INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Why did you leave the last position?

The point to remember while answering: avoid bad mouthing your

previous company as it puts you in negative light.

Instead, cite aspects like better money, more opportunities, career

growth etc. Here is how you can choose to answer the question:

“It was really fun working in XYZ because of various reasons,

encouraging boss and cooperative colleagues being a few.
But I am looking for a switch as I think the position you are offering
has a better growth scope and can provide me with newer challenges.”

2. I am concerned that you do not have sufficient experience

required for this role.

This is the most frequented statement in the HR rounds. It can easily

demotivate any candidate in a jiffy.

Instead of going hard on yourself, try and answer the question in this
manner:

"I understand that I may not have the experience you require in terms
of the number of years in service.

However, I believe that I do possess the qualities required for this

post.

And I strongly believe that these qualities can help me bridge the gap
caused by the number of years' experience."

And in case you forget to point out any other factor, highlight your
fast grasping power and back it up with an example.
3. How would you compensate for it?

This is the most common follow-up question and as discussed in the

above question you can state your quick grasping power and how you
are a fast learner to address it. Possible answer:

"I am a fast learner and have a curious mind. I am sure my knowledge

will compensate for that."

4. Tell me something that you regret doing and are now a little
ashamed of it.

Although interviews are meant to be kept professional, there may

come times when awkward questions are asked, such as this one ,
which throws you off the chair

Do not get flustered.

Instead, take some time to recollect yourself and the best way to
answer such tricky questions is to avoid giving in.

You could answer the question in the following manner:

“I can’t really recall having any regrets. I would like to add that the
best way to avoid regrets is to not cause them in the very first place.

So, as a practice I take time out at the end of each day and recall the
day’s events and reflect.

I look at every conversation I had with the people I work with. This
helps me to get a clear perspective and avoid regrets.”

5. Aren’t you over- qualified for the role?

This question can be seen as another trick question from the

employer’s end.

And it is very important to sound humble yet firm. Based on your

judgement, there are two ways to address this question.
“I see the job market running similar to any other marketplace,
running on the laws of supply and demand.

Given the tight condition of the same, I understand the relativity of

the term ‘over qualified.’

But, given the experience I have gained over the years, I think I can
bring better positive changes within the team/organization as
compared to someone who is yet to acquire the same level of
experience.”

Or,

“I honestly believe that you can never stop learning. You might feel
that I possess a lot many degrees, but honestly, I think a person grows
everyday with every conversation he/she has with number of people.

I believe there is something or the other that I can always learn which
not only can help me grow but also bring up better ideas for the
team/organization.”

6. You seem to have been out of work for long.

Often asked to candidates who had taken a few months or a year’s

break from work, you can answer this honestly. But remember, your
answer must not sound or project you as an escapist or one who is just
lazy.

Possible Answer:
“I had taken a break from work to relax and spend time with my
family for a while as working non-stop for ‘x’ years has been
exhausting. I must add I am feeling much refreshed post the break.”

7. How do you feel about reporting to a younger person?

Although it is a question seldom asked, an answer if not carefully and

level-headedly answered can disqualify you as a candidate.

Possible answer:
"I understand your concern. However, I would like to acknowledge
how much as an employee I find it worth admiring when the company
recognises extraordinary talents and promotes them. And working for
such an amazing company and under such talents will indeed be a
great opportunity for me."

8. Would you lie for the company?

Basically a trick question to test a candidate’s choice between loyalty

and integrity, the question must be answered very carefully.
Possible answer:
" I understand that every company has their own privacy policies and
I will totally abide by it as long as it does not affect my personal
integrity."

9. Looking back at your life, what would you do differently?

Possible Answer:
“I believe every experience is enriched in learning, helping one to
grow both personally and professionally. I would not want to change
a single thing about my journey till date.”

10. Why aren’t you earning more at this stage of your career?

Such a question can often throw a candidate off his/her chair. Points
to note: You do not want to show that money is not important, yet
defend the dip in your salary as per industry standards.

Possible Answer:
“Making money is important to me and one of the reason why I am
here is because I want to make more of it. However, money is not the
sole reason for which I work. Throughout my career I have enjoyed
my work in companies I have liked and respected.”
Follow up with specific examples to seal your answer.

11. What do you see as the proper role or mission of XYZ role, a
good manager in a leading company in the industry?

Possible answer:
" I believe that a manager is one who is looked up to by all the team
members. I understand the huge responsibility that rests on a
manager's shoulders, and to handle it with ease he/she must be calm,
level-headed, unbiased, polite and knowledgeable. As a junior, I
would like to learn the most from him/her, so going by it he/she must
be a good trainer."

12. What would you say to your boss if he’s crazy about an idea,
but you think it is not really up to the mark?

Once again, whenever pitted against loyalty and honesty go for

integrity.
Possible answer:
“Well before anything else I would like to look at the positive aspects
of the ideas and give him/her an honest opinion because that is what
my boss will be looking for. Then if permitted we can discuss the
changes to make the idea better than before. But in case not, then I
would follow what my boss tells me to do.”

13. Do you think you could have improved your career progress?

Possible answer:
" As I have already said, I do not regret the way my career has
shaped up as it has enriched my years with optimum learning
opportunities. And I have truly cherished my journey till date."

14. What would you do if an executive of your same level wasn’t

pulling his/her weight, which in return was hurting the
department?

Try to understand the firm’s political style and fall back on it. Another
option is to rely on the universal policies of human relations,
communicate the problem the way you would want the same thing to
be communicated to you.

*Possible answer:
"Relying on my good human relations with my colleague I would try
to communicate the problem and try to find his constructive
assistance. However, in case I feel a resistance from the opposite side,
I would rely on my persuasive nature and cite the issues affecting the
team's performance and in turn the organization." *
15. You have been with your firm for a very long time now,
wouldn’t it be hard to switch to a new company now?

Possible answer:
“True I have been working with my previous organization for a long
while now. But I have been learning throughout the journey, handling
tasks more challenging than the last one. So, I don’t think there will
be any difficulty in switching to a new company as I am willing to
learn more.”

16. Where could you use some improvement?

Similar to all other answers, keep this one positive as well. Try to
identify a branch (one which your interviewer would not require) as
an area of your curiosity, which you would like to explore in the
upcoming few months.
Possible answer:
"I believe in upgrading my skill as per the technological
advancements. However, I would like to work on my time
management skills as I scramble to balance time."

17. What is the most difficult part of XYZ position?

Discuss the most challenging aspect in your experience and follow it

up with how you tackle the problem.
Possible answer:
" I don't think there is anything difficult about the position. But the
most challenging aspect for me was maintaining a perfect work-life
balance."

18. What do you think was the toughest part of your last position?

This is one question which is difficult to turn to something positive.

The interviewer will naturally assume that whatever you found
difficult might be a hurdle in the job you are interviewing for.
Possible answer:
"I did not find anything that was overly tough. Rather I actually
enjoyed tackling the challenges that had come my way."
19. What makes you a worthy candidate for this position?

Possible answer:
“You naturally want to strengthen the department to the optimum, for
which you want a strong candidate. I believe I fit the bill because
(mention your strongest qualifications, which match up to the
interviewer’s demands).”

20. Looking back on your last position have you done your best?

To strike the perfect note while answering this question, state that you
always try to do your best and that you are hitting your career strides
due to several factors. Recap those factors, followed up with your
strongest qualifications.
Possible answer:
"I have always tried to do my best in every task and believe that I am
only getting better with every passing day."

21. Tell me something negative that you have heard about our
company.

This is usually the interviewer’s way to get the gossip on what the
outside world is talking about the company. Trust me you do not want
to be bearer of not-so flattering news.
Possible answer:
"There is always something or the other being said about every
organization in the market. Honestly, I can't recall hearing anything
negative about the company."

22. Rate me as an interviewer

There are two things to consider while answering this question. First,
avoid numerical to rate, as it can lead to a double sided trouble for
you. Second, avoid negative answers and just praise the interviewer
on his/her methodology.
Possible answer:
" I appreciate how you kept the interview thoroughly professional and
how methodically you conducted it."
23. You seem to be drawing a good salary. Will you be alright
with a salary cut?

Possible answer:
“I think after a certain point in your career, job satisfaction takes a
front row seat than salary. However, while taking up any job I
prioritize work culture and chances to contribute and grow are at par
with the salary paid. Also, I believe good companies which care
about its employees ensures that they are paid well.”

24. Did you ever have a problem with a peer in your last
organization?

Possible answer:
"No, I never had any problem with my peers in my last
organizations."

25. What do you do to improve your knowledge?

Possible answers:
" I believe it is very important to keep one updated as changes are
taking place very fast. So, in order to keep myself abreast I try to read
up as much as possible on the subject and also subscribed to the
online course on the same."

26. Why do you think communication plays a pivotal role in your

job profile?

Possible answer:
"I understand that my profile requires me to have good
communication skills, which I have developed over the years. I
believe I can communicate very clearly across the teams in a
thorough professional manner."

27. If you were hiring for this position what would be the qualities
that you would be looking at?

Closely look at the qualities required for the position and match them
with yours. Establish it with a confident body language and you
should be good to go.
Possible answer:
"If I were hiring for a Senior Sub-Editor, I would be looking at her
knowledge on the subject, his/her grammar sense and also how level-
headedly he/she can handle multiple tasks and yet submit quality
work."

28. Have you ever committed a mistake in your last job?

Although it is only human to commit mistakes, what needs to be

remembered is the magnitude of it and the damage it caused the
company. So, mention the mistake but keep the major focus on the
measure you took to fix it.
*Possible answer:
"Mistakes are an in evident part of human nature. However, none of
my mistakes have ever been of the magnitude that my team or
organization ever faced a severe brunt." *

29. Discuss the most stressful situation you came across in your
last organization.

Keeping a positive tone, discuss the stressful situation that you had
faced. Do not mention of a situation which you never overcame.
Possible answer:
"Having been worked in a print media organization, we have always
been bound by time. A single delay in any department would
automatically lead to a delay in production. Although this was
initially an issue in my initial days, I have over time learnt to tackle
the situation and gel the work done on time."

30. Can you work independently without supervision?

You would not want to sound like a person who is not a team player.
So, mention a project which was given to you only to complete with a
lot of trust.
Possible answer:
"Given my previous experience in covering events, my boss had
entrusted me with the responsibility of covering my company's annual
event without any supervision, since the others had to be engaged in
other tasks."
31. What is more important to you, money or success?

Possible answer:
"Money and success both are equally important. But for me success is
more important as it will ensure money automatically."

32. What kind of projects interest you?

Good employers know that a happy employee will always do a good

job.
Possible answer:
"I like projects where the whole team can work together, where
everyone has a part in completing it. Also, a project which provides a
good challenge at the team"

33. How good are you at sticking to your deadlines?

Time plays a crucial role in today’s fast paced life. Employers not
only want quality job, but they also need it on time as a lot is at stake
for the company based on it.
Possible answer:
“I always submit my work on time because I understand that the
company is liable to its clients. Any delay in submission can lead to
face loss in front of our clients, resulting in loss or fall in business.”

34. Are you willing to work long hours if the project demands?

Possible answers:
"I understand the importance of matching up to deadlines as a lot is
at stake for the company. So, I would not mind working long hours if
the project demands."

35. Do you have plans to opt for further studies?

Be transparent with your answers. If you are planning to opt for

further studies be clear as to why the course is important for you. And
if you are taking any distance course, you need to keep them
interviewed as leaves will be required for exams.
Possible answer:
"No, I do not have any plans for further studies in the next few years."
Or "Yes, I am currently enrolled in a distance course for the subject
as I think it is an important part of my career."

36. What will you do if you don’t bag this job?

Possible answer:
"If I don't bag the job today, I will continue looking for jobs and take
learning from this interview."

37. What do you think is the best part of working in a team?

Possible answer:
"For me the best part about working in team is producing a better
result faster. With everyone putting forward their best ideas and
bringing in their expert talents, it is bound to produce better results
than working solo. Also, working in a team means better
encouragement at any given point."

38. What is the worst part of working in a team?

Possible answer:
"There are pros and cons to everything. But I prefer looking at the
positive aspects of working in a team as they are greater in number
than any drawbacks."

39. Describe ‘work ethics’ and how would you define yours?

Possible answer:
"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. I read on your website
that you work with honesty, transparency and go the extra mile for
your clients. My work ethic is also similar and I like to work hard for
better results."

40. Have you ever been assigned a project without any assistance?

Possible answer:
"Yes, in my last organization, my boss had entrusted me to cover the
annual budget without any assistance."
41. If you could have done anything differently during your
college career, what would it have been?

Possible answer:
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my college days as it gave me a lot of
opportunities to learn and put those learnings to use. So, no I would
not have changed anything."

42. How do you handle constructive criticism?

Possible answer:
“I have weekly meetings with my team lead and discuss my work.
Critical criticism helps me to learn and improve in areas which I am
probably weak in.”

43. Describe yourself in one word.

Make a note of the important qualities required and back it up with

reasons. Take for example you are interviewing for a marketing
profile, your possible answer could be,
"I think the word that would go with my personality the best is
focussed as I always succeed in completing my targets."

44. What was the organizational structure like in the previous

organization?

Here you basically need to explain the hierarchy which was prevalent
in your last organization and where you were situated I fit in it.
Take for example, you were a Senior Sub Editor in a media
organization, you can mention your Skip level boss (Editor) followed
by Senior Associate Editor(s), your team lead and subordinates if any.

45. How is your absentee record?

Possible answer:
"I understand the importance of discipline and lead my life on the
same principle. Hence I do not skip work until and unless there is an
absolute emergency."

46. What makes you feel demotivated?

This can easily be considered a trick question to which you can
answer by turning the attention from de motivation to what motivates
you at work.
Possible answer:
"I do not get demotivated as such. But I strongly believe in
encouraging healthy communication in order to avoid unnecessary
gossip."

47. If you are allowed to change one thing in your last

organization. What would it be?

Once again, try and avoid any negative comment and opt for a
diplomatic answer.
Possible answer:
“I believe every organization has its own characteristics which makes
it different from the other. Therefore, I would not want to change
anything about my last organization.”

48. How good are you at maintaining time punctuality?

Possible answer:
"I have always believed in living a disciplined life, and practice the
same in my work life. Therefore, I always maintain punctuality."

49. According to you what is the vision of our company?

To answer this question you must have a good research about the
company. So, research well about the company before appearing for
the interview.

50. If you are hired, do you think you will be able to work in
cross-functional teams?

If you have had experience in handling cross-functional teams then

the answer will be in the affirmative. But in case not, then you could
state that it can be taken care of with your excellent communication
skill and teamwork.
Possible answer:
"In my last organization also I was required to work in cross-
functional teams. So, it will not be a problem for me."

51. While handling multiple projects, how do you keep yourself

organized and on track?

It is common for employers to want to know how you stay on top of

your game. So, explain your way of handling the multiple tasks in
detail, whether you make a calendar or a to-do list to keep track or
any other way.
Possible answer:
"Since my last job role required me to multitask, I used to mark down
the tasks completed throughout the day and put up a list of tasks that
needed to be addressed. This helped me to keep track of the amount of
work done and what needs to be done."

52. What kind of work environment do you like the best?

Research about the company’s environment, be honest and relate your

answer accordingly. Avoid criticisms as it leaves a negative impact
about yourself on the interviewer.
Possible answer:
"I think the best work environment is where there is encouragement to
come up with fresh ideas and freedom to work on a project and also
take responsibility of the same."

53. Sell me this pen…

This is pertinent question in interviews for marketing-driven

positions. And you already know, the best way to sell a product is by
knowing what your audience wants and then showing them the way to
achieve it.

54. What really drives results in this job?

Take some time and make a mental note of the factors you think are
important in fetching results.
Possible answer:
"I believe that the best way to drive results is to be disciplined and
doing smart work."

55. What is the biggest accomplishment you have achieved in your

previous organization?

Make sure you can pinpoint on a specific accomplishment which you

can explain with proper anecdotes.
Possible answer:
"In my previous organization I successfully managed to pitch a
digital marketing idea which fetched approximately 75% revenue for
their annual event."

56. Can you predict the changes in the next 3 years your current
category of job will witness?

This question is basically to get an insight in your far-sightedness

regarding your own. So, do put in some research into what are the
target areas which are expected to rise in the upcoming 3 years and
answer them with proper explanation.
Possible answer:
"Given that our work is heavily based on technology, in my opinion in
the next 3 years we will witness the advent of AI. Our roles will
change from creators to moderators."

57. If you were to rank them, what are the three traits your top
performers have in common?

Once again, consider all the relevant qualities required for the role,
tally it with yours and answer the question.

Possible answer:
"According to me the three common traits in my top performers are
honest, hard work and diligence. I believe these qualities are very
important to reach the top."

However, be ready for a follow up question where you might be asked

to justify the importance of the qualities.
58. How did you learn about the job opening?

You could simply state the source through which you found out about
the opening such as job portals.

59. Will you be comfortable to travel for work?

Possible answer:
"I understand that my job role requires me to travel quite extensively
and I have no issues with it."

60. What book are you reading currently?

Although this question might seem unnecessary to you, but looking

from an interviewer’s point of view it holds relevance. An interviewer
would want to know that you are intellectually curious. So, even if
you are not reading a book currently talk about the book you last read.
Possible answer:
"I have been currently reading a thriller titled 'God Is a Gamer' by
Ravi Subramanian. The reason I really like his work is the way he
builds up suspense, his lucid way of writing and how he pays
attention to intricate details. So, in a way his books can keep a reader
hooked throughout."