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Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers - Jobs/Vacancies - Nairaland

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Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Chukwutobi: 1:52pm On Dec 22, 2014
It is a bit long but try to go through it. It will help you.

1. Tell me about yourself.
It seems like an easy interview question. It’s open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you’re the best candidate for this position.
So as you answer this question, talk about what you’ve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.
“Tell me about yourself” does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.

2. Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don’t be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
For example: “You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job–my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example…”
Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.

3. What is your long-range objective?
The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.
For example: “Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I’ll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I’m presently doing to prepare myself…”
Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

4. How has your education prepared you for your career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.
An example: “My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results…”
Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.

5. Are you a team player?
Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.
A sample answer: “Yes, I’m very much a team player. In fact, I’ve had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project…”
Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.

6. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.
For example: “Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I’ve found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example…”
Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.

7. What is your greatest weakness?
Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: “I work too much. I just work and work and work.” Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: “I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, I’m now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner…” then show them your planner and how you are using it.
Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

8. If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?
This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if they’re willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.
Then you can answer the question like this:
“I believe she would say I’m a very energetic person, that I’m results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?”
So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.

9. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Focus on two words: leadership and vision.
Here is a sample of how to respond: “The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership—the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I’d like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader…”
Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.

10. If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.
For example: “Although I’m overall very happy with where I’m at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship…” then provide examples.
Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.
Source:collegegrad
Read more: www.getinformedtoday.com

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Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by ericiland: 6:30pm On Dec 22, 2014
grin undecided
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Lero15(m): 6:30pm On Dec 22, 2014
Great post

Summary: always back up whatever point u raise

4 Likes

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Lero15(m): 6:32pm On Dec 22, 2014
ericiland:
Dis yr English alone will make u loss d job.....dnt just fuckn copy n paste

undecided

Pot


Kettle



lipsrsealed

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Drfash(f): 7:22pm On Dec 22, 2014
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by agarawu23(m): 7:29pm On Dec 22, 2014
ericiland:
Dis yr English alone will make u loss d job.....dnt just fuckn copy n paste
since u got d msg he is passing y nt frgt abt the errors. oversabi, and dats how ppl like u kept looking for job without being employed with ur bend shoes sad

10 Likes

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by akinsadeez(m): 7:35pm On Dec 22, 2014
Great post. learnt something.
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by stepo707: 7:47pm On Dec 22, 2014
Lero15:


undecided

Pot


Kettle



lipsrsealed

cheesy cheesy grin

1 Like

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by misterkay(m): 8:01pm On Dec 22, 2014
Lero15:


undecided

Pot


Kettle



lipsrsealed

Black

2 Likes

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Lero15(m): 10:34pm On Dec 22, 2014
misterkay:


Black
grin grin
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by missdebs(f): 2:21am On Dec 23, 2014
ARE YOU A TEAM PLAYER?
No i dont play games, am a straight forward person and i hate pple playin on my emotions.
That GTB guy tho

2 Likes

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Jamean(f): 4:33am On Dec 23, 2014
cheesy
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Jamean(f): 4:33am On Dec 23, 2014
Really nice post I must say.

But, that weakness thing is somehow o! It still quite depends on your interviewer too, because to some interviewers, stating your weaknesses even with active measures to curb them is like shooting yourself in the foot.

They'll be like..."so you procrastinate, shocked that timer thing won't work here. angry You'll still procrastinate and miss deadlines" Haaa! undecided This one can just make one lose stability o. embarassed

1 Like

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Nobody: 6:27am On Dec 23, 2014
Is this a one size fits all type of solution?
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by biyi99(m): 6:40am On Dec 23, 2014
Wonderful write up, really learnt from it... smiley wink
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by yoged(m): 6:43am On Dec 23, 2014
Nice
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Lero15(m): 8:40am On Dec 23, 2014
Jamean:
Really nice post I must say.

But, that weakness thing is somehow o! It still quite depends on your interviewer too, because to some interviewers, stating your weaknesses even with active measures to curb them is like shooting yourself in the foot.

They'll be like..."so you procrastinate, shocked that timer thing won't work here. angry You'll still procrastinate and miss deadlines" Haaa! undecided This one can just make one lose stability o. embarassed
Beautiful piece

1 Like

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Ghost01(m): 8:53am On Dec 23, 2014
missdebs:
ARE YOU A TEAM PLAYER?
No i dont play games, am a straight forward person and i hate pple playin on my emotions.
That GTB guy tho
grin
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by DjAndroid: 12:04pm On Dec 23, 2014
Good
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Nobody: 12:06pm On Dec 23, 2014
nairaland is outdated lipsrsealed
if this topic doesnt make Fp,

1 Like

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by CHM11: 1:06pm On Dec 23, 2014
Jamean:
Really nice post I must say.

But, that weakness thing is somehow o! It still quite depends on your interviewer too, because to some interviewers, stating your weaknesses even with active measures to curb them is like shooting yourself in the foot.

They'll be like..."so you procrastinate, shocked that timer thing won't work here. angry You'll still procrastinate and miss deadlines" Haaa! undecided This one can just make one lose stability o. embarassed
Kind true, which is why you should study the interviewer before this question and pick what will work for him/her...
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by G12(m): 1:50pm On Dec 23, 2014
Great post...have learned so much
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by SenatorJames(m): 2:36pm On Dec 23, 2014
Jamean:
Really nice post I must say.

But, that weakness thing is somehow o! It still quite depends on your interviewer too, because to some interviewers, stating your weaknesses even with active measures to curb them is like shooting yourself in the foot.

They'll be like..."so you procrastinate, shocked that timer thing won't work here. angry You'll still procrastinate and miss deadlines" Haaa! undecided This one can just make one lose stability o. embarassed
The best way to answer this question is to give weakness that will not affect the work. For example don't tell an interviewer you talk too much, when you are applying for a position that demand you to be serious and concentrate on the work. But you can state that as your weakness if you are applying for marketer, broadcaster, client relation, customer care e.t.c., the interviewer may even see it as an advantage for you. Don't say you easily get angry, when the company want to employ you for a position where you relate with their numerous clients everyday.


Note: No matter how a weakness looks like, it is still a negative to your personality, please don't give more than "ONE" even if you have many. WISDOM!!!

7 Likes 1 Share

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by XketchDesigns(m): 3:24pm On Dec 23, 2014
wonder how this is not on FP yet!


Seun u need to step up

1 Like

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by bosun11(m): 4:46pm On Dec 23, 2014
I have not read this message but am glad i saw something to inspire me in a long while on NL, As good as this topic is, it wont make FP because of the bias MOD'S we have...Nice one OP
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by bosun11(m): 4:47pm On Dec 23, 2014
XketchDesigns:
wonder how this is not on FP yet!


Seun u need to step up

u dey mind dem..if na celebrities news or abt APC OR PDP..It would have gone in
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by wisolf(m): 5:47pm On Dec 23, 2014
Intelligent answers bro
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by aiikay(m): 9:56pm On Dec 23, 2014
Truly great!
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by pinky21(f): 11:12pm On Dec 23, 2014
Tanks,ve learnt a lot. I jst finished service n searching for a job and d truth is I ve NEVER been to an interview b4,so am kind of scared. All my life ve always had tins going for me witout stress. I still ve dat mindset that I will get a job witout stress by Gods grace.

3 Likes

Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by Olaoke16(m): 12:41am On Dec 24, 2014
Ghtrttpyttyy
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by akinsadeez(m): 8:37am On Dec 24, 2014
I am not yet fully satisfied with the tell me about yourself question. Can you be more explicit about the right Answer. there are so many different answers online to that question and it is one question that you simply can't avoid in every interview.
Re: Ten Tough Interview Questions And Ten Great Answers by jnrbayano(m): 10:14am On Dec 24, 2014
Thanks for this Op.

Bookmarked!

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