Interview Preparation
The following answers are provided as samples only and this is not a model
answer. It is important to rework to fit your experiences, since memorized
textbook responses will not impress employers. They want to hear genuine, well
thought-out answers. Always be positive and demonstrate you have the skills and
ability working in this position. You could bring out your achievement from your
previous experience.
Remember: your answer should not be
- too long, and neither be
- too short with only yes or no answer
1. Tell me about yourself.
Example:
“I have more than five years of experience as a technical project manager at ABC Bank
in England. Most recently, I led the development of an award-winning new trading
platform. I’m a person who succeeds in a fast-paced environment so right now I’m
looking for an opportunity to apply my technical experience and my creative problem-
solving skills working with your company. I feel I’m now ready for a more challenging
assignment and this position really excites me.”
Your Own Script:
2. Why do you want to work here?
Example:
My previous company lost a bid several years ago to your company. I realized that
products in the computer industry are becoming increasingly similar. The retail prices are
so competitive, that service is the best way for a company to distinguish itself from the
competition. This company has the best service record of all its competitors; I do believe
it will dominate the business in this long run. This provides an ideal environment where I
can utilize my expertise in customer service as well as my diverse computer knowledge.
Your Own Script:
3. What is your experience with this type of work?
Example:
If you have done the same work, state where and give examples of relevant
achievements. Be sure that the achievements and duties you talk about are at the
correct level for the position.
“Yes, I did junior accounting work with 2 manufacturing companies for about
3 years This included A/R, A/P, reconciliations, and payroll. In both
companies, I learned different computerized accounting systems and
inventory systems. The Controller at Hitachi, my second company, was happy
with my work because I took the initiative to reorganize all the A/R procedures
after I had been there a little while. We had a number of bad accounts, but I
started a system of follow-up so companies paid earlier, and this increased
our cash flow and reduced the debts. Actually, I got a letter of recognition
from the General Manager because of the good results. “
If you have no specific experience:
- Mention related work, training and transferable skills. State your interest in
the position and your ability to learn.
- Mention any unpaid experience (volunteer experience, hobbies) that provided
you with skills to do the job.
As a secretary at ABC Company, I calculated sales commissions for our
inside sales reps and sent expense reports to the accounting department.
And at home I’ve kept detailed records of all the family expenses for years.
Although I have not been an accounting assistant before, I have the skills to
do the job and I really enjoy this type of work. I am good with numbers, I have
experience with different types of computer systems, and I know accounting
principles. I am a fast learner, and I’d be happy to do extra studying or take a
course on my own time to learn your system. I’m sure you won’t be
disappointed if you give me a chance.”
“In university I took two Accounting courses, covering the whole accounting
cycle. I learned about debits, credits, the G/L, trial balances and so on, and I
kept a complete set of books for a company in a simulation exercise. We used
an accounting software something like Simply Accounting. We also covered
topics like depreciation and inventory.
Your Own Script:
4. What did you think of your last boss?
Example:
My last employer was supportive. She provided solid feedback about my strengths, and
gave me many ideas of additional teaching techniques I could use in my classroom. I
learned a lot while working with her.
Your Own Script:
5. What are your greatest strengths?
Example:
My greatest strengths lie in my customer service and problem solving abilities. I take the
time to help customer identified exactly what they are looking for, and then I assist them
in selecting a product within our stock that fits their criteria. I am a patient listener and
ensure that the customer I am helping is satisfied with my serviced. In addition, I am
fluent in English, French and Punjabi, which allows me to provide service to a diverse
clientele and to also better serve those clients who are not very comfortable speaking
English.
Your Script:
6. What are your weaknesses?
Example:
I am familiar with the fact that PowerPoint is a presentation software program, but I have
not had the opportunity to use it yet. However, I am able to learn new computers
programs very quickly through self-study and learned MS Word and MS Excel in only
one week. I am confident that I will be able to quickly learn PowerPoint and use it to
make effective presentations for your company.
Or:
As a Receptionist, I feel very comfortable interacting with individuals and small groups of
people, and I know I have a strength in this area. However, I would not feel very
comfortable giving a speech in front of a large group of people, for example in an
auditorium or conference hall. This is something I am working on. I recently joined a
Toastmasters course and I have been pushing myself to do more public presentations. I
know that with practice, my public speaking skills will improve.
Your Own Script:
7. How long have you been out of work?
Example:
The computer industry is changing so quickly that it is essential know the current
developments in technology. I have been doing a lot of research on the Internet,
interviewing other Computer Programmers and Systems Analysts and keeping up to
date with industry trends. I am confident that I can start work with your company with
the knowledge needed to excel in this industry.
Your Own Script:
8. What was your last employer’s opinion of you?
Example:
My last boss and I got along very well. We communicated openly with each other and
worked together on many projects. On several occasions she mentioned that she was
impressed by the fact, I put in the overtime hours needed to complete important projects.
She was impressed with my motivation and dedication to my work.
Your Script:
9. Have you ever had trouble working with _______(your last
boss, your co-workers, a client etc) ?
Example:
I found it very easy to get along with my previous co-workers. All were very friendly and
professional. However, all people have their own ideas and personalities, so eventually
you are bound to have a difference of opinion with one or two people you come across
with. In these circumstances, I focus on our common goals or assigned tasks and I
usually remain supportive and cooperate well with them despite not becoming best
friends.
Your Own Script:
10. Why did you leave your last job?
A. If You Left on Good Terms :
For Business Reasons:
The company went out of business
Our department was moved to another province
There was new ownership with a change of staff
The company downsized due to merger/ economy/ other.
It was seasonal work
The hours were reduced
The contract ended
There was a change in government/ municipal/ company policy
B. If You Left on Good Terms :
For Personal Reasons :
To look after the family
To attend to a one-time medical matter that is now taken care of.
To re-assess my career
To find a position that required less travel time and time away from my family.
To take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel.
C. If You Left on Bad Terms :
There was a company re-organization and my job description changed
We just didn’t see eye to eye
It was time for a change
I did a career evaluation and realized that the position I am applying for
is really, where I should be at this point in time.
The company was taking a new direction and this offered an opportunity
to re-evaluate my own career goals and development.
Example:
I really enjoyed my last job and had many opportunities to implement my own ideas.
However, it was a small business and there was not any room for further advancement.
It was a difficult decision to make, but finally I realized it was time for me to move into a
company that I could continue to grow with for many years. My last employer was sad to
see me go and said he would give me a strong reference for my next position.
Your Own Script:
11. How often were you absent from work in your last job?
Example:
I have had an excellent attendance record. I take pride in my work and know that my
contribution is needed.
Alternatively if you leave your job in poor health:
Unfortunately, I went through period of time when I was unable to work because of a
health problem. However, this problem has been resolved and I now have a clean bill of
health from my doctor. I am eager and ready to work again, and I am confident that I will
have an excellent attendance record with your company.
Your Own Script:
12. Can you work under pressure or tight deadlines?
Example:
I know pressure and deadlines are a part of work and I enjoy meeting realistic goals and
challenges. I keep prioritized lists of my daily tasks and their deadline dates and I work
through them in an organized and efficient manner. In this way, I stay focussed on my
work and deadlines, without letting it become an overwhelming task.
Your Own Script:
13. What is your expected salary?
Example:
According to my research on the industry, I am aware that this position usually offers a
range of ____ to _____. I am interested in finding out what salary range you are
offering. I am negotiable and ready to discuss an amount, which is fair to both of us, and
takes into account my responsibilities and qualifications.
Your Own Script:
14. What is your greatest achievement?
Example:
In my last company, I increased the rate of customer return by implementing consistent
follow-up strategies. One week after a sale, the salesperson would call the customer to
ensure that our product was set up properly and working well. Two months later, we
would send a notice of items we are selling that would complement the original
purchase. In addition, once per year we send a handwritten card to our customers
thanking them for their loyalty. This has created a 65% increase in repeat business.
Your Own Script:
15. What are your long-term goal?
Example:
I have great motivation to continue developing my skills so that I can advance in my
career in this field, while providing increasing benefit to my company. I am committed to
ensuring that my work is of the highest standard at all times, and it is most important to
me that my clients are satisfied with the results. In this way, I will continue to push
myself to grow and find ways to improve my skills, in order to help my company meet its
goals.
Your Own Script:
16. Are you thinking about taking any additional courses?
Example:
It is very important to me that I stay current in my field. For that reason, I continue to
upgrade my skills by reading journals, attending workshops and searching for
information about new technology on the Internet. At this moment, I enrolled in a part
time evening course in C++ programming. It runs two nights a week, and does not
interfere in my work in any way. In fact, I will be able to use these new skills to further
benefit your company.
Your Own Script:
