PUSAT PENGAJIAN BAHASA, LITERASI DAN TERJEMAHAN

SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES, LITERACIES AND TRANSLATION

2009/2010 SEMESTER 2 LSP 401: BAHASA INGGERIS AM [GENERAL ENGLISH] FINAL ASSESSMENT- INTERVIEWS [10%]

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

2009/2010 SEMESTER 2 LSP 401 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [FKN]

Common interview question #1 Tell me about yourself

Sometimes called a T-MAY, this open ended question can set the stage for your getting a job offer very quickly. It can also set you up to get dismissed out of hand right away. Always, always, ALWAYS turn your answers into positive job accomplishments at every opportunity. Dont let your answer meander around about your hobbies, group affiliations, or what you do in your leisure time. This is a JOB interview, so make your answer fit the requirements of the JOB. If you have specific training (such as an accounting degree) or other training relevant to the job, make sure you incorporate that into your T-MAY. If this is the lead off question If this is the lead off question (and it usually is), ask for a more complete description of what the position entails. You could say, I have several accomplishments Id like to speak with you about, but to make the best use of our time together, Id like to talk directly to your needs and the job requirements. Could you tell me the most important priorities of this position? All I know is what I (heard from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, read on your website, etc.). and Id like a little more information. Next, follow-up with a second and even a third question, to draw out those needs even more. This second or third question usually unearths what the interviewer is most looking for. By asking, And in addition to that? or, Is there anything else you see as essential to success in this position? youll set yourself up to understand better what the interview is looking for. Its critical to think before you speak in an interview Dont fall victim to your natural impulse to simply answer the questions. If you can uncover the employers wants and needs, you can tailor your answers to the job. Practice your answers so the process will feel more natural. Remember, this is a

2009/2010 SEMESTER 2 LSP 401 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [FKN]

competition and you have to use your talents, skills, and preparation to outshine the other candidates. After uncovering what the interviewer is looking for, describe why the needs of this particular job match quite nicely with the tasks youve successfully performed in previous situations. Be specific with examples of your responsibilities and especially your achievements so you can present yourself as a perfect match for the needs of the position.

Common interview question #2 Can you describe a previous work or school situation in which you ?[mention the situation]
This question comes in many forms, but what the interviewer is looking for is your behavior on the job. Be aware that more and more interviewers are moving toward a behavioral interview technique where most questions are asked in terms that require you to answer with specific examples of your past behaviors. Your answer could focus on a crisis you helped resolve, overcoming a negotiation deadlock with your creativity, handling a problem coworker, or juggling multiple tasks on a project for a previous job or class. Past behaviour predicts future behaviour The theory behind this type of question is that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. Interviewers believe that how you handled situations in the past will indicate how youll handle similar problems in the future. Prepare real job or school examples in advance, and describe your behavior in specific situations that prove you have the skills the job requires.

2009/2010 SEMESTER 2 LSP 401 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [FKN]

Common interview question #3 What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This is probably the most well-known and common interview question, and interviewers sometimes sneak it in by asking, What areas did your most recent boss praise you and what areas were suggested you work to improve during your last performance evaluation? Your best bet is to fit your strengths answer to skills that your prospective employer seeks in the next employee. Make sure you keep everything job related though. You may have a unique ability to build bluebird houses, but Im guessing that has little value in the job. Example: Im a stickler for the details. On my last job as a waiter, I was asked to train seven new waiters over the course of a summer. I believed it was important to teach them the finer details of how our food offerings were constructed, so I gave each of them a detailed description of our dishes. The customers loved it and my training ideas using these types of descriptions have been incorporated for all trainees. When it comes to weaknesses and growth areas, construct your answer to show how you have improved yourself or situations, and certainly include as many specifics as possible. Tailor your answers to this question so that you can relate things youve learned. But dont be too obvious and use the Im just too aggressive angle. Interviewers see right through it.

Common interview question #4 What is your ideal work environment?

This question is not about whether you prefer a cubicle or an office, so think broadly to include ideas about supervision, management styles, and your workday routine. Many times an interviewer will use this question when he or she feels you may be overqualified

2009/2010 SEMESTER 2 LSP 401 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [FKN]

for a position. It can also be used to give the interviewer a sense of your work ethic, your flexibility with your schedule, or how creative you are. Tell them what they WANT to hear in your interview Your best answer is to describe the job you are interviewing for. Make certain your answer is believable by tying it to specific reasons, stated with sincerity, why each aspect of this position is attractive to you. Example: Actually, Ms. Jones, the position you and I are discussing sounds like a perfect fit for me. As an assistant manager for one of your high volume locations, I would love the opportunity to bring my creativity and high degree of work ethic to your company. I believe my previous operations experience would benefit the company since I could bring a fresh perspective to the challenges you face daily. The hours are great, the working conditions are great, and Id love to throw my creativity and high work ethic behind your organization.

Common interview question #5 Why do you want to work for this company
If you have done your research and are able to answer this question with authority and show a deeper understanding of the companys goals, marketing strategies, and history, you could hit the ball out of the park. Your best research sources are the companys annual reports and possibly the corporate newsletter. Ask for copies of these documents when youre scheduling the interview. You could also research any contacts you know at the company, its vendors, advertisements, or articles about the company in trade publications.

2009/2010 SEMESTER 2 LSP 401 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [FKN]

Common interview question #6 [adjust accordingly]

What

is your most notable accomplishment?

Before you go to the interview, think of three or four accomplishments and quantify what their actions in terms of

Increasing revenues. What have you done that brought in more money? Saving money. What have you done to reduce expenses? Improving resources. What have you done that improved business operations?

You MUST be able to quantify your achievements if you want to stand out in the crowd. Additionally, showing that you understand how your actions have benefited your previous employers indicate that you could potentially do the same as a future employee.

OTHER POSSIBLE QUESTIONS:

1. Describe your long-term goals and objectives. 2. How would you be an asset to this company? [related to question 5] 3. Why do you think you will do well in this position? 4. Are you open to criticism? 5. How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to work as a member of a team? 6. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort? 7. Would you say that you can handle high pressure situations? 8. How would you handle conflict? 9. Would it be a problem for you to relocate? ( if the question is relevant) 10. What do you see yourself doing in ten years time?

2009/2010 SEMESTER 2 LSP 401 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [FKN]

2009/2010 SEMESTER 2 LSP 401 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS [FKN]