1. Tell me about yourself?
The most commonly asked question in interviews. You need to have a short& brief statement prepared in your mind even before you go for the interview. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed. Talk about things you have done and jobs, internships, workshops you have held that relate to the position you are interviewed for. Start with the item oldest back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job? (If you have joined and left a job before completing 6 months)
First advice is never quit a job before completing a year or so, it shows your stability and commitment. Always stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have any specific experience, try to get as close as you can. As a fresher you may not have much exposure to experience in any specific field but you can define your projects, seminars, workshops, internships, trainings etc. related to the Job Opportunity.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
As a fresher you are new to the job industry; you should always answer
YES and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that, you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others. OR you may also say that, I have goals of expertizing in certain field and once given a chance will prove myself successful.
5. What do co-workers say about you? (This is only if you have worked, this may also relate to your batch mates in college)
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers or batch mates. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one important question every interview would ask to test your commitment and seriousness about the opportunity you have. Ensure you do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones on your finger tip to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time mentioning details of those jobs. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Any other details may be a distraction and can take your objective of getting through the current job out of track.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is very important here and will easily be used. Ensure you relate it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Ensure you are aware of the policy on relatives working for the same organization. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
Ah! A overburdened question which you would really want to answer but beware this is a smart little game that, you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, that’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position and level at <Company Name>? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, you can say that “I guess the salary can be depending upon the job roles and responsibilities. Then give a wide range. Alarm! Don’t mention a fixed amount.
12. Are you a team player?
YES! Is what you have to say! Ensure to have examples ready. Mention situations or scenarios that express you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself. This would be a good evidence of your team attitude. Do not boast; just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. Keep it to the point. As a fresher the best would to describe your effort as a team worker when you do your projects in academics.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
This is a question where you need to answer very carefully. Be prepared to answer this question smartly and confidently. You could say “I look forward to a long time stay and grow along with the company” Or “As long as we both feel I am doing a good job”.
14. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization?
You should be anxious and excited to answer this question. It gives you the opportunity to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little in-depth thought to this relationship.
15. Why should we hire you?
You need to point out how your assets meet and relate them to the organization needs. Beware do not compare while you answer this question.
16. What is your greatest strength?
Several answers are definitely good; just ensure you stay positive when you speak. A few good examples: ability to prioritize, problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, ability to focus on projects, professional expertise, leadership skills, positive attitude and many more to add to this.
18. Tell me about your dream job?
Stay away from a definite job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are challenging for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the doubt that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay inherent and say something like: “My dream job would be where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and love to get to work every morning.”
19. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Ensure you mention several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
20. What are you looking for in a job?
You just need to speak the recipe of the icing on the cake and not the cake. Stay away from a specific answer. They may be some answers where you may land-up straining your own credibility; which might affect your chances of getting hired. The best is to stay inherent and say something like: “My dream job would be where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and love to get to work every morning.”
21. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
You can always say: both are important and they go hand in hand i.e. work to enhance and build your career path and money to assist you financially. OR you may say: Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer than this.
22. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement and Recognition.
23. Are you willing to work overtime?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
24. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
This is an answer you should know even before you get to an interview. You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Be very honest and simply do not agree just to get the job if you know that you cannot relocate. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career.
25. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Never speak out in a hurry, think before you speak and ensure you are very generic & positive. Some answers could be: knowledgeable, a good sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates, appreciates work and holder of high standards.
26. Do you have any questions for me?
It’s always better to have some questions prepared. Question can be: How soon will I be able to be productive? Or Will I get a hand on training before I get productive? Or what type of projects will I be able to assist on? Etc. Ensure your questions are related to the job opportunity.
