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Before you go on your interview, you should realize there are several common types of job interviews. You will
definitely want to inquire what type of job interview you will be going on beforehand so you can best prepare for it.
Don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter what type of job interview will be conducted, as it serves both of you and the
interviewer to know.

Types of Interviews

• Traditional interview
• Panel interview
• Behavioral interview
• Group interview
• Phone interview
• Skype interview

TRADITIONAL INTERVIEW

The traditional one on one interview is where you are interviewed by one representative of the company, most likely
the manager of the position you are applying for. Because you will be working with this person directly if you get the
job, he/she will want to get a feel for who you are and if your skills match those of the job requirements.

You may be asked questions about the experience on your resume, what you can offer to the company or position.
Many times the interviewer will ask you questions such as “Why would you be good for this job?” or “Tell me about
yourself.” The one on one interview is by far, one of the most common types of job interviews.

PANEL INTERVIEW

In a panel interview, you will be interviewed by a panel of interviewers. The panel may consist of different
representatives of the company such as human resources, management, and employees. The reason why some
companies conduct panel interviews is to save time or to get the collective opinion of panel regarding the candidate.
Each member of the panel may be responsible for asking you questions that represent relevancy from their position.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW

In a behavioral interview, the interviewer will ask you questions based on common situations of the job you are
applying for. The logic behind the behavioral interview is that your future performance will be based on a past
performance of a similar situation. You should expect questions that inquire about what you did when you were in a
particular situation and how you dealt with it. In a behavioral interview, the interviewer wants to see how you deal
with certain problems and what you do to solve them.

GROUP INTERVIEW

Many times companies will conduct a group interview to quickly prescreen candidates for the job opening as well as
give the candidates the chance to quickly learn about the company to see if they want to work there. Many times, a
group interview will begin with a short presentation about the company. After that, they may speak to each candidate
individually and ask them a few questions.

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One of the most important things the employer is observing during a group interview, is how you interact with the
other candidates. Are you emerging as a leader or are you more likely to complete tasks that are asked of you? Neither
is necessarily better than the other, it just depends on what type of personality works best for the position that needs
to be filled.

PHONE INTERVIEW

A phone interview may be for a position where the candidate is not local or for an initial prescreening call to see if
they want to invite you in for an in-person interview. You may be asked typical questions or behavioral questions.

Most of the time you will schedule an appointment for a phone interview. If the interviewer calls unexpectedly, it’s ok
to ask them politely to schedule an appointment. On a phone interview, make sure your call waiting is turned off, you
are in a quiet room, and you are not eating, drinking or chewing gum.

SKYPE AND VIDEO INTERVIEW

Video interviews are being increasingly seen as a more efficient and cost-effective way to vet potential new employees
– and with global hiring also becoming more commonplace.

Skype has made it so easy to video chat over PCs and mobile devices that more employers are using it to replace some
in-person interviews.

It makes sense: From the company's point of view, a Skype conversation can save both time and money.

It provides a convenient way for hiring managers to have an initial conversation with a candidate, before committing
to the time and expense of whiteboard tests and team interviews.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS

A telephone interview will usually be given to candidates who have passed the online application and/or
psychometric test stage of the graduate recruitment process and is used to sift out applicants to be invited to a face-to-
face interview or assessment centre.

Being asked to participate in a phone interview is a positive sign, since it usually means the job applicant has passed
the initial resume screening process.

Telephone interviews are often conducted by employers in the initial interview round of the hiring process, this type
of interview allows an employer to screen candidates on the candidates experience, qualifications, and salary
expectations pertaining to the position and the company.

Graduate level telephone interviews are usually short - most last less than 30 minutes - and feature a mix of
competency based questions and questions about your CV, work experience and education.

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Phone interviews allow the hiring manager to be more efficient, and reach a broader range of applicants than
otherwise possible. Hiring managers often use this technique to clarify questions they might have about a job
applicant's work history or the objectives appearing on the applicant's resume or cover letter.

Your interviewer may not be sitting in front of you, but a phone interview is just as important as an in-person meeting.

Why do some employers ask for phone interviews in the first place?

Many companies use phone interviews as an initial employment screening technique for a variety of reasons.

In order to quickly eliminate you as a candidate. This is especially common in big companies. Instead of spending the
time and resources needed to bring you in for an in person interview they’ll want to see if you give them a reason to
cross your name off the list.

Interview candidates that are out of town or aren’t able to attend an in person interview for whatever reason.

The point is, this is probably your first point of real contact with the company. While you’re not going to land the job
from phone interview (most likely) you certainly can lose it!

Preparing for a phone interview:

Many graduate recruiters do their first interview over the phone. The telephone interview is a tool for the recruiter to
assess whether you are a serious applicant and decide whether or not to take you further through the application
process. The questions are more likely to focus more on your general competences and skills. Your aim is to try to
show your enthusiasm and commitment in a short conversation.

Treat the phone interview seriously, just as you would a face-to-face interview.

A phone interview seems so informal on the surface that it can be easy to fall into the trap of "phoning it in"—i.e., not
preparing for it as well as you would for an in-person interview.

Get a high-quality phone.

This isn't the time to use a cell phone that cuts in and out, or a cheaply made phone that makes it difficult for you and
your interviewer(s) to hear and understand each other.

Odd advice? Perhaps. But focusing on your appearance, just as you would for a normal interview, will put you in the
right frame of mind from a psychological standpoint.

Phone interviews can be tricky, especially since you aren't able to read your interviewers' nonverbal cues like facial
expressions and body language during the session—a big difference from the typical interview.

You have to accomplish your goal – selling yourself, your skills, your experience, and your value – with nothing but
what comes out of your mouth.

You typically have just two assets – your voice and your preparation!

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What can you do?

1. Know whether you can take the call when it comes.

Hopefully, you'll be able to schedule the call for a time when you can focus completely. Be in a quiet place
where you are comfortable and unlikely to be interrupted

2. Have the documentation you need at your fingertips.

Having easy access to the company and job information will allow you to confidently respond to questions
without fumbling regarding which job you are talking about. So have a copy of both the job description and a
copy of the resume or application you submitted in front of you before the interview starts.

3. Know your answers to the common questions.

Brief "yes" and "no" responses will not move a telephone interview forward, but will end it quickly.

4. Smile while on the phone!

You will find that you sound more upbeat and engaged when you do this.

5. If you have a web portfolio or a complete LinkedIn profile, direct the interviewer to it, if possible.

This enables the interviewer to see your value while you talk about it.

6. Focus on your language and voice.

Again, you can only go on the power of your voice in a telephone call. Speak clearly, stay upbeat, and use
positive language. Smiling (4, above) will help.

7. Don’t hang up without asking for the next step plus contact information.

The interviewer is bringing the call to an end but there has been no talk of a next step. Speak up! Express your
enthusiasm for moving forward and ask about the next step.

How to handle a telephone interview

Use our checklist to tackle your telephone interview with confidence and get through to the next stage of the
application process for your graduate job.

The positive thing about phone interviews is that they are quicker and more convenient for both you and the
interviewer than arranging a preliminary meeting face-to-face. However, phone interviews can be difficult because
neither party can see the other, so the usual visual clues are absent.

Stay calm

Before you dial, take a couple of deep breaths... and smile!

If you’re asked a tricky question, take time to think – you can always say something like, 'Let me just reflect on that for
a moment,' to buy time.

Pauses are OK, just as in any interview. If you couldn't hear or didn't understand a question, it's fine to ask for
clarification.

Be professional

Answer the phone professionally. Address your interviewer as Miss, Mrs or Mr unless invited to use his or her first
name.

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Remember this is only the preliminary round. If you progress to the next stage, you will have a chance to assess the
company in more depth.

If you can, jot down notes during the interview. It will be a useful record to refer to when you go through to the next
stage.

Telephone interview turn offs

Lots of background noise: cafes are not good places to take the interview call.

Munching and slurping: don't eat or drink proper while taking part in a telephone interview.

Taking other calls or responding to texts: switch off your mobile if you are using a landline; switch off your landline if
you are using your mobile... or move to another room.

Multitasking: resist the urge to reply to e-mails, check your Facebook page, etc - focus only on the person at the other
end of the line.

Phone Interview Etiquette

Answer the phone yourself. When you answer the phone, answer with your so the interviewer knows they have
reached the right person.

Use the interviewer's title during the conversation (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.).

Listen carefully to the interviewer and don't start speaking until the interviewer finishes the question.

Don't worry if you need a few seconds to think of a response, but don't leave too much dead air. If you need the
interviewer to repeat the question, ask.

Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.

If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.

Do remember your goal is to set up a face-to-face interview. At the end of your conversation, after you thank the
interviewer, ask if it would be possible to meet in person.

Turn off call waiting. The beep of an incoming call is distracting and can make you lose your focus.

Don't Take the Call on Speaker Phone

Do Make Sure Your Connection is Working Properly

Phone interviews can be both a blessing and curse: as part of a larger interview process, phone interviews generally
mean you will have multiple opportunities to impress an interviewer. But since there's probably many other
individuals getting screened over the phone, even the smallest of mistakes can get your name scratched off the
candidate list.

In a face-to-face interview, it's easy to read your interviewer's body language and pick up the cue for when you should
stop talking. Keep it short and strong.

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What to Ask during the Phone Interview?

What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected? How about travel?
What are the opportunities for advancement with the company?
Is there anything else I can tell you about my qualifications?
If I am extended a job offer, how soon could I start?
Would you like a list of references?
When can I expect to hear from you?
Are there any other questions I can answer for you?
Common Telephone Interview Mistakes
Using of Slang
Candidates who would never use colloquialisms in face-to-face interviews often accidentally use slang during a
telephone interview without even realising i.
Not Arranging Your Interview
It is essential to properly plan when and where you will be when organising your telephone interview. Otherwise, you
may find yourself in a loud, busy place when your interviewer calls
Forgetting Your Interview
If a recruiter calls a candidate who appears to be confused, unprepared and disorganised, they will be unlikely to
invite them for a face-to-face interview.
Being Interrupted
Ensure wherever you want to take your telephone interview is a place where you will be left in peace.
Charging Your Telephone
If you will be using a mobile phone, remember to charge it on the day of your interview. If your phone cuts out, or
starts beeping during conversation, you risk irritating your interviewer or losing your train of thought.
Time Limits
In most telephone interviews time is strictly limited.
Don't be worried to take a little time to consider questions, or your responses to them, before answering. Although
time is limited, your interviewer should understand that candidates need to take some time to produce good
responses.
Telephone Interview Questions
Telephone interviews are typically conducted by a member of a firm's human resources (HR) team, or outsourced to a
specialist organisation (such as a recruitment consultancy or job assessment organisation). Questions will usually
focus on: your CV, work experience and academic history; your motivations for applying to the firm in question, the
particular industry and job role; your knowledge of the firm itself (i.e. competitors, global reach, future plans); and,
your skills, qualifications and competencies.
It is less likely that a telephone interview would include technical questions, brain teaser questions or commercial
awareness questions Example Interview Questions
Why do you want to be a [job role in question]?

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What are you most looking forward to in this role?

Tell me about yourself/take me through your CV.
Where would you like to be in five years?
Why should we hire you?
What are your greatest achievements?
What was your degree grade? Were you happy with this?
Wherever possible, always use a different example when answering each question.
The Five Toughest Telephone Interview Questions -- And How To Handle Them
1. "Tell me a little about yourself," is often the first question.
Answer with a brief work history showing how each job and project helped prepare you for this job. Then give a
profile of the "professional you," showcasing your skills in a way that will have the interviewer mentally
picturing you doing the same things for him.
2. “What experience do you have in…?”
Your answers should show that you are a problem solver (and problem preventer) by nature, and that this
problem prevention and solution attitude is always part of your thinking. You do this by giving concrete
examples of problem identification and solution.
3. "What are your strengths?"
You have the specific technical skills needed to do the job well.
You have a problem-prevention-and-solution mind set.
You are fully aware that your work is one small but important cog in the complex machinery that helps the
company make money.
4. "What are your weaknesses?”
You can safely—and honestly—say that your greatest weakness is finding time to stay current with all the new
technology skills required in your work.
5. The telephone interview comes to an end when you are asked whether you have any questions.
If the hiring manager, or human resources person, is pleased with the applicant's responses to their questions
during the phone interview, they will normally arrange for a follow-up, in-person, interview during that same call.
Telephone interviews have become one of the most popular ways to conduct a one-on-one meeting when
geography presents a challenge
The major advantage of performing tele interviews are that numerous and geographically disparate respondents
can be interviewed relatively easily and cheaply - as opposed to the travel involved if interviewing the same
respondents face to face.
You may also expect a telephone interview if you are applying for jobs abroad – in which case calls may come in at all
hours of the day or night!

Advantages of telephone interviews

For the employer:

They are time and cost-effective- most last about 20-25 minutes.
They test your verbal communication skills and telephone technique.

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For you:
You can refer (quickly!) to your application form, take notes.
You don't need to spend time traveling to interview or wonder if the employer will pay your expenses.
This gives you total control over the time and place of the interview – although means that you will have to pay for the
call.
Tip
In a face to face interview, you show that you are listening via non-verbal signals such as nodding your head. Over the
phone you have to show this by the occasional "OK", "uh-huh", "I see", "I understand", "yes" or similar interjections.
Skype interviews

Conducting interviews via Skype offers employers all the advantages of a telephone interview in terms of cost-
effectiveness with the bonus of being able to see the candidate. While they are still not as widely used as telephone
interviews, they are particularly helpful for international recruitment when interviewing the candidate in another
country – e.g. for TEFL teachers. Universities often use them when interviewing candidates for postgraduate study
and research.
As the candidate, you are likely to find that face-to-face contact with the interviewer helps to make the interview
a slightly less unnatural experience. The disadvantage is that you will have to dress as smartly as you would for a
real-life interview (at least from the waist up!) and it won’t be quite as easy to refer to your notes or application form
during the interview.
A Skype interview will be more like a real-life interview than a telephone interview, but the following points are
worth keeping in mind:
When preparing for the interview, choose your location carefully.
Use a private room (not a study area) and put a “Do Not Disturb – Interview in Progress” sign on the door.
Sitting at a desk or table, rather than in an armchair or on the bed, will help you feel more professional as you will be
sitting up straight.
Make sure that the interviewer is not going to be distracted by anything in the background – tatty posters, lamps,
unmade bed, piles of unwashed laundry, etc.
If you live on the ground floor it may be a good idea to pull down the blinds to avoid any of your so-called friends
pulling faces through the window, but make sure that the lighting is bright enough for the interviewer to see you
clearly.
Ask a friend to Skype you before the interview to check that everything is working, that the background is clear and
that any notes or crib sheets are out of view of the camera.
Turn off any other programs running on your computer – you don’t want to be distracted by an email suddenly
popping up while you are speaking.

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Dress smartly as you would for a normal interview as this will make you feel more confident.

Look at the camera so it looks like you are talking directly to the employer and smile! Make sure the webcam aligns on
your face and shoulders. Sit up straight with a good posture rather than slouching.

Speak clearly into the microphone. Avoid speaking at the same time as other people as this can make it difficult to
hear what is being said on Skype, so you must to allow people to finish speaking to avoid missing information.

Make sure that you have a phone number and/or email for your interviewer, so that you can contact them in the case
of any technical problems.

Here are some guidelines/answers for the most common telephone interview questions:

What do you know about the company?

Many employers ask this question at some point in the process to find out what your preparation skills are like. In
other words, it’s research time…

Showing a range of different research will really start demonstrating to the employer how much you want the job.

Right answer: A short overview of the company, any memorable dates (such as when they were founded), and a basic
mission statement is a great start.

Wrong answer: ‘Not that much, if I’m honest. I just really need the job.’

What were your main responsibilities in your last job?

The purpose of many telephone interviews is to find out if candidates can really back up what they say on their CV,
especially when put on the spot.

One word of warning: try and think around each individual responsibility. The employer has a copy of your CV in front
of them. They are not calling for the audiobook.

Right answer: List a few of your main duties in a way that deviates from what you’ve already said on your CV.
Position your answer to include what experience you have that makes you right for this position.

What are your greatest achievements?

A recruiter may ask this as a way of vetting which candidates are telling the truth on their CV.

Remember, it may sound impressive to tell people all about your achievements as Assistant Regional Manager, but if
you can’t expand on them when asked, you’ll not be able to keep the pretence up for long…
Right answer: Any achievements which may relate to an attribute required for the role, you could talk about a group
project you took charge of which lead to excellent results.
Wrong answer: ‘I can’t think of any at the moment’, ‘They should all be on my CV’, ‘I got to level 100 on Candy Crush’.
What salary are you looking for?
Speaking about salary can be awkward for some applicants, and during a telephone interview is no exception.
Honesty is the best policy here. Give a broad salary range which you feel is realistic to the role. Finally, always ensure
that you don’t aim too low with what you’re asking.
Right answer: A realistic, but non-specific salary bracket.
Wrong answer: ‘I won’t lie to you, I don’t come cheap…’
Do you have any questions?
Right answer: An unequivocal ‘Yes’..

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Wrong answer: ‘Um… No?’, ‘Pass’.

Other potential questions could include:
What interests you about this job?
Right answer: Demonstrate what you know about the position, and the company in general, and back it up with what
makes you the perfect candidate for the role.
There seems to be a gap in your education/employment history. What were you doing during this time?
Right answer: Be as honest as possible here.
Take me through your CV:
Right answer: Give a short description of your education or employment history.
What are your goals for the future?
Right answer: The most effective answers here will not only demonstrate that you’ve thought about your future, but
also that this is not just a stop-gap position in your estimations.
Do not be tempted to opt for the cocky ‘doing your job’ answer. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
Your resume is stellar, your application was impeccable, you’ve caught a potential employer’s ….
So how do you prepare for this bold new frontier of employment screening? Luckily almost all of the standard rules
from in person interviews still apply, so the basic prep work is essentially the same but there are some tips specific to
phone interviews than can really be of help:
8 Phone Interview Tips

1. Take It As Seriously As An In Person Interview

When your interview is first scheduled, make sure you set aside time BEFORE the interview to prep for it.
This is just as much a mental game as a physical game and dressing the part (even if they can’t see you) can
really help you kick your mind into the right frame to get you the job

2. Focus And Cut Out All Distractions

Get comfortable, but don’t get too comfortable.

Find a good spot to sit down and have all your prep materials nearby for easy access.

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If you’re doing the interview at home and you’re not alone, make sure everyone knows you’re going to be busy
for a bit and to give you some privacy.

First and foremost, make sure you’re presenting yourself in the most professional way possible.

3. Do Some Research Before The Interview

Double check the job description you’re interviewing for.

Google the company. See how they’re doing and what they’re doing.
The best part about doing this research is it also allows you to tailor your answers when you start getting hit
with those interview questions.
Tailoring your answers is the best possible way to ensure that not only are you satisfying what the interviewer
is asking, you’re positioning yourself to be the best possible candidate.
They’re looking for a specific set of knowledge, skills and abilities and it’s the person that embodies all of these
that is going to get the job…and if you tailor your answers and show that you’re (honestly) that person…well,
then…welcome to your new career!

4. Listen And Don’t Dominate The Conversation

Talk, but don’t dominate the conversation. Let the interviewer guide the conversation.

Keep a pencil and paper nearby so you can jot down questions and notes and save them for the end.

Ask a few follow up questions.

Have a copy of your resume with you so you can reference it at any time. Keep your answers honest, thoughtful
and reflective.

Most importantly, smile! Sure, they might not be able to see it, but your tone of voice will reflect it.

5. Prepare Your Own Cheat Sheet

Like all good interviews, it’s not just about answering questions, but asking the right ones as well.

Ask about the different aspects of the job and express genuine interest and excitement in the opportunity.

Ask questions about the job that weren’t covered in the job posting…ask about specifics and get details.

Make sure you prepare your own list of questions before you start. Make sure your questions are thoughtful
and have a purpose.

Remember, “It’s not about you, it’s about them.” How can you fulfill their needs?

6. Slow Down

Take a beat (or a breath) between the interviewer asking you a question and when you start answering it.

Be thoughtful. Be thorough. Be concise.

Take your time and pronounce your words clearly. Speak slowly enough to be understood. slow down!

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7. Be Ready For Common Phone Interview Questions

1. “Are you willing to relocate for this job”

Answer honestly! There is no fudging this question.

2. “Will you travel for this job?”

You should consider before the interview. What this means to both your professional and personal life.

3. “What interests you about this job?”

When you answer this question, make sure to tailor the answer to fit the qualifications listed in the job
posting and that you’re qualified and a good fit!

4. “If you are hired, how soon can you start?”

Don’t ever answer with “Now!”

Words to the wise…always ask for MORE time than you initially think you’ll need.

One thing NOT to focus on during an initial phone interview is salary.

8. Send A Thank You Email After Phone Interview

Make sure you not only end your phone call on a positive note, but follow up in a timely manner with a
thoughtful thank you email after your interview.

It will help you stand out and reinforce that you’re truly interested in the position.

9. BONUS TIP: Direct Them To Your Personal Branding Website

It’s true, having your own personal branding website can be one of the most powerful tools you use as part of
your job search.

A personal website will allow you to impress hiring managers, differentiate yourself from your competitors,
increase your visibility online.

In doing this you will not only give the hiring manager a much more engaging and interesting experience, but
you’ll also show what an intelligent, dedicated and forward-thinking individual you are.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Tell me something about yourself.

This is the frequently asked first question at an interview.

Introduce yourself, mention where you are from and your education.

Share minimum information about your family (optional) and interests other than core.

This is an open ended question and you need to be careful in how you want to take this forward by the information
you give.

Why should we hire you?

Don't panic if you are asked this question. Make sure that you have understood the job description well before you go
for the interview.

Relate your qualifications and work experience with the job requirements.

If there are any new skills that are expected of you in the job description mention that you are open to new learning
and challenges.

What is your greatest strength?

Tell them a strength that would map to the job description. You must be ready with an example or two as the
interviewer is likely to ask you to state an instance which highlights this strength.

For example, if the job requires you to have convincing skills to handle customer requests, be ready with options that
would highlight your ability to have “presence of mind” with examples. Similarly, if you are required to change you
sector or industry you can emphasize “your adaptability” through an example.

It is important to keep ready at least 2 examples of the mentioned strength.

Discuss strengths that interviewers are looking for employability

For example:
• Multi tasking: Say you have been working on multiple assignments or events and how you have been able to
track each of them and co-ordinate with a lot of teams.
• Problem Solving: You can speak about a challenge you faced in your project or when conducting a seminar or
event.
• Communication
• Team player

• Quick-learner

Support each point with your examples.

What is your greatest weakness?

Interpret this question as, why shouldn’t we hire you? There 3 ways to tackle this question. Judge the situation and
use one of them.

First way: Use your sense of humour. If the interview is proceeding in the light way and you have built up a good
rapport with the interviewer, you can get out of it by saying “Icecream”. Accompany it with a right body language.

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Second way: State a weakness which doesn’t relate to the job under discussion. For example, you can say, I have been
using a camera since childhood but I still don’t know how to mend it. If it is broken, I will need to take it to an expert.

Third way: Understand the requirement of the role under discussion and say that others accuse you of having that
weakness but you think that it is important for your work.

For example, if the job needs a detailed study and leaving a single step might need you to re-run the whole process say
that “My colleagues accuse me of having an eye for detail but I have experienced that to do this work you need to go
into details rather than cutting corners. I have worked with people following a shorter route and doing the whole
exercise again, which I would not prefer to do”.

What is your greatest achievement?

The underlying agenda is to know what personal qualities were required to achieve it. Don’t go back too far to answer
this question as this might give an impression that you have not achieved anything since then.

If you are a fresher and have been a topper of your college or university, you can say that during the interview.

Are you ambitious?

I am ambitious to the point that I wouldn’t like to be stagnant at any stage of my career. I would be looking forward to
new learnings, experiences and exposure consistently and continuously throughout my career. Have an example to
explain that you were ambitious, the experience can be either personal or professional.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

By asking this question, the interviewer wants to see, how ambitious the candidate is. You can say that, 5 years down
the line I would like to see myself in a responsible position where I can make important decisions in favor of the
company and the company treats me as its asset. I am sure that this company can offer me growth opportunities like
this.

How do you feel about doing repetitive work?

You can say that I understand that every job has an element of repetitive work but I enjoy fulfilling all the aspects of
my job with equal enthusiasm and give them my 100%.

Would you like to work in a team or on your own?

The agenda behind this question is to understand if you are a team player or not. It is ideal to answer this question by
saying that “I am comfortable working in a team but will work independently if the need arises”. Always have
examples ready for every answer you give.

What would you do if your team ceased to perform? – Stress question

A simulated situation might be narrated to check your emotional balance and presence of mind.

The agenda behind this question is to understand your emotional control and stability in pressure situations. A good
answer to this question would be, “I would analyze the reasons for non-performance of the team and address the
same effectively”.

Would you take up this job if we offered it to you?

If you have built up a good rapport with the interviewer by now you can ask a more direct question, Are you offering it
to me? (with a smile and right body language). If they say “Yes”, you can say that of course, based on what we have
discussed till now I am enthusiastic in taking up this position.

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Your expected salary? – Dream offer question

Though the offered salary is pre determined they would be probing an individual to check his /her needs.

Don't jump at a figure when you are asked this question during the personal interview. Try to turn the ball back into
the interviewer’s court and ask him the type of salary the company offers for a position like this.

Still, if you are required to answer this question, mention a range rather than talking about an exact figure but don't
keep the range too vast, you will be offered the one at the lower end.

What will you do if you are offered a job with a salary higher than this? – Dream offer question

By asking this question the interviewer tries to analyze if the candidate will leave the job for a couple of thousands.

Recruiting a candidate costs money to the company so they would like to hire somebody who has some loyalty
towards the company. You can answer this question by saying that though you know the attraction of money every
job offers but you would first try to analyze the growth opportunities with both the jobs.

It is ideal to answer this question by saying that “As a fresher I need to build a career path. At this stage, a higher
salary is not my bargain”.

Do you want to ask us something about the company?

When you are going for a job interview, go prepared. Try to find out the latest information about the company.

When you are asked this question, you can ask interesting questions like the opportunities for you to grow in the
company, the expansion plans of the company and the chances for you to grow there.

If the company has been in news recently, you can ask questions related to that also.

Are you open to relocation/night shifts?

One of the reasons for conducting a telephonic interview is that the interviewer is calling up from some far off place
and is looking for a candidate to be placed there.

Similarly, if the interviewer asks about your openness to work in night shifts, they might be considering only the
candidates who can work at night.

Are you open to relocation / night shifts?

The interviewer is likely to ask you about your comfort level to relocate and work in night shifts if the job description
details the same.

Address the issue directly and do not beat around the bush. Informing them later will not be appreciated at all, so get
consensus with the interviewer during the process.

If you cannot give an assertive answer and the interviewer is willing to give you time to discuss with your family make
sure you keep your commitment of informing them on time.

Are you open to travelling?

Understand the job description thoroughly before you go for the interview, if travelling has been mentioned you
should be open for the same as this is your first job.

On a scale of 1 -10, how would you rank yourself in “a particular field”?

Again, an interviewer will usually ask this question for a field which is of prime importance to the job. If you think you
flair well in that field, rate yourself and convey it in a confident voice.

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You can also take the help of an example from the past where you did really well in that field. This will further justify
your answer.

Describe a situation in which you led a team.

One can speak about one’s team leading experience in any event during one’s college years. Instances like College
Campus – Organizing sports / Cultural events, Participating in team games.

Take an example from the recent past where you worked in a big team and led the group. But focus your answer on
portraying yourself as a team lead successfully.

Will you be happy to work over the weekends?

You need to answer this question taking into consideration the situation on hand as this may not be the norm in any
organization.

Have you ever committed a mistake in life?

To err is human. So, it is perfectly OK if you committed a mistake in life but before answering the question analyzes
the magnitude of mistake and its consequences.

While answering this, learn to highlight how you have learnt from the same and have refrained from repeating the
same.

What position would you prefer while working on a project?

This question is for you to answer based on the skills and qualities you have. As a fresher, my prime objective is to
acquire knowledge, experience and exposure and highlight the skills that map to the job description.

For how long do you expect to stay with our organization?

You should ensure that you give an impression that you will pay back more than what you take from the company. If
they stress on number of years say 3-4 years.

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