Go through these tough questions and responses if you want to come out of the interview with flying colors.
Q: What are your weaknesses? You need not go into your weaknesses in detail. Take a potential weakness and explain how you are working to improve it.
A: “I pay attention to details and some employers may not like this. But for this position in accounts this particular skill of mine will serve me well.”
Q: What is your solution for this problem? Hypothetical questions are risky. The interviewer may not like your solution and if they like it, they may steal it. The response can be safely answered in a general way.
A: “Product awareness can get a boost through strong marketing strategies such as broad-based advertising, direct mail or selecting prime slots in the media.”
Q: Why did you quit your last job? An interview is not a place for airing out your dirty laundry. Your response should focus on the positive.
A: “The Company where I worked last is not a perfect match for my personality. But I am glad to know that companies have distinct personalities. Anyway, I have learned to look for companies that respect independent thinking.”
Q: Why do you want to work with us? You need to do a bit of homework to respond to such questions.
A: “I wish to be associated with an international company that cares for the environment and sets aside a good part of its budget for eco-friendly projects.”
Q: Tell us about yourself. Here is the chance for you to prove that you are different from other contenders. Speak about the achievements you think are relevant for the position you applied for. Don't share too much personal information unless it is relevant to the position in question.
A: “I have been a sales manager for the last five years and I used my resourcefulness and creativity to motivate the sales representatives. As a result my team won many awards.”
Q: Give us an account of the worst boss you have had. Don't allow your emotions to take over when you respond to this question.
A: “I didn't come across any awful bosses, but there are some from whom I learned more than what I learned from others.”
Q: What is your ambition? Stick to your objective statement in your resume. Aspire for a vice-president of marketing, or aim at owning your own company.
A: “I want to get a civil engineering position with a national firm in retail development. I prefer to work in a young company that offers opportunities to grow.”
