Interview Tips & Sample Questions

Preparation and the interview:

  1. Prior research of the company you are interviewing with is encouraged.
  2. Have 3 solid questions prepared in advance to ask the interviewer…..such as “what will be my first objective if I receive this position” or “Can you describe the team / department I will be working with in more detail” Try to stay away from compensation. If it comes up answer and always try to use the word “flexible.”
  3. Plan on arriving 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
  4. Bring an original copy of your resume plus extra copies to the interview.
  5. Upon Meeting your interviewer greet him/her with a firm handshake, using the interviewer's last name.
  6. Follow the interviewer’s leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and duties to you early in the interview. This will help you to associate and match your background, skills and accomplishments to it during the interview.
  7. Practice good poise. Keep your hands and feet still. Don’t lean or slump on the interviewer’s desk, touch anything on the desk, read or appear to read anything that may be exposed on the desk.
  8. Expect some small talk about the weather, sports or current events. Try keeping up to date by reading a daily newspaper.
  9. Wait until the interviewer asks you to talk about yourself before you present any of your prepared information. Be sure to be attentive and listen when the interviewer wants to talk.
  10. When you are asked questions, respond accordingly being brief, clear and concise. Don’t be afraid of pausing, but avoid long pauses. Speak clearly, project your voice, conveying confidence and enthusiasm.
  11. Look at the interviewer’s face during your conversation. Don’t stare, but maintain comfortable eye contact.
  12. When the interviewer makes the request, “Tell me about yourself,” make sure not to over do it. Focus on your background and a few relevant professional and personal accomplishments.
  13. Stress your achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed, systems installed, numbers are always good.
  14. Provide enthusiastic feedback, as it can enhance your chances of being further considered.
  15. Never be critical of your past employer or colleagues. Alternatively, focus on the positive aspects of that experience.
  16. Answer questions where possible with an explanation, instead of with a "Yes" or "No", and by speaking in terms of the position. Emphasize what you can do for the company. Mention specific accomplishments that show your abilities and determination to succeed in this job. Your answers should tell the employer why you would be an asset to the company, not why you need a job.
  17. When asked about strengths, make sure they are related to the position for which you are being interviewed, pull relevant items from their original job description.
  18. When asked about where you need development, reply and identify the action steps you are taking to improve in these areas.
  19. When closing the interview be sure to re-state your interest in the position and becoming part of their organization. Also, mention that you are confident you can succeed in the role.
  20. Remember to never get discouraged….If you do not believe the interviewer is interested they may just be testing you, and it’s important to stay confident!

Sample Behavioural Questions:

  1. Summarize your career path in a short chronological review.
  2. Describe in detail your current responsibilities (scope and scale of projects).
  3. What are your key strengths? (technical and soft skills)
  4. What is a specific area in which you feel you can improve? What are you doing to address that?
  5. Can you please describe to me your greatest work related accomplishment?
  6. What do you feel you can gain from this job that you can’t from your previous/current job?
  7. Where do you see yourself in 2 years from now? 5 years from now?
  8. Tell me about a time when you were working on a problem that you couldn’t solve. How did you handle the situation?
  9. Why do you believe you are a “Fit” for this position?
  10. What is your reason for leaving your current/previous employment?

Other key questions:

  • What are you career goals?
  • Where can you add value?
  • **Did you prepare for this interview?
  • Have you had a chance to look at our website?
  • Size of projects you have managed? (budget, team members)
  • What is your communication style?

Out of Box:

  • What was the last book your read?
  • What would you do if we gave you an elephant?
  • Who is your hero?