Job+Interviews

=[|Seasonal jobs for students]= =[|Eurojobs]: Web page to search for a job.= =[|Tips for a job interview]=
 * [|BBC: Get that job] **

[|Jobs the word] [|Employment for students] [|Jobs in New Zealand]

[|Key verbs] =GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS = =Extract from []=
 * [[image:http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/images/job003.jpg caption="General Questions"]] || Questions start the minute the interview does, and to show that you are an exceptional candidate, you need to be prepared to answer not only the typical questions, but also the unexpected. You can expect questions regarding your qualifications, your academic preparation, career interests, experience, and ones that assess your personality.

1. Tell me about yourself The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

BASIC PERSONAL QUESTIONS: 1. Name and surname 2. Where were you born? Where do you live? Do you like it there? what do you think about living somewhere else p.e...? Would you rather live in a city or a village? If you couldn't study or live here, where would you like to study or work? 3. Can you drive? Have you got a driving license? What's your favourite means of transport? 4. Do you have or have you had a part-time job? Do you work in the summer? 5. What are you like as a person? 6. Tell us about something important that you have accomplished or you would like to accomplish in your life. 7. Talk about your family and friends. Describe someone who is important to you and why. When do you enjoy seeing your friends? What do you like doing with them? 8. Where have you studied? What was your experience like? What would be your ideal job? 9. Hobbies. What do you like doing in your free time? You may talk about: your favourite music groups, the kind of music you enjoy listening to, if you enjoy going to the cinema, the type of films you like; if you like sports which, if you like TV, kinds or programmes you like, if you like cooking, where do you go in your summer holidays, which place in the world would you like to visit if you had the chance, if you like reading, favoutite books writers,... 10How did you learn your English? What do you find most difficult? Do you think is important to learn other languages? and why? ||

2. Why did you leave your last job? Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons. 3. What experience do you have in this field? Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can. 4. Do you __#|consider__ yourself successful? You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others. 5. What do co-workers say about you? Be prepared with a quote or __#|two__ from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. 6. What do you know about this organization? This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players? 7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year? Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention. 8. Are you applying for other jobs? Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction. 9. Why do you want to work for this organization? This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals. 10. Do you know anyone who works for us? Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of. 11. What kind of salary do you need? A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range. 12. Are you a team player? You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point. 13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired? Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job. 14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that? This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">15. What is your philosophy towards work? The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position? If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">19. Why should we hire you? Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">21. What irritates you about co-workers? This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">22. What is your greatest strength? Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">23. Tell me about your dream job. Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">24. Why do you think you would do well at this job? Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">25. What are you looking for in a job? See answer # 23 <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with? Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">27. What is more important to you: the money or the work? Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer. <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is? There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">30. What has disappointed you about a job? Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely? Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">33. What motivates you to do your best on the job? This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends? This is up to you. Be totally honest.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">35. How would you know you were successful on this job? Several ways are good __#|measures__: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">36. Would you be willing to relocate if required? You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own? This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">38. Describe your management style. Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job? Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">40. Do you have any blind spots? Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for? Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position? Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience? First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">44. What qualities do you look for in a boss? Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others. Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project? Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">47. Describe your work ethic. Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment? Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job. Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">50. Do you have any questions for me? Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples. From jobinterviewquestions.org
 * Job interviews**

**Homework**: Watch the following tips for:
 * [|Do and don'ts at a job interview]
 * [|Example of a job interview]
 * [|Advice on how to deal job interviews]
 * [|Points to focus on your job interviews] Interviews dos and don'ts
 * [|Prepare your CV on europass]
 * You'll have to look [|for a real job abroad], related to your C.V, write a letter of application for the job together with your C.V and send it to me. Follow the model in Cover Letters.


 * Listening about how to deal with job interviews: **

You will hear David Smith, the Personnel Manager of a Major European insurance company, answering questions about the way he interviews and selects candidates.
**1.** **In the first extract he talks about the four points listed below. Listen and number them in the order in which he mentions them.**

2. In the second extract, David Smith talks about the stages of an interview. Listen to what he says and complete the following chart.
1. Interviewer is informed that the candidate has arrived. 2...................................................................................... 3. Candidate is asked what he/she knows about the company 4............................................................................................. 5. Interviewer gives the candidate his views on the job and the company. 6............................................................................................................... 7............................................................................................................

3. Look at the qustions that David Smythe uses during an interview. In which section of the interview would each question appear?
a. Have you ever been in a situation in which you lost your temper?...... b. What sort of projects did you work on during your time with them?......  c. What do you know about our recent acquisitions in Latin America?...3 d. Did you have any trouble finding our building?...... e. How do you deal with difficult people?......  f. Which of the options that you took at university was the most interesting?.......  g. How ambitious are you?...... h. Are there any questions that you would like to ask me?......