your work too seriously.

What made you apply for this job?
Be ready to cite several reason why you think your current level of skill and interest help qualify you for the position and also several points why you are particularly interested in the employer (which reflects the research you have done on the organization!)

Where do you hope to be 10 years from now?
Your best answer may be that you seek the opportunity to show how well you can perform and hope to go as far as dedication to the job and working intelligently will carry you.

What are your salary expectations?
Hopefully you will not be asked this question until the employer has a strong interest in you. A good response is to ask if there is a salary range for the job and what it is. Then you can begin to quietly negotiate.


 

 

 

Updated: April 17, 2008

Your comments are welcome.

 




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