Contents

Chapter 1

Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 8

Chapter 2

Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 8
Unit 7

Unit 6
1
Unit 7
Unit 8
 Chapter 1

Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 8

2
 Unit 1

Question 1
Tell me about yourself.

Question 2
Why are you interested in working with this company?

Question 3
What are your strengths?

Question 4
How do you organize your work and schedule?

Question 5
What motivates you?

Question 6
What do you do in your spare time?

3
 Question 1
Tell me about yourself.

Sample answer

I studied finance at university, and I have worked at several companies since I graduated. My
parents actually wanted me to be a doctor – mainly because my dad is a surgeon – but I have
always been good with numbers and figures, and finance seemed like a natural choice for
me. In addition to my work, I am a long-distance runner, which helps me to relax and stay
healthy. I find that even though I really enjoy working with my team, I need some alone time
to blow off some steam after a hard day’s work.

Question 2

Why are you interested in working with this company?

Sample answer

This company offers exactly what I’m looking for in a working environment. Your clients are
clients that I respect and would enjoy working with, and your company ethos resonates with
me. I have read quite a lot about your CEO and I think he would be a great man to work for.
In fact, I know a few of your employees, and they are all very qualified and competent, so I
know the environment would be a good fit for me as well. My goal would be to challenge
myself and learn as much as possible. I also understand this company is still growing, and I
am confident that it will become very successful. Ultimately, I’d like to help stimulate that
growth.

4
 Question 3
What are your strengths?

Sample answer

By nature, I’m organized, methodical and detail-oriented, all of which have helped me when it
comes to my projects. I can always be relied on to ensure that all aspects of the project have
been considered, and that all the details are accurate. Accuracy is vital when it comes to
these kinds of projects. I am usually nominated as the team leader of any project, and I
believe that this is because I work well with different types of people. I like to utilize team
members’ individual strengths to the advantage of the group.

Question 4

How do you organize your work and schedule?

Sample answer
I plan my weeks out carefully so that I always have a clear idea of what needs to be done. I
prioritize tasks so that the important ones get the attention they need, which allows me to
spend my time wisely. I also have a routine that I stick to in the morning, so that I start my
day off on a strong note and use my time effectively.

5
 Question 5
What motivates you?

Sample answer

I think the biggest motivator for me is a fear of failure. I crave success, and I always work
hard to ensure that I am successful. Moreover, I want to contribute to an industry that I feel
is very important so that the work I do is important and has positive effects. The thing that
gets me out of bed every day is knowing that I am going to work at a job I love.

Question 6

What do you do in your spare time?

Sample answer

To be honest, I don’t have much free time because I like to keep busy both professionally
and socially, but when I do have some time to myself, I enjoy going running. I deal with
people all day at work, and I am surrounded by my family at home, so I like to go running
from time to time. Being by myself helps me to clear my head, alleviate stress and keep
healthy. On the days I don’t feel like being alone, I’ll play squash with one of my friends.

6
 Unit 2

Question 1
Did your customers or clients enjoy working with you?

Question 2
How can you describe your management style?

Question 3
If I hired you today, what would you accomplish first?

Question 4
What skills would you like to develop in this job?

Question 5
What do you picture yourself doing five years from now?

Question 6
Tell me about the salary range you're seeking.

7
 Question 1
Did your customers or clients enjoy working with you?

Sample answer

As far as I know, they did. The one way to determine whether a client has enjoyed working
with you is to consider whether he or she would work with you again – or whether he or she
has worked with you again. The number of clients who have asked me to work on more than
one project shows that they truly enjoy working with me.

Question 2
How can you describe your management style?

Sample answer
As a manager, I strive to always be open and available to my team members. Even though it
is my responsibility to delegate activities and ensure projects are completed at a satisfactory
level, I encourage my team members to speak honestly and take initiative. I think it’s
important for a manager to be calm and reasonable at all times, and to be able to deal with
the pressure of work without taking it out on others.

8
 Question 3
If I hired you today, what would you accomplish first?

Sample answer

Of course, I don’t know the specifics of what I would do immediately, but my first priority
would be to meet the other members of the team and get a feel for how they work and howI
fit in. I would find someone who could act as a mentor and ask them to bring me up to
speed on your latest products and campaigns. Once I understand my role in the different
projects, I would construct a plan to identify the tasks I would need to complete immediately
in order to fulfill my responsibilities.

Question 4

What skills would you like to develop in this job?

Sample answer

I believe that I have strong sales skills and many years’ experience, so I believe it is time thatI
transition into a more managerial role. I need training and development before this can
happen, so in this position, I would look for ways to undergo management training and
develop those skills in order to realize my future goal of becoming a manager.

9
 Question 5
What do you picture yourself doing five years from now?

Sample answer
Five years from now, I see myself as a valued member of a successful company, preferably in a
managerial position. I have a long way to go before I reach that level, but I am ready and
willing to work hard to achieve this goal. I truly believe that with hard work, you can
accomplish anything you set your mind to. I know I’m capable of hard work, so I’m not afraid
to dream big.

Question 6

Tell me about the salary range you're seeking.

Sample answer

In short, I’m looking for a salary that’s in line with my qualifications and experience. This
position is a promotion from my current role, so I would expect a relative increase. However, I
understand that I would be new to the company, so perhaps we can discuss the possibility of
future increases and other benefits.

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 Unit 3

Question 1
How did you decide on your major?

Question 2
What is your career goal?

Question 3
What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Question 4
Could you tell me how you resolved a difficult problem?

Question 5
What environment allows you to be most effective?

Question 6
Describe a movie you’ve seen that really inspired you.

11
 Question 1
How did you decide on your major?

Sample answer

Ever since I was young, I have wanted to be a writer. I was very creative in school and knew
that I wanted to be involved in writing in some way as a job. At the same time, I was always
asking questions and enjoyed talking to people and hearing their stories. When I finished
school, I decided to major in something I was really passionate about and worry about
finding a job later. I think that if you enjoy something, you will work hard at it and be good
at it, and finding a job won’t be too difficult. That’s how I decided to major in Journalism.

Question 2

What is your career goal?

Sample answer

Ultimately, I would like to be in a senior management position. I started out in the sales
department and have realized that I love working with people. But now that I have done that
for almost ten years, I know I want to continue working with people on a different level.
Becoming a manager and leading a team of people will provide new challenges for me, as
well as a new skillset. So first, I would like to develop my skills to become a manager, and
eventually I will (hopefully) be a part of a senior management team.

12
 Question 3
What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Sample answer

I don’t know who else is in the running for this position, but I’m sure there are some very
talented candidates. However, I sincerely believe that I can bring a unique skillset and talent
to this role. My previous position was very similar to this one, so I have already had relevant
experience to this role. In addition, my references prove that I am a valued employee.

Question 4

Could you tell me how you resolved a difficult problem?

Sample answer

I was working on a very important assignment for one of my college courses when my
laptop crashed with all my research on it. I had to hand it in in a few days, and I had lost all
of my work! I went to my supervisor and explained the situation, and she gave me a few
extra days to complete the assignment. I managed to redo all the work I had lost, and the
experience taught me to make sure that I have more than one copy of my work so that I will
never have to miss a deadline again.

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 Question 5
What environment allows you to be most effective?

Sample answer
Personally, I find I work best in an environment which promotes collaboration and teamwork.
I like bigger companies and more formal working environments, and in this way, I will always
be aware of what is expected of me and whom I need to report to. Because I am new to the
field, structure and established processes would suit me and help me become more effective
and productive.

Question 6

Describe a movie you’ve seen that really inspired you.

Sample answer
One of my favorite movies of all time is Castaway. Tom Hanks stars in the film, which is about
how a man survives being stranded on a desert island. Hanks’s character is so determined to
survive, and even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations, he manages to find a way
to overcome obstacles and turn things in his favor. I admire his tenacity and grit, and the fact
that he never gives up, even when his future looks hopeless.

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 Unit 4

Question 1
How much were you paid at your last job?

Question 2
Tell me about a situation in which it was difficult for you to remain objective.

Question 3
How do you manage stress in your daily work?

Question 4
Would it be a problem for you to relocate?

Question 5
What was the greatest challenge in your last job? How did you handle it?

Question 6
What is your ideal job?

15
 Question 1
How much were you paid at your last job?

Sample answer

In my previous position, my salary was in the appropriate range for my skills and experience. I
was happy because it came with numerous benefits, such as medical aid, sufficient leave
time and an accommodation allowance. If those benefits were not included, then I would
have expected more.

Question 2

Tell me about a situation in which it was difficult for you to remain objective.

Sample answer

In my company, we are often asked to evaluate our colleagues when we work as a team. This
is to ensure that all team members are pulling equal weight. Often, however, this can be
difficult once the project is completed. I was once working with a colleague who was also a
very close friend of mine, and I was asked to evaluate her performance. I felt very
uncomfortable doing this because I wanted to be truthful, but I didn’t want to hurt her
feelings. I asked the supervisor if the evaluations could be anonymous, and when she agreed,
I found that I could be honest without my colleague knowing that I had given the feedback.

16
 Question 3
How do you manage stress in your daily work?

Sample answer
Stress is a very important part of my life, because it’s everywhere. Every job has its own
sources of stress. For the most part, stress helps me stay focused and motivated to meet
deadlines. When I find that I am perhaps feeling a bit rundown, I make sure I spend my time
off wisely. I won’t take my work home with me, and I’ll choose to spend time with my family
because focusing on other people helps me deal with my own stress.

Question 4
Would it be a problem for you to relocate?

Sample answer
At this stage of my life, no. I am fortunate in that I do not have anyone or anything
restricting my movements at the moment, and as a result, I am able to focus on my career. I
realize this may not be my reality a few years from now, so I am hoping to make the most of
this time. If an opportunity to relocate comes my way, I would be more than happy to move.

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 Question 5
What was the greatest challenge in your last job? How did you handle it?

Sample answer
A few years ago, we worked on a really big campaign for a client who had been working with
us for a long time, and who trusted us to deliver high-quality campaigns in a timely fashion.
For this project, we had made a decision to work with a new supplier, and unfortunately, they
did not turn out to be as reliable as we had hoped. The week before the campaign was due
to be launched, the supplier informed us they couldn’t fill our order on time. I called an
emergency meeting with the team to look at other options. Eventually, we decided to use a
number of different suppliers to fill the order. It required a lot of extra work, and the project
was very stressful, but we managed to pull it together without the client being aware of our
problems.

Question 6

What is your ideal job?

Sample answer
I am looking for a job where I can develop and manage competitive brands with a group of
like-minded people. I want to find a company that would give me an opportunity to develop
and grow as an individual and a valued member of a team. My ideal job would also allow me
to apply my skills and experience.

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 Unit 5

Question 1
How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?

Question 2
If you could do so, how would you plan your college career differently?

Question 3
Which college classes or subjects did you like best? Why?

Question 4
Do you have a geographic preference for your job?

Question 5
Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment in solving a problem.

Question 6
What was the most complex assignment you have had?

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 Question 1
How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?

Sample answer

My college experience has provided me with more than academic knowledge. I was involved
in a number of sports teams while in school, which taught me a great deal about
responsibility and teamwork. I also prepared myself for this transition into the working world
by being a part of an internship program. I spent six weeks abroad working with start-up
businesses and helping them develop their business models. This experience forced me to
adapt to new circumstances and work hard to achieve my goals.

Question 2

If you could do so, how would you plan your college career differently?

Sample answer
College was an amazing experience for me, although there is one thing I would change. Even
though I managed to complete several internships during college vacations, I only applied for
local positions. If I could do anything again, I would try to find an internship or relevant
volunteer program abroad. Then I could experience the challenge of living by myself in a
foreign environment. I think this would have been a very positive life experience for me.

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 Question 3
Which college classes or subjects did you like best? Why?

Sample answer
I studied Psychology in my first and second years of college, and I really enjoyed my
Psychology classes. I appreciated that they were very practical and hands-on. Though we
discussed a lot of theory, we were able to put that theory into practice and test it in a
practical sense. This really helped me gain real-world experience.

Question 4
Do you have a geographic preference for your job?

Sample answer
At the moment, no. I do not have a family who relies on me, and I am not tied to any
particular location. I would like to be near my parents, but I can always adjust to a new place
and plan to see them often. At this stage in my career, flexibility is important. If I need to
move for my job, then I certainly can.

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 Question 5
Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment in solving a problem.

Sample answer

A customer once came in to complain about one of our products. As the salesman, I was the
one who had to deal with the complaint. While I was talking to the customer, I realized that
even though the product he had bought was not what he wanted, there was another
productin our range which would suit him better. I listened to his complaint and identified
his needs,and then I introduced him to the other product. He seemed impressed but was
understandably a bit hesitant. I immediately offered to refund him for the first product and
give him a money-back guarantee on the second one if he wasn’t satisfied. I notified my
manager, who supported my decision, and the customer walked away with his belief in our
company restored.

Question 6

What was the most complex assignment you have had?

Sample answer

The most complex assignment I have had was writing up my doctoral thesis. It was complex
in the sense that I was responsible for the entire project, and I didn’t have anyone to work
with. My thesis had so many elements to it that I had to make a plan of action to ensure thatI
could deal with all the different aspects and bring them together into a successful final
product. I must say that I really enjoyed the process, and that the sense of achievement at
the end was wonderful.

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 Unit 6

Question 1
What specific goals have you established for your life?

Question 2
What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?

Question 3
What do you expect to be doing in five years?

Question 4
How will the academic program you've taken benefit your career?

Question 5
Why did you decide to seek a position in this company?

Question 6
Give me an example that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.

23
 Question 1
What specific goals have you established for your life?

Sample answer

I would like to find a position in a company that is well-suited to my skills and qualifications.I
want to find a job that is satisfying and challenging enough to keep me engaged in the
long term. Ultimately, I want to contribute to the finance department of a successful
company, working my way up to the highest level possible.

Question 2

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?

Sample answer
When I was relatively new to a company, I was tasked with identifying a solution to their
dropping subscription rate. After conducting substantial research, I realized their marketing
strategy was flawed and outdated, so I recommended a number of changes. Once these
changes were implemented, the company’s subscription numbers increased. This was
something I had never done before, so I was very glad my idea was successful.

24
 Question 3
What do you expect to be doing in five years?

Sample answer

In five years, I hope to be working at the head of a team. I would like to have worked my
way up from the bottom and learnt a whole new set of skills. Since I know this is going to
require a lot of hard work, I would also like to have a family in the next five years, as this will
give me more support at home.

Question 4
How will the academic program you've taken benefit your career?

Sample answer
The academic program I’ve taken includes many subjects which will benefit my career.
Learning about these subjects has prepared me to deal with working in the field. In fact, my
academic program incorporates various internship and volunteer placement programs, which
means that I have extensive hands-on experience. Consequently, not only do I have the
theoretical knowhow to succeed, but I have the real-life experience as well.

25
 Question 5
Why did you decide to seek a position in this company?

Sample answer
I have known about this company for a while now, and I have always agreed with your
business models. Recently, I saw that the company underwent some interesting restructuring,
which I think will be very beneficial. I would like to be a part of these changes, and I think my
skills and experience make me a good fit for the organization.

Question 6

Give me an example that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and
environments.

Sample answer

During college and in the year after I graduated, I completed a number of internships abroad.
These posts meant that I was working in several different companies and in various countries.
For each internship position, I had to learn to adapt to different living environments, and to
communicate and work with different people. All of this shows that I can adapt to many
different people, situations and environments.

26
 Unit 7

Question 1
How would you evaluate your ability to deal with conflict?

Question 2
Which do you prefer, to work with data or to collaborate with other individuals?

Question 3
Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses.

Question 4
Describe a situation when the others you were working with on a project disagreed with your
ideas. What did you do?

Question 5
Have you found any ways to make a job more rewarding or to make yourself more effective?

Question 6
Give me an example of a time you had to persuade other people to take action. Were you
successful?

27
 Question 1
How would you evaluate your ability to deal with conflict?

Sample answer
I handle conflict quite well, which I think comes from experience. Working in customer service
means that I often have to deal with angry or upset customers. Some of these customers can
even be confrontational or argumentative. The best way to cope with these situations is to
remain calm and speak logically and rationally. Once the person calms down, the
conversation becomes more productive.

Question 2
Which do you prefer, to work with data or to collaborate with other individuals?

Sample answer
I am equally happy working by myself with data or working in a team. Many projects don’t
actually require input from a group, and they can be accomplished most effectively when one
person handles the tasks involved. Others need input and collaboration. In my previous job, I
worked on projects which required both independent work with data and teamwork. Both
types were successful.

28
 Question 3
Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses.

Sample answer
When I was interning for a company abroad, I travelled alone. I had to find my feet in a
strange city while adjusting to a new job. I arrived and went to work the next day, so I didn’t
have much time to familiarize myself with the city before going to work. The language barrier
and the different work environment added extra challenges to the situation. It was a steep
learning curve, but it was a great experience in the end.

Question 4

Describe a situation when the others you were working with on a project disagreed with your
ideas. What did you do?

Sample answer

I was working on an end-of-year presentation for my Finance course in college. We had been
working as a team all semester, and now we had to work together once more to give a final
presentation. My classmates wanted to present in a certain way, but I knew the other groups
were doing very similar presentations, so I suggested putting it together in a very different
way. My teammates were hesitant at first, but I managed to talk them round, and our
professor commended us on our originality.

29
 Question 5
Have you found any ways to make a job more rewarding or to make yourself more effective?

Sample answer
I have found that the best way to make myself more effective is to take initiative. Often,
managers or supervisors are too busy to constantly watch over their employees and make
sure they are on the right path. Therefore, if I know what needs to be done, and if I have the
time to do it, I should do it. The longer I work in a position, the more managers trust me to
make decisions. This makes the whole team more effective.

Question 6
Give me an example of a time you had to persuade other people to take action. Were you
successful?

Sample answer
When we were preparing to pitch to a potential client, I thought the team was taking the
wrong approach in the presentation. I had previous experience with the client and knew a
better approach. My colleagues were initially skeptical, but when I explained my point of view,
they realized that I knew what I was talking about. In the end, we changed our pitch.

30
 Unit 8

Question 1
What influenced you to choose this career?

Question 2
Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor? How did you resolve the conflict?

Question 3
Describe the type of teacher that has created the most beneficial learning experience for you.

Question 4
Describe a situation in which you found that your results were not up to your manager's
expectations. What happened? What action did you take?

Question 5
How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time?

Question 6
Before you can make a productive contribution to the company, what degree of training do you
feel will you require?

31
 Question 1
What influenced you to choose this career?

Sample answer

Throughout college, I was happiest when I was doing something that I was passionate about.
When I am happy, I will work hard to achieve my goals. I have always been a people person,
and I enjoy working face-to-face with others. I don’t enjoy working at a desk, which is why
working in sales suits me so well.

Question 2
Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor? How did you resolve the conflict?

Sample answer
A supervisor once reprimanded me for constantly being late. I wasn’t being late, however;
rather, I had spoken to HR about working more flexible hours because my wife had just had
our first baby. This was only a temporary arrangement that had been approved by HR, but
that information wasn’t given to my supervisor. When I made him aware of the situation, he
accepted that I wasn’t slacking off.

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 Question 3
Describe the type of teacher that has created the most beneficial learning experience for you.

Sample answer
Surprisingly, the most effective teachers for me were the ones who gave me space to learn
for myself. Some teachers give you knowledge without your even thinking about it, and I
don’t think that’s the best way for people to learn. I prefer the way in which teachers give
you guidance and constructive criticism, and then let you solve problems yourself.

Question 4

Describe a situation in which you found that your results were not up to your manager's
expectations. What happened? What action did you take?

Sample answer
My manager asked me to put together a pitch for a client. When I showed her the pitch, she
didn’t like it at all. I was disappointed that she didn’t like my idea, so we sat down and talkedit
through, and I came to understand her point of view. I reworked the pitch, and she
ultimately approved the second version. It took a lot of hard work, but it was worth it to
impress my manager and the client.

33
 Question 5
How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time?

Sample answer

This is a very important thing to do to keep your life balanced. To schedule my time, I look at
everything that needs to be done. I decide which things are urgent and which things are not.
Some will be nonnegotiable, like family events or meetings, but other things can be moved
around. I need to ensure that urgent matters are dealt with before it’s too late. In addition, I
make sure that I have a balance of activities in my schedule so that I’m not always working,
which I think is very important as well.

Question 6
Before you can make a productive contribution to the company, what degree of training do
you feel will you require?

Sample answer
My previous position has provided me with the experience I need to meet the desired
qualifications for this role. I am sure I would make immediate contributions. If I wanted to
work my way up in the company, or contribute in another way, then I would need to undergo
further training.

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 Chapter 2

Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 8

35 Kisanedu
 Unit 1

Question 1
Tell me about a major problem you recently handled. Were you successful in resolving it?

Question 2
Do you think that your grades are an indication of your academic achievement?

Question 3
Tell of a time when your active listening skills really paid off for you.

Question 4
Describe a situation in which you had to arrive at a compromise or guide others to a compromise.

Question 5
Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the work
you needed to do?

Question 6
What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?

36
 Question 1
Tell me about a major problem you recently handled. Were you successful in resolving it?

Sample answer
I was working on a team of four people on a major client account. As we got closer to the
deadline, the work started piling up. Unfortunately, at that time, two of the team members
fell ill and were unable to help out. It was up to the rest of us to put the finishing touches on
our pitch. We had to ensure everything would be finished on time, and while we worked a
great deal of overtime, the pitch was successful in the end.

Question 2
Do you think that your grades are an indication of your academic achievement?

Sample answer

Yes, I do. I am very goal-driven, and I knew I wanted to get good grades in college in orderto
be a strong candidate for good jobs. I also have a record of extracurricular activities and
involvement, which complement my academic achievements. I knew that sports and clubs
would teach me about leadership, communication and collaboration. Even though I was
focused on my academic work, I thought it important that I become a well-rounded
candidate.

37
 Question 3
Tell of a time when your active listening skills really paid off for you.

Sample answer
For my final presentation of my dissertation, I had a really intense interview. I had to present
my research theories and findings to a group of my lecturers and other distinguished namesin
the field. Because I was nervous, I made sure to listen very closely. You are judged on howwell
you handle the interview because the interview is a reflection of your research, so I had to
make sure I understood the questions. If I had answered anything incorrectly, they might
have interpreted it as a flaw in my dissertation. I must’ve done well, however, because they
awarded me my PhD based on that interview.

Question 4
Describe a situation in which you had to arrive at a compromise or guide others to a
compromise.

Sample answer

At one of my first jobs, a manager insisted on holding meetings at every opportunity. Many
staff members wasted a lot of valuable time in these meetings, which did not relate to their
work in any way. I wasn’t the only one who felt this way, so I brought it up at one such
meeting, asking that I be excused because I had more pressing matters to tend to. Other
staff members asked the same thing, and the manager understood he needed to rethink the
purpose of his meetings.

38
 Question 5
Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the
work you needed to do?

Sample answer

When I have a lot of things to do, I prioritize my projects. I make a list of everything that
needs to be done and decide what is urgent and what is not. This way I can make sure I
spend time on the more time-sensitive projects and allocate different periods of time for the
other work. When I was working as a freelancer, I had a lot of projects on the go at the same
time, so I needed to focus on the projects with upcoming deadlines without neglecting the
others.

Question 6
What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?

Sample answer
The biggest mistake I have ever made was taking a relationship for granted. I had an
amazing relationship, but I stopped giving it the attention it deserved because I thought it
would always be there, and it eventually fizzled out. It’s the same with other things in life. You
need to always work on yourself, your health and your relationships, or you risk losing them.

39
 Unit 2

Question 1
What short-term goals have you established for yourself?

Question 2
Can you give us a reason to hire you?

Question 3
Would you say that you can easily deal with high-pressure situations?

Question 4
Which is more important to you, the job itself or your salary?

Question 5
Describe some times when you were not very satisfied with your performance. What did you do
about it?

Question 6
What has been your most successful experience in giving presentations?

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 Question 1
What short-term goals have you established for yourself?

Sample answer
My main short-term goal is to establish myself in a company. I want to find a job that suits
me, and that will bring out the best in me. Then, I want to be able to learn as much as
possible and become a valued member of a team. I want to contribute to the success of the
company. Finding the right job and taking the right steps to secure a management position is
my most important short-term goal.

Question 2
Can you give us a reason to hire you?

Sample answer
I think I am a perfect fit for not only this position, but for your company. I have done projects
similar to yours in my previous job, so I know I have the skills for the position. I am
hardworking and loyal, which is evident in my work history. In addition, I fully agree with the
ethos of your company, so I know I would be happy working for you.

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 Question 3
Would you say that you can easily deal with high-pressure situations?

Sample answer

While I would not say that dealing with high-pressure situations comes naturally to me, I feel
like I’ve had enough experience with them to know what I need to do to address them
appropriately. First of all, I try and avoid these situations altogether by being organized and
communicating with my team members on a regular basis. Of course, sometimes you can’t
help it if a client is being demanding or a deadline sneaks up on you, and in these cases I
make sure I stay focused by detailing exactly what needs to be done and outlining how I can
accomplish everything in an efficient manner. Above all, I stay calm because I think that’s very
important.

Question 4
Which is more important to you, the job itself or your salary?

Sample answer
Both are important, but the job is definitely more important to me than the salary. It is
important that you enjoy your job because you spend many hours at work each day, and
your job should challenge and engage you. If you are bored, frustrated or unmotivated, you
will not invest yourself in your job. No matter how much money you are earning, you won’t
enjoy your work and you won’t be useful to the company.

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 Question 5
Describe some times when you were not very satisfied with your performance. What did you
do about it?

Sample answer

When I feel like I’ve disappointed myself, I use these moments as learning opportunities. For
one project, I missed a deadline because I was having personal problems and I didn’t find the
time to put enough work in. I was disappointed with myself because I knew I had let my
team down. After that unfortunate experience, I knew I needed to maintain a more balanced
life, and I knew I needed to keep my personal life separate from my professional life. In
addition, I learned about the importance of asking for help or assistance when I need it.

Question 6
What has been your most successful experience in giving presentations?

Sample answer

I gave a presentation to the CEO of a company in order to convince them that our company
would be well-suited to represent their brand. I have a lot of experience in public speaking,
which is why I was assigned the task of giving the presentation. I made sure I was well-
prepared, and that I knew the material thoroughly. After I completed the presentation, I was
able to answer the CEO’s questions succinctly and eloquently. We ended up getting the
account.

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 Unit 3

Question 1
What will it take to attain your goals, and what steps have you taken toward attaining them?

Question 2
Would you describe yourself as goal-driven?

Question 3
What quality do you feel will most contribute to your career’s success?

Question 4
Give me an example of an important goal which you set in the past.

Question 5
What are your standards of success? What have you done to meet these standards?

Question 6
Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have had to handle.

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 Question 1
What will it take to attain your goals, and what steps have you taken toward attaining them?

Sample answer
I have done quite a bit of research because in order to be given the promotion, I need to doa
further course of study and gain more experience in the field. I have identified the courses
which will help me achieve this goal, and I am deciding which one is most suitable for me at
the moment. Once I have this qualification, I will try to find a mentor who can guide me
through the rest of process.

Question 2
Would you describe yourself as goal-driven?

Sample answer
Yes. I am a hard worker, and I believe that success is driven by hard work. In turn, I believe
that hard work is driven by goals. If you have a goal in place, it is easier to work towards
achieving what you want. I demonstrated this during my final year of school, when I was
offered a scholarship based on earning a certain mark. If I hadn’t gotten the marks they were
looking for, I wouldn’t have been awarded the scholarship.

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 Question 3
What quality do you feel will most contribute to your career’s success?

Sample answer

The quality I feel will most contribute to my career’s success is my determination. I am

invested in my job, and I always strive to be the best I can be because I want to work my way
to the top. I have a can-do attitude, and I often go beyond my job description because Iknow
I need to work hard to get to where I want to be in the company.

Question 4
Give me an example of an important goal which you set in the past.

Sample answer
When I was in college, I always dreamed of learning a foreign language, but I didn’t have
time to do so because of my academic workload. After college, I went to Spain for a holiday,
and it was there I decided I wanted to learn Spanish. When I came back to work, I thought
about how I could go about learning Spanish while balancing my workload and my social life.I
enrolled in weekly Spanish lessons at a language school, and I am now an intermediate- level
Spanish student. I still attend those classes every week.

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 Question 5
What are your standards of success? What have you done to meet these standards?

Sample answer
I believe that results come from hard work, and that if you work hard, you will be rewarded
with satisfactory results. If I have an important project to complete for work, I know it can be
done – even if it looks impossible – as long as I put in the time and the effort. Of course, I’ll
need to ask for help at times, but that’s okay; asking for help is not a sign of weakness. So, I
suppose that my standards of success are hard work and collaboration.

Question 6
Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have had to handle.

Sample answer

I once had a customer who made a complaint. From the very beginning, she was upset and
agitated, so I immediately tried to calm her down and placate her. Then, when we
investigated the claim, we found that the customer was in fact at fault, so we were unable
todo anything about her complaint. I sat with her for a long time and explained all the
details calmly and clearly; I even offered alternative solutions to her issue. It was a difficult
situation,but she eventually understood our position.

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 Unit 4

Question 1
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?

Question 2
Describe what you've accomplished toward reaching a recent goal for yourself.

Question 3
What personal weakness has caused you the greatest difficulty in school or on the job?

Question 4
Describe the most significant or creative presentation that you have made.

Question 5
What steps do you follow to study a problem before making a decision?

Question 6
Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.
How did you handle that person?

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 Question 1
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?

Sample answer
I think that to be successful in this career, it takes motivation and a can-do attitude. Sales is a
very large industry, and you need to be able to put in the work to achieve your targets and
stand out in the field. The sales industry is about identifying potential clients, determining the
best way to approach them and closing the sale. This can be a lengthy process. You need to
be highly motivated because you will come across many disappointments; you need to have
a positive attitude as well.

Question 2
Describe what you've accomplished toward reaching a recent goal for yourself.

Sample answer
I actually studied finance, and I worked in that field for a few years. I soon realized that while
I was good at finance, my true passion lies in journalism. So, while I was working for
anothercompany, I studied journalism through a distance-learning course. I recently
graduated from
the course, which is why I am now applying for this job.

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 Question 3
What personal weakness has caused you the greatest difficulty in school or on the job?

Sample answer

When I first became assistant manager, I took on a great deal of responsibility. I had a team
working beneath me, but I assumed the responsibility of checking and rechecking the details
of all the projects we took on. When I realized this was taking up a lot of time, I learnt that I
needed to trust my team more and delegate more responsibilities to my colleagues. As long
as I made clear what was expected of them, and I put the correct checks and balances in
place, they were able to identify any potential mistakes before the projects were signed off.

Question 4
Describe the most significant or creative presentation that you have made.

Sample answer
The most significant presentation that I have made took place at an international
educationconference. My presentation was very small, but I still managed to attract a
crowd of more than one hundred delegates from all over the world. I am generally a strong
public speaker,so the presentation went fine, but I was worried about the Q&A session at
the end.
Fortunately, I was well-prepared for the presentation, so I was able to answer the questions
quite easily based on my work. I was very impressed that my research generated such a
positive response from the audience, and I found that there were some very interesting
questions.

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 Question 5
What steps do you follow to study a problem before making a decision?

Sample answer
There are actually quite a few steps involved. The first is to identify and define the problem.
Then, I gather information and come up with several different possibilities. After considering
the possible outcomes of each one, I relate them to my values and priorities and decide
which one will suit the situation best. Finally, I commit to my decision.

Question 6

Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.
How did you handle that person?

Sample answer

At my previous job, my manager had a habit of gossiping about other staff members to me. I
thought it was very inappropriate, but because she was my manager, I didn’t know how to
tell her that. I hoped she would stop confiding in me when she saw that I didn’t gossip with
her, but she didn’t. After a few weeks, I eventually stood up to her and told her that I didn’t
think she should be talking to me about other staff members. She was initially taken aback by
what I had to say, but she did stop gossiping.

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 Unit 5

Question 1
Give me an example of one of your successful accomplishments.

Question 2
What specific goals have you established for your career?

Question 3
What were your reasons for selecting your college or university?

Question 4
Why did you decide to seek a position in this field?

Question 5
Give examples of your experiences in a job that were satisfying.

Question 6
Describe a situation where you found yourself dealing with someone who didn't like you. How did
you handle it?

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 Question 1
Give me an example of one of your successful accomplishments.

Sample answer
Learning Spanish is definitely one of my most successful accomplishments. It was always a
dream of mine to learn Spanish, but I needed to work full-time. So, I prioritized my time and
cut down on my athletic engagements, and I began taking night classes. I did that for a year,
and now my Spanish is quite good. It was hard work juggling my job and my Spanish classes,
but it was definitely worth it in the end.

Question 2
What specific goals have you established for your career?

Sample answer
At this stage in my career, I am looking to expand my skillset and gain more experience.
Ultimately, I would like to occupy a managerial position, and what this means is that I now
need to upskill myself appropriately and perhaps acquire another qualification which would
enable me to further advance in my career.

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 Question 3
What were your reasons for selecting your college or university?

Sample answer
I chose my college because I knew what I wanted to do with my career, and this was the best
institution for the qualification I was seeking. I considered a number of colleges and
universities, but this one offered the best Journalism program. Even though it might not have
had the same facilities or ranking as other colleges, it is well-respected for this particular
course, and I knew it would serve me well.

Question 4
Why did you decide to seek a position in this field?

Sample answer
At the moment, I am looking for a position at a large, well-respected company. I think that
your company could provide me with the stability I am looking for. My skills and experience
will add value to your organization, and I am interested in this position in particular because
it suits where I am currently at in my career. In addition, it will provide me with the
opportunity to continue progressing.

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 Question 5
Give examples of your experiences in a job that were satisfying.

Sample answer
As a writer, it is extremely satisfying to see my work in print. It’s a long process to go from an
idea to the finished article. Completing an article means that your research and your writing
have been successful. You can go through a lot of stages with your editor before the final
version is approved, and it can take a while for your article to be published. As a result, it’s
always a good feeling to see your hard work in a publication.

Question 6
Describe a situation where you found yourself dealing with someone who didn't like you.
How did you handle it?

Sample answer

I once worked on a freelance contract for a magazine. I had met the editor before, and I was
under the impression that she didn’t like me, although I wasn’t sure why. So, when I found
myself working for her, I had to think very carefully about my actions. Because she was my
editor, I respected her role and position and made sure she approved of my work at every
stage. It was difficult, but she remained professional, so even though she didn’t like me, I
don’t think she treated me any differently. I just made sure not to antagonize her in any way
or take it personally.

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 Unit 6

Question 1
Do you have the qualifications necessary for success in your chosen career?

Question 2
Can you describe your long-range goals and objectives?

Question 3
If you could change or improve anything about your college, what would it be?

Question 4
Tell me what you know about our company.

Question 5
Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another
person.

Question 6
What kind of supervisor do you work best for? Provide examples.

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 Question 1
Do you have the qualifications necessary for success in your chosen career?

Sample answer
I definitely do. I have a successful academic qualification from a reputable college and an
extensive history of experience in the field. In this industry, it pays to be technologically-
minded, and I have a natural interest in technology. Moreover, I pay attention to detail and
am equipped with good problem-solving skills, both of which are useful in this career. On top
of that, I have strong communication skills, which are necessary for success in any career.

Question 2
Can you describe your long-range goals and objectives?

Sample answer
My long-range goal is to be awarded a managerial position. Now is the time for me to
upgrade my skills and take on more responsibility, and hopefully this will lead to a
managerial role. I enjoy leading teams and managing people, and I think I would excel in
such a position. Hopefully, I will achieve my goal and be a manager someday.

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 Question 3
If you could change or improve anything about your college, what would it be?

Sample answer
My college is a great one, and there are a number of reasons why I chose it. It’s not easy to
identify something that I would change about the institution. That said, the one thing I found
frustrating was the lack of athletic facilities. I know the college focuses on academic
performance, and it has a great academic record, but I think there is definitely a need for
more alternative activities. Sports and exercise contribute to a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle,
and they ultimately help students prosper academically as well.

Question 4
Tell me what you know about our company.

Sample answer
I’ve been following the company in the news. I know that you have recently gone through a
merger, so it will be interesting to see what changes this will bring. I understand that the
reason for the merger was the rapid increase in your growth figures, which have been very
impressive in the last year. In addition, I know and appreciate that you have a relationship
with a local company to support local businesses.

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 Question 5
Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another
person.

Sample answer

In my current role, I need to communicate with many people on many different levels. A time
I was able to successfully communicate with another person was just yesterday, when I had a
meeting with my boss. I thought she should know about this interview, so I sat her down and
explained everything to her very clearly. It is important to me that I don’t burn any bridges,
and that my boss understands my reasons for leaving her company. Our meeting went very
well.

Question 6
What kind of supervisor do you work best for? Provide examples.

Sample answer

I need to work with someone who is a strong communicator. I am a hard worker, and while I
can work independently, I find it useful when I am given feedback and constructive criticism.
This helps me know where I stand and be more confident in my work. My previous
supervisor met with us informally every Monday morning to make sure we were on track with
our projects, and to find out if we were dealing with any issues. That really helped me do my
work effectively.

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 Unit 7

Question 1
Why should this company hire you?

Question 2
Describe a situation that required a number of things to be done at the same time. How did you
handle it?

Question 3
Give me an example of a time you had to make an important decision. How did you make the
decision?

Question 4
When you were assigned a complex project, what steps did you take to finish the project?

Question 5
Give me an example of a time when a co-worker criticized your work in front of others. How did
you respond?

Question 6
Describe some projects that were carried out successfully primarily because of your efforts.

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 Question 1
Why should this company hire you?

Sample answer

I’m sure there are many talented individuals who are interested in working for this company,
but I think I have unique skills and strengths which are perfect for this role. I majored in
Journalism, so my degree is directly related to this position. In addition, I have completed
numerous internships in order to gain real-world experience. Even though this is my first
official job, I already have a great deal of training. Plus, I am ambitious and more than willingto
work hard.

Question 2
Describe a situation that required a number of things to be done at the same time. How did
you handle it?

Sample answer
A few years ago, a colleague of mine went on maternity leave, and the cover we had
organized was no longer available. Because we were at the same level – we were both editors
– I had to take on her workload in addition to my own. It was tough, but I made sure that
my team was there to support me. I delegated projects to ensure they knew what to do in
order to support me and allow me to focus on my own work.

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 Question 3
Give me an example of a time you had to make an important decision. How did you make
the decision?

Sample answer

In my second year of college, I had to decide which major to declare. I had a number of
interests, but I wasn’t sure which route would be best for me – Finance or Journalism. I spoke
to my potential supervisors in each subject, asking them for advice and about the job
prospects associated with each field of study. That helped me to decide on Finance.

Question 4

When you were assigned a complex project, what steps did you take to finish the project?

Sample answer

A complex project to which I was assigned was a presentation for our CEO, to update him on
our quarterly sales figures. I had never done this before, and nobody had the time to
supervise me. So, I made sure that I knew what was expected of me and did my research on
the market to ensure I had all the information I needed. Once I had gathered all the
information, I put it together in a presentation and ran it past my manager. Then, once she
approved, I memorized the facts and figures before my meeting with the CEO.

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 Question 5
Give me an example of a time when a co-worker criticized your work in front of others. How
did you respond?

Sample answer
We were working to finish a project on deadline when a co-worker accused me of not
completing my task. She spoke to me in a very hostile manner during a team meeting. I
asked her if we could speak privately, and I explained that the task she had mentioned was
not actually my responsibility. From that experience, I learnt that you should always get the
facts right before being critical of others.

Question 6

Describe some projects that were carried out successfully primarily because of your efforts.

Sample answer

In college, I was elected chairman of a charity organization. The charity was tasked with
raising funds to help a sick student pay his medical bills. When I joined the charity, it was led
by a charismatic student and was very successful, but his successor didn’t do much, and the
charity waned as a result. When I became chairman, I assembled a task team to think of ways
we could rekindle the public’s interest in our cause and increase our drive for funds. Once we
had a few ideas, I was responsible to organizing the events – from printing banners, to
finding prizes to keeping track of the money. The year I was chairman was the charity’s most
successful year.

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 Unit 8

Question 1
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. How did you handle the
situation?

Question 2
Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company
was facing.

Question 3
Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you treat the problem?
What roles did others play? What was the outcome?

Question 4
Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision, but didn't have all the information you
needed.

Question 5
What suggestions do you have for our organization?

Question 6
Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What
did you learn?

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 Question 1
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. How did you handle the
situation?

Sample answer
In my current position, I frequently work with teams on different projects. For one campaign, I
didn’t get on with one of the other team members. He was very outspoken and impatient,
and he didn’t allow others to voice their opinions. I didn’t want to cause a fuss because the
campaign was only short-term, so I put my differences aside in order to complete the project.If
we were going to work together long-term, I might have needed to say something, but there
was no need to do so for this project.

Question 2
Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your
company was facing.

Sample answer
In my previous company, we used printing machines quite frequently. We bought really
expensive machines, and because we used them so much, they often broke or had technical
problems. Calling in a technician was costly and time-consuming because we had to wait
until a technician was available to fix it for us. This was a problem for many companies in the
building. I suggested that instead of buying the machines, we rent them instead. That way,
the company wouldn’t be responsible for fixing them when they broke. Because we have so
many machines for so many different companies in the building, we now have a dedicated
team of support technicians who are available whenever we need them.

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 Question 3
Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you treat the
problem? What roles did others play? What was the outcome?

Sample answer
During one of my internships, I noticed that many clients were late on their payments, which
made it difficult to process our sales figures each month. This was very time-consuming for
the accounts department because they had to follow up on these payments. I suggested that
we start recording payments a month later, which would give our clients more time to pay.
They trialed this system and found it very effective.

Question 4
Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision, but didn't have all the informationyou
needed.

Sample answer
I recently had to choose among a number of freelancers for a contract. The problem was that
some of their applications were incomplete. I had to look at the full applications and do some
research on the incomplete candidates. I soon realized that the reason they were incomplete
was that there was not much more for them to say! Consequently, I went with thebest of the
other applicants, all of whom were more qualified.

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 Question 5
What suggestions do you have for our organization?

Sample answer

I noticed on your website that you have yet to break into the technology industry. I
understand that your products cater to an older age group, but I still think that this is a
missed opportunity. If you incorporate technology into your products, or align your marketing
efforts with current technological advances, then you will appeal to a wider audience.

Question 6
Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do?What
did you learn?

Sample answer

When I was a journalist, we were given deadlines for our articles. I was usually quite good at
submitting my work before the deadline. However, at one point I was having some personal
issues, and I didn’t prioritize an article. Before I knew it, I had missed the deadline. My editor
was, of course, very disappointed and decided to run a colleague’s article instead of my own.I
learnt so many lessons from this experience, including the importance of not letting my
personal life affect my professional life. I learnt the importance of prioritization and that if
you don’t work hard, you disappoint others and can sabotage your career.

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