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50 Common Interview Questions And Answers - Jobs/Vacancies (2) - Nairaland

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50 Common Interview Questions And How To Answer Them / Common Interview Questions And How To Answer Them / 50 Common Interview Q&a (2) (3) (4)

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Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by negus: 1:29am On Jun 09, 2010
frank esam:

Being prepared is half the battle.
If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.
This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin, nation's major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself.
Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?
You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons, "

Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?
The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?
List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.

6. Why should we hire you?
Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?
Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].
Keep your answer brief and task oriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?
Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?
Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?
You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"wink, results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"wink, or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction"wink.

A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.

As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?
Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. What do you look for when You hire people?
Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?
Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?
Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?
Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?
Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.

The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?
Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?
Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?
Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?
Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between N______ and N______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"

If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.

If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making N______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.

If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.

If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)

Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.

But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. What are your long-range goals?
Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to, "

25. How successful do you you've been so far?
Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.

Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.

I wish u all the best during your interview

If you've gained from this post pls drop a line.

wao! it a wonderful piece, i once had a hard copy but lost it.i am proud to say i have it again all thanks to u.
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by frankesam: 10:06am On Jun 09, 2010
Interviewer Cannot skip these 50 questions, Learn them now and empower yourself for that job interview. visit www.path.to/interview
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chudi001: 1:51am On Jun 10, 2010
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Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chudi001: 10:31am On Jun 10, 2010
Interviewer Cannot skip these 50 questions, Learn them now and empower yourself for that job interview. visit www.path.to/interview
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chudi001: 3:52pm On Jun 10, 2010
ATM Consortium (ATMC)
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chudi001: 3:04am On Jun 11, 2010
Nextzon Jobs, Vacancies and recruitment in Nigeria for April 2010:d Public Limited Company in the Nextzon Nextzon Nigeria is recruiting for a client
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chudi001: 10:21am On Jun 11, 2010
Posted on: Today at 03:04:53 AMPosted by: chudi001
Insert Quote
Nextzon Jobs, Vacancies and recruitment in Nigeria for April 2010:d Public Limited Company in the Nextzon Nextzon Nigeria is recruiting for a client
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chudi001: 12:30pm On Jun 11, 2010
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chudi001: 8:47pm On Jun 11, 2010
nigeria wins 2moro!
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chudi001: 7:29am On Jun 12, 2010
It is better to remain silent and appear stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. If you don't like me, remember its mind over matter, i don't mind and you don't matter. *winks*
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by chimelavic(m): 4:37pm On Jun 13, 2010
These 50 interview tips are very helpful and refreshing. Thanks to all contributors
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by Laycorn(m): 6:19pm On Jun 13, 2010
1. What can you tell me
about yourself? Get Best
Answer(s)
2. Why did you leave the
last job? Get Best Answer
(s)
3. What experience do
you have in this field?
Get Best Answer(s)
4. Do you consider
yourself successful? Get
Best Answer(s)
5. What do co-workers
say about you? Get Best
Answer(s)
6. What do you know
about this organization?
Get Best Answer(s)
7. What have you done
to improve your
knowledge in the last
year? Get Best Answer(s)
8. Are you applying for
other jobs? Get Best
Answer(s)
9. Why do you want to
work for this
organization? Get Best
Answer(s)
10. Do you know anyone
who works for us? Get
Best Answer(s)
11. What kind of salary
do you need? Get Best
Answer(s)
12. Are you a team
player? Get Best Answer(s)
13. How long would you
expect to work for us if
hired? Get Best Answer(s)
14. Have you ever had to
fire anyone, How did
you feel about that? Get
Best Answer(s)
15. What is your
philosophy towards
work? Get Best Answer(s)
16. if you had enough
money to retire right
now, would you? Get Best
Answer(s)
17. Have you ever been
asked to leave a
position? Get Best Answer
(s)
18. Explain how you
would be an asset to
this organization? Get
Best Answer(s)
19. Why should we hire
you? Get Best Answer(s)
20. What suggestion
have you made? Get Best
Answer(s)
21. What irritates you
about co-workers? Get
Best Answer(s)
22. What is your
greatest strength? Get
Best Answer(s)
23. Tell me about your
dream job or what is
your dream job? Get Best
Answer(s)
24. Why do you think you
would do well on this
job? Get Best Answer(s)
25. What are you looking
for in a job like this? Get
Best Answer(s)
26. Who will you refuse
to work with? Get Best
Answer(s)
27. What is more
important to you: the
money or the work? Get
Best Answer(s)
28. What would your
previous supervisor say
is your strongest point
is? Get Best Answer(s)
29. Have you had any
problem with a
supervisor? Tell us. Get
Best Answer(s)
30. What’s your greatest
disappointment about a
job? Get Best Answer(s)
31. What ability do you
have to work under
pressure? Get Best Answer
(s)
32. Do your skills match
this job or another job
more closely? Get Best
Answer(s)
33. What motivates you
to do your best on the
job? Get Best Answer(s)
34. Are you willing to
work overtime (Nights
or Weekends?) Get Best
Answer(s)
35. How would you know
you were successful on
this job? Get Best Answer
(s)
36. Would you be willing
to relocate if required?
Get the best answer(s) for
this question
37. Are you willing to put
the interests of the
organization ahead of
your own? Get Best
Answer(s)
38. How do you describe
your management
style? Get Best Answer(s)
39. What have you
learned from mistakes
on the job? Get Best
Answer(s)
40. Do you have any
blind spots? Ge Best
Answer(s)
41. If you were hiring a
person for this job,
what would you look
for? Get Best Answer(s)
42. Do you think you are
overqualified for this
position? Get Best Answer
(s)
43. How do you propose
to compensate for your
lack of experience? Get
Best Answer(s)
44. What qualities do you
look for in a boss? Get
Best Answer(s)
45. How would you solve
a dispute between two
colleaques? . Get Best
Answer(s)
46. What position do you
prefer on a team
working on a project?
Get Best Answer(s)
47. Describe your work
ethic. Get Best Answer(s)
48. What has been your
biggest professional
disappointment? Get Best
Answer(s)
49. Tell me about the
most fun you have had
on the job . Get Best
Answer(s)
50. Do you have any
questions for me? Get
Best Answer(s)
Interview Questions
by Functions and
Profession
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by JohnNkama: 2:45pm On Jun 14, 2010
Interviewer Cannot skip these 50 questions, Learn them now and empower yourself for that job interview. visit www.path.to/interview
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by JohnNkama: 4:17pm On Jun 15, 2010
Interviewer some how, some way cannot skip these questions, Learn them now and empower yourself for that job interview. visit www.path.to/inteview/
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by ugooliver1: 10:11am On Jun 17, 2010
More jobs at CareersNaija
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by ugooliver1: 3:37pm On Jun 17, 2010
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Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by ugooliver1: 5:18pm On Jun 17, 2010
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Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by GAZZELLE: 12:11pm On Jun 18, 2010
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Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by tipslord: 7:45am On Jun 20, 2010
, Nobdy calls anybdy dis days, amazing how friends breakup
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by ocmoren: 1:58pm On Jun 20, 2010
nice one, thanks
Re: 50 Common Interview Questions And Answers by tipslord: 12:16am On Jun 21, 2010
Job Title
CREDIT CONTROL OFFICERS

Reference
CCO/FA/16/10

Department
ACCOUNT

Status
Parmanent

Overall purpose
Co-ordinate and ensure regular update of clients accounts, proper reconciliation and prompt debt recovery.

Job description / Responsibilities
Monitor and validate branch returns and debt recovery.
Reconcile brokers accounts and ensure prompt payment of debt
reconciliation and up-keeping of source documents to secure information.
Reconciliation of branch returns with bank statement to ensure correctness.

Report to
Group Head, Finance & Accounts

Qualifications / Experience
B.Sc/HND Accountancy (minimum of Second Class Lower Division /Upper Credit).
Professional Qualification such as ACCA or ACA will be an advantage.
Minimum of 4 years cognate experience.

Opening Valid till
29-06-2010

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