Call Center Questions With Answers

4.
What interested you about our position?

You’re likely to hear this as a first interview or phone interview
question, but you may also be asked about this in your final round
interview… especially if it’s with a new person!
So to succeed in the final interview, go back and review what caught
your interest initially and why the role and company excite you.
If you can explain this to an Executive or CEO in detail and with

excitement, it could set you apart from other candidates and be the
difference that gets you hired.
Read more about this interview question here.

5. What do you know about our company?
This might not be what you first think of when brainstorming final
interview questions to prepare for, but it is something that you could be
asked!
If it’s a good interviewer, they won’t ask quite this bluntly, but they’re still
likely to ask in some form or another. For example, they may ask, “What
have you learned about our company so far, and what do you think of
what we do?”
So you absolutely should be ready to talk about what you’ve learned
from researching the company and from hearing about the company in
previous interviews.
(And what you’ve learned from asking questions, which you should be
doing in every single job interview. If you need help, then here are 26
unique questions to ask employers.
Read more: Sample answers to “What do you know about the
company?”
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Any employer or hiring manager will want to make sure their position fits
your general long-term career goals before hiring you. (Even after
they’ve established that you can do the job!)
Why? Because they want someone who is going to stay with the
company long-term and be a good “investment” (it costs them money to
hire and train new people, and it takes a while for you to start producing
at a high level).
So, “where do you see yourself in five years” is among the most
common final job interview questions asked by CEOs and other
Executives.
They may also ask, “What are your career goals?”

You’ll notice a common theme among many final round interview
questions with CEOs or other high-level managers — they want to
determine a cultural fit before signing off on hiring you.
For this particular question, give an answer that is realistic but also
slightly ambitious. You don’t want to say, “I see myself in the exact same
position in five years.”
And most importantly, name a goal that is consistent with the job you’re
interviewing for! You want to be able to show how this job fits your long-
term goals in your career so that they’ll feel confident that you’ll enjoy the
job and stay for a few years!
This will help you get the job.

Read more about answering “Where do you see yourself in five
years?” here.
7. What did you like most and least about your
last job?
As with the question above, employers also ask this to determine if you’ll
enjoy their job and company, and stay long-term.
This is a common theme in terms of what you should expect in a final

interview.
You may have already proven that you can handle the job, so now
they’re going to be looking for proof that you want the job, which is
different!
So be ready to give an assessment of what you enjoyed and didn’t enjoy
in your last organization, and make sure that you’re providing them with
clear evidence that suggests you’d enjoy this company!

8. What sets you apart from other candidates?
The interviewer may also ask if there’s anything unique about you or
anything that sets you apart.
So think ahead of time — what do you bring to this position that others
can’t?
Consider past experiences, degrees and certifications, key

accomplishments, and more.
You could even use this to turn a possible weakness into a strength. For
example, maybe you’re coming from a different industry than most
candidates.
You could say, “Well, coming from the ___ industry, I think I have a
deeper understanding of ___ than some other candidates, and I’m
confident I could use this to help the company do ___.”
Some employers LOVE the idea of getting a fresh perspective or a fresh
set of eyes on the work they’re doing. So if you have a slightly different
background than the “normal” candidate, don’t assume it’s a weakness.
And this job interview question is a chance to show it off.
You don’t have to answer in this way, though. You could mention a
particular reason you’re passionate about this field of work, too.
Read more, including sample answers to this question, here.

9. Do you have other interviews happening?
Next up in your late-stage or final-stage interview, they may ask
questions about your job search overall. They may ask where else
you’re interviewing, whether you’re expecting other job offers, etc.
If you’re interested in this company and do expect other offers, it’s okay
to tell them. This gives them the chance to move through their interview
process faster so they don’t lose you!
However, if you’re not expecting other offers, don’t lie. It’s not worth it —
lies lead to more lies and can get you into trouble! So it’s always better
to answer interview questions truthfully when you can.
And in this case, you certainly can just say, “I’m speaking to a few
companies, and things are moving well so far, but I’m not expecting any
other offers at this point.”
That may be a bit of a white lie, depending on what else you have going
on, but that’s alright. Just don’t say you have job offers if you don’t!
That’s rarely the best idea.
You may also hear variations of this question, like, “Are you expecting
other job offers?” That’s usually a very positive sign that your interview
went well.
10. What is your desired salary?
If this is asked in a first interview, I usually tell candidates to be careful
about revealing a number too soon! (And I explain why in this article).
However, if a hiring manager or other member of senior management
asks this in a final interview, it’s time to name your number!
So, “where do you see yourself in five years” is among the most
common final job interview questions asked by CEOs and other
Executives.
They may also ask, “What are your career goals?”

You’ll notice a common theme among many final round interview
questions with CEOs or other high-level managers — they want to
determine a cultural fit before signing off on hiring you.
For this particular question, give an answer that is realistic but also
slightly ambitious. You don’t want to say, “I see myself in the exact same
position in five years.”
And most importantly, name a goal that is consistent with the job you’re
interviewing for! You want to be able to show how this job fits your long-
term goals in your career so that they’ll feel confident that you’ll enjoy the
job and stay for a few years!
This will help you get the job.
Read more about answering “Where do you see yourself in five

years?” here.
7. What did you like most and least about your
last job?
As with the question above, employers also ask this to determine if you’ll
enjoy their job and company, and stay long-term.
This is a common theme in terms of what you should expect in a final

interview.
You may have already proven that you can handle the job, so now
they’re going to be looking for proof that you want the job, which is
different!
So be ready to give an assessment of what you enjoyed and didn’t enjoy
in your last organization, and make sure that you’re providing them with
clear evidence that suggests you’d enjoy this company!

8. What sets you apart from other candidates?
The interviewer may also ask if there’s anything unique about you or
anything that sets you apart.
So think ahead of time — what do you bring to this position that others
can’t?
Consider past experiences, degrees and certifications, key

accomplishments, and more.
You could even use this to turn a possible weakness into a strength. For
example, maybe you’re coming from a different industry than most
candidates.
You could say, “Well, coming from the ___ industry, I think I have a
deeper understanding of ___ than some other candidates, and I’m
confident I could use this to help the company do ___.”
Some employers LOVE the idea of getting a fresh perspective or a fresh
set of eyes on the work they’re doing. So if you have a slightly different
background than the “normal” candidate, don’t assume it’s a weakness.
And this job interview question is a chance to show it off.
You don’t have to answer in this way, though. You could mention a
particular reason you’re passionate about this field of work, too.
Read more, including sample answers to this question, here.

9. Do you have other interviews happening?
Next up in your late-stage or final-stage interview, they may ask
questions about your job search overall. They may ask where else
you’re interviewing, whether you’re expecting other job offers, etc.
If you’re interested in this company and do expect other offers, it’s okay
to tell them. This gives them the chance to move through their interview
process faster so they don’t lose you!
However, if you’re not expecting other offers, don’t lie. It’s not worth it —
lies lead to more lies and can get you into trouble! So it’s always better
to answer interview questions truthfully when you can.
And in this case, you certainly can just say, “I’m speaking to a few
companies, and things are moving well so far, but I’m not expecting any
other offers at this point.”
That may be a bit of a white lie, depending on what else you have going
on, but that’s alright. Just don’t say you have job offers if you don’t!
That’s rarely the best idea.
You may also hear variations of this question, like, “Are you expecting
other job offers?” That’s usually a very positive sign that your interview
went well.
10. What is your desired salary?
If this is asked in a first interview, I usually tell candidates to be careful
about revealing a number too soon! (And I explain why in this article).
However, if a hiring manager or other member of senior management
asks this in a final interview, it’s time to name your number!
11. Do you want to tell us anything else about

you?
Finally, as a final-round candidate, you can expect the interviewers to
give you a chance to share anything else you wanted to mention.
And if not, you can still conclude any of your interviews by saying, “If it’s
alright with you, there’s one more idea that came to mind, that I was
hoping to share.”
So you should NEVER be afraid to speak up if there’s something you

wish you had mentioned in your interview.
It could be something they misunderstood on your resume, something

you already talked about but could have explained better, etc.
You can also follow-up later if you forgot to mention something or forgot
to ask a question in the interview.
The bottom line here is: You don’t need to share more here. If you think
you already showed the hiring team why you’re a great candidate for the
role and don’t want to add more, then simply say, “I think we’ve covered
the important topics! Thank you for asking, though.”
List of Weaknesses: 10 Things To Say in an Interview
It can be hard to answer the question, “What is your greatest weakness?”—especially
when you expect to be discussing the skills, talents and capabilities that make you the
strongest candidate for the job.
Framing your weaknesses positively can be challenging, but when you combine self-
awareness with an action plan, you can quickly stand apart from other job applicants.
The key to preparing for this question is to identify weaknesses that still communicate
strength. This will show the interviewer you’re introspective enough to know your areas
of opportunity.
Example weaknesses for interviewing

Here are a few examples of the best weaknesses to mention in an interview:
1. I focus too much on the details.
Being detail-oriented is typically a good thing, but if you’re someone who tends to spend
too much time on the specifics of a project, it could also be considered a weakness. By
sharing that you focus too much on details, you’re showing your interviewer that you’re
capable of helping the organization avoid even minor mistakes.
Be sure to explain how you’re making improvements in this area by looking at the big
picture. While employers may not love the idea of having an employee who is
preoccupied with the finer points, a candidate who assures quality and strives for
balance can be a great asset.
Example: “My greatest weakness is that I sometimes focus too much on the details of a
project and spend too much time analyzing the finer points. I’ve been striving to improve
in this area by checking in with myself at regular intervals and giving myself a chance to
refocusing on the bigger picture. That way I can still ensure quality without getting so
caught up in the details that it affects my productivity or the team’s ability to meet the
deadline.”
2. I have a hard time letting go of a project.
When you’ve spent a great deal of time and effort on something, it’s easy to feel
apprehensive about marking it complete or passing it on to another team. There’s
always room for improvement and some people tend to over-criticize their own work or
attempt last-minute changes, which can threaten the timeline.
At the same time, though, last-minute reviews can help eliminate errors and make for a
more refined finished product.
If this is your weakness, share how you’re striving to improve by giving yourself a
deadline for all revisions and being proactive about changes, so you’re not waiting until
the last minute.
Example: “My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have a hard time letting go of a

project. I’m the biggest critic of my own work. I can always find something that needs to
be improved or changed. To help myself improve in this area, I give myself deadlines
for revisions. This helps ensure that I’m not making changes at the last minute.”
Related: Interview Question: “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”
3. I have trouble saying “no.”
Helping colleagues on projects and properly managing your workload is an artful

balance. From an employer’s perspective, someone who accepts all requests seems
dedicated and eager—but can also be someone who doesn’t know their limits and ends
up needing help or deadline extensions to finish their work.
If you’re so eager to take on new projects that you can’t bring yourself to say “no” to,
share how you’re working to better self-manage by organizing your tasks and setting
more realistic expectations with yourself as well as those around you.
Example: “My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have trouble saying ‘no’ to

requests and end up taking on more than I can handle. In the past, this has led me to
feel stressed or burnt out. To help myself improve in this area, I use a project
management app so I can visualize how much work I have at any given moment and
know whether or not I have the bandwidth to take on more.”
4. I get impatient when projects run beyond the deadline.
While expressing outward stress or frustration over missed deadlines can be considered
a weakness, employers value workers that place importance on deadlines and strive to
keep projects within the planned timeline.
If you’re using this as your job interview weakness, frame your answer to focus on how
you appreciate work completed on time and ways you’re improving your helping to
improve processes to get work done more efficiently.
Example: “My greatest weakness is that I get impatient when projects run past the
deadline. I’m a stickler for due dates and get uncomfortable when work is not completed
on time. To avoid this, I’ve started being more proactive and paying attention to how I’m
reacting to make sure I’m being motivational and helping foster efficiency.”
Related: Interview Question: “Tell Me About Yourself”

5. I could use more experience in…
Each candidate has areas to improve upon in their expertise. Maybe it’s something
specific like building pivot tables in Excel. Perhaps it’s a skill like math, writing or public
speaking. Whatever the case, sharing something you want to improve upon shows the
interviewer that you’re self-aware and like to challenge yourself. Be sure, however, that
you don’t answer with a weakness that is essential to the role.
A few common areas people need experience in include:
 Verbal communication
 Written communication
 Team leadership
 Interpreting analytics
 Delegating tasks
 Providing constructive criticism
 Specific programs (i.e. “I would like to improve my PowerPoint presentation skills.”)
6. I sometimes lack confidence.
Lack of confidence is a common weakness, especially among entry-level contributors.

Experiencing a lack of confidence can sometimes cause inefficiencies in your work. For
example, you might feel unqualified to speak up at an important meeting when your idea
could help the team to achieve a goal.
While being humble when working with others can be helpful, it is also necessary to
maintain a certain amount of confidence to do your job at an optimal level.
If this is the weakness you choose to present in your interview, emphasize why you
value confidence, your understanding of the value you offer, and ways you have
practiced displaying confidence in the workplace (even when you might not always feel
it.)
Example: “In the past, I have sometimes struggled with confidence. It has been helpful
for me to keep a running document of the impact I have made on my team and at my
organization to better understand why I should be confident about the skills and unique
talents I bring to the table.
I have also made it a point to voice my ideas and opinions during meetings when I feel
they are appropriate and will add value to the conversation. Because of this, our team
ended up adopting my idea for a new financing process, which resulted in a 10%
decrease in time taken to plan our annual budget.”
7. I can have trouble asking for help.
Asking for help is a necessary skill both when you are lacking expertise in a certain area
and when you are feeling burned out or cannot handle your workload. Knowing when
and how to ask for help shows strong self-awareness and helps the organization by
getting ahead of a possible inefficiency. While having a strong work ethic and being
independent are positive qualities, the business should know when to ask for help.
If you know it has been difficult to ask for help in the past, explain why you know it is
beneficial and the ways you have tried to improve this skill.
Example: “Because I am independent and enjoy working quickly, it has been difficult

for me to ask for help when I need it. I have learned that it is much more beneficial both
for me and the business to reach out when I do not understand something or feel
burned out with my workload.
I also understand that many experts around me have specific knowledge and skills that
can make my work better. While I am still working on it, I have been able to produce
more high-quality work as a result of getting help from those around me.”
8. It has been difficult for me to work with certain personalities.
Even the most flexible people can have trouble working with others that have certain
characteristics or personality traits. Having good teamwork skills also means having a
strong awareness of how you work with others and ways you can adjust your approach
to better serve the organization.
If this has been a weakness of yours in the past, explain the personality types you have
had trouble working with and quickly identify the reasons why. Then discuss the ways
you have adjusted your communication or work style to better work towards a common
goal together.
Example: “In the past, I have found it difficult to work with aggressive personality types.
While I understand diversity in personalities makes a business strong, I tend to quiet my
own ideas and opinions around louder colleagues.
To combat this, I have made it a point to spend more time with colleagues I feel
uncomfortable working with. By learning more about them, their communication style
and motivations, I am better able to collaborate with these personality types so that we
both equally contribute our strengths and skills.”
9. It can be difficult for me to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Finding work/life balance is important to maintain motivation in your job. While it is

certainly honorable and shows a strong work ethic to spend your time and energy on
work, it is also necessary to prioritize resting, going on vacation, spending time with
your family and enjoying hobbies. Doing so can help you feel refreshed when you are at
work and can increase motivation, creativity and support a positive outlook.
If this is the weakness you choose to present during your interview, explain the ways
you have learned to balance life and work and how you have seen your work improve
as a result. You can also explain that work/life balance is something you find important
in the role you are applying for.
Before providing this as an example, you should do extensive research about the
company culture. If you are interviewing for a position in which it is necessary to have
your phone on and available at all times, you might not want to say you turn your phone
off at night to achieve work/life balance.
Example: “Because I truly love my work and have ambitious career goals, it can be
difficult for me to keep a healthy balance between work and my personal life. I have
seen a negative impact on my motivation and focus when I ignore my personal needs.
As a result, I have made it a point to focus on creating space in my schedule to focus

on volunteering and spending time with my family. Taking small actions like putting my
phone on silent during dinnertime is helpful. When I maintain a good work/life balance, I
have found my output is more qualitative, I can get more work done and I feel excited
about coming to work in the morning.”
10. I have been uncomfortable working with ambiguity.
Many jobs require candidates who are comfortable individually defining tasks and
working towards goals. This means they should be experienced, thoughtful and
responsible with ambiguity in the workplace. While it is certainly a beneficial skill to
closely follow detailed instruction, it is also necessary to be able to determine what it
takes to achieve the desired outcome.
If this is the weakness you are presenting in an interview, explain the success you have
found following instructions but also your career potential when finding comfort with
ambiguity. You should also explain the steps you are taking to define your workday
when given ambiguous tasks or goals.
Example: “In my last position as a marketing intern, I found that my supervisor gave

very specific instructions regarding my responsibilities. Because I became familiar with
having a strong direction, I tend to be unsure when approaching an ambiguous
assignment or goal.
It is a goal of mine to become not only comfortable but successful working with
ambiguity. To do so, I have created a personal framework for times when I feel
overwhelmed or confused by an ambiguous task including conducting structured
research and asking subject matter experts for advice. Doing so has helped me thrive
when working on ambiguous tasks or when working towards less specific or defined
goals.”
Use this list of weaknesses to help identify your areas for improvement, and remember
to explain how you’re working to overcome your shortcomings. By presenting both the
problem and the solution, you can transform your weakness into a strength.
How can I come prepared to impress the interviewer?

Impress the interviewer by being confident, professional and punctual when you arrive.
Prepare for success by:
 Researching: Read about the company's history, mission, values, leaders, products and
services. Learn about the industry and the things that affect it. Find out who the
company's competitors are. You can usually find all this information by searching online.
If you have done enough research, you can talk confidently about the company, position
and current trends.
 Dressing appropriately: Wear professional work attire, even if the company culture

allows its employees to wear casual clothes in the office. When choosing an outfit,
remember that it's better to overdress than underdress. A neat, professional appearance
shows the interviewer you take this job and opportunity seriously.
 Arriving early: Plan ahead so you can get to the interview on time. Arrive early, wait in
the parking lot for a few minutes if needed and walk into the office five to eight minutes
before your scheduled interview. Being punctual shows the interviewer that you are well-
prepared and respectful of their time.
 Bringing your resume: Bring a couple of copies of your resume with you in case the
interviewer or other people participating in the conversation don't have one. You can also
keep a copy for yourself to reference career highlights, skills and qualifications.
 Practicing your handshake: Ask a friend or family member to assess your handshake.

Keep your hand firm and offer one or two confident shakes when you greet the
interviewer.
 Smiling: Create a good first impression by making eye contact and smiling as you walk
into the room to greet the interviewer. A natural smile shows confidence and can help you
relax.
 Using first names: Ask for the first names of the person or people who will be
interviewing you and use them in conversation. Calling someone by their name creates a
personal connection.
How can I impress the interviewer with my answers?

Answer interview questions thoughtfully and tactfully to make the strongest impression
on the interviewer. Follow these tips when responding to questions:
 Be passionate. Have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic when talking about yourself

and your career. Show the interviewer that you are excited about the job through your
tone and energy.
 Sell yourself. When an interviewer asks why you are interested in the job or the
company, tell them what skills or value you would bring to the job and how you would use
them to benefit the organization. Mention the company's goals or mission in your
response, connecting them to yourself.
 Tell stories. Add personal stories to your interview answers that create interest and
make you memorable. Use examples to show how you solved problems or accomplished
things in the past.
 Ask questions. Show your interest in the position by having a list of questions you want
to ask the interviewer. You usually have time to ask questions at the end of the interview.
Questions you might ask include: What is the most challenging part of this job? What
skills are you looking for in the ideal candidate? What would you expect from me in my
first 60 days of employment?
 Ask for the job. Tell the interviewer you want to work for the company. This simple step
shows your confidence and enthusiasm for the position and leaves the interviewer with
no doubt you want the job.
How can I leave a lasting impression on the

interviewer?
After the interview ends, you still have opportunities to make a good impression on the
interviewer. Remember to:
 Say thank you. Make sure you have the interviewer's contact information so you can
send them a thank you note. Write a concise, professional and courteous email later that
day or within 24 hours.
 Connect on social media. Request to connect with your interviewer on social media or

professional networking sites. If you don't get offered the job, you have still made a
valuable professional connection.
 Follow up. Emphasize your interest in the job and stay on the interviewer's mind by
calling or emailing them to determine the status of the hiring process. Follow up a week
or two after the initial interview if you have not yet been contacted. Keep your message
concise and explain that you're interested in more information about the job.
List of Weaknesses for Job Interviews
Are you prepared to discuss your weaknesses during a job interview? One of the
trickiest interview questions to answer is, “What is your greatest weakness?” This
question is challenging because it’s easy to respond in a way that comes off as
dishonest (“I have no weaknesses!”) or disqualifying (“I am bad at this one skill
that’s an absolute must-have for this job.”)
There are ways to respond effectively and strategies you can use to best answer
the question.
Why Interviewer Ask About Weaknesses

So why do hiring managers ask this question during job interviews? In short,
because they can’t get a complete picture of you as a candidate by only talking
about your strengths.
In addition to learning about what you can do, the interviewer wants to know
about what you can't do, or what you have difficulty with on the job.
How you respond will also help the interviewer understand how well you know
yourself, as well as whether you would be a good fit for the role. It also shows the
interviewing that you know that nobody is perfect, and that you're willing to work
to improve your skills and excel.
How to Answer Interview Questions About Weaknesses

What should you talk about when you're asked what you can improve?
Weaknesses are tricky to talk about, so you need to be careful when sharing
examples of yours. You don't want to knock yourself out of contention for the job
because the interviewer thinks you're not qualified. You also don't want to come
across as too arrogant and perfect, because almost nobody is.
You do want your answer to be honest, but as positive as possible.

Focus on steps you are taking to improve on your weaknesses, and avoid
mentioning weaknesses in skills that are important for the job.
If you think carefully about the job ahead of time and prepare an answer, you will
be able to remain positive while still being honest.
List of Weaknesses
There are different categories of weaknesses that you can choose from when
answering interview questions about your shortcomings.
However, do not choose a weakness at random. Instead, make sure the one you
select is not critical to the job, and mention in your interview the ways you plan to
improve upon this weakness.
Hard Skills
You might mention a hard skill as your weakness. Hard skills are job-specific
abilities that are easily quantifiable. They are developed through school and other
forms of training. Examples of hard skills include computer skills, finance,
mathematics, and more.
If you decide to mention a hard skill, make sure it is not a skill necessary for the
job.
If it is a skill that is easy to learn, you might also mention that you are currently
developing that skill (or that you plan to develop that skill). For example, if you
say your weakness is a particular software program, you might say that you are
currently taking an online course on how to use the program (of course, only say
this if it is true).
Some examples of hard skills you might mention when answering an interview
question about your weaknesses are:
 Advanced mathematics
 Creative writing
 Financial literacy
 Foreign languages (or one particular foreign language)
 A particular software package
 Spelling
Soft Skills
Soft skills are important for almost every job. Unlike hard skills, these are skills
that are hard to quantify. They encompass your personality traits,
your communication abilities, and your social skills.
While they are important, you can pick out one soft skill to mention as a
weakness.
Just make sure it is not necessary for the job, and emphasize how you are
working on improving that skill.
Some soft skills you might mention when answering questions about your
weaknesses include:
 Creativity
 Delegating tasks
 Humor (it's fine if you're not funny)
 Spontaneity (you work better when prepared)
 Organization
 Patience
 Taking too many risks
 Being too honest
Interpersonal Skills
You might mention a weakness that relates to your ability to interact with others.
Of course, you want to make sure you don’t come across as someone who can’t
work well with co-workers. Pick one specific issue you struggle with, and then
talk about how you have worked to improve on this type of interaction. Examples
of interpersonal skills you might mention as weaknesses include:
 Confrontation
 Covering for co-workers
 Expecting too much from colleagues
 Expressing too much frustration with underperforming staff or colleagues
 Presenting to large groups
 Public speaking
 Being too critical of other people’s work
 Too easily internalizing the problems of clients
 Being too sensitive
Work Ethic
You don’t want to say that your weakness is that you “work too hard.” This will
come across as insincere. However, you might explain how you do certain things
in excess at work. This will show that you work hard, but it will be a more honest
answer. Examples of weaknesses related to your work ethic might include:
 Leaving projects unfinished

 Providing too much detail in reports
 Shifting from one project to another (multitasking)
 Taking credit for group projects
 Taking on too many projects at once
 Taking on too much responsibility
 Being too detail-oriented
 Being too much of a perfectionist
 Too much procrastination (as long as you still meet all your deadlines)
 Being too helpful to others
 Working too many hours
Academics
You can also refer to an academic skill or ability as a weakness. This is a
particularly good idea if you are at least a few years out of school, because then
the employer can evaluate you on your work experience rather than your
academics.
Of course, don’t highlight an academic weakness that is directly relevant to the
job. For example, if you are applying for a job as an engineer, don’t say your
weakness is a particular engineering course. Some examples of weaknesses
related to academics include:
 Coursework (a particular course you struggled with)

 Essay writing (be sure to emphasize your strength in other forms of writing)
 Being overly involved in on-campus activities (if a student or recent
graduate)
 Spending too much time on school assignments
 Standardized tests
What to Say During an Interview

Focus on qualities not necessary for the job. When you consider which
weaknesses to mention in an interview, keep in mind that you should focus on
qualities that are not central to the requirements of the job for which you are
interviewing. For example, if you are applying for a job in accounting, you don’t
want to say your weakness is mathematics.
Keep it positive. It's important to try and remain positive. You might also explain
how your weakness could be seen as a positive in the job. For example, being
very detailed oriented is an asset for many positions.
While it might seem impossible to do this in a question about weaknesses, all
you have to do is to simply avoid using negative words like “weak” and “failure.”
Emphasize your plan of action. You should explain how you are overcoming
(or plan to overcome) your weakness. It is particularly useful when your
weakness is a hard skill that can be easily learned. You might even phrase your
answer as, “One skill I am currently working on…”
Share your strengths. As well as being prepared to mention weaknesses, it's
important to discuss the strengths that qualify you for the job during the interview.
It's essential to do your best to sell your qualifications to the interviewer, so
you're a strong contender for a job offer.
Be honest. Finally, while you want to be positive, you should also be honest.
Answers like, “I don’t have any flaws” will come across as insincere.
How to Reply the Interview Question – Where Do You See

Yourself in 5 Years?
‘Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?‘ — This question is believed to be super
daunting and mind-numbing, but keep in mind, your recruiters are not even interested
about your actual plans. They just want to see how well you reply to impromptu
questions. Interviewers would like to assess you on your confidence, aspirations and
career outlook.
Most jobs require training and no employer would like to invest time and money on
someone who is planning to leave. Companies prefer hiring people who are genuinely
enthusiastic about the job and look like prospective employees to the business.
An answer to this question is not known even by the recruiters. Be realistic while
replying to this question. You can say something like this –
“I look forward to learn new skills and improve my knowledge to advance my career. In
five years from now, I see myself as a knowledgeable professional having an in-depth
knowledge of the company and the industry.”
Be Convincing:
It is always a good idea to frame the answer in a way that the interviewer is convinced
that he is meeting the right person for the related job. You can say –
“I am positive and determined towards achieving mine as well as the company’s goals. I
will be committed and dedicated to my profession and deliver the best, while learning
from the best. Having said that, I see myself in a managerial role and demonstrating my
leadership capabilities.”
Don’t be Overconfident or Negative:
Saying “I don’t know” would be the worst thing. Even if you cannot come up with an
answer at the moment, take a few seconds to think about it and think how you would
have progressed over five years.
Never say – “I plan to be the CEO of the company. My friends say I am the best, and I
should not settle for anything less than the best.” It sounds immature and
unprofessional.
Formulate an answer which sounds genuine and natural. Your hiring managers don’t
want you to lie, manipulate, or give an off-the-wall answer. So go forward, deliver a
better answer. This will not only impress your interviewer but will also show that you are
prepared and determined to get this job.
Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview (50+ Examples)
Good Words to Describe Yourself (+ Example

Answers)
Let’s say you can think of a handful of solid adjectives to describe yourself on the
spot.
That's great! You're halfway there.

But you want to avoid simply listing descriptive words.
Rather, give a short story to support your claim.
Below is a list of example answers to the interview question, "Can you describe yourself
in 5 words?"
In short, what you want to do is offer one of the descriptive words and then add a short
(true) story to back it up.
Diligent / Loyal / Reliable
I am always the first person my friends call because they know I am always there for
them. Night or day, I make sure to take care of the people in my life. I put the same
effort into making sure my work is done correctly, and I am always available to help my
team members.
Creative / Innovative / Visionary
I love trying new things, creating new methods, and introducing new ideas. In my
previous job, I was responsible for selling waterproof phones. One day, I brought in a
clear container filled with water to demo the waterproof phones. We made underwater
videos and the phone still worked. Once my manager found out, he made this a
mandatory practice for all 150 locations.
Motivated / Ambitious / Leader
I tend to be very driven in my approach to life and work. Throughout college, I was
active in three clubs, worked full time, and still managed to graduate at the top of my
class. As the oldest sibling, I have always been somewhat of a leader. My brothers and
sisters constantly look up to me for advice and I try to be the person others would be
confident to follow.
Honest / Ethical / Conscientious
Ever since I was a little kid, I have tried to practice honesty. I remember one time I
found six Disneyland tickets and $200 cash in an envelope. I turned the envelope into
the store where I found it. My honesty paid off when no one came to claim it and I was
able to keep the content.
Friendly / Personable / Extrovert
I've always enjoyed meeting new people and it comes naturally to me to maintain a lot
of relationships. I'm your typical extrovert, which has really helped me in my career. My
natural networking abilities have enabled me to excel in sales roles such as this one.
As you consider examples to use, it is helpful to think of relevant explanations that also
align with the job you are interviewing for.
In other words, be strategic.
There may be 50 applicable words you can use to tell someone about yourself.
However, pick the ones that will be valued most for the job position you are interviewing
for.
Tell them how these words apply to your life and provide a true-life example that backs
it up.
This may be difficult for those who are shy and have problems opening up, but it really
is a great life skill.
Don’t be afraid to think about your answer ahead of time so you can let your character
shine in the best possible light.
Bad Words to Describe Yourself

There are obvious words you want to avoid describing yourself with in an interview
(inaccurate, perpetually late, lazy...you get the idea!)
But there are also words that may seem like they'd be good to use, but they really aren't.
Avoid generic verbiage and words that can be construed as negative when you describe
yourself.
Some bad words to describe yourself that lack substance include:
 committed
 extensive experience
 punctual
 successful
 talented
Don’t get us wrong; these are positive traits.
They are also very general traits.
That’s why everyone uses them.
While these words might describe you, they could also be assumed in pretty much any
candidate. As such, they will come across as boring or trite.
Think of how many people are going to give these basic answers.
Don’t be like them!
Set yourself apart from the masses and provide truthful yet unique character traits that
will resonate with the interviewer.
Also, make sure to avoid words that can be perceived as negative such as:
 outspoken
 independent
 perfectionist
 straightforward
 stubborn
Choose words that can only leave a positive impression.
The goal is to avoid the generic and anything that can come off as negative.
Common interview questions when applying to a call center
1. “Can you tell me about yourself?”
How to Answer It: Emphasize your people skills, since call center work involves talking to
people all day. If you’ve ever done volunteer work, now would be a good time to talk about how
much you love it. Just be sure to give a fleshed-out answer. The interviewer wants to know more
than the kind of information that is already on your resume. Go deeper than your basic statistics.
2. “What do you think a call center is like?”
How to Answer It: Stay positive! Maybe taking calls all day is not your ideal job, but if you
really want this one, you need to describe a call center as an environment of excellent customer
service with employees who are flexible, cheerful, and extremely helpful.
3. “What do you know about our company?”
How to Answer It: Before going on your interview, do a little research about the company for
which you are interviewing. Being able to rattle off a few details about the company in very
positive terms reveals an attention to detail, a team-player spirit, and a willingness to do your
homework. Not having a substantial response signals that you don’t take getting this job very
seriously.
4. Question: “Why do you want to work here?”
How to Answer It: Explain that you have the people skills necessary for call center work. If you
don’t have call center experience—and you probably won’t if you are asked this particular
question—describe your other work or life experiences relevant to call center work. If you’ve
ever worked with customers or clients before, or ever had to defuse potentially explosive
situations, you should mention such experiences in your response.
5. “What is quality customer service?”
How to Answer It: There’s really only one answer to this question: “Going above and beyond
expectations” is quality customer service.
6. “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
How to Answer It: This is a common question in any job interview. If you’re trying to get a call
center job, your strengths should include patience, problem-solving, excellent communication
skills, fast learning, and friendliness. Discussing your weaknesses can be a sly way to further
emphasize your strengths. For example, you can offer “I tend to work myself too hard” as a
weakness. Just don’t mention anything too negative.
7. “What is the salary you expect to make here?”
How to Answer It: Ideally, you would just request the standard salary for someone with your
qualifications rather than a specific figure. If the interviewer asks for a specific figure, keep it
reasonable without aiming too low or you may end up making less than you deserve. Do some
research to find out how much someone with your qualifications should earn at a call center.
8. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
How to Answer It: This common question is a way to find out if you plan to stick around or
regard the job as a temporary steppingstone. A company is not going to want to hire you if you
plan to move on quickly, so tell the interviewer that in five years you see yourself working for
this very company…but promoted to a more powerful position!
14 Common Call Center Job Interview
Questions & How to Answer Them
February 10th, 2017 Written by: Molly Masterson
Share This Page

Providing outstanding customer service is paramount for all companies — with 76% of
consumers saying they view customer service as a “true test” of how a company values
them, according to a 2015 Aspect report.
As a result, companies are looking to staff their customer service call centers with highly-
detailed and friendly employees who can provide that outstanding service, as well as
thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Masterson Staffing Solutions has years of experience connecting talented individuals
with various call-center job opportunities. So, if you’re preparing for a call center job
interview, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions you’ll likely to
encounter — as well as tips for successfully answering them.
General Interview
Questions
Regardless of the industry or job title, all job seekers will likely encounter the following
interview questions:
1. Tell me about yourself.
This question is usually the opening ice-breaker. Take this time to highlight your
accomplishments, strengths and previous job experience, while also mapping them to
some of the specific desired qualifications outlined in the job description.
Be professional, but also show some personality. Beyond your experience and skills,
interviewers are also trying to determine if you’ll be a good cultural fit. Your answer
should be something like:
Click to see the answer.
2. Why did you leave your last job?

Honesty is definitely the best policy here, but avoid disparaging your former employer.
Some great responses could be:
 I wanted a new opportunity where I could learn new things and grow my
career, but also where I could work more directly with people.
 I wanted to find something more challenging where I could perfect and
develop new skills.
3. Why do you want to work for our company?
Interviewers want to understand your career intentions, as well as know if you’ve done
your company research. Share something you’ve learned about the company’s mission,
values or reputation, and tell interviewers why it’s important to you. Your response could
sound something like this:
During my research, I discovered that your company really values training and ongoing
learning for your employees, and as someone who loves to learn new things and be
challenged, this is important to me.
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Once again, match your strengths to the preferred skills and qualifications in the job
description to reinforce that you’re a strong candidate. When it comes to weaknesses,
look for ways to turn them into strengths. For example, you might say:
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to learn fast on the job and teach myself
different skillsets. And while I don’t have much experience in customer service, I think
my ability to learn will help me overcome that obstacle quickly.
For more ideas on the skills you should highlight, check out the seven skills we believe
every call center agent should have.
5. What questions do you have for us?
This question not only gives you the opportunity to learn more about the position and the
company, but also the ability to promote your skills and desire to become a part of the
team.
Compile a few questions while doing your company research. Some questions you may
want to ask, as well as some potential follow up responses, are:
 What would a typical day look like for me?

Response: I’ve been exposed to both structured and unstructured work
environments, so I feel like I can easily adapt to this kind of work day.
 How many people would be on my team?
Response: I’ve been a part of both small and large teams, so this seems
like something that is right up my alley.
 What does your timeline for hiring someone look like?
Response: That sounds great. I’m available to start in two weeks.
For Call Center Agent Job
Seekers
Whether this would be your first or next position as a call center agent, you can expect
many of the following questions:
6. What’s your idea of a call center?
If you have no previous call center experience, interviewers will use this question to
gauge your familiarity with the call center environment. Use this opportunity to not only
highlight the actual function of a call center, but also the role call center agents play in
providing quality customer service.
You should also pay special attention to what kind of call center you are applying for.
Inbound call centers field the customer calls placed towards a business and your time will
be spent addressing customer questions and concerns. Whereas in outbound call centers,
you will be responsible for dialing customers and prospects to collect survey responses,
schedule sales demonstrations, perform telemarketing, and more.
For example, if you’re applying for a customer service call center position, your answer
might be:
To me, a customer service call center is the frontline of all customer interactions. It’s the
job of call center agents to listen and understand customer concerns while also providing
helpful information. At the end of the day, customer service call centers need to create
satisfied customers with every call.
7. Why do you want to work in a call center?
Illustrate your knowledge of a call center’s atmosphere and the unique demands you’ll
face in the position. For example, you could say:
I’m excited to work in a fast-paced environment that will challenge me to use all of my
skills to solve problems and improve the customer experience. I love flexing my
communication skills and interacting with customers.
To learn a bit more about what it’s like to work at a call center, read our answers to
the six most common questions job seekers have about working in a call center.
8. What is your idea of quality customer service?
Interviewers want to know what you think quality customer service is and how you
would deliver it. Your response could sound something like this:
My idea of quality customer service is being able to provide customers with friendly,
professional service that not only solves their problems or answers their questions, but
also leaves them feeling satisfied with the service they received.
9. How would you handle a call from an angry customer?
Angry customer calls are a reality for any call center. Tell interviewers the steps you
would take to de-escalate the situation and solve the problem. Be detailed in your
response and emphasize that staying calm and empathetic during the call will be key to
coming up with a solution the customer will be happy with. For example, you might
answer:
I think the first step is to stay calm and express to the customer that you understand them.
I think it’s also important to remember that it isn’t personal, and the best way to de-
escalate the situation is to work towards a solution.
10. Are you able to work with multiple phone lines?
If you have previous call center experience, answering yes to this question should be
easy. In addition, tell interviewers how many calls you handled during a typical day. For
those without previous experience, highlight other positions that required multi-tasking
skills. A response might be:
While I haven’t worked in a call center previously, I have juggled customer service while
I was working in retail. Handling multiple customer returns each day involved a lot of
multitasking with our inventory system, communicating with the customer, and accessing
our POS system.
11. How many people have you managed in the past?
Whether you’ve managed just a few employees or an entire team, expand on the
management techniques you’ve used and the skills you’ve honed through your
experience.
I managed a team of five in my last position, and I loved being able to offer advice and
train them into better employees. To help motivate my team I frequently placed goals in
front of them that they were incentivized to reach. I found this increased their motivation
and their performance.
12. Tell us about a time when a customer call was escalated to your attention. How did you
handle it? What was the outcome?
Share a story that shows how you were able to solve the problem and improve the
customer experience. In addition, tell interviewers how you used that experience as a
teachable moment for the entire team.
We had a customer call in that was very upset, and the agent brought it to my attention.
The key to solving the situation was in listening to the customer and offering to refund
her order. I then explained to the team that even if you have more calls to get through, it
is more important to take the time to listen and understand the customer. And if you still
aren’t able to reach a solution, forwarding the call to me is the right thing to do.
13. Tell us about your experience in onboarding and training new employees. What does
your process look like?
Interviewers want to know how you will efficiently and effectively set new employees up
for success. As you walk them through the process, some good items to touch on are:
 Setting expectations
 Delivering hands-on training
 Evaluating new employee progress
 Ongoing training
For example, you could answer with something like:
My training style is very hands on and visual. I like to do the step for the employee the
first time, allowing them to observe the task. And once they have my example to follow,
they can complete the task with my supervision and advice. I also like to provide ongoing
training by periodically checking in and having refresher training.
14. How would you address performance issues with your employees?
Be detailed in the steps you would take to have the conversation with employees, and the
solutions you would offer to help them make improvements. Share an example of how
you’ve handled a similar situation in the past to show interviewers you’re up for the task.
Your answer could be something like:
When I have an employee that is struggling, I will first schedule a one-on-one with the
employee to see where the issue may be stemming from. Once I have a better idea of
what’s causing the performance issue, I will give the employee a detailed plan for them to
get back on track. We will then work on the plan together to ensure that they have a
better understanding of the performance expectations and execution.
How to Pass Call Center Interview (with Sample

Questions and Answers)
How to Prepare for a Call Center Interview: 6 Tips.
1. Dress well.
Make sure that you look presentable when you show up for the interview. Pick clothes
that look professional, follow the required dress code, fit you well, and you feel
comfortable in.

2. Mind your behavior and body language.
Always be in your best behavior during interviews. Try not to make it obvious if you’re
feeling nervous or uncomfortable. Practice having the correct posture when walking,
sitting, or standing because it can definitely help you build confidence.
You should look confident, composed, and at the same time approachable during the
interview.
3. Polish your grammar and pronunciation.

Read articles and books that can help you figure out the correct uses of verbs, tenses,
articles, and more. You can also learn how to pronounce words the right way through
Youtube tutorials and online dictionaries.
Once you’re ready, there are various quizzes and exams that you can take to reinforce
everything that you’ve learned.
4. Learn how to perform well under stress.

Handling angry customers is certainly not a walk in the park. However, if you work on
maintaining composure and staying alert even when you’re under stress, then you’re
the perfect person for the job.
5. Study about the company and job you’re applying for.

Before the interview, research as much as you can about the company you’ve applied
to. Know more about its history, important milestones, what it’s like working for them,
and what they’re known for.
Sample Call Center Interview Questions and Answers.

1. Tell me something about yourself.
The answer to this question is a good indicator of an applicant’s potential.
When answering it, make sure to be yourself so your personality will shine through.
Time’s precious in an interview so make sure not to waste any by telling the interviewer
things that are already included in the resume.
Sample answer: “I’m a person with varied interests. When I’m not doing anything, I like
to paint nature and animals. I also have great cooking skills which I’ve learned from my
mom. I love reading books and watching movies because I feel like I’m transported to a
different world with each book and movie.”
2. What do you know about a call center?
This question is asked during interviews to check if the applicant has a correct or at
least a realistic idea of how a call center works. It must be noted that questions like this
one are usually asked if the applicant has no call center experience yet.
Sample answer: “I know that a call center is where people ask for support when they’re
facing some issues and problems with a product or service. It’s where representatives
help customers with the best of their ability to find answers to their questions and fix
issues they’ve encountered while using the product or service. It’s also a place where
people work on flexible schedules and different job functions.”
3. Why do you want to work as a call center agent?

It’s another question asked only if an applicant has zero call center work experience.
It’s important that you avoid talking about money when answering this question. Doing
so will alarm them that you’re only after the money.
You shouldn’t also say that you just want to work there to improve your English
language skills. Call center agents should already be skilled and well-spoken in the first
place.
Instead, talk about your skills, experiences, and what you can offer.
Sample answer: “I have all the necessary English language skills of a call center agent
like pronunciation, grammar, and creativity. I’ve also done a lot of volunteer work
through the years which makes me an expert when it comes to communication with
people.”
4. Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.

Companies want to hear what you can bring to the team and what might negatively
affect your work. Enumerate all your strengths that will be useful in a call center
company. You can be honest about your weaknesses but avoid oversharing lest you
leave a negative first impression.
Sample answer: “I’m very skilled in using Microsoft Office. I can handle upset
customers well since I have a calm and soothing voice. One weakness that I can think
of is being a perfectionist.”

5. Why are you qualified to work in a call center?
Your answer to this question should be inspired by the previous questions. As much as
possible, enumerate all the things that you can offer to the company.
Sample answer: “I believe that I have all the qualities that companies are looking for in
a call center agent. I can work on a flexible schedule and I can deal with stress well.”
6. What do you know about our company?

Have an edge over other applicants by knowing more about the company you’ll be
applying for. Do your research and ask around about all the important things you should
know about the company. This way, you can show to teh recruiter that you’re eager to
work and render your services to the company.
Sample answer: “From what I’ve read, this company is really concerned about the
welfare of its employees. The benefits plus the huge opportunities for career growth are
what drew me to this company. A great workplace is one that knows how to take care of
its people.”
7. What achievement/s in your life are you most proud of?

When answering this question, think about the day when you felt the happiest and most
fulfilled.
It doesn’t have to be about status, grades, or recognition. Share to the

employer/recruiter a memorable feat that you achieved through sheer hard work and
great work ethic. Be honest because you’ll sound more enthusiastic and inspiring if
you’re being sincere.
Sample answer: “My most cherished achievement is when I emerged as one of the

passers with the highest scores in the civil service exam. I didn’t have a lot of time to
prepare so achieving that impossible feat will always be memorable for me.”
8. What are your main goals in life?

Do a quick rundown of your short-term goals and briefly discuss your long-term plans.
Show that you’re someone with ambition and how that drive to succeed will translate to
great performance on the work floor. Provide as many details as possible without
making your answer way longer than necessary.
Sample answer: “My short-term goal is to be a part of this wonderful company for as

long as possible. A couple of years after achieving financial stability, I’m thinking of
opening my own bar. Some of my long-term plans include getting promoted several
times and eventually becoming a supervisor.”

9. How do you see yourself five years from now?

Answering this question is quite tricky and might even make or break your destiny as a
potential employee of the company. However, you can answer honestly so you and the
company will be on the same page when it comes to objectives and goals.
Sample answer: “I see myself still working in this company but at a higher position.”
10. How do you describe quality customer service?

The reason behind this question is very simple: employers just want to know if your idea
of customer service aligns with theirs. Even if you didn’t work in a call center before, it’s
not an excuse since the principles of quality customer service are universal and span
different industries.
Sample answer: “A quality customer service involves an agent who goes out of his way
just to provide what the customer needs or wants. He ensures that customers who need
help will be taken care of as soon as possible and to the best of his ability.”
11. What are the ideal skills of a call center agent?

You’re being tested if you know what it takes to be a call center agent. Be honest and
include everything you can think of.
Sample answer: “A good call center agent is a quick thinker, adept at technical
knowledge, Internet-savvy, and a great problem solver.”
12. Why did you leave your previous workplace?

As much as possible, be honest and state only the facts without bad-mouthing your
former company. Tell them that you’re looking for other opportunities for growth and
success when you left your previous workplace.
Sample answer: “I want to start something new that can help me develop my skills and
grow as a professional. I want to always challenge myself and never stop improving my
skills as well as developing new ones.”

13. Why is teamwork important in the call center industry?
Teamwork plays a pivotal role in succeeding in the call center, and the interviewer
wants to know if you’re aware of it. Answer honestly since there are no right or wrong
answers.
Sample answer: “Teamwork is highly important in the call center industry since each
team usually has to meet a performance level or quota every day. Working together will
help all the team members reach their goals as a team together.”
14. How do you handle stress?

The call center industry is not for the faint of heart. You’ll be receiving complicated
issues and angry callers from time to time. Of course, the company wants to know if you
can handle that and still provide your services.
Sample answer: “I try to stay as calm as possible and do breathing exercises if the
stress is getting too much. I always do my best to always remain calm in any situation
and never let stress get the best of me.”
15. How will you handle an upset customer?

Inform the interviewer about the things that you would and wouldn’t do to improve the
situation while still providing a wonderful service to the customer.
Sample answer: “First, I’d stay calm despite the situation and empathize with the
customer, letting her know that I’m here to help with whatever’s causing the problems.
We’ll come up with a solution together.”
16. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t hire you.

The interviewer is testing your creativity skills and how fast you can think. There are no
right or wrong answers so just say what comes first to your mind, as long as it’s
appropriate and does not make you appear haughty and proud.
Sample answer: “If you’re not looking for a person who’s trainable and can easily adapt
to a new working environment, then you should definitely not hire me.”
17. Out-of-the-box questions.
 How would you describe the color red to a blind person? Questions like this are
usually asked during the interview to test the English-speaking skills of the applicant. The
key is to be creative when describing a particular color and use expressive words. It’s okay
to keep your answer short but meaningful. Sample answer: “Red is an intense color which
can signify a wide range of feelings including love, passion, and hatred.”
 Why is the pizza round? It’s another unusual question meant to test how skilled you
really are when it comes to speaking the English language. There’s no right or wrong
answer. Try to think of the most creative way to answer the question while demonstrating
that you have great grammar. Sample answer: “Pizzas are round so it’ll be easier for the
customers to carry and also easier to divide it into separate pieces.”
 Why are pizza boxes square? The key is to answer this question in the wittiest way
while making sure that your grammar and pronunciation are both correct. Again, there are no
right or wrong answers so you just have to show that you have a good command of the
English language. Sample answer: “Pizza boxes are square so pizzas can fit better in the
boxes. It will get too cramped if pizza boxes are square.”
 What’s your greatest fantasy? This question might be a little difficult since you really
have to think long and hard for the answer. However, it’s a great way to prove that you have
a wide vocabulary. The answer should be as creative and descriptive as possible. Sample
answer: “My greatest fantasy is to have superpowers that can take me places I’ve never
been to before. I’m talking about teleportation and I think I’ll have the time of my life if I can
just have that superpower for a day. I can go from chilling at a stunning beach in Indonesia
to marveling at the beautiful glaciers in Iceland in just a matter of seconds. The possibilities
are endless and I’d definitely make the most out of my teleportation ability if I ever get one.”
How to Answer 'What Are Your

Salary Expectations?'
How to answer 'What are your salary expectations?' in
an interview
The following are steps you can take to most appropriately answer this
interview question:
1. Research the salary for the position. To give an accurate salary

request that aligns with the market average in your industry, you must first
know what the market average is. Take time to research the average salary
for the position you’re applying for and the salary ranges for the position in
your city and state. You can also research what other people in your position
make who have a similar experience and education level.
2. Factor in any expenses. If you’ll need to relocate or incur other
expenses in order to take the job, be sure to factor these expenses into the
salary you request. For example, if it will cost you $2,000 to move to the city
where the company is located, you’ll want to ask for either $2,000 in direct
compensation or for it to be included in your overall salary.
3. Choose a salary range. Rather than offering a set number of the salary
you expect, provide the employer with a range in which you’d like your salary
to fall. Try to keep your range tight rather than very wide. For example, if you
want to make $75,000 a year, a good range to offer would be $73,000 to
$80,000. Keep your range to less than a $10,000 difference.
4. Avert the question. Some hiring managers may ask you your preferred
salary early on in the hiring process before you fully understand all of the
details of the job and whether it’s a position you’re truly interested in. While
you’ll have to eventually talk about your salary expectations, you can deflect
the question to avoid having to answer until you are ready. A good answer for
deflecting this question is as follows: Before I provide an answer, I’d like to get
more acquainted with the position and the company so I can better provide a
more accurate salary expectation.
5. Be open to other compensation options. There are several ways in
which you can be compensated by an employer, including health benefits,
additional paid time off, more vacation days, and equity in the company. While
these types of compensation may not be readily seen on your actual
paycheck, they do add up over time and equate to either additional income or
a more attractive work environment and work-life balance.
Example answers
The following are example answers to the question ‘what are your salary
expectations?’:
While I’d like to get better acquainted with the exact duties required in this
position – which is what I am hoping to accomplish during the interview – I do
understand that similar positions to the one I’m applying for offer salaries
between $60,000 and $70,000. Given my experience, expertise, and skills, I
would expect to receive a salary in that range.
I am open to discussion regarding my salary expectations. However, given my

salary in my previous position as well as my industry knowledge and
experience, I feel that a salary between the range of $70,000 and $80,000 is
fair.
My salary expectations for this position are between $85,000 and $95,000. I
feel this is a fair salary range given my experience, knowledge of the industry,
and skills. However, I am willing to negotiate depending on other forms of
compensation that are available.
What to avoid
Here are a few things to avoid when answering a question related to your
salary expectations in an interview:
 An exact amount: Avoid providing the hiring manager with an exact

amount if possible. A set amount can give off the impression that you aren’t
open to negotiations.
 Being unprepared: You want to go into the interview with a good idea
of your salary expectations. Not being prepared can lead to you asking for or
accepting a salary that’s lower than what you deserve or can afford.
 Too high of a salary: Avoid asking for a salary that’s much higher than
the industry average to keep from pricing yourself out of the position.
List of Weaknesses: 8 Things to Say in an Interview
During your interview, you can prepare answers to some common questions that many
hiring managers ask. 'What is your greatest weakness?' or a similar question is one you
can expect from interviewers. Learning how to answer this question in a positive
manner can impress hiring managers and increase your chances of getting a job. In this
article, we review some example answers to the question, 'What is your greatest
weakness?'
Example weaknesses for interviewing

Here are eight examples of the best weaknesses to mention in an interview:
1. You focus too much on the details

2. You have a difficult time letting go of a project
3. You have trouble saying no
4. You get impatient when projects run beyond the deadline
5. You lack confidence
6. You have trouble asking for help
7. It has been difficult for you to work with certain personalities
8. It can be difficult for you to maintain a healthy work-life balance
1. You focus too much on the details
Being detail-oriented is typically a good thing, but if you're someone who tends to spend
too much time on the specifics of a project, it could also be considered a weakness. By
sharing that you focus too much on details, you're showing your interviewer that you're
capable of helping the organization avoid even minor mistakes.
Be sure to explain how you're making improvements in this area. A candidate who
assures quality and strives for balance can be a great asset.
Example: “My greatest weakness is that I sometimes focus too much on the details of a
project and spend too much time analyzing the finer points. I've been striving to improve
in this area by checking in with myself at regular intervals and giving myself a chance to
re-focus on the bigger picture. That way I can still ensure quality without getting so
caught up in the details that it affects my productivity or the team's ability to meet the
deadline.”
2. You have a difficult time letting go of a project
When you've spent a great deal of time and effort on something, it's easy to feel
apprehensive about marking it complete. There's always room for improvement, and
some people tend to over-criticize their work or attempt last-minute changes, which can
threaten the timeline.
If this is your weakness, share how you're striving to improve by giving yourself a
deadline for all revisions and being proactive about changes so you're not waiting until
the last minute.
Example: “My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have a hard time letting go of a

project. I'm the biggest critic of my work, and I can always find something that needs to
be improved or changed. To help myself improve in this area, I give myself deadlines
for revisions. This helps ensure I'm not making changes at the last minute.”
3. You have trouble saying no
Helping colleagues on projects and properly managing your workload is an artful

balance. From an employer's perspective, someone who accepts all requests seems
dedicated and eager—but can also be someone who doesn't know their limits and ends
up needing help or deadline extensions to finish the work.
If you're someone who is so eager to take on new projects, share how you're working to
better self-manage by organizing your tasks and setting more realistic expectations with
yourself as well as those around you.
Example: “My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have trouble saying no to

requests and end up taking on more than I can handle. In the past, this has led me to
feel stressed. To improve in this area, I use a project management app so I can
visualize how much work I have at any given moment and know whether or not I have
the bandwidth to take on more.”
4. You get impatient when projects run beyond the deadline
While expressing outward stress or frustration over missed deadlines can be considered
a weakness, employers value employees that place importance on deadlines and strive
to keep projects within the planned timeline.
If you're using this as your weakness, frame your answer to focus on how you
appreciate work completed on time and ways you're helping to improve processes to
get work done more efficiently.
Example: “My greatest weakness is that I get impatient when projects run past the
deadline. I'm particular for due dates and get uncomfortable when work is not
completed on time. To avoid this, I've started being more proactive and paying attention
to how I'm reacting to make sure I'm being motivational and helping foster efficiency.”
5. You lack confidence
Lack of confidence is a common weakness, especially among entry-level contributors.

Experiencing a lack of confidence can sometimes cause inefficiencies in your work. For
example, you might feel unqualified to speak at an important meeting when your idea
could help the team achieve a goal.
While being humble when working with others can be helpful, it is also necessary to
maintain a certain amount of confidence to do your job at an optimal level. If this is your
weakness, emphasize why you value confidence, your understanding of the value you
offer and the ways you have practiced displaying confidence in the workplace.
Example: “In the past, I have sometimes struggled with confidence. It has been helpful
for me to keep a running document of the impact I have made on my team and at my
organization to better understand why I should be confident about my skills and unique
talents. I have also made it a point to voice my ideas and opinions during meetings
when I feel they are appropriate and will add value to the conversation. Because of this,
our team ended up adopting my idea for a new financing process, which resulted in a
10% decrease in time taken to plan our annual budget.”
6. You have trouble asking for help
Asking for help is a necessary skill when you lack expertise in a certain area or when
you cannot handle your workload. Knowing when and how to ask for help shows strong
self-awareness. While having a strong work ethic and being independent are positive
qualities, it is better for the business if you know when to ask for help.
If you know it has been difficult to ask for help in the past, explain why you know it is
beneficial and the ways you have tried to improve this skill.
Example: “Because I am independent and enjoy working quickly, it has been difficult

for me to ask for help when I need it. I have learned that it is much more beneficial for
me and the business to reach out when I do not understand something or feel burned
out with my workload. I also understand that there are many experts around me that
have specific knowledge and skills that can make my work better. While I am still
working on it, I have been able to produce more high-quality work as a result of getting
help from those around me.”
7. It has been difficult for you to work with certain personalities
Even the most flexible people can have trouble working with others that have certain
characteristics or personality traits. Having good teamwork skills also means having a
strong awareness of how you work with others and ways you can adjust your approach
to better serve the organization.
If this has been a weakness of yours in the past, explain the personality types you have
had trouble working with and quickly identify the reasons why. Then discuss the ways
you have adjusted your communication or work style to better work towards a common
goal together.
Example: “In the past, I have found it difficult to work with aggressive personality types.
While I understand diversity in personalities makes a business strong, I tend to quiet my
own ideas and opinions around louder colleagues. To combat this, I have made it a
point to spend more time with colleagues I feel uncomfortable working with. By learning
more about them, their communication style and their motivations, I am better able to
collaborate with these personality types so that we equally contribute our strengths and
skills.”
8. It can be difficult for you to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Finding work-life balance is important to maintain motivation in your job. While it is

certainly honourable and shows a strong work ethic to spend your time and energy on
work, it is also necessary to prioritize spending time with your family, enjoying hobbies
or resting.
If this is the weakness you choose to present during your interview, explain the ways
you have made it a point to find a balance between life and work and how you have
seen your work improve as a result. You can also explain that work-life balance is
something you find important in the role you are applying for.
Example: “Because I truly love my work and have ambitious career goals, it can be
difficult for me to keep a healthy balance between work and my personal life. I have
seen a negative impact on my motivation and focus when I ignore my personal needs.
As a result, I have made it a point to focus on creating space in my schedule to focus
on volunteering and spending time with my family. When I maintain a good work-life
balance, my output is of better quality, I can get more work done and I feel excited
about coming to work.”
Why should we hire you? Learn how to answer one of

the most dreaded interview questions
At least a few people will apply for every decent job offer. They are your competitors in an
interview. Will the employer hire You, or one of them at the end of the
day? Obviously, everything you say and do in a meeting with the employer has at least
some impact on the outcome of the job interviews. But some hiring managers and
recruiters (mostly inexperienced managers) use a more direct approach to find out whether
they should hire you, or somebody else: they directly ask you why they should.
In this article we will check good sample answers to this question – for a variety of
positions, and we will also analyze the question in detail.
Sample answers for various positions (from call center to

management)
Managerial position
 You should hire me, because I posses a rare ability to uncover and develop the
strengths of other people. Management is my passion, and I just love to help the
others to achieve their goals, to enjoy their job, and to mutually help the company
grow.
* Check also: Interview questions for managers.
Marketing position
 I know how to touch the hearts and minds of the prospects, and how to turn them to
customers. I really enjoy marketing, and I can’t wait to design some successful
campaigns for your clients. (* Check also Marketing Specialist interview questions)
Sales position
 I really like the product of your company, that is the first reason why you should hire
me. You can sell something well only when you truly like the product. Secondly, I am
really passionate about selling, and enjoy pitching the customers. I know how to deal
with different personalities, and I have guts to go and talk to anyone.
Entry level jobs
 I am aware that I have no experience. But I am willing to learn, motivated to work

hard, and I will do my best every day to help you to achieve your goals. (* Check
also 15 most common entry level interview questions.)
Customer care
 I love to talk with the others and to help them. Communication makes me happy, not
only in my job. I will do my best to create a smile on the faces of your customers, so
they can come back and make another purchase. * Check customer service interview
questions for more questions.
People working on the phone (call center, telemarketing and similar positions)
 I like to talk on the phone, and negative responses never discourage me. I have an
ability to swallow virtually everything, and I believe this ability is crucial if one wants to
be good at this job.
Special Tip: “Why should we hire you?” is just one of the dozens of difficult questions you
may dace in your job interview. If you want to streamline your interview preparation, get
access to up to 10 premium answers to basically every difficult question you may face
while trying to get the job, have a look at our Interview Success Package. In three hours
from now, you can be ready to impress the hiring managers, outclass the other job
candidates, and get the job of your choice. Thank you for checking it out!
HR positions
 I can see the good, and the bad in people. I work professionally and never let my
emotions to get the better of me, and influence my decisions in work.
* Check also: HR Generalist interview questions
Programmers and coders
 My computer is my best friend. If I work on the project, I am able to focus on my

tasks and nothing will distract me. I give interesting insights on every project, and I
work hard to keep my coding skills up to date. I try to learn something new every day.
(* Check IT and programming interview questions to learn how to answer all other
questions you will face…)
Teachers
 My job is my mission. I believe that teachers shape the future, by shaping their
students. Therefore I approach my job responsibly, and I try my best to be a good role
model for the students.
Administrative workers and office managers
 I am organized and I keep a good track of everything. I can work quickly and do not
mind routine tasks. In fact, I prefer routine jobs I am always positive in work, and help
to create a good atmosphere in the office. These are the main reasons why you should
hire me.

Call Center Questions With Answers

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Call Center Questions With Answers

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

4.

What interested you about our position?

If you can explain this to an Executive or CEO in detail and with

Read more about this interview question here.

They may also ask, “What are your career goals?”

This will help you get the job.

This is a common theme in terms of what you should expect in a final

Read more about this interview question here.

Consider past experiences, degrees and certifications, key

Read more, including sample answers to this question, here.

They may also ask, “What are your career goals?”

This will help you get the job.

Read more about answering “Where do you see yourself in five

This is a common theme in terms of what you should expect in a final

Read more about this interview question here.

Consider past experiences, degrees and certifications, key

Read more, including sample answers to this question, here.

11. Do you want to tell us anything else about

So you should NEVER be afraid to speak up if there’s something you

It could be something they misunderstood on your resume, something

Example weaknesses for interviewing

1. I focus too much on the details.

2. I have a hard time letting go of a project.

Example: “My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have a hard time letting go of a

Related: Interview Question: “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

3. I have trouble saying “no.”

Helping colleagues on projects and properly managing your workload is an artful

Example: “My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have trouble saying ‘no’ to

4. I get impatient when projects run beyond the deadline.

Related: Interview Question: “Tell Me About Yourself”

A few common areas people need experience in include:

6. I sometimes lack confidence.

Lack of confidence is a common weakness, especially among entry-level contributors.

7. I can have trouble asking for help.

Example: “Because I am independent and enjoy working quickly, it has been difficult

8. It has been difficult for me to work with certain personalities.

9. It can be difficult for me to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Finding work/life balance is important to maintain motivation in your job. While it is

As a result, I have made it a point to focus on creating space in my schedule to focus

10. I have been uncomfortable working with ambiguity.

Example: “In my last position as a marketing intern, I found that my supervisor gave

How can I come prepared to impress the interviewer?

 Dressing appropriately: Wear professional work attire, even if the company culture

 Practicing your handshake: Ask a friend or family member to assess your handshake.

How can I impress the interviewer with my answers?

 Be passionate. Have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic when talking about yourself

How can I leave a lasting impression on the

 Connect on social media. Request to connect with your interviewer on social media or

List of Weaknesses for Job Interviews

Why Interviewer Ask About Weaknesses

How to Answer Interview Questions About Weaknesses

You do want your answer to be honest, but as positive as possible.

 Leaving projects unfinished

 Coursework (a particular course you struggled with)

What to Say During an Interview

How to Reply the Interview Question – Where Do You See

Good Words to Describe Yourself (+ Example

That's great! You're halfway there.

Rather, give a short story to support your claim.

Diligent / Loyal / Reliable

In other words, be strategic.

Bad Words to Describe Yourself

Some bad words to describe yourself that lack substance include:

Don’t get us wrong; these are positive traits.