Interview Prep

We want to share some of the Interview questions you may refer to for refresh and help: There are many we have covered over the years we have been recruiting - we find these to be most engaging and specific when hiring managers are seeking information. These are thought-provoking- conversational questions you can answer for the company, but also, questions you can "turn-around" to find out more about the position needs, problems, and concerns and how YOU can make the most impact and significant positive changes if you accept the challenge!

· Why do you want to work for us? (interest level – have you done your homework and checked out the company) Make sure you do your homework!

· How has your experience given you knowledge to improve process and procedures in your field of expertise? (allows analysis and problem-solving discovery, decision making)

· What customer interface have you had in dealing with project issues or hiccups? (allows how you handle issues/concerns – client communications)

· Describe your experience maintaining multi-projects and schedules on a weekly basis? Change Management? (allows attention to detail problem assessment, decision making)

· How would you begin to improve the processes in this company (this question allows you to discover their step-into and go ambition, decision making)?

Be prepared -  do a little company research to learn about the company with whom you’re Interviewing! 

You will be given the names of the individuals you will interview with, please take time to look at their Linkedin Profiles – there is possible growth and career advancement opportunity within the company. They are seeking dedication – longevity – and commitment to the position and to the company. AGAIN, do your homework!

Some of the Interview Questions may include:

1. Why do you want to work here?

2. How much do you know about ... your area of expertise?

3. What are your strengths?  Your weaknesses?

4. Tell me about your leadership or team experience?

5. Tell me about a difficult time when you thought a decision you made was a good decision, but your team disagreed?

6. Describe your strongest work attributes – Work Ethic, Communication, Willingness to learn, Ability to work in harmony, honesty and integrity.

7. You may be asked about your future goals – answer with your career/profession in mind.

8. Describe your prior work experience.  

BE PREPARED :)

Don’t lose hope, or falter in your confidence. Following are ten tips that guarantee you a sure shot chance to turn an interview in your favor:

1. Information-Awareness: Research everything regarding the company, to the best of your ability. Visit the organization’s website and go through their mission and vision statements, their products/services, competitor analysis etc. Try to acquire as much information as you can.

2. Inventory of Values: While you might have an idea of what you are bringing to the table for the company as an employee, in all likelihood, the company does not, and may also lack a proper idea as to whether you are a perfect fit for the company or not. Create an inventory of the advantages and abilities that you will contribute. This inventory will be useful when you 'sell yourself' in an interview. 

3. Prepare: Be ready to talk about any career changes you have had. Make a note of your strengths and weaknesses. Showcase your weaknesses in such a way that might put you in good light. That is, mention weaknesses briefly, but elaborate on the lessons learned and focus on your strengths.

4. Introductory statement: Prepare your introductory statement well. You have but two minutes or so to acquaint and impress the employer. Maximize it. Do not meander into irrelevant information/conversation during this crucial time.

5. Interview Body Language: Be confident and maintain composure. Rehearse in front of a mirror, role model with colleagues. Always maintain eye contact, and a pleasant expression.

6. The dress code factor: Business Casual unless instructed differently. 

7. Achievements: Emphasize your background success stories – your past achievements. A good, related work experience with an achievement is one of your strongest key aspects. Warning: Avoid sounding arrogant. Mention how you were only successful due to teamwork, etc. Probably, that is the truth! And you will make a better impression.

8. Be punctual when answering face to face questions: Refer to how to anticipate the most asked questions. It is okay to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts, or even say, “I need a minute to consider this – what an interesting question!” However, if you are well prepared, this will probably not be necessary.

9. It’s a dialogue: Do not let the conversation shape into a monologue. Be curious – it shows intelligence

– and ask questions pertaining to job responsibilities, work culture etc. Converse with the employer by interviewee questions.

10. Be honest: As they say, ‘Honesty is the best policy’. Do not attempt to deny or cover-up past problems and mistakes. Be open and but brief; no need to elaborate either. Do remember to bring forth how you grew professionally from the experience.

When answering a behavioral interview question, use the STAR technique. This is a useful strategy for answering interview questions in which you must answer with an anecdote. There are four steps to answering using the STAR technique: situation, task, action, and results.

· (S) Situation. Describe the situation in which the event took place.

· (T) Task. Describe the task you were asked to complete. If there was a particular problem or issue you were trying to solve, describe that here.

· (A) Action. Explain what action you took to complete the task or solve the problem.

· (R) Results. Explain the result of your actions. For example, if your actions resulted in completing a task, resolving a conflict, improving your company’s sales record, etc., explain this. Try to focus on how your actions resulted in a success for the company.

1. Give an example of an occasion when you used logic to solve a problem.

2. Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it.

3. Give an example of a goal you didn't meet and how you handled it.

4. Describe a stressful situation at work and how you handled it.

5. Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure.

6. How do you handle a challenge?

7. Have you been in a situation where you didn't have enough work to do?

8. Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?

9. Describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled implementing it.

10. Did you ever make a risky decision? Why? How did you handle it?

11. Did you ever postpone making a decision? Why?

12. Have you ever dealt with company policy you weren't in agreement with? How?

13. Have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? If so, how?

14. When you worked on multiple projects how did you prioritize?

15. How did you handle meeting a tight deadline?

16. Give an example of how you set goals and achieve them.

17. Did you ever not meet your goals? Why?

 Adaptability

1. Tell me about a time when you were asked to do something you had never done before. How did you react? What did you learn?

2. Recall a time when you were assigned to task outside of your job description. How did you handle the situation? What was the outcome?

3. Describe a situation in which you embraced a new system, process, technology, or idea at work that was a major departure from the old ways of doing things.

4. Tell me about the biggest change that you have had to deal with. How did you adapt to that change?

Culture

1. What are three things that are most important to you in a job?

2. What’s the most interesting thing about you that’s not on your resume’?

3. Tell me about a time in the last week when you’ve been satisfied, energized, and productive at work? What were you doing?

4. What would make you choose our company over others?

Collaboration

1. Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. How did you handle interactions with that person?

2. Tell me about one of your favorite experiences working with a team and your contribution.

3. Tell me about a time when you were communicating with someone and they did not understand you. What did you do?

4. Describe the best partner or supervisor with whom you’ve worked. What part of their managing style appealed to you?

Leadership

1. Tell me about the last time something significant didn’t go according to plan at work. What was your role? What was the outcome?

2. Tell me about the toughest decision you had to make in the last six months.

3. Give me an example of a time when you felt you led by example. What did you do and how did others react?

4. Have you ever had to “sell” an idea to your coworkers or group? How did you do it? What were the results?

Growth Potential

1. Recall a time when your manager was unavailable when a problem arose. How did you handle the situation? With whom did you consult?

2. What would motivate you to make a move from your current role?

3. Describe a time when you volunteered to expand your knowledge at work, as opposed to being directed to do so.

4. When was the last occasion you asked for direct feedback form a superior? Why?

Prioritization

1. Tell me about a time when you had to juggle several projects at the same time. How did you organize your time? What was the result?

2. Describe a time when you felt stressed or overwhelmed. How did you handle it?

3. Tell me about a project that you planned. How did you organize and schedule the task?

4. Give an example of a time when you delegated an important task successfully.

Creative

1. How would your manager describe you? Now tell me, how would your best friend describe you?

2. On a scale of 1 to 10, how weird are you?

3. Is it better to submit a project that’s perfect and late, or one that’s good and on time?