Top Interview

www.infopsikotes.com

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 Top Interview Q/A
It's important to be prepared to respond
effectively to the interview questions that
employers typically ask at job interviews.
Since these questions are so common,
hiring managers will expect you to be able
to answer them smoothly and without
hesitation.

You don't need to memorize an answer, but do think about what you're going to say so
you're not put on the spot during the job interview. Your responses will be stronger if
you prepare in advance, know what to expect during the interview, and have a sense
of what you want to play up during your interview.

Top Interview Questions and Best Answers

Review the top interview questions you'll most likely be asked at a job interview, plus
the best answers. Also, review the other questions you may be asked, so you're
prepared to ace the interview.

1. What is your greatest strength?

This is one of the questions that employers almost always ask. When you are asked
about your greatest strengths, it's important to discuss the attributes that will qualify
you for the specific job and set you apart from the other candidates.

Answer:

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Greatest

Strength

How should you answer questions about your strengths? The best way to
respond is to describe the skills and experience that you have which directly
correlates with the job you are applying for. Be prepared to answer by making
a list of the qualifications mentioned in the job posting.

Then, make a list of your skills that match those listed. This list can include
education or training, soft skills, hard skills, or past work experiences. Narrow
your list of skills down to 3 - 5 particularly strong skills.

Next to each skill, note an example of how you have used that strength in the
past.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 This will prepare you for when the employer asks you to elaborate on a
particular strength. When you answer, you will be sharing strengths that
match the qualifications the company is seeking. Also incorporate these power
words that help make a good impression into your responses.

The closer a match you are, the more likely you'll be to get a job offer.

Examples of the Best Answers

Review these examples of answers, and tailor your responses to your

credentials and the job requirements of the position.

 I have an extremely strong work ethic. When I'm working on a project, I don't
want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well
ahead of schedule. Last year, I even earned a bonus for completing my three
most recent reports one week ahead of time.

 I have extremely strong writing skills. Having worked as a copy editor for five
years, I have a strong attention to detail when it comes to my writing. I have
also written for a variety of publications, so I know how to shape my writing
style to fit the task and audience. As a marketing assistant, I will be able to
effectively write and edit press releases, and update web content with
accuracy and ease.

 I am a skilled salesman with over ten years of experience. I have exceeded my

sales goals every quarter and I've earned a bonus each year since I started with
my current employer.

 I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what

could be difficult situations. With five years of experience as a customer
service associate, I have learned to effectively understand and resolve
customer issues. On a related note, I also have strong communication skills,
which helps me work well with customers, team members, and executives. I
am known for being an effective team member with a talent for giving
presentations.

Answers to Avoid

This is not the time to be humble. While you do not want to exaggerate your
strengths, you should be comfortable articulating what makes you an ideal
candidate. Creating a list of your strengths (as they relate to the job) will help
you answer this question with confidence.

On the other hand, you do not want to answer this question with a laundry list
of vague strengths. Stay focused on a couple key strengths that relate directly

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 to the position and the company. A focused, relevant answer with one or two
examples will impress your interviewer.

Related Interview Questions

How Will Your Greatest Strength Help You Perform?
As a follow up to being asked about your greatest strengths, you may be asked
about how your greatest strength helped your performance on the job. When
you respond, relate your strengths to both the job description and your ability
to perform at work.

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Another typical question interviewers will ask is about your weaknesses. Do your best
to frame your answers around positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an
employee.

Answer:

How to Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness

Even though the question is about weaknesses, your answer should always be
framed around positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee.

Discuss Non-Essential Skills

One approach to answering this question is to analyze the key skills and
strengths required for the position you are interviewing for and then come up
with an honest shortcoming which is not essential for success in that job.

For example, if you are applying for a nursing job, you might share that you
are not particularly adept at conducting group presentations. In this case, it
will be critical to underscore your strength in one-on-one communication with
patients while providing an example of your difficulty with presentations to
large groups.

Mention Skills You Have Improved

Another option is to discuss skills that you have improved upon during your
previous job, so you are showing the interviewer that you can make
improvements when necessary.

You can sketch for employers your initial level of functioning, discuss the
steps you have taken to improve this area, and then reference your current,
improved level of skill.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 If you use this strategy be sure not to mention anything that you improved
upon that is related to the job for which you are interviewing.

You don't want your qualifications for the job to be questioned.

Turn a Negative Into a Positive

Another option is to turn a negative into a positive. For example, a sense of

urgency to get projects completed or wanting to triple-check every item in a
spreadsheet can be turned into a strength i.e. you are a candidate who will
make sure that the project is done on time and your work will be close to
perfect.

Here's more information on how to answer questions about weaknesses.

Examples of the Best Answers

Note that the term "weakness" isn't used in the sample answers — you always
want to focus on the positive when interviewing.

 When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I
prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.
 Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time
management system that helped my organization skills.
 I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend a little
too much time checking it. However, I've come to a good balance by setting
up a system to ensure everything is done the first time correctly.
 I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming week, but
I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense.

 Sometimes, I spend more time than necessary on a task or take on tasks

personally that could easily be delegated to someone else. Although I've never
missed a deadline, it is still an effort for me to know when to move on to the
next task, and to be confident when assigning others work.
 I had difficulty with calculus during college, but I persevered with tutoring
assistance and extra effort and completed 2 levels with a B-minus average.
 I used to like to work on one project to its completion before starting on
another, but I've learned to work on many projects at the same time, and I
think it allows me to be more creative and effective in each one.
 I've learned to make my perfectionism work to my advantage. I have become
proficient at meeting deadlines, and with my attention to detail, I know my
work is accurate.

 As an undergrad, I used to leave assignments until the last minute, but with the
workload of graduate school, I learned to schedule my time very effectively.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

3. Tell me about yourself.
Here’s how to answer questions about you without giving out too much – or too little
– personal information.

Answer:

How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview

Question

Although it might be tempting to share a list of your most compelling

qualifications for the job at hand, a more low-key approach will probably help
you to develop a personal rapport with your interviewer.

Try starting out by sharing some personal interests which don't relate directly
to your work. Examples might include a hobby which you are passionate
about like quilting, astronomy, chess, choral singing, golf, skiing, tennis, or
antiquing.

Interests like long distance running or yoga which help to represent your
healthy, energetic side are worth mentioning. Pursuits like being an avid
reader or solving crossword puzzles or brain teasers will help to showcase
your intellectual leaning. Interests like golf, tennis, and gourmet food might
have some value if you would be entertaining clients in your new job.

Volunteer work will demonstrate the seriousness of your character and

commitment to the welfare of your community.

Interactive roles like PTA volunteer, museum tour guide, fundraiser, or chair
of a social club will help show your comfort with engaging others.

Transition to Professional from Personal

After sharing a few interesting personal aspects of your background, you can
transition to sharing some key professional skills that would help you to add
value if you were hired for your target job.

Consider using phrases like "In addition to those interests and passions, my
professional life is a huge part of who I am, so I'd like to talk a bit about some
of the strengths which I would bring to this job."

Share Your Expertise

Be ready to share three or four of the personal qualities, skills and/or areas of
expertise which would help you to excel in the job for which you are

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 interviewing. Ultimately, you will want to share several other strengths before
the interview is over.

Make a list of your strengths before you go into the interview, so you know
what you will share. Look at the job description and match it with your skills.
Then share the top few skills which make you an ideal candidate for the job.

However, be careful not to overwhelm the interviewer with too much

information. After mentioning three or four strengths, you might mention that
you have several other assets which you would like to discuss as the interview
unfolds.

At first, you should only mention the asset and allude only briefly to some
proof of how you have tapped it to your advantage. For example, you might
say that you love to give presentations and that has helped you to generate lots
of leads at sales dinners for prospective clients.

Later in the interview, you will want to be more specific and detailed in
discussing situations, interventions and results flowing from your strengths.

Avoid Politics and Controversy

Typically, you would steer clear of controversial topics like politics or

religion. It's important to avoid any references to topics that would cause
concern about your ethics, character, productivity, or work ethic. You also
don't need to share personal information about your family.

4. Why should we hire you?

Are you the best candidate for the job? Be prepared to say why. Make your response
a concise sales pitch that explains what you have to offer the employer, and why you
should get the job.

Answer:

How to Prepare to Answer Interview Questions About

Why You Should Be Hired

When you’re getting ready for the interview, take a moment to review
the job description. Make a list of the requirements for the position, including

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 personality traits, skills, and qualifications. Then, make a list of the qualities
you have that fit these requirements.

For each quality, think of a specific time that you used that trait to achieve
something at work. For example, if you list that you are a “team player,”
think of a time in which your ability to work well on a team resulted in a
successfully completed project. (Here's how to match your qualifications to a
job.)

Don’t forget to think beyond the job description and consider which of
your skills and accomplishments make you a better candidate than the
competition. For example, maybe you have an additional certification that
makes you more knowledgeable about the company’s product than the
typical salesperson.

When you’re honing your pitch, remember to be positive and to reiterate

your interest in the company and the position.

Keep It Concise

You want your answer to be brief - no more than a minute or two long.

Therefore, select one or two specific qualities from the list you created to
emphasize in your “sales pitch.” Begin by explaining what you believe the
employer is looking for, and how you fulfill that need.

Be prepared to adapt to new information, if the interviewer indicates that

another quality or skill is more valuable to the organization.

Focus on Your Uniqueness

The interviewer wants to know how you stand out among the other
applicants.

Therefore, focus on one or two qualities you possess that are different from
what other interviewees might offer, or are more difficult to find in
candidates generally. For example, if you are very experienced with a certain
skill that the job requires, say so. This is your chance to tell the interviewer
why you would be an invaluable employee.

6 Examples of the Best Answers

1. “I think that my experience in the (widget) industry and my ability to work

autonomously make me a good match for this position.”

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 2. “I have the savvy, experience, and superior communication ability to be an
asset to your company.”

3. “Your company provides many services that I have had experience with, in a
variety of capacities. [Offer a few specific examples.] I believe that my
familiarity with the industry would make me a good fit for this position.”

4. “You have explained that you are looking for a sales executive who is able
to effectively manage over a dozen employees. In my 15 years of experience
as a sales manager, I have developed strong motivational and team-building
skills. I was twice awarded manager-of-the-year for my innovative strategies
for motivating employees to meet and surpass quarterly deadlines. If hired, I
will bring my leadership abilities and strategies for achieving profit gains to
this position.”

1. “I have top-notch administrative skills and I believe I'd be an asset for the
office. My skill set seems to be a perfect match for what you're looking for.
In addition, I enjoy working with people, and would welcome the
opportunity to be a part of your team.”

2. “You describe in the job listing that you are looking for a special education
assistant teacher with an abundance of patience and compassion. Having
served as a tutor at a summer school for dyslexic children for the past two
years, I have developed my ability to be extremely patient while still
achieving academic gains with my students. My experience teaching phonics
to children ages 6 to 18 has taught me strategies for working with children of
all ages and abilities, always with a smile. My previous employer often
placed me with the students with the most severe learning disabilities
because of my history of success. I will bring not only experience, but
patience and creative problem-solving, to this position.”

Why Are You the Best Candidate?

A related question is "Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants?"
When answering this question, remember that the hiring manager is looking
to solve a problem. Explain how you would do that better than anyone else,
and you’ll make a positive impression.

Another related question is "Why shouldn't we hire you?" Be prepared to

answer that as well. Avoid falling into the trap of humble-bragging about
your best traits (“You shouldn’t hire me if you don’t want someone who
crushes her numbers, each and every quarter!”) Instead, answer honestly and
thoughtfully. For example, you might mention a quality that’s a bonus in
some jobs but not in others, e.g. “You shouldn’t hire me if an extrovert

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 would be a bad fit for your team. I value teamwork and relationships, and do
my best work in a collaborative environment.”

Asked well, this question can provide you with information about
the corporate culture that will help you decide if you want the job – which is
just as important as persuading the hiring manager that you’re the best
person for the role.

5. What are your salary expectations?

What are you looking for in terms of salary? It seems like a simple question, but your
answer can knock you out of content for the job if you overprice yourself. Here's the
best way to answer questions about salary.

Answer:

Do You Have to Answer Questions About Salary?

As difficult as it may be to answer the question, it’s more difficult not to -

especially on an electronic job application. Try and skip the question and you
can’t move on to the next page, and the field only accepts a number. That is
when the exact number is important.

If you are in an interview, you could try to skirt around the question with a
broad answer, such as: “My salary expectations are in line with my experience
and qualifications.” Or “If this is the right job for me, I am sure we can come
to an agreement on salary.” But the recruiter or interviewer will likely be
looking for a number, so come prepared with a target salary figure or at least a
range in mind.

That means you should prepare for every interview, even over the phone. If
you are caught off guard, without something in mind, you could lowball
yourself or seem confused.

In some cities and states, employers are legally prohibited from asking you how
much you earned in your last job. However, they can still ask about your
expectations.

How Do You Determine Your Salary Expectations?

Depending on how much you want the job, your individual needs and
circumstances, you can figure out a number to offer with confidence. If it is a
lateral move in your industry, you probably have a sense of average salaries.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 Unless your last company was known in the industry for its low salaries,
assume that your current salary is in line with market expectations.

What would you consider a fair raise from your current employer? That could
be a good low-end starting point. Or ratchet up your current pay by as much
as 15% to 20%, which gives you an incentive to switch companies and is still
within reasonable range for your industry and level of experience. Remember,
only offer a number that you will accept and be able to live with.

If you are moving to a position with more responsibility or in a different

industry, it helps to do some research on the position and its value in the
career market.

Researching Salary Expectations

There are many websites that offer salary averages and estimates. Sites
like Salary.com, Payscale.com and Indeed.com all offer comparable data, but if
you have time to look at more than one source you may get a better
perspective of range.

You can also input a variety of job titles to see if the averages change
significantly. The problem with some salary sites is that job titles may vary
from company to company. If it is possible instead get a sense of salary based
on job responsibilities, you can come up with a more accurate number. Also
remember to narrow your research to your region. Salaries for a job in Austin,
Texas, may be different than those in New York, for example.

If the research seems off, go with your gut. Remember, you don’t want to
confront a hiring manager with unreasonable expectations. But you also want
a salary you can live with. If that’s not there, the job is not right for you.

Sample Answers

 I understand that positions similar to this one pay in the range of $X to $Z in

our region. With my experience, I would like to receive something in the
range of $Y to $Z.

 I would like to be compensated fairly for my experience.

 The research I've done indicates that positions like this one pay $X to $Z and
something in that range would be acceptable to me as a starting salary.
 My salary requirements are flexible, but I do have significant experience in the
field that I believe adds value to my candidacy.

6. Why are you leaving or have left your job?

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

When asked about why you are moving on, stick with the facts, be direct and focus
your interview answer on the future, especially if your leaving wasn't under the best of
circumstances.

Answer:

How to Answer Interview Questions About Why You Left

Your Job

If you left of your own accord, review these suggestions on how best to answer,
tailoring your response to meet your particular situation. Be direct and focus
your interview answer on the future, especially if your leaving wasn't under
the best of circumstances.

Examples of the Best Answers

 I found myself bored with the work and looking for more challenges. I am an
excellent employee and I didn't want my unhappiness to have any impact on
the job I was doing for my employer.
 There isn't room for growth with my current employer and I'm ready to move
on to a new challenge.
 I'm looking for a bigger challenge and to grow my career, but didn’t feel like I
could give equal attention both to my job search and to my full-time work
responsibilities. It didn’t seem ethical to slack off from my former job in order
to conduct my job search, and so I left the company.

 I was laid off from my last position when our department was eliminated due to
corporate restructuring.
 I'm relocating to this area due to family circumstances and left my previous
position in order to make the move.
 I've decided that my current work role is not the direction I want to go in my
career and my current employer has no opportunities in the direction I'd like
to head.

 After several years in my last position, I'm looking for a company where I can
contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment.
 I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills
and experience in a different capacity than I have in the past.
 I recently received my degree and I want to utilize my educational background
in my next position.

 I am interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready for a new
challenge.
 I left my last position in order to spend more time with my family.
Circumstances have changed and I'm more than ready for full-time
employment again.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

  I am seeking a position with a stable company with room for growth and
opportunity for advancement.
 I was commuting to the city and spending a significant amount of time each
day on travel. I would prefer to be closer to home.
 To be honest, I wasn't considering a move, but I saw this job posting and was
intrigued by the position and the company. It sounds like an exciting
opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications.
 This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience and I
am not able to fully utilize them in my present job.
 The company was cutting back and, unfortunately, my job was one of those
eliminated.

Don't Badmouth Your Boss

Regardless of why you left, don't speak badly about your previous employer.
The interviewer may wonder if you will be bad-mouthing his company next
time you're looking for work. I once interviewed a person who told me that
her last employer was terrible. They didn't pay her enough, the hours were
awful and she hated the job.

7. Why do you want this job?

This question gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer what you know about
the job and the company. Be specific about what makes you a good fit for this role,
and mention aspects of the company and position that appeal to you.

Answer:

How to Answer the Question

 Research the company ahead of time. Interviewers will be listening for a

response that shows you've done research on the company. Make sure you know
some basic information about both the company and the job. You might want
to read some recent articles on the company to get a sense of their current
goals and projects. Also be sure to reread the job posting. This way, when you
answer the question, you can mention specific aspects of the company and
position that appeal to you.

 Be specific about why you are a good fit. Be specific about what makes you
a good fit for this role. To prepare your answer, make a list of the requirements
of the job (as explained in the job listing), and then note which requirements fit
your skills and experience. In your answer, highlight a few of your abilities
that qualify you for the job.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

  Emphasize what you can contribute. Your answer should also emphasize
what you can contribute—what will you bring to the position? Mention any
skills or work experience that makes you a unique, strong candidate for the
job. If possible, use numbers to express how you can add value to the company.
For example, if you saved your previous company a certain amount of money,
mention this, and say that you want to do the same for this company.
 Avoid reasons that focus on you. Even if it's true, do not mention salary,
hours, or commute as the primary reasons you want the job. Remember that
you want to focus on how you can benefit the company, not how the company
or job can benefit you.

Best Answers to the Question

Below are some of the best job interview answers to the question, "Why do
you want this job?" Customize these answers to fit your particular
circumstances and the job you are applying for.

 I want this job because it emphasizes sales and marketing, two of my greatest
skill sets. In my previous job, I increased sales by 15% in what was at the time
considered a flat industry. I know I could bring my ten years of sales and
marketing experience to this company, and help you continue your years of
growth.

 I understand that this is a company on the rise. As I’ve read on your website
and in various press releases, you are planning to launch several new products
in the coming months. I want be a part of this business as it grows, and I know
my experience in product development would help your company as you roll
out these products.

 I have worked as a dental hygienist in a children’s dental office for the past six
years. Not only am I experienced working with this population, but also I
greatly enjoy it. Being able to work for your office, which caters to children
and young adults, would allow me to continue to put my skills to use in a
population I love. This is the kind of work environment I would look forward
to coming to every day.

 This job is a good fit for what I've been doing and enjoying throughout my
career. It offers a mix of short-term projects and long-term goals. My
organizational skills allow me to successfully multitask and complete both
kinds of projects.

 I want this retail job at your store because I know I would be terrific at it. I love
engaging with people and providing them with assistance. I also have two
years of experience working cash registers at other stores. I am a regular
customer of this store, so I would love to apply my skills to a store I believe in

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 and support.

 I have admired this company’s successful strategies and mission for years.
Your emphasis on creating a relationship between your company and the
surrounding community have brought you success everywhere you have
opened an office. There are values I greatly admire.

8. How do you handle stress and pressure?

What do you do when things don’t go smoothly at work? The best way to respond to
this question is to give an example of how you have handled stress in a previous job.

Answer:

How to Answer the Question

The best way to answer this question is to give an example of how you have
handled stress in a previous job. That way, the interviewer can get a clear
picture of how well you work in stressful situations.

Avoid mentioning a time when you put yourself in a needlessly stressful

situation. For example, do not share a story about a time when you were
stressed because you procrastinated and had to finish a project quickly. Focus
on a time when you were given a difficult task or multiple assignments, and
you rose to the occasion.

You also should not focus too much on how stressed out you felt. While you
should certainly admit that stress happens, emphasize how you dealt with the
stress, rather than how it bothered you.

If possible, avoid saying you are stressed by a situation that will be common
in the job for which you are applying.

For example, if you say you get stressed when you're given multiple projects,
and you know the job will require you to juggle many assignments at once,
you will look unfit for the position.

You might even consider mentioning how a little stress can be a helpful
motivator for you. You can provide an example of a time the stress of a
difficult project helped you be a more creative and productive worker.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 Sample Answers

 Pressure is very important to me. Good pressure, such as having a lot of

assignments to work on, or an upcoming deadline, helps me to stay motivated
and productive. Of course, there are times when too much pressure can lead to
stress; however, I am very skilled at balancing multiple projects and meeting
deadlines, which prevents me from feeling stressed often. For example, I once
had three large projects due in the same week, which was a lot of pressure.
However, because I created a schedule that detailed how I would break down
each project into small assignments, I completed all three projects ahead of
time and avoided unnecessary stress.

 I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and
doesn't become stressful. For example, when I deal with an unsatisfied
customer, rather than feeling stressed, I focus on the task at hand. I believe my
ability to communicate effectively with customers during these moments
helps reduce my own stress in these situations and also reduces any stress the
customer may feel.

 I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a
challenging environment. As a writer and editor, I thrive under quick
deadlines and multiple projects. I find that when I'm under the pressure of a
deadline, I can do some of my most creative work.

9. Describe a difficult work situation /

project and how you overcame it?
The interviewer wants to know what you do when you face a difficult decision. As
with the question about stress, be prepared to share an example of what you did in a
tough situation.

Answer
The Best Ways to Respond to Tough Questions
When answering these questions, give one or two concrete examples of
difficult situations you have actually faced at work. Then discuss what
decisions you had to make to remedy the situations. A few of the most
challenging decisions that people in mid-management and senior management
have to make include:

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

  Deciding who to terminate if layoffs become economically necessary
 Terminating well-meaning but incompetent team members
 Deciding who to promotion when you have several great candidates
 Deciding whether you have to cut benefits that employees are used to receiving
(like holiday bonuses) in order to help stabilize company finances.

You want to come across as confident and capable of making big decisions
calmly and rationally. Avoid examples that make you seem indecisive or
uncertain.

Also keep your answers positive ("Even though it was a difficult decision
to lay offthat particular employee, I did so in an extremely professional
manner, and this decision ultimately led to improvements in efficiency and
productivity throughout our department”).

Whatever answer you give, be specific. Itemize what you did, how you did it,
and how your difficult decision ultimately profited your team and your
employer.

The best way to prepare for questions where you will need to recall events and
actions is to refresh your memory.

Skim through your resume and reflect on some special situations you have
dealt with or projects you have worked on. You can use them to help frame
responses. Prepare stories that illustrate times when you have successfully
solved a difficult situation.

Examples of the Best Answers

 Decisions I have to make within a team are difficult, only because these
decisions take more time and require deliberate communication between team
members. For example, I was working on a team project, and my colleagues
and I had to make a number of choices about how to use our limited budget.
Because these decisions involved group conversations, our team learned how
to communicate effectively with one another, and I believe we ultimately
made the best decisions for the team.

 As a manager, the most difficult decisions I make involve layoffs. Before

making those tough decisions, I always think carefully about what is best for
the business and my employees. While I do not relish making those kinds of
choices, I do not shy away from this part of my job. A few years ago, I had to
let some employees go due to the economic climate. This was a hard decision
that was ultimately necessary for the good of the company and everyone
working for the organization.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

  I find that the hardest decision I have to make is when I have to choose
between strong team members for a promotion. There have been occasions
when, even though I personally liked one person better than another, I
nonetheless had to choose the other person based on their potential to assume
the responsibilities of their new role. Sometimes I also had to promote
younger employees over staff with seniority, simply because they were more
skilled in the use of technology and more willing to work overtime. It’s never
easy, but ultimately you have to think about who will be the most effective
and productive in the new position.

10. What are your goals for the future?

This question is designed to find out if you’re going to stick around or move on as
soon as you find a better opportunity. Keep your answer focused on the job and the
company you’re interviewing with.

Answer:

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Goals for

the Future

The best way to respond to the interview question "What are your goals for
the future?" or "Where do you see yourself in five years?" is to focus on the
position and the company you are interviewing with.

While you don't want to lie during a job interview, it's best to stick to the parts
of your vision that include the organization.

For example, if you're a newly minted registered nurse, and the hospital you're
interviewing with doesn't have a lot of openings for nurse practitioners, now is
not the time to mention that you're considering going back to school in a few
years.

On the other hand, the hospital might clearly outline a career path for their
registered nurses, in which they encourage them to go back to school while
continuing to work part-time.

If you know this is the case, and you are interested in becoming a nurse
practitioner, emphasize your interest in this path.

This is another reason why it's important to do your research before you arrive
for the job interview. Knowing what the company wants will help you
emphasize your ability to solve their problems.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 Similarly, don't discuss your personal goals outside of work, such as having a
family. This information is not relevant and could knock you out of
contention for the job. Rather, you want to connect your answer to the job you
are applying for.

Think of your goals and that of the company as a Venn diagram: you want to
keep your conversation confined to that overlapping section.

How to Ask An Interviewer About Career Paths

When it comes time to ask the interviewer questions, you might use this
opportunity to learn more about the typical career path for someone in this
job. For example, you might ask, “In XYZ Corporation, what is a typical
career path for someone with my skills and experiences?”

However, be careful not to seem too eager to move beyond the job you are
applying for. Emphasize your strong interest in the job, but you can express a
desire to expand your role in the future.

Examples of Best Answers

 My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to

learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much value as I
can. I love that your company emphasizes professional development
opportunities. I intend to take advantage of all of these.
 I see myself as a top-performing employee in a well-established organization,
like this one. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in
related professional associations.
 Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from a technical
position to management. I know this is a common path for many people in
this position. However, for now, I am excited about focusing on and applying
my technical skills in this job.

Do You Have Any Questions?

At the close of the interview, most interviewers ask whether you have any questions
about the job or company. It's always a good idea to have a list ready and to be
prepared to respond.

As an interview draws to a close, it's very likely that the interviewer will ask
"Do you have any questions for me?"

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 When you hear this query, you may groan inside, since it can feel like you've
covered absolutely everything during the course of the interview. However,
it's better to respond to this question than politely demur. Otherwise, you
could leave interviewers with an impression that you're not engaged with the
conversation or interested in the position.

Plus, since this question typically comes at the end of the interview, it's one
of your final chances to leave an impression on interviewers — so make sure
it's a good one!

Here's what you need to know about how to respond — and how not to
respond — when interviewers ask if you have any questions for them. Plus,
see sample questions you can ask.

Prepare for This Question

Since this question is so common, it makes sense to plan for it: Come to your
interview with a list of questions that you want answered.

Keep in mind that your questions may change based on who is interviewing
you. If you're meeting with someone from HR, for instance, your questions
might focus on the interview process or overall company organization. If
you're meeting with the person who will be your manager if you got the role,
you might ask questions around responsibilities in the role.

Prepare several questions that you can use during this moment, since many
of them may be addressed during the interview.

What Not to Say

It may be an open-ended question, but that doesn't mean any response goes.
Stay away from questions on these topics:

Off-work activities: It's fine to ask questions about the culture at the job,
but stay away from queries that are focused on non-work activities, like
happy hour outings, lunch, or vacation time.

These types of questions will make you seem not very invested in the
company or work, which isn't the right impression to leave. Similarly, don't
ask how many hours you'll need to work each day.

The interviewer's personal life or office gossip: Give interviewers the

same courtesy you'd want them to give to you — don't ask about their family
or living situation, and don't delve into gossip about people you may know
in common.

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

 Things you could answer yourself: If your question could be easily
answered with a quick online search or by glancing at the company website,
skip it. Time-wasting questions won't be appreciated. Interviewers expect
that you will have done a bit of research on the company, and familiarized
yourself with the basics.

Salary and benefits: This just isn't the right time, particularly if this is a
first-round interview. Getting specific about salary and benefits can make
you seem uninterested in the work and the company, and focused only on
yourself. (And here's how to respond if interviewers ask about
salary themselves.)

Very complicated or multi-part questions: Asking multi-part questions

can overwhelm interviewers. Make it easy on them: Ask just one question at
a time.

You can always follow-up. Aim to make the moment feel conversational.

One more thing to avoid: Don't ask too many questions at this moment.
You want to be prepared and ask one or two, but when interviewers begin to
shuffle paper, glance at their watch or a phone, or wake up sleeping
computers, take the hint and wind down your questions.

So, What Should You Ask?

Ideally, your response will make it clear that you were engaged during the
interview and have a good sense of the company's goals and priorities. You
can reflect back to earlier moments in the interview ("It sounds like you
were saying that XYZ is a real priority. How is your department involved in
that project?"). Or, you can mention questions that build off of news of the
company, or information you read on the company website.

Aim to always ask open-ended questions, and not questions that can be
answered with a "yes" or "no."

Here are a few broad categories of questions that are appropriate to ask.

Questions about the role: This is a great opportunity to learn more about
what you'll do, if it hasn't already been thoroughly covered in the earlier part
of the interview. Here are some questions you can ask:

 Can you share more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?
What's a typical day like?
 Why is this position open — is this a new role? If not, why did the person
who held this role leave it?

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A

  If I were hired for this role, what would you want me to achieve in my first
months in the position?

Questions about the company or the interviewer: This is also a good

opportunity to get a sense of company culture and how the company is
doing.

 What's the company organization and management style like?

 What's one thing that makes you happy to come into work today?
 How long have you been at the company?
 What did you do before you were at the company?
 Can you talk about the company culture a bit?
 What are some of the issues facing the company?
 What are the company's goals for the upcoming year?

Questions about you: You can use this moment to get a sense of how the
interviewer perceived you, and if they think you're a good candidate. With
these questions, you might want to preface by expressing your excitement
for the position. And then, based on the feedback you get, you can address
the issue on the spot or follow up in your thank you letter. You can ask:

 Do you have any concerns about my candidacy?

 What are you looking for in a candidate?
 Are there any qualifications that you think I'm missing?

www.infopsikotes.com Top Interview Q/A