Can some of you people toss out some interview questions you have come accross.  I need to get a list of questions together to practice.

Thanks!!!

Are you a people person?

Just kidding .. it depends on where you are going to interview.  Some HR types are now using something called behaviour based interviewing.  They ask you questions like ... tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision or ... tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict.  The idea is that past performance will predict future perfomance.  If you do a search on the net for behaviour based interviewing, you should find quite a bit more info.

Of course some people still use the traditional .. why do you think I should hire YOU.

At my job, we interview based on answers given of what the applicant has actually done. For example, many employers ask hypothical questions like "what would you do if...", "How would you.....". We ask questions that require an answer of what was actually done. This is called "Targeted Selection". We look for "STAR" answers.

ST = Situation/Task
A = Action
R = Result

For example:

Question:

Tell me about a time that you had to deal with a difficult customer.

Answer:

ST= There was a customer that purchased a body bag (for fun) and said it would be too small for the body.
A = I advised the customer that we did not accept returns for body bags, but recommended he try using a tarp or trash bag that was larger than the body bag he purchased.
R = He took my advise and bought three large tarps to take care of what he needed.

Think about the type of job you're applying for, then forumlate questions pertinant to that job classification.

If you have any questions, please let me know. HTH.

Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer?

What are your strenghts / weakness?

why should we pick you?

"Where do you see yourself in 5 (or whatever) years time?" is a current favourite here at the moment.

Why do you want to work for us?

How do you feel about...................some thorny issue to which there is no definitive answer.

Tell us about................Open questions just to get you talking.

A good tactic is to do this yourself early on in the interview, when they mention some aspect of the job say "Yes tell me more about that" "I would like to know all about............ This demonstrates interest and breaks the ice and make the interview more of a conversation with both sides feeling easier about it. I interview people for promotions/positions and getting it right can be just as stressful for the interview panel as it is for the applicant, so help them out, answer the question and say would you like me to tell you about.................This demostrates the you are aware without you going off into an area they may or may not want to to go, if you "take over" it can leave them with a poor impression but it depends a lot on the job on offer, if its a sales job you need to be forcefull and demostrative but less so for caring proffesions etc. Ask yourself what they are looking for and be it. If you know anything about the interviewers, a casual mention of a common interest, something non-controvesial like Photography or sport never does any harm.

Lastly good luck as that seldom goes amiss.

My all-time favorite, asked by a DC law firm partner who was born in Nebraska:  "name the six states that border Nebraska."

I know, now,that they are: Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado.  I also know that I do not work at that firm.

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Holy Cow Goat!  
LOL


Don't forget its important to be prepared to ASK some good questions.

:mrgreen:

Try not to sound like you memorized anything word for word either.  Oh, and don't get intimidated by silence.  Confidence is the key.

Quote from: snapperHoly Cow Goat!  
LOL


Don't forget its important to be prepared to ASK some good questions.

:mrgreen:

this is an important point. ask some questions that would indicate some knowledge of the particular firm you're interviewing at, if possible and questions in general help show interest and some intellligence.

The best advice is to try and find out as much as possible about the firm and actual manager you can. When you know a bit about them, they aren't so faceless and you can be more relaxed in the interview.
Try to relax and realise that these guys are people too. I normally try to relate to them somewhat and simply be attentive and honest in my answers. I try not to second guess too much - things like pauses in answers that aren't normal consideration (like digging up a memory) look pretty bad.
I would also try to think through your experience to really pick out the aspects of your life that you think will be of direct benefit to the position - even if the questions aren't asked, normally you can add this sort of stuff in to help bolster your attempt. I would also suggest that you seriously consider your weaknesses in the position, so that you are prepared for any questions (things like relevant experience, skills in certain areas etc) that will be probing to see your level of commitment to improve.
Though, I have done quite a bit of public speaking and such, so potentially stressful situations where you're outnumbered by people don't bother me too much.
Don't ask about salary or hours of work etc, that will be worked out if you are offered the position - and remember, even if it's a crappy job it's experience and you will be in a strong position to apply for a better job in 12-24 months.
I think definitely mentioning the fact you run this site would help to bolster your impression of responsibility. Whether you think being a motorcyclist is a plus or a minus to put in your resume is up to you - I don't, but I also don't need to.

Lots of recruiters like to go with existential-type questions these days. "Describe a time when you exhibited leadership qualities" is SO 1990's. Don't be surprised if you come across questions such as "How would you go about filling in the Grand Canyon?".

There is no "correct" answer to these types of questions. Their purpose is simply to ascertain your thought process and problem-solving skills. Take your time, repeat the question back to the interviewer if necessary, and remain calm, logical, etc.

Now all I need is a job in the field I graduated in and i can REALLY sound like i know wtf I'm talking about.