TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

PART 1

1. Tell me about yourself
Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. 
Do not go back to childhood experiences, just give a brief outline of where you are from and where you want to be going. 
Use your job Resume or CV introduction as a base to start. 
Respond in a way that leaves no doubt that you are well adjusted, stable and positive. 
Say only positive statements.

2. What do you know about our company?
Show that you have done your research, know what their products are, how big the company is, roughly what their annual revenue is, what reputation it has within the industry and on the street. Know the company's history, image, goal, and philosophy. 
Project an informed interest and let the interviewer tell you some more detailed aspects about the company.

3. Why do you want to work for us?
Don't talk about what you want; first talk about their needs, what you can do for them. 
You wish to be part of their company project. 
You would like to solve their company problem and relish the challenge. 
You can make a definite contribution to specific company goals: identify its management talent, etc.

4. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Relate past experiences that represent success in solving previous employer problems that may be similar to those of the prospective employer. Stay positive.

5. What about our position do you find the most and least attractive?
List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor. Aspects to pick up on could include office location, company reputation, the chance to work with esteemed colleagues.

6. Why should we hire you?
Because of the knowledge, experience, abilities and skills you possess. Be very positive and confident in your reply, not vague.

7. What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use my skills, to perform and be recognized. 
The opportunity to develop further skills, throughout life we should be constantly learning. 
Vague answers such as, 'I enjoy working with people, I relish challenges in my work' 
Relate it to the job to which you are applying 'I am especially interested in producing a software solution to your problem'.

8. Please give me your definition of a ... (the position for which you are being interviewed).
Keep it brief, actions and results oriented.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Very quickly after a little orientation and a brief period of adjustment on the learning curve.

10. How long would you stay with us?
As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing etc.

PART 2

11. What is your management style?
If you've never thought about this, it's high time you did. For example familiarize yourself with 'Management by Coaching and Development (MBCD)' when Managers see themselves primarily as employee trainers. 'Open door' is a good one.

12. Are you a good manager? Give an example. Why do you feel you have top managerial potential?
Keep your answers, achievement and task oriented. Emphasize management skills - planning, organizing, controlling, interpersonal, etc. 
Describe relevant personal traits.

13. What did you look for when you hired people in the past?
Skills, initiative, adaptability.

14. Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what where the reasons and how did you handle it?
You have had experience with this and it worked out well. 
Describe how you spoke to the person and explained precisely but tactfully where they were under-achieving.

15. What do you see as being the most difficult task in being a manager?
Getting things planned and done on time within the budget. 
Do not imply that these are insurmountable difficulties.

16. What is your biggest weakness as a manager?
Be honest and end on a positive note. 
Industry trend questions.

17. How would you evaluate your present firm?
An excellent company which afforded me many fine experiences. Quantifying your experience and accomplishments.

18. Why are you leaving your present job?
No longer provides a suitable challenge, time to move on, I wish to move into …(the area this company specializes in) 
Give a 'group' answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits?
You feel the challenge and satisfaction this new role will bring outweigh benefits lost.

20. Describe what you feel to be the perfect working environment.
Where people are treated as fairly as possible. 
Don't mention 'naked Fridays'.

PART 3

21. How do you resolve conflict on a project team?
First discuss issues privately and tactfully. If the problem is not resolved then action would need to be taken which could mean removing a member of the team in a severe case.

22. Have you helped increase sales? profits? how?
Imply many occasions, then concentrate on describing one in detail. Quote percentage, profit increases, facts and figures.

23. Have you helped reduce costs? How?
Same as above.

24. How much money did you ever account for?
Be specific and recount a particular contract with facts and figures.

25. How many people did you supervise on your last job?
Be specific - the more the better.

26. Do you like working with figures more than words?
Be honest but positive. 
Don't say 'depends on the figures - nudge nudge wink wink…'.

27. In your current or last position, what features did you like the most? Least?
Relate your response to what the new job can offer.

28. In your current or last position, what are or were your five most significant accomplishments?
You could refer to the key accomplishments already identified in your CV or resume. 
Your work style and habits.

29. If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Emphasize skills - don't be overly negative about your weaknesses. It's always safe to identify a lack of a skill or experience as a shortcoming rather than a personal characteristic.

30. Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.?
Yes. Quite simply, it is a way of life in business.

PART 4

31. In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?
Keep it brief and be sure to say how you overcame the problems.

32. Don't you feel you might be better off in a different size company? Different type company?
Depends on the job - elaborate slightly. 
Reiterate how your previous experience lends itself to the job you are applying for with this company.

33. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
Attempt to relate your response to the prospective employment situation. 
Do not mention the time you had to choose between Emmy Lou or her twin sister Scarlet O'Hara. Or whether to wear the blue or red tie to the interview. 
Salary questions.

34. How much are you looking for?
Answer with a question, i.e., 'What is the salary range for similar jobs in your company?' 
If they don't answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth in the marketplace.

35. How much do you expect, if we offer this position to you?
Be careful; the market value of the job may be the key answer e.g., 'My understanding is that a job like the one you're describing may be in the range of $/ £….'

36. What kind of salary are you worth?
Have a specific figure in mind - don't be hesitant. 
Personality questions.

37. What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?
Talk about books, sports or films to represent balance in you life.
Stick to something fairly mainstream or classic.

38. How would you describe your own personality?
Balanced. 
Fair, honest, reliable, friendly, outgoing etc.

39. What are your strong points?
Present at least three and relate them to the interviewing company and job opening. 
Tailor your answer to meet the needs of the employer. 'I see myself as a goal orientated individual…' discuss how in your previous role you achieved above projected results.

40. What are your weak points?
Don't say you haven't any. 
Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have one if interviewer presses. 
Try to transform your response and the question into strength. 'I'm the kind of person who likes challenges and gets involved. Some people may see that as butting in, ' but I'm sure it could be looked at as a strength because I like to make sure the job gets done correctly.'

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Seven Deadly Sins of Job Interviews - Top Seven Things NOT to Do on an Interview

Avoid These Job Interview Blunders If You Want to Get an Offer!

Here are things to avoid, if you want to get a job offer and have ultimate interview success!

1. Bring a List of Demands:
   This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people try to negotiate more money and better perks during an interview. Hey, you don’t have the job yet! So how can you negotiate an offer you haven’t received? This is a surefire way to negotiate yourself right out of a job offer.
2. Surprise the Potential Employer:
   The interview is not the time to drop a proverbial bomb. Don’t save any major news for the interview. For example, if you can’t start work until next year, or you have a professional or criminal background issue, or if there is anything about you that you have not shared, which would impact the potential employer in a significant way, don’t plan to bring this up at the interview! Sensitive matters should ideally be discussed prior to the interview, for the consideration of everyone involved. If being up-front causes you to be passed over for an interview, move on! Now you’ll have more time to interview with other employers who are willing to work with your situation!
3. Play Hard to Get:
   Even in the high-demand world of clinical healthcare, employers want to hire people who want them! Therefore, you do not need to talk about all your other job offers on the interview. If you act disinterested, this will cause the employer to pass you over, even if you’re the only qualified candidate who is interviewing currently! I have personally witnessed numerous highly qualified candidates get passed over for job offers due to an overactive ego or unwillingness to show genuine interest. Even if this is your second or third choice employer, your situation could change, so interview with each employer as if it’s your only option.
4. Dress Down:
   Interview attire may present a challenge for many healthcare professionals, who often wear scrubs or lab coats to work. However, everyone should have one professional, tailored suit or business attire, if not for interviews, then for other occasions such as conferences or presentations. Wear tailored, professional, modest clothes for an interview. A suit is ideal; however at the very least men should wear a button down and a tie, and ladies should wear a blouse and a skirt or a jacket with pants. If you have tattoos or piercings, cover them.
5. Show up Late:
   This is a big no-no, unless you are trying to convince your potential employer that you are careless and tardy. Plan your day carefully the day of the interview. Do a test drive to your interview site if needed! Allow for traffic, parking issues, bad directions, accidents, etc. Pretend your interview is 30 minutes earlier than it is, and bring a book to read in the event that you arrive early.
6. Get Sloshed:
   Some interviews, such as executive roles or physician interviews, take place over lunch or dinner, and really you should refrain from drinking if at all possible. If the interviewers are ordering a bottle of wine to share or something, limit yourself to one glass if at all possible.
7. Spew Offensive Language or Inappropriate Jokes:
   No one thinks that you are going to be perfect, but if you can't refrain from offending people on an interview, then you will make people wonder what to expect when your guard is down and you are comfortable working there.

Remember - the interview is the time to show yourself at your absolute best! Yes, it is important to be yourself, but be yourself at your best. Employers know that a candidate's behavior during an interview is typically as good as it gets. Therefore, the interviewers are not going to give you the benefit of the doubt if you slip up during this crucial part of the job search process.

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Before You Interview for a Medical Job - Job Interview Tips for Medical Job Seekers

One of the most critical stages of the job search process is the interview. Whether you’re interviewing for an entry level, hourly wage job, a high-paying hospital executive role, or a clinical role such as nursing or physician jobs, below are a few key steps you can take to assure that you’re prepared for your interview.

Thorough preparation prior to your job interview will help ensure your success in getting the offer, or at least getting to the next step of the job interview process. An interview is a sales presentation, and the product is you.

Research the Potential Employer

Do your homework about your potential employer. This can include internet research and word-of-mouth. If you know someone who works there, spend a few minutes discussing their experience and observations of the company, including corporate culture, values, and any recent business developments. If you don’t know someone who works at the company, try to network your way to a direct connection with someone who does.

If you're interviewing for a hospital job, research its financial stability, and potential growth. Also, what is the reputation of the hospital in the general community and the medical community?

Know the Interview Process for the Position You Want

Knowing the interview process is important not only for your success, but also for your peace of mind during the interview process. If you know what to expect, you’ll be able to more easily gauge the potential employer’s interest level in you as a candidate. Ask the recruiter how many interviews are involved, who are the decision makers at each step of the interview, and what is the anticipated time-frame for hiring and on-boarding someone for this role.

If you're aware that the interview process is two interviews, or five, you won’t be alarmed when you don’t receive an offer after the first interview, for example.

Have Solid References Ready

Now that you know what to expect in the interview process, you know when to expect the background check and referencing stage. You should have a minimum of three professional references, including direct supervisors from your current and most recent jobs. (It is acceptable to ask that your current employer not be contacted until you've received an offer.) You should have the name, title, dates and company where you worked for this person, and contact numbers and email address of each person who is on your reference list. Ideally, you should be aware of what these references are going to say about you as well.

Plan Your Route and Know Where You're Going

Confirm the time and location of the interview the day before. Managers can get busy or pulled into last minute meetings, so be sure everyone is on the same page and planning to meet at the originally designated time.

If possible, drive by the interview location to be sure you know how to get there. If this isn’t possible, allow extra drive time on the way to your interview in case you get turned around or miss a turn.

Plan Your Attire

You should be dressed professionally for an interview. This is going to vary based on the type of position for which you’re applying. However, you can never go wrong with a business suit in a conservative color. A few days before your interview, select your attire and be sure it has been cleaned and pressed and you’re ready to shine! This gives you time to make a run to the drycleaners, or to make any repairs (hems, buttons, etc) or purchase missing accessories if needed.

Anticipate Job Interview Questions and Rehearse Your Best Answers

This is one of the most important things you can do prior to your interview. Most interview questions, although worded differently, seek to identify the same basic traits:

• What can you contribute to the organization?
• How well do you work with others and get along as part of a team?
• Why should we hire you over the other candidates?
• Why do you want to work here and would you be motivated to stay here?

You need to show (not tell) the interviewer that you can efficiently and effectively do your job. You can illustrate by sharing past accomplishments and achievements: quantifiable, verifiable contributions to the bottom line.

Prepare to Sell Your Strengths and Sell Around Your Weaknesses

Put together a list of specific examples of how you have improved your current and previous employers’ organizations by increasing revenue, decreasing operating costs, or a combination of both. Know your strengths and be able to sell them; know your weaknesses and be able to sell around them. How can you improve on weaker areas? How do your strengths compensate for any weak areas?

Be prepared to succintly describe two or more significant contributions you made to each employer, particularly the action you took that impacted the bottom-line of your employer. You can work these examples into multiple interview answers.

Prepare a List of Intelligent Questions for the Interviewer

The questions you ask in an interview also say a lot about you as a candidate. Therefore, your questions should focus on professional development, long-term goals for the role, and company initiatives. This is not the time to pick apart the work schedule, compensation plan, or vacation allowance. Ask questions that show the interviewer that you've researched the company. For example: "I saw on your website that (insert factoid here)...How do you think that will impact long-term growth?"

Okay, you're ready to go get that job offer! Print a few extra copies of your CV, (or resume') grab your notebook, portfolio, and go!

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