Since it is very hard to predict the exact questions that an interviewer will ask, but your recruiter should be able to give you a good idea of the hiring authority's personality, his or her typical interview demeanor and a few important questions that the employer is likely to ask. To prepare, think about how you would answer the following questions:
"Tell me about yourself."
Keep your answer professional. Review your past positions, your education and any other strengths that pertain to the job.
"What do you know about our organization?"
If you've done your research correctly, you should have no problem answering this one. Be positive, never criticize.
"What is your greatest weakness?"
I would say my greatest weakness has been my lack of proper planning in the past. I would over commit myself with too many variant tasks, then not be able to fully accomplish each as I would like. However, since I've come to recognize that weakness, I've taken steps to correct it. For example, I now carry a planning calendar in my pocket so that I can plan all of my appointments and "to do" items.
"Why are you interested in this position?"
Relate how you feel your qualifications really match the requirements of the job. Also, express your desire to work for that company.
"What have been your most significant career accomplishments?"
Be certain that you are prepared to talk about the accomplishments as well as how you were able to achieve them. Make certain these accomplishments are relevant to the position for which you are interviewing.
"How has your education prepared you for your career?"
As you will note on my resume, I've taken not only the required core classes in my field, I've also gone above and beyond. I've taken every class the college has to offer in the field and also completed an independent study project specifically in this area. But it's not just taking the classes to gain academic knowledge--I've taken each class, both inside and outside of my major, with this profession in mind. In addition, I've always tried to keep a practical view of how the information would apply to my job. Not just theory, but how it would actually apply.
"Describe a situation in which your work was criticized."
Focus on how you solved the situation, and let the interviewer know how that situation has further developed your skill sets. By all means, make certain that you don't say "I've never been criticized." We are all imperfect!
"What did you like least about your last position?"
Be certain to remain positive - never criticize your current or former employer.
"Are you a team player?"
Very much so. In fact, I've had opportunities in both athletics and academics to develop my skills as a team player. I always try to help others achieve their best. In academics, I've worked on several team projects, serving as both a member and team leader. I've seen the value of working together as a team to achieve a greater goal than any one of us could have achieved individually.
"Why are you leaving (or considering leaving) your present company?"
Make sure that you respond to this question based on facts; a seasoned interviewer can figure out whether you are giving a right answer or just framing it up.
"What do you think of your boss?"
Once again, remain positive. Even if you and your boss had a strained relationship, it is still possible to find something positive.
"Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?"
Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but certainly there have been situations where there was a disagreement that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it's because of a failure to see both sides of the situation. Therefore, I ask the other person to give me their perspective and at the same time ask that they allow me to fully explain my perspective. At that point, I would work with the person to find out if a compromise could be reached. If not, I would submit to their decision because they are my superior. In the end, you have to be willing to submit yourself to the directives of your superior, whether you're in full agreement or not.
"Have you ever terminated an employee? What was the situation and how did you handle it?"
You can explain this based on your managerial experience by citing an example if you remember.
"How do you cope when under pressure?"
The answer to this question will be based on your personal experience in accordance to one's own stress handling capabilities.
"Why should we hire you?"
Because I sincerely believe that I'm the best person for the job. I realize that there are many other college students who have the ability to do this job. I also have that ability. But I also bring an additional quality that makes me the very best person for the job--my attitude for excellence. Not just giving lip service to excellence, but putting every part of myself into achieving it.
"What salary range do you desire?"
This is one of the most dreaded questions by an interviewee. Do not sell yourself short - if you were making say X amount in your last position and the position you are interviewing for has the same basic responsibilities/requirements, then by all means you should seek a salary that is equal to if not more.
"What other companies are you considering?"
Don't disclose this if you are not comfortable disclosing this information. But be polite in your response.
"What are your career goals and aspirations?"
This answer needs to be answered as per your ambition in life is and try to be realistic and you can mention hoe far you have already through this and how you want to achieve the rest. Mention what hurdles you faced, how you were able to carve out a way, how different people helped you during this journey etc.
"Where do you see yourself in one year?" or "Five years?"
Peoples says the question is designed to help the interviewer know if the job seeker will be happy in that position, or if he or she wants to work in it only as long as it takes to find something "better."
"What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?"
The key quality should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. A manager should also be a positive role model for others to follow. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person who I consider to be a true leader
