1.

Tell me about yourself.

Keep the answer job or skill related.

2.

Tell me about your dream job.

Don't mention a specific job. Say something generic like, "I want a job where I love the work and the people I work
with."

3.

Why did you leave your last job?

Never refer to a major problem with management or say undesirable things about your supervisors, co-workers or the
organization. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, or a chance to do
something better.

4.

What is your weakness?

Always try to give a positive answer. For example, "It takes me a long time to get ready in the morning, so I set my
alarm two hours ahead of my time in for work."

5.

What are your strengths?

Sell yourself. Say how you can be a desirable employee for the company.

6.

What do you know about the type of work we do?

Do a research about the company before going to the job interview.

7.

Why should we hire you?

This is your chance to show why working for the company is important to you and why you think you will fit in. Don't
mention other applicants for comparison.

8.

Tell me about a suggestion you have made.

This will show that you care about the company's growth. Use an example that was accepted and successful, especially
one that is related to the position.

9.

Do you consider yourself successful?

You should always answer yes. Success doesn't necessarily have to be big ones, just mention how you have achieved
goals you have set for yourself.

10. Why have you been unemployed for such a long time?
Mention the activities you have done that would help market yourself like trainings or short courses you attended, or
for example say, "I gave birth and had to take care of my baby and this experience taught me so much about patience
and time management.
11. What do co-workers say about you?
Recall good things that your co-workers have said like, "My manager, Mr. Santos, once told me that I am a very
organized person".
12. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Don't give a specific answer. Say something like, "I plan on staying for long." or "As long as we both feel I'm doing a
good job."
13. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position. Or you may say something like,
"I don't think I am overqualified, but I am fully qualified."
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
If you had, always explain yourself in a way that implies you did not want to, but had to.

15. Are you applying for other jobs?

Be honest. If you are considered an asset to the company, they just might give you a good salary offer to get you to
work with them, instead of the other companies you are applying to.
16. Describe your management style.
Mention how you deal with your subordinates or your projects like, "I provide team members with effective guidance
and motivation to complete assignments on time so our projects succeed." Or you can simply say "For me, good
communication among members is the best way."
17. Are you a team player?
The answer should always be a yes then cite examples. You may mention situations where you were part of a group or
organization, and the activities you've had that show you worked well with them.
18. What is your philosophy towards work?
Don't give a monologue here. Say something short and positive like, "My philosophy is to do my best at all times."
19. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
You may say you are comfortable with any position in the team, may it be the leader, or follower. This shows that you
can lead a team but at the same time also able to follow directions. This shows you are flexible.
20. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have, be honest and never say anything negative about your former boss or company. Focus on saying positive
like how much you have grown from the experience.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
Do not speak badly of your past co-workers, as this reflects a flaw on your attitude, not theirs. Divert the negativity
posed by the question. Assure the interviewer you get along well with fellow co-workers.
22. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Mention your skills, experience and interest.
23. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
You can say something like, "Both are important because everybody needs money to live but job satisfaction is also
important."
24. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Mention something that was beyond your control but show acceptance and no negative feelings.
25. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are many good qualities you can mention but be sure to give an example or a situation to back your answer. Or if
you have a recommendation letter you may say, "I believe my supervisor would say that my strongest point is that I'm
reliable, hard-working, efficient, timely, and responsible. I know this because he has written it in my letter of
recommendation. Would you like to see it?"
26. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
Never mention a problem or anything negative about your supervisor. Try to think and then come up with none.
27. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
28. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied
for.
29. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
You may point out that you are a quick learner and hard worker. Or state experiences that may not be from work but are
somewhat related like for a managerial position, you may cite experiences you had as a leader in a school project.

30. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Never give the interviewer the impression that you are more interested on other jobs.
31. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun but at the same time accomplishing something like a team building you had where you gained a
good relationship with your co-workers.
32. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
Be honest. Discuss with your family beforehand, assuming this question should come up.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
Some examples are challenge, achievement, recognition, integrity.
34. How would you know you were successful on this job?
You can say something like, "When I have achieved all the goals that were set and I have given more than what is
expected of me."
35. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
Just say yes. This is a test of your loyalty.
36. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Some examples are fair, competent, good motivator.
37. How do you see yourself five years from now?
If you answer that you have not thought about it or you have no plans yet, the interviewer could conclude you have no
vision and goals. Say something that is achievable but not too low as this could imply you lack initiative. It should be
consistent with the objective on your resume and the skills you mentioned you have.
38. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Mention mistakes you've had but be sure to focus more on the lessons you have learned from that mistake.
39. Do you have any blind spots?
Don't say something specific but just say everyone has them that's why working as a team is very important to point out
and cover each other's blind spots. This answer diverts the question to how you are as a team player.
40. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Mention qualities that are needed for the position that you have.
41. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident and what role you played in its resolution.
42. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your
work are good.
43. What are your expectations from this job/company?
You will be able to answer this question well through company research and self-assessment. Think as if you are
already part of the company. You may say something like, "I expect challenging tasks."
44. Do you have references?
Contact your references ahead of time and have their names and contact details ready
45. Do you have any questions for me?
Always prepare questions, but those that are not answered in the company's website or those you have not discussed.
Asking questions shows you are interested to know more about the company or the job.

46. Why do you think you will be successful at this job?

You can say something like, "Basing on my research of the company and the job description, I can say that I have the
skills and experience you are looking for.
47. What do you think of the last company you worked for?
As always, never say anything negative about the last company you worked for. You can say you learned a lot from the
company and the job, and you consider it an important stepping stone in reaching everything you have achieved.
48. How do you handle criticism?
You can say something like, "I see criticism as an opportunity to improve my work." Then give an example where you
were criticized and you handled it in a positive way like, "My manager once told me that the reports I gave him were
unorganized so I tried to review my past reports and asked if he had any preferences. I followed my manager's
suggestions and reconstructed my reports. My manager was happy with all the reports I handed him after that."
49. Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?
Employers ask this especially if the position you are applying for is higher than your former position. This is for them
to gauge if you are up for the challenge of the new position. Give a positive answer and show them you are the job.
50. What are your activities and interests outside of work?
Say something about your interest and how it can help you on the job you are applying for. Like basketball can teach
you team work, or baking can teach you accuracy. If you are applying for a job that requires you to be fit, you may
mention physical activities that you do like swimming or any other sport.
51. As Reprinted from FOCUS Magazine -- January 5, 1983

The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview

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 taskoriented. 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"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even
paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction").
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 $______ and $______. 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 $______ 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.

52.
Click here to read Belorussian translation.