Common Interview Questions & Answers - Part2 - Must read for all job seekers!

1. What motivates you and why?

Answer
This is a question that tests both your degree of self-insight and how you might fit within the new work group and organisation. Only you can know what makes you work best. Think about answers in the lines of,

1. Public Recognition
2. Awards
3. New challenges
4. New technology
5. Learning/Training
6. Good Team
7. Work Culture
8. History of the organization
   

In almost all cases, "money" is not a good answer! However, sales role where some or all of the rewards are based on performance, this may be suitable as part of your answer. If you are interviewing for a job with a non-profit or political organisation, then you could talk about your passion for the cause.

2. What style of management gets the best from you?

Answer This is similar to the question about what motivates you. It measures what you know about yourself and how you might fit within the new work group and organisation.Your answer should be in the lines of the previous question.

3. If I called up one of your friends now and asked them to use three words to describe you, what would he or she say?
or
How would your current boss describe you?

Answer
Again, thorough research will pay off. Self-assessment should be part of any job search strategy. It means you know what your assets are. Your research would tell you what sort of organization it is and what they are looking for in you. You should showcase your assets that will benefit the company.

Many people feel very uncomfortable with this question because it invites us to sing our own praises — Remember, you're not boasting. You are stating objective information that you can back up with tangible examples, such as description of situations where these qualities have been evident.

Answers like "hard working", "productive", "efficient", "friendly", "team player" are safe bets but also remember to add some special assets that you have.

4. What were your three most significant achievements in your previous/current job?

Answer
This is a great question and you will almost always get this question. There's lots of potential here for you to prove your capabilities and experience. This is one answer that requires preparation. You will have to carefully think 3 or more scenarios that was the best moments in your career. Also make sure some of the achievements match with the requirement of the job you applied for.

The answers might be in the lines of your company getting an award because of the product your team built and your part in it or may be how you won a new project for your company worth XXXXXXX dollars or how a simple solution made the client happy.

5. Describe a major goal you have recently set for yourself.

Answer
Use this question to demonstrate your ability to set yourself targets, plan to reach them and commit yourself to action.

Your goal may be to find yourself a more rewarding and satisfying job. It may be a major project at work. In particular for graduates, the goal may relate to study or other personal activities.

You can use a PAR formula to demonstrate your ability to analyze situations and problem solve. The formula stands for Problem-Action-Results. Introduce the goal by describing why it was important — was it fixing a problem or seizing an opportunity? What action have you taken? What are the results so far? Keep thinking about how this is relevant to the job you're applying for.

The series of hubs have several interview question and answers.
Part 1 of the Series - Interview Tips
Part 3 of the Series
Part 4 of the Series
Part 5 of the Series