Questions a Prospective Employer May Ask

1. Tell me about yourself
   This is a stock opener - the most often-asked question in these interviews. So,  you need to be ready for it. Prepare a short answer that sums up what you do and the positions you have held relating to the one under discussion. Work in some of your top selling points. Rehearse it so often that it stops sounding rehearsed.


2. What do co-workers say about you?
   Be prepared with a quote or two from a co worker or supervisor. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work well, eg: ‘John Jones, my Manager at Company X always said I had the best time management skills he had seen.’ This statement is as powerful as if John had said it himself.


3. Why did you leave your last job?
   Stay positive - irrespective of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers, or the organisation.
   
   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 different, or other constructive reasons.


4. What do you know about this organisation?
   This question is one reason to do some research on the organisation 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. The Internet is an excellent tool for this.


5. Are you applying for other jobs?
   Be honest. It is good to let potential employers know you have other opportunities without giving too much detail. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for his team.


6. Why do you want to work for this organisation?
   This may take some thought and certainly should be based on the research you have done on the organisation. Sincerity is extremely important here. Relate it to your long-term career goals.


7. What are your salary expectations?
   This is a loaded question. Do not answer it. Easily the best way is to hand the whole deal to your Windsor Consultant, simply saying: ‘That’s something that I’d prefer NAME discussed with you’.
   
   If you must answer, say something like, ‘That’s a tough question – can you tell me the range for this position’ OR ‘In my last position I was on a total package of $x’ OR ‘It would very much depend on the details and duties of the job’, then give a broad range. Don’t box yourself in.


8. Are you a team player?
   Your answer should be a confident ‘YES’ with examples ready to support. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team will provide good evidence of your collaborative attitude. Do not boast, but be positive and direct. This is a key question.


9. Explain how you would be an asset to our team
   Expect this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to this position. Give a little advanced thought to this relationship and listen to clues from your agency or potential employer about what they might be looking for.


10. Tell me about your dream job?
    Stay away from stating a specific job or industry. Keep your response general such as ‘a role where I like the work and the people, respect the culture and enjoy going to work each day.’


11. What are your greatest strengths?
    There are many positive answers for this question. Good examples are: ability to prioritise, problem-solving skills, and ability to work well under pressure, ability to focus on projects/tasks, professionalism, leadership skills, and positive attitude.


12. What is more important to you - the money or the work?
    Money is always important, but the quality of the work should be more important. If you are doing something that you hate no amount of money can make you truly content.


13. Tell me about a problem you have had with a supervisor
    This is another trick question. This is often to see if you speak badly of your supervisors.
    
    Unless you have a carefully chosen example of a time where you and a supervisor had a mild difference of opinion that was resolved in such a way that your two opinions combined to form a positive outcome, it is best to stay positive and be unable to remember any trouble with a supervisor.


14. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
    This is a personal trait, but some good examples are: challenge, achievement, recognition and respect. Being involved in the company’s future and wanting the best outcomes are always reasons to work hard and enjoy the work.


15. What would your previous employer say is your strongest point?
    Again, be honest and positive. This question will most be likely be asked of past employers/referees anyway. Some examples are: Loyalty, energy, positive attitude, leadership, team player, initiative, patience, and creativity.


16. What position do you prefer on a team project?
    Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out. You may prefer to work as a team leader than as an administrator. Or, you may feel you’re an excellent 2IC. Conversely, if you believe yourself to be a loyal foot soldier, say so. No team is made up of leaders!


17. Describe your management style?
    Try to avoid labels such as progressive, dynamic or results-driven. The situation or consultative style is best ; it says you will include staff and manage according to what’s going down.


18. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
    This one is completely up to you. Be honest and don’t commit to something that you will not be prepared to do in the future.


19. Tell me about your responses to working under pressure.
    Be honest. You may say that you thrive under pressure? Give an example that relates to the type of position you have applied for. Perhaps you withdraw a little and focus harder? Explain how this benefits the larger group.
    
    Maybe you have strategies in place to deal with the pressures in your life? Briefly explain this. But whatever you stay, be positive, stick to the truth, don’t waffle on but don’t sidestep the issue.


20. Do you have any questions for me?
    Always have some questions prepared. Questions involving areas where you will be an asset to the organisation are good. You may also have queries about where the organization is going?

The following questions are all tricky ‘tie-breakers’ and each one requires a carefully thought-through and completely subjective answer. They’re included in part to see whether you do think about things or simply accept at face value.

21. How do you determine or evaluate success?
22. What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
23. What qualities should a successful manager possess?