Never say You are a Workaholic, a Perfectionist, etc. because it sounds negative.

Try to
convert these negative biased qualities into positive ones. For example, in place of
Workaholic you can say you are a hard worker and always willing to work for extra
hours.In place of Perfectionist, you can say you are detail oriented and like to set high
standard for work.

QUOTE
"Try to specify your weakness as your strength and also highlight it as a benefit."

Your answers can be:

1) One of my weaknesses as I perceive is occasional compromise on time for quality and

perfection.

2) I feel I am not very detail-oriented. I’m a person that wants accomplish as much as
possible. I realized this hurts quality and therefore I‘m trying hard to find a balance
between quality and quantity.

3) At times even when I need help, I try to solve my own problems instead of asking a co-
worker who might know the answer. This would save me more time and I would be more
efficient. I’m working on knowing when it would be beneficial to ask for help.

4) I've been told a few times I'm too much detail oriented. I do make it a practice of
checking my work at least
If you are given an opportunity to work in our organisation, how long will you
stick ?

Please tell me how will you answer this !

Aasim Pathan
Dec 15 2008, 04:37 PM
QUOTE (Latha_HR @ Dec 10 2008, 08:24 PM)
If you are given an opportunity to work in our organisation, how long will you
stick ?

Please tell me how will you answer this !

As long as we both feel that i am doing a good job

interview question
Dec 16 2008, 05:14 PM
I am planing to have a long term career in your company.
once or twice to make sure that it's absolutely accurate.

Full Version: What to say when HR asked about strength and weakness ?
ChetanaSforum > CAREER GUIDANCE FORUM > HR INTERVIEW HELPLINE
talk2_vinoth
Jul 14 2006, 11:12 AM
What to say when HR asked about strength and weakness ?
I am Vijji
Jul 17 2006, 10:24 PM
This is the best answer I read till now :

Try to answer such negative questions with a positive response. For example, say, Some
people consider me a perfectionist, or I'm too detail-oriented. I always try to get things
right.

An employer will be happy to put up with such weaknesses. Saying, I don't have any
weaknesses worth mentioning, indicates that you don't know yourself very well (poor
self-assessment).

Something like, I get angry when people don't work as hard as they should, but I see very
little of that at my current job, is good too.
KSN
Aug 31 2006, 03:50 PM
Highlighting strengths and accomplishments: Use specific examples to highlight your
accomplishments -- explicit numbers, results and outcomes. Generic words are
meaningless unless backed by data.

For example, instead of using the word 'significant' , use a number or percentage instead.

Strengths that interviewers are looking for include:

. Committed: Talk about the times you may have sacrificed a vacation to complete an
important project.

. Action-oriented: Quote an example from a past job where you drove the meeting,
committee or project that was languishing. Or, when a deadline loomed and you came up
with a way to reach the goal.

. Inquisitive/ Curious: Show how curiosity has served you well in the last job. For
example, when was the last time you knew there had to be a better way of performing a
task, closing a particular deal or making a sale to a difficult client? How did your
questioning of the situation find a solution?

. Long term approach: Talk about how you were able to see the broader consequences
of a decision in your previous company. Your contribution provided a viewpoint that
others had overlooked.

The one question candidates love to avoid is, "What is your greatest weakness?" Do not
give superficial answers like "I'm a workaholic" or "I'm a perfectionist." These are boring
and predictable.
Interviewers can even reply to them with, "That doesn't sound like a weakness. Now why
don't you tell me about a real weakness?" So, state a true weakness that doesn't have a
major impact on your ability to do the job.

Sample -- If you are applying for a non-managerial role: 'In the past, I've had some
trouble sharing responsibilities with others. I felt I could do things better and faster
myself. This sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could handle and
the quality of my work would suffer. But I plan to take courses in time management and
effective delegation.'

Or, 'I am weak in accounts and had a tough time when I was asked to work on a project
with the finance team. I have enrolled in an online program on basic finance to overcome
this.' (NOTE: You would not want to use this example for an accounting or finance
position.)
moparthy.ujjwala
Sep 11 2008, 08:00 PM
Dont answer negatively for this question...bcoz when HR asked abt ur weakness means
he asking abt ur negativepoint...so for this negative question u reply in a +ve way like
this..MY WEAKNESS IS MY HARDWORKING NATURE...if he asked both strength
and weakness, then reply him like this BOTH MY STRENGTH AND MY WEAKNESS
IS HARDWORKING...
supriya anand
Nov 10 2008, 07:46 AM
i thnk we should reply dat 'i got tensd whenever i couldnt give my 100% to my work'
Surendra.S
Nov 12 2008, 04:15 PM
QUOTE (moparthy.ujjwala @ Sep 11 2008, 02:30 PM)
Dont answer negatively for this question...bcoz when HR asked abt ur weakness means
he asking abt ur negativepoint...so for this negative question u reply in a +ve way like
this..MY WEAKNESS IS MY HARDWORKING NATURE...if he asked both strength
and weakness, then reply him like this BOTH MY STRENGTH AND MY WEAKNESS
IS HARDWORKING...

Sorry but I don't think that's a good answer.

Then HR will ask you - 'Why do you think Hardworking is a weakness ?'

QUOTE (supriya anand @ Nov 10 2008, 02:16 AM)

i thnk we should reply dat 'i get tensd whenever i couldnt give my 100% to my work'

Getting tensed at work is too big weakness. I personally think you should avoid this
answer.
In fact, you should avoid any answer that has scope for too many cross-questions from
the HR.
Uttam Agrawal
Apr 9 2009, 09:32 AM
“Try to specify your weakness as your strength and also highlight it as a benefit.”

Your answers can be:

1) One of my weaknesses as I perceive is occasional compromise on time for quality and

perfection.

2) I feel I am not very detail-oriented. I’m a person that wants accomplish as much as
possible. I realized this hurts quality and therefore I‘m trying hard to find a balance
between quality and quantity.

3) At times even when I need help, I try to solve my own problems instead of asking a co-
worker who might know the answer. This would save me more time and I would be more
efficient. I’m working on knowing when it would be beneficial to ask for help.`

HR.1 - Tell Me Something About Yourself.

Try to introduce some of your most important employment-oriented skills as well as your
education and accomplishments to the interviewer. Answer to thie question is very
important because it positions you for the rest of the interview. That's why this statement
is often called the " Positioning Statement".

One should take the opportunity to show his/her communication skills by speaking
clearly and concisely in an organized manner. Since there is no right or wrong answer for
this question hence it is important to appear friendly.

The answers can be:

1) I am a person with strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to get along well
with people. I enjoy challenges and looking for creative solutions to problems.

2)Besides the details given in my resume, I believe in character values, vision and action.
I am quick in learning from mistakes. I am confident that the various tests that you have
conducted will corroborate my competencies aptitude and right attitude for the job.

3) I attended GIET where I majored in Electronics & Communication Engineering. My

hobbies include basketball, reading novels and hiking. I’m an easy going person that
works well with everyone. I enjoy being around different types of people and I always
like to challenge myself to improve at everything I do.

4) I went to GIET, Gunupur where I majored in Electronics & Communication

Engineering. Afterwards, I started my career at Mumbai as a software engineer in LnT
Infotech. I’ve been there for 3 years now. I love solving riddles and puzzles and I also
enjoy jogging, reading and watching movies.

HR.2 - What are Your Strengths?

This is a simple and popular interview question. Generally people answer it in two ways.
There are people who simply state their strength like “I am Young, Dynamic, Intelligent,
Smart & so on…”. Such answer is neither right nor wrong but does not help u in any way
also.Secondly there are peoples who state their strengths and explain them how he can
use his strength for the job and industry.

Do not simply state your strength. Everyone has some strength, all you need is to convert
them into benefits. In short, try to advertize yourself by converting your features into
strengths.

Your answers can be : -

1) I am a hard worker and because of this ability I can work for additional hours to
accomplish my tasks.I am commitment oriented and hence I always enjoy the trust and
confidence of my team mates which enables me to perform my duties very easily.

2) I am adaptable, so I can handle any type of people and situations and also bring out the
best from them in spite of conflicting situations or opinions.I am a quick learner, so I can
any subject quickly and analyze my job and add value to it as well as I can identify the
problem and solve them faster and better.

Cover Letter/Job Application Format.

3) My strength is that I have very strong values and ethics and a very good eye for detail.
I believe in strong relationships and have a very supportive family and very good friends.

4) I’ve always been a great team player and therefore I can work efficiently to produce
quality work in a team environment.I can accomplish a large amount of work within a
short period of time hence I get things done on time.

Difference between Smart Worker & Hard Worker

"A smart worker always put things right but a hard worker always do right things."

If you are interviewed for a managerial position or for an admission in a MBA

College, You should mention traits that are important for managers like :

“Well, I believe I am good at planning and execution, and working with people. I’ve
always been good at detailing all the steps too. Even in college, I used to spend time
organizing my week and planning a strategy to tackle each class and assignment. I love
working in a team environment where I try to use strengths of each individual in a team
and hence produce the best results.”

“EVERYONE CLAIM THEY ARE HONEST, HARDWORKING, SMART & SO

ON….. BUT WITH AN EXAMPLE IT IS MUCH MORE BELIEVABLE.”

If you are asked,

Tell me on the basis on which strength should we select you?

As an individual, I am a package of all my strengths that I have stated to you and I

strongly believe that if you have to select me, you have to do so for all my strengths put
together and not for one strength in isolation. However if you still insist that you would
like to select me for a specific strength than the prerogative is yours sir.

HR.4 - Can You Work well Under Pressure?

The best answer to this question is “Yes”. Working well under pressure is a good strength
to have. But saying yes is not enough; you need to explain how you can handle pressure
situation to bring the best out of it. Tell the interviewer that you work the same with
pressure and without pressure.

You can answer as:

1) Sir, I can handle pressure of work. Whenever there is pressure of work, we need to
tackle it from the mental and physical stand-point. Mental stand-point would mean being
in a state of relaxation and composure so that I do not feel stressed out during the course
of my work and from physical stand-point; I always prioritize my job in their exact order
of merit and importance so that I can dispose them off quickly and effectively.

2) I work well under pressure because I don’t panic. I use the pressure to help me work
more efficiently. I maintain self control and work as efficiently as possible. At times, I try
to prioritize and plan as much as I can.

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3) Working under pressure has always been a learning experience for me because it helps
me grow. I have always worked well during deadline, and I always learned how to work
more efficiently afterwards.

4) Well I believe I work the same if there’s pressure or not. I try and take the emotional
factors and work hard regardless of down time. I always prioritize and organize my work
and hence that gives me a Psychological advantage over pressure. At times whenever
time becomes a constraint I put extra effort and time to meet the deadline. So pressure has
nothing to do with my work.

Short term goal depends upon where you stand right now. A person with 5 years of
experience will have different short term goals than a person with no work experience.

"An idealist believes the short run doesn't count,

A cynic believes the long run doesn't matter
A realist believes that what is done or left undone
in the short run determines the long run."

Your answer can be:

1) My short term goal is to find a position where I can use the Knowledge and Strength I
have. I want to participate in the growth and success of the company I work for.

2) I want to see myself as a software developer in your esteemed organization where by

with all my skills and enhanced learning I shall be able to make valuable and meaningful
contribution to your organization.

3) My short term goal is to learn everything I can about marketing. I want to be in a

position where I can contribute what I’ve learned through education to gain some
practical and real life Experience. Hence my immediate goal is to learn and become
skilled in all aspects of marketing.

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4) My short term goal is to become a marketing analyst. I’ve learned the basics of
marketing during my first two years and hence I am raring to take on challenging
projects.

5) My short term goal is to get into a management position. The last five years of my
career I have concentrated on learning and acquiring all the managerial skills. Recently
I’ve taken more responsibilities in management because I eventually want to become
production manager. I feel I’m doing a diligent job by volunteering for extra work to gain
more experience and hope to be in a management position within a year or two.

“Never simply state your Short term goal but move a step further by stating the
steps you are taking to achieve them.”

HR.6 - What are your Long Term Goals?

Generally such questions are asked by the interviewer to check how serious the
candidate is about his career. Avoid answers as “becoming rich and retiring early”.
These are incorrect answers. Try to give an ambitious answer that shows you really love
your career. Be descriptive and try to convince them that you are a hard worker and not
just a mediocre one.

You can answer as:

1) My long term goal is to be an instructor. I have always loved to teach and hence I
would like to grow newer employees and help co-workers where ever I can.

2) After a successful career, I look forward to write a book on Programming Language. I

think working smart is important and I have many ideas. So after gaining more
experience, I am going to write a book.

Cover Letter/Job Application Format.

3) My long term goal is to become partner for a consulting firm. I know a lot of hard
work determination and patience is required to become a partner. Many people fail to
become a partner. But that’s not going to stop me anyway from working hard and
learning everything I can. I know it’s going to be tough but becoming a partner is a long
term goal of mine and I am going to work towards this goal throughout my career.

4) My long term goal is to become director of a company. I know it sounds a little too
ambitious but I’m smart and willing to work hard a lot.

HR.7 - Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Well this is a similar question to the short term question but you need to answer them
differently.

Your answers can be:

1) I see myself as a ¬Senior Software Engineer in your esteemed organization where by

with all my enhanced learning and skill, I shall be able to make up a valuable and
meaningful contribution to your organization.

2) In five years, I want to be a senior analyst (Senior Software Engineer/Manager/Lead). I

want to expertise to directly impact the company in a positive way.

Interview Questions & Answers

3) Although I really enjoy working as a Software Engineer, I want to eventually become a

manager. I want to continue gaining experience, and after learning many different
aspects, I see myself in management.

4) Five years from now I see myself as a marketing manager. I am going to be learning
and gaining experience until then. I know there are a lot of things to learn, but I’m going
to be working hard for the next five years. I Know opportunity knock the door of great
workers and I’m going to try to be one of them.

HR.8 - Why should we hire you?

The interviewer asks this question just to find out how your skills, experience and
knowledge can add value to the job.Well to answer this question you need to learn what
they are looking for and then tie them with your strengths. This ensures that you are a
viable fit for the position.

The more detail you give the stronger your answers will be. Try to summarize all your
accomplishments and relate what makes you unique.

Your answers can be:

1) You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are
likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional
quality that makes me the best person for the job - my passion for excellence. I am
passionately committed to producing truly class results.

2) I believe I’m the perfect fit for this position. I’m very detail oriented, and I organize
my work and time very efficiently. But what makes me unique? If I were in your position
I would hire myself because of the passion for this industry and my optimistic
personality. I want to make more of an impact than just doing my job. I don’t want to
blend in with the company; I would rather want my addition to improve it.

WANNA KNOW HOW LONG WILL YOU LIVE?

3) There are two reasons I should be hired. Firstly, my qualifications match your needs
perfectly. Secondly I’m excited and passionate about this industry and the position and
will always give my 100%.

4) You should definitely hire me. I have a proven track record of success throughout my
education. My education graph always kept roaring with time. This position requires
someone who has the ability to solve problems quickly and who can logically add value
to the job. I believe my skills and abilities matches perfectly with the requirement and
what makes me the unique candidate is my passion towards my work and industry. So
I’m confident I’ll be the best candidate for this position.
5) I’m a perfect fit for this position. I have three years of experience in this technology and
my skills enable me to develop better products in less time. On top of that I’m a great
team player that gets a long with everyone.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS ON....?

6) This position seeks a Quality Assurance Manager, I’m confident I’m the best person
for this job. I have earlier worked with xyz Software Company and I was in charge of a
team that was responsible for the quality of three different applications. I have adept
knowledge in Quality assurance, Product support and even some creative processes that
will benefit a quality assurance team. I love mentoring junior employees since I believe
in sharing knowledge to everyone in the company who work with me. So I strongly
believe that I’ll be the best candidate due to the combination of my experience, my
management skills, abilities and my desire to provide growth in employees.

Always remember: “Never compare yourself to other applicants who are vying for
the same position”

HR.9 - What kind of salary are you looking for?

Never bring up the salary topic. Always allow the interviewer to do it first. Do not give a
figure right away. If you state a figure you risk stating something that is too high or
something that is too low. In either case the loss is yours. Many a times peoples and
friends around us suggest saying something as “I’m sure whatever I am offered will be a
fair price”. No doubt it’s a safe answer but I would recommend answering this question
with a range.

The thumb rule of any negotiations is: The side with more information wins. Try to
learn what the employer is willing to pay before you reveal what you’re willing to accept.
Hence when asked about salary, you can say:

“I’m sure the company has already established a salary range for this position. Can you
tell me what that is?”

Or

“I want an income commensurate with my ability and qualifications. I trust you’ll be fair
with me. What does this position pay?”
WANNA KNOW HOW LONG WILL YOU LIVE?

If you have some idea regarding the pay for the position, then just state something a little
higher with a small range included as-

“Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 15000 – 18000
would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.”

Or

“I know the average pay for this position is roughly around 15000. But because I have
two years of experience, I would like something around 15000 – 18000.”

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS ON....?

If the salary range is already stated in the job description, then you can answer that you
are willing to consider any offer stated in the job description as:

“The job description says that the salary will be around 15000 – 18000. I think it’s a
fair range.”

If you want to play safe, you can answer as:

“I would expect to be paid competitively and commensurate with the level of skill,
experience and responsibility that this particular job requires”

HR.11 - Do you prefer to work alone or as a team player?

When interviewer asks such questions it means they are trying to learn whether you are a
team player or you like working independently. Even if you have a strong preference to
work alone or with others, the best answer is to say both. If a job is mostly about working
alone, there might be some team work involved. There’s no work or job which doesn’t
need team work at some point of time.

The reality is that most jobs require us to work both independently and in teams.
Your response to this question should show that you have been successful in both
situations. Most employers want someone who can work well in a team and work well
alone.

Your answers can be:

1) I would like to work in an environment where there is a blend of both. Its great
working in teams while sharing and learning ideas with each other, but it’s also great to
sit at my own desk and work hard productively. Therefore I would like to work
independently towards a team goal.

2) I believe both are two sides of the same coin. They can never be isolated. A man has to
work individually and also as a team player. The value of teamwork is the emergence of
new ideas and creative solutions as well as sharing of the work load. So I prefer to work
both as an individual and as a team member.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS ON....?

3) During my school days, I was a team member of the Cricket team and the Band Group.
Each required a different kind of team play and the learning experience was invaluable.
But simultaneously I had to work hard individually for my School exams and other
competitive exams where I need to learn and perform on my own. Hence I understand the
value of both and therefore I am comfortable working on a team and independently as
well.

4) I like working myself. But I love working in a team because one thing is for sure -
gaining and sharing knowledge through experience. It is always said “Two heads are
better than one”. Working as an individual, I can apply all that I have learned throughout
the career. So I believe both have their importance and both are required to be successful
in any field.

5) What I have learned from the job description is: this position requires someone who
can handle assignments which in turn requires great deal of independent work and
research. I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently.
My career marks and percentage shows my individual effort. Moreover I was the captain
of the winning cricket team of my school and I was adjudged the best bowler of the
tournament which shows that I am an efficient team member also. So I am comfortable
with both.

HR.14 - Why do you want to work for us?

The interviewer wants to know why you chose to serve his company. Basically this
question is asked to people having experience in their respective field. Don’t start
babbling and don’t give a short answer. Do some research about the company and then
answer this question by associating sufficient data and information. Try to find out
the status of the company, the turnover of the company, why this company is best among
the competitors, etc. Such information will help you to answer in the best possible
manner.

Try to gather information from annual reports, company’s website, articles about the
company and the corporate newsletter.

Your answers can be:

1) Three reasons why I would like to work for your company are:

- Since your company provides a strong core competency, very strong value systems
and best practices so I believe I have a strong vision of viewing myself as a project leader
in your company.

- Your company has one of the fastest growth rates and turnover in the industry and that
would mean a faster growth rate for me as a professional.

- The practices of your company are more employee and customer oriented.

2) I well understand that this is a company on the way up. And recently I studied and saw
on your website about the launch of several new products which is imminent. I want to be
a part of this business as it grows. Additionally, the team I would work with looks terrific.

HR.15 - Are you willing to travel?

When the interviewer asks about your willingness to travel, it means that this position
requires some travelling. If you say no, then you may not get hired because they are
looking for someone who is able to travel.

It is perfectly acceptable to ask how much travel is involved.

You can say:

“I am completely mobile. Well I can go to any part of the country or even abroad if
situation permits.”

“I know as an auditor that I’ll have to make business trips. So I’m definitely willing to
travel.”

Or you can say

“I have no problems with travelling, actually I love travelling.”

HR.33 - Are you Willing to take risks?

“To get what you want, Stop doing what isn’t working.”

The answer to this question depends on the position and nature of the job you are
applying for. But it’s believed that those who are willing to take risks are positioned well
than the other candidates.

Your answers can be :

1) I’m a risk taker. I keep my options open and if the reward justifies the risk, I would
definitely try. I believe rewards belong only to those guys who go beyond intentions to
the place of actions.

“Policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all.”

2) I see myself as a risk taker. But before taking any decision, I always evaluate all other
options and after careful considerations I would definitely take a risk if the rewards were
high enough.

“There is as much risk in doing nothing, as in doing something.”

How long will I live?

If your BirthDay is On...

3) I think it’s important to take some risks. Going the extra mile in taking risks is worth
even if failure is the result, because the experience and the growth from the risks are
priceless.

“What you risk reveals what you value.”

4) I see myself as a careful risk taker. I would definitely study each and every situation
and take a risk that would improve my personal and company’s situation. I believe a risk
is worth if the reward are high enough.

5) I’m reliable and believe in stability and guarantees. My work will be based on facts
and knowledge without assumptions or guesses, So I tend to stay away from risk.

HR.16 - What do you know about this company?

The interviewer simply wants to check out whether you have come prepared. Your
answers also signify how passionate you are for the job and the company. Therefore it’s a
very important question. Your answer should reflect your knowledge about the
company and passion for the job. If you state a simple answer and use tags it will
definitely show that you have not done sufficient research.

You don’t have to list everything you know… just enough to let them know that you did
your homework. Also, take a little time to give the company a compliment such as the
last sentence. It is a psychological tool that you should use to your advantage. This type
of compliment is directed at the company and the interviewer will be happy to hear this.

Your answers can be:

1) This company is the leader in delivering IT Solutions. It’s a global company in 18

different countries, and finally it’s one of the best companies to work for.

2) I learned that this Company has a great work environment and is an employee
oriented. It’s a place where strong contributors are rewarded. I want to work for a
company with opportunities and I know this company will definitely provide me.

3) I learned that this company provides a strong core competency, very strong value
systems and best practices so I believe I have a strong vision of viewing myself as a
member of this company. Also it has one of the fastest growth rates and turnover in
the industry and that would mean a faster growth rate for me as a professional.

4) The practices of your company are more employee and customer oriented. Also I
learned from sources that this company provides services to large corporations and is a
leader in IT Solutions. That’s why I ‘m excited to have the opportunity to join this
company.

5) Well in my research I learned that your company headquarters are in Bangalore and
that you have grown from one small office to over 48 locations in the last 5 years. I also
know that at first you were primarily a brokerage firm and now diversified to provide IT
solutions and Outsourcing.

HR.17 - What do you seek from a job?

The interviewer simply wants to check out what you are expecting from the job. Never
relate your answer to position, status or money associated with the job. Your answer
should show that you are really determined to add value to the organization and yourself
too.

Your answers can be:

1) I would like a job which gives me a chance to apply all that I have learned in college
and enable me to grow as a professional. I would like a role which enables me to make a
difference and improve my skills.

2) Great learning opportunities, challenging roles, rational career progression and

good job satisfaction. I would also like to work for an organization that gives me an
opportunity to serve the organization, the society and above all my country.

3) I seek three things from the job: Competence, Challenging Roles and learning
opportunities. I want a position where I can apply my skills and abilities at par so that I
can add some value to the organization.

4) I’m looking for a place to learn and a chance to improve my practicalities and thereby
taking my employer to its level best by showing my fullest dedication and work
strengths.

HR.18 - How do you evaluate success?

Here the interviewer simply wants to know what success means to you in your
professional and personal life. Many people view success in terms of power, wealth, or
fame. But many of the most enduring and satisfying forms of success have nothing do
with acquiring power, wealth, or fame. Success is what you make it. For some people it
is just keeping busy, having fun and enjoying life as never before.

Your answers can be:

1) If my contribution has positively benefitted my company, than that’s “Success” for me.
From the personal front, success to me is fulfilling my parents dream.

2) Success to me is to set a goal, plan the steps to achieve the goal, implement the
plan and finally achieve the goal.

3) Success to me means satisfaction for whatever I do. If I am at my workplace,

positive result gives me the satisfaction and at home happiness in parent’s eyes gives me
the satisfaction.

4) Success to me means completing a task or assignment in an excellent manner and

within the stipulated time. But if it was a group project and say only two people did the
work, I wouldn’t call that success. If everyone participated and worked together, then it’s
a success. Therefore I believe both the result and the process should be great to call
something a success.

HR.19 - During your performance reviews, what criticism do you hear the
most?

No one likes to be criticized. But as a young professional, you will experience the barbs
of negative feedback in both your personal as well as professional life. Here the
interviewer is on the look out for your accountability and professional character.
Generally this question is for people with experience. You shouldn’t answer it directly by
saying all the criticism you had faced during your tenure, rather try to mould the answer
to show your positive attitude towards the critics.

Always remember “You can’t please everyone, so just please yourself. You are your
best critic. Some people are just not going to like you. Accept it.”

Your answers can be:

1) I believe criticism should be dealt with positive attitude because it gives us
information on how to improve. The criticism I heard during my tenure was to voice my
opinions, ideas and suggestions in group meetings. My manager always liked my
suggestions whenever I personally met him, but in group meetings I usually let him
speak. Now, I feel more confident that I can suggest my ideas and opinions in groups.

2) My boss has always appreciated my work and told me that I did my projects well and
within the stipulated time. But he asked me to send more updates and that too frequently
so that he can report to his seniors and managers.

3) My colleagues criticized me for being an introvert. I usually go to office and

concentrate on my work. But I took the criticism positively and now I am trying to
interact with people around me and simultaneously concentrating on my work. I realized
that I have to be social.

HR.20 - Is there anything else that we should know about you that would
impact our decision?

This question gives you a final chance to impress the interviewer. If you felt you didn’t
show that much enthusiasm, here is your chance. If you felt you missed out one of your
strong traits, you have a chance to state it.

Your answers can be:

1) I am a continuous learner and I try to keep myself abreast of all developments in the
field of IT (or any other). Since I do not quit in the face of toughest challenges, I am
certain that I would be able to achieve the targets that I set for myself and beyond.

2) Well for all my mentioned attributes, strengths and qualification I am confident that I
can do very well over here. I don’t know if I expressed it that well, but I’m very excited
about this position.

3) One final trait that I have that would be perfect for this position is my organizational
skills. I’m very detailed and plan very well. I prioritize my work as per the need of hour.

4) There are three fear in this era:

- Fear of failure.
- Fear of rejection.
- Fear of being ridiculed.
I personally believe fear is analogous to low Self-Confidence.
Throughout my academic career I never allowed these fears to take over me. I always
faced them with positive attitude and confidence and I will keep on doing it in the future
too.

HR.21 - If I tell you, you are an IDIOT, a FOOL, a RASCAL; can you
think anything positive about it?

I - Intelligent.
D - Determined.
I - Innovative.
O - Optimistic.
T - Truthful and Talented.

F - Faithful.
O - Optimistic.
O - Obedient.
L - Loyal.

R - Religious.
A - Adaptable.
S - Simple and Sober.
C - Competent, Capable and Co-Operative.
A - Adept.
L - Loyal.

HR.22 - If you were an animal/ a can of soup/ some other random object
which one would you prefer and why?

1) I would be a can of soup – one that has a variety of flavors, bubbling with
enthusiasm. I would associate my determined attitude with the can’s tough exterior. I
would believe that whatever the label on the can, the content are always a surprise.

2) I would like to be the mind of the CEO – I would then know exactly how complex
issues are so thoughtfully analyzed, how prioritizing happens and how accurate decisions
which affect numerous stakeholders are made. I would know how almost intuitively, they
know what the next big things are and their risk taking abilities.
HR.23 - What will you do if you are asked to give a bribe?
If I am asked to do so then I will feel very uncomfortable to do so just in case the
company has strong core competency, best practices and a strong value system. So I
strongly feel the company can do business purely on these merits and not through bribery
or commissions.

If the interviewer presses you hard to say either yes or no then you can say:

However even if a condition comes to pay a bribe to get a good contract then I shall refer
the case to my seniors for their valid suggestions upon which I can act.

HR.24 - Suppose I tell you I don’t like your face? Then why should I select you?

Even if you don’t like my face, you definitely would agree that I have other qualities that
appealed you, for which you are now interviewing me.

There’s a saying “A man’s face is not including of his abilities”.

“A book is not judged by its cover but it is judged by its contents”.

HR.25 - If your boss is taking all the credits for your work, what will you
do?

Even if my boss takes credit for my work, I would not mind because if I am a good
worker my contribution will be definitely noticed by the organization. Secondly if I
remain in the good books of my boss, I can encash this towards my career promotions
and growth.

HR.26 - Suppose you find yourself in a deserted island. What three things you will
need to survive?

Food, Water and HOPE (that one day I will definitely come out from this island).

HR.27 - How do you think you conducted or performed during this interview?
I think I have conducted myself in the best possible manner by satisfying your queries
through my specific answers which I feel were logical, systematic and to the point.
Through my answer my true worth as a dynamic and competent professional has come
out fair and square and I am happy with my performance which would ensure my
selection in this esteemed organization.

HR.28 - How mobile are you?

I am absolutely mobile. Well I can go to any part of the country or even abroad if
situation permits.

HR.30 - If after sometime you start disliking the job? What would you do?

Well, if such situation then my first priority would be to look within myself and try to
find out any shortcomings or lack of skills and techniques. If such things happen then I
would try to improve and rectify myself. Still if I don’t get an answer then I will speak to
my seniors and colleagues to learn my mistakes so that I become more user friendly to
my organization.

HR.31 - What have you learnt from your failures?

From my failures I have learnt to analyze myself and find out my shortcomings. Those
shortcomings are the areas of future improvement for me and I have undertaken seriously
to improve myself on those relevant areas. One more thing I learned is never to give up,
never to feel rejected.

“Accepting a failure is a man’s great trait.”

HR.32 - Tell us an incident where you had a problem with your team-mate. How did
you handle it?

Once I had a problem with my team-mate in college who was my partner in my field
work assignment. We had a disagreement on how to present our project report.

I explained my point of view to her and asked her for her view point. I’ve found that
when conflict occurs, it’s because of a failure to see both sides of the situation. At that
point we found a compromise could be reached by incorporating both our ideas.
Can you work under pressure ?

- I can handle work pressure. Whenever there is pressure of work we need to tackle with
mental and physical point of view.
- I can work under pressure because I don't become panic. It would help me to work more
efficiently.
- Working under pressure has always been a learning experience for me because it helps
me grow.
- I have always worked well during deadline, and I always learned how to work more
efficiently afterwards.
Uttam Agrawal
Apr 9 2009, 09:19 AM
The best answer to this question is “Yes”. Working well under pressure is a good strength
to have. But saying yes is not enough; you need to explain how you can handle pressure
situation to bring the best out of it. Tell the interviewer that you work the same with
pressure and without pressure.

You can answer as:

1) Sir, I can handle pressure of work. Whenever there is pressure of work, we need to
tackle it from the mental and physical stand-point. Mental stand-point would mean being
in a state of relaxation and composure so that I do not feel stressed out during the course
of my work and from physical stand-point; I always prioritize my job in their exact order
of merit and importance so that I can dispose them off quickly and effectively.

2) I work well under pressure because I don’t panic. I use the pressure to help me work
more efficiently. I maintain self control and work as efficiently as possible. At times, I try
to prioritize and plan as much as I can.