It isn't often that you will run into these types of questions. Still, it is best that you prepare for them anyway. The 10 closed-ended questions that follow include answers that you can tailor to your own needs.
1. Question: Have you ever been fired from a job? Yes or no? Explain.
Answer: No. There has never been any reason for an employer to discharge me.
Or
Answer: Yes. But it was a question of mutual respect. I had done everything I could for (name of company). My superior and I had decided that I would be more valuable to another organization. But I want to say that I admire and respect the company and I learned a great deal about (accounting, selling, engineering, managing, etc.) while I worked there.
2. Question: Do you like to work under pressure? Yes or no? Explain.
Answer: Yes. Of course, it depends on the kind of pressure but as a rule I would have to answer that I do. I find that pressure tends to improve my performance because it increases my determination to get the job done. I feel that I am a self-starter but pressure gives me that extra incentive or push that we all need from time to time.
3. Question: Do you know how to use or operate a_ (typewriter, computer, drill press, the 3 C's of selling, SWOT analysis, etc.)? Yes or no? Explain.
Answer: Yes. I used (a typewriter, computer, drill press, etc.) in my last job and became very familiar with it. I also found that I did quite well with it and came to enjoy using it.
Or
Answer: No. But I am intrigued with and would certainly welcome the challenge of mastering it. And if that would involve training, I would welcome that too.
4. Question: How much money do you want to make this year?
Or
Question: Exactly how much of a starting (Salary, hourly wage etc) are you looking for? Explain.
Answer: Money is important to me, of course, but there are other things too, including job satisfaction and the feeling that I have accomplished something important. So it is hard for me to put a figure on those parts of the job. The only sensible answer I can think of is that I will get what I deserve and I would trust a company like yours to recognize the value in an employee.
5. Question: Have you held a position of leadership or supervision in any organization? Explain.
Answer: Yes. I was a (supervisor, manager, etc.) in my last job. I find ...very challenging and rewarding.
Answer: No. Circumstances have never presented themselves in a way that would allow me to assume a leadership role, but I look forward to the day when that will be possible. I know I would find such a position challenging and rewarding.
6. Question: Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Yes or no? Explain.
Answer: Yes. I would like to work for a company that offers me a chance to develop and use all of my skills. I feel a large company can give me that chance.
7. Question: What do you think is the most important asset for a (manager, salesperson, etc.)? Is it: Technical ability? The ability to work with others? Being a self-starter? Why?
Answer: I would say the ability to work with others, because, if you can't work with other people, all the technical competence and personal drive in the world isn't going to help much. Organizations are made up of people, after all, and you have to interact with others if you want to use your drive and skill to the best advantage.
8. Question: How many times were you late for work last year? How many personal or sick days did you take last year? Explain.
Answer: I didn't take any time off and I was never late. It is simply not like me to take personal days off. It seems to me that if an employee is being paid for a day's work he or she should be there to do it on time.
Or
Answer: I was (sick or late) ...times last year due to (sudden illness, in dependable car, construction on the interstate, etc.). But the problem was temporary and I don't anticipate this difficulty will occur any longer. I believe in a full day's work for a full day's pay and I've always felt guilty about being (late or sick).
9. Question: With how many other organizations have you interviewed? What are their names?
Answer: This is the only interview I have had so far. I am being extremely selective.
Or
Answer: I have had interviews so far. They have included_ (names of companies). I am being extremely selective in this job search. I must point out though, that I am extremely interested in this job.
10. Question: What was the last book you read? Why did you read it?
Answer: The last book I read was_ (name of book). Although I enjoy recreational or leisure reading, I believe it is important to keep up in one's profession or trade and that is where I spend most of my reading time.
As you can see, questions of this sort can be demanding in the sense that they demand that you think on your feet. You can't prepare for them as well because you don't know what they are likely to ask. Beyond that, they require hard data rather than simple opinion.
Still, as I said, you will not run into questions of this sort very often, so you need not be too concerned. If you do, you should be cautious, of course, but you should be as honest as possible. The information obtained through such questions can frequently be checked and if you distort the truth it may trip you up and cause you not to be hired. Nevertheless, you must constantly try to protect yourself from disclosing more than necessary, and by preparing your answers in advance as much as possible.
