72 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Write your own answers to the 72 interview questions as you refer to the suggested responses below each
question. There are similar questions. Some may not apply to you. You will not get 70 (+) questions and
your interview questions will not be asked in the sequence we have presented. You may discover you need
to write more SAR’s. (Situation, Action, Result) Remember your Focus Piece and Success Factors.
1.
Tell me about yourself.
This is the classic opener and gives the interviewer time to size you up, learn about the human side of you.
This gives the interviewer an opportunity to find a common thread with you. Begin with where you are
from, your education, a bit about your family (“my wife and I live in ___, and we have ___ children”) then
years of relevant related experience. Describe what you are currently doing, if working or not, how long you
have been out of work in general terms and what you have done.)
2.
What is your opinion of your last company? Or What did you like best/least in your last
position?
Stay neutral or positive, NO negatives. Focus on situations in which you learned and/or contributed
something to the company. Use an achievement as an example. Liked people, hated to leave – sensitive
question if there were difficulties – no negatives
3.
Why did you change jobs so frequently? Are you a job hopper?
Technique: Short & Sweet
Prepare a good rational for your moves. People do change jobs and if your reasons are sound, say so. Do not
be defensive.
Reasons to avoid: Did not get along with employer or other people, did not like the management policies;
passed over for a raise; too much work; too much overtime; too many arguments; problems of health;
personal problems interfering with work . . . avoid long stories and negatives.
Some acceptable reasons: reorganization; a new manager arrived and brought in his team; the company
was in difficulty and had a massive layoff; a major contract or customer was lost resulting in loss of sales;
the company was sold, etc.
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4.
How much salary are you looking for?
Suggested responses: “What does the position pay?” or “What is the ranges you’ve established for this
position?” If the repeat it or ask another salary question in follow-up, use: “I don’t think that I know enough
about the position to determine that. What kind of salary range do you have in mind?” After they give you a
number, then “Tell me more about the responsibilities of the position?”
5.
How much did you make in your last position?
Possible Response “I was well compensated in my previous company but that was a very different position
than this one. What is your range for this job?” After they give a salary, then :I’m sure we can arrange
something. What kind of staff would I be managing?”
Alternate response: “I am sorry but my previous salary was proprietary information, I’m sure you
understand.
6.
Have you ever been fired?
Technique: Short & Sweet –
If yes, have a good explanation worked out. Example: “We had a change in general managers and I was
replaced by one of his former associates.”
7.
How do you handle pressure/stress? And give me an example.
SAR (One-liner)
Question
Indicate that you can handle pressure, prove it with a SAR and then counter: “How much pressure is
involved in this position?” Learn what he means by pressure. If you are a pro at pressure jobs, give a few
accomplishments.
8.
How do you feel about your previous supervisor?
Technique: Short & Sweet
Question
Whatever your true feelings, be positive. Example: “He was a good manager and I learned a lot from about
delegating authority.”
Question: Tell me about the supervisor I would be working for in your company?
9.
What is your greatest asset (strength – skill)?
Spot needs =
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SAR (One-liner)
Success Factors
Question
Base your answer on what you know to be the interviewer’s needs. Go to your list of strengths and then tie
each of them to an accomplishment. If you don’t know what the interviewer needs yet, utilize a multiple
choice question of your skills and the interviewer can select one. “Well, my key assets are in the areas of
marketing, promotions and account management. Which would you like me to explain in detail?”
Question: What other skills are you looking for in this position?
10.
How much do you know about our company?
You better have done your homework! Research information about their products, sales, profits (or losses),
news, or personnel? Ask an open-ended question back to the interviewer to gain more information about
his/her views of the company.
Question: What do you think I need to know about your company?
11.
What do you perceive to be your greatest weakness / liability?
Technique: In the past
SAR (One-liner)
Refer to your Myers-Briggs
Use a topic that in the past was a weakness and you have overcome, such as: organizational skills,
impatience, delegating authority, computer skills, public speaking, expecting too much from my staff or time
management.
For example: “(Situation) In the past, I was not good at managing my time. (Action) I realized that I had to
be more professional so I took a time management course which (Results) provided me with the skills that I
needed.”
Example Question: “What deadlines would I be involved with in this position?” Get off the negative with a
question focused on the interviewer’s needs.
12.
Would you be willing to relocate?
Technique: Ask Back
“What did you have in mind?” Wait for their answer, then respond with “I’m sure we could work something
out.” Everything is negotiable but only after you have received an offer.
13.
What motivates you? How do you motivate others, especially those with performance
problems?
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Focus on opportunity, growth, a chance to learn, nice people, fair play, etc. The second and third parts of the
question give you an opportunity to use examples of your leadership style.
14.
Have you ever been discriminated against?
Don’t know if this would ever be asked – would be sensitive if you had been. Some people like to
talk about this, can really open some doors that should be kept shut.
Technique: Short & Sweet –
15.
What kind of manager are you? Or What is your leadership style?
Spot needs = Management
SAR (One-liner)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
This gives you an opportunity to talk about your leadership style/philosophy.
16.
How long have you been out of work?
This could be a loaded question. A positive reply might be, “I’ve just begun my career campaign.”
17.
Why did you leave your last job?
Technique: Short & Sweet –
18.
Have you increased sales / profits in any of your previous positions?
Spot needs = Sales increases / increased revenues / saved money / saved time
SAR (One-liner)
Question
Here is your chance to elaborate on your best accomplishments. If you have not been in a position to
increase profits, talk about saving money for a company / project.
Question: What opportunity would I have to impact sales / profits in the position we are discussing?
19.
How did your boss, co-workers, and subordinates get along with you?
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Have some examples of the kind of team player you are. Answer this in a way that demonstrates that you are
comfortable taking direction from authority, get along well with your peers and that you are approachable by
your subordinates.
This is also a leadership question. Know what it takes to be a quality leader. In preparation, think of the best
people you have worked for and list their attributes in leadership. Recognition and helping the people who
depend on you often weigh as heavily in motivation as monetary reward.
One important key to being a great manager is to be able to delegate duties while maintaining control. If you
can show some accomplishments demonstrating this ability, you are top management material.
20.
Tell me about the last incident that made you angry and how you handled it.
Technique: Re-direct
Be careful. Ask yourself this question: “Does anger ever have an appropriate place in the work day?”
Perhaps it would be better to talk about an incident that frustrated you, and how you handled it.
21.
What are your short, medium, and long-term goals?
Tie your answer to goals that could conceivably be realized in the interviewing company. Limit your goals
to cover only the short and medium range. Be realistic. A good reply is oriented toward growth in one’s
position through learning, experience, and accomplishments. Talk about demonstrated performance and
moving to the next level based on the company’s structure. Don’t mention retirement, family or unrelated
goals.
22.
Rank Wealth, Power, and Fame and explain your rationale.
Be careful with this “off the wall” type of question. Don’t shoot from the hip. Take your time, contemplate,
be thoughtful before responding.
23.
Have you helped your company reduce costs? Give me an example.
Spot needs = reducing costs
SAR (One-liner)
Question
Prove it with an SAR.
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24.
What is the toughest part of being a manager?
Technique: In the past
SAR (Online)
A good reply is, “To surround myself with people who are better than I in their individual specialties, so that
I can continue to grow and learn.”
25.
Why do you want to work for our company?
Base your answer on what you know to be the interviewer’s needs. Go to your list of strengths and prove it
with an SAR. (Focus Piece – requirements and qualifications match)
Your reply could be based on their reputation for product, management, international scope, technology or as
a nice place to work and grow. Know their products, policies and potential for you.
Question: What other skills are you seeking for this position?
26.
Tell me about an especially difficult human relations dilemma and how you handled it.
Base your answer on a specific example where you went the extra mile to correct a difficult situation. This is
a behavioral style question that gives you the opportunity to give examples of your leadership style with a
SAR.
27.
Why should we hire you? Or, I’ve interviewed some well qualified candidates, why should I
hire you?
When you know what they need . . . use it! Better to know a little about the company and the position for
which you are interviewing. If not, push in the direction of excellence based on former accomplishments
(benefits). OR, Best response: Use your focus piece to recap how you FIT!
“I am looking for a company where I can be challenged and grow along with the company.”
28.
How many people have you hired?
Spot needs = Hiring
SAR (One-liner)
Question
If you have hired a number of people, pick one or two who have done well because of your support. Give a
specific SAR rather than a general answer or just a number. This question naturally relates to your ability to
evaluate people.
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If you have not hired, but assisted in the interview process, tell an SAR about that. If you have not hired at
all, mention your willingness to learn.
Question: What involvement would I have with hiring in this position?
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Have you terminated people in the past?
Spot needs = terminations
SAR (One-liner)
Question
Watch out, this is another loaded question. Example answer: “When something does not work, it is good to
analyze why. I did have to let people go in my last job. It made me realize how important it is to make the
right selections the first time around.”
If you have not had to fire anyone: “I’ve been fortunate in the past. It has not been necessary to let anyone
go.”
Question: Under what situations might I have to terminate someone in this position?
30.
What do you consider to be your greatest success? Or What are your most significant
accomplishments? Go back at least two jobs.
Spot needs
SAR (One-liner)
Question
Pick one or more of your most significant accomplishments as it relates to their needs.
Question: What else can you tell me about the daily responsibilities?
31.
What has been your biggest failure or (disappointment)?
The “in the past” technique works very well. See question 11.
Decide how you will answer this and practice it before it before each interview. If it can be something you
were later able to correct, it becomes a learning experience. Don’t relay something that may be related to the
job requirements of the position you are discussing with the interviewer.
Question: The question needs to direct the focus of the discussion back to skills and the position based on
your answer.
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32.
Rank the members of your (current or previous) team and explain the ranking.
The interviewer is looking for negatives, also, how do you evaluate people, are you positive, or, do you take
credit for all of your team’s accomplishments.
33.
How did you feel about the progress you made in your last position?
If it applies, focus on progression you have made through the years, or give examples of being selected by
upper management to participate in special projects above and beyond your regular responsibilities.
34.
Did you have any frustrations in your past job?
The “in the past” technique works very well here.
“Frustrations are a normal part of any job.” Relate some of the bottlenecks you experienced but more
importantly, indicate the action you did to overcome them.
Question: What type of frustrations might there be in this position?
35.
Tell me some of the creative work you have done.
Spot needs
SAR (One-liner)
______
Here creativity means how you have developed an idea, a new product, a new theme or a new program and
how its implementation improved the operation.
36.
Do you like to compete? Or Are you Competitive?
Remember, competition is great as long as it does not sacrifice the rest of the team. If you are competitive,
relate it to the total company effort and not your personal ambitions.
Question: “A company certainly needs to know where they stand in the marketplace. Who would you say is
your biggest competitor?
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37.
How high do you aspire to rise in our company? Or Where do you see yourself in 3 years/5
years?
Possible response: “First and foremost I would like to do a great job in the position we are discussing, then if
I am qualified for a step up, of course I would like to be considered. I am seeking a challenging opportunity
to grow with a company.”
38.
Do you consider yourself successful? Why? Or How do you describe success?
Spot needs
SAR (One-liner)
Question
Focus on progress made in previous companies or when you have been given additional responsibilities.
Example: “When I started out at XYZ Company, I was one of five salespeople. In five years, I have more
than doubled my salary and am now sales manager. I feel good abut what I have accomplished.
Question: In your opinion, what do you think it would take to be successful in this position?
39.
What can you do for our company that someone else cannot?
Spot needs
SAR (One-liner)
Focus Piece
Question
By now, you should know the requirements of the job. Match your accomplishments against the
interviewer’s needs (Focus Piece). As for the other candidates, you really cannot answer, nor would you
want to. Answer from what you feel you can contribute.
40.
Tell me about the best and worst boss you ever had.
Be careful. Don’t use names. Example: “My current boss is surely my best as she communicates precisely
her expectations and trusts me to do my job. My worst boss was just the opposite, which taught me the
absolute necessity of always communicating directly and never being vague.”
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41.
How long do you think it would be before you could contribute to our company?
Do not be in a hurry on this one. There normally is a period of transition to learn the ropes. Possible answer:
“If the transition goes according to plan, I would guess relatively soon. What would you expect?”
42.
Are you considering any other jobs at this time:
Technique: Short & Sweet –
Possible response: “I am actively pursuing my job search.” If you are, say so, but without detail. If not, “I
have some irons in the fire” is enough.
43.
43.
What was the last book you read?
(b) If you could meet any one person (alive today) who would it be?
Pick something that is either business-related, self-help or neutral. Be careful. He/she may have read the
same one. Acceptable suggestions: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, One Minute Manager and
Influencing With Integrity or any other related to these topics. Tell the most significant thing you learned
from it.
44.
What magazines/newspaper do you read?
This is a good time to mention trade journals that would reinforce your experience.
45.
How long have you been looking for a job?
Technique: Short & Sweet –
Do not mention an exact time period. If it has been a long time, you might mention if you have been doing
any consulting or other part-time work. Possible responses: “Several weeks . . . Several months . . . or I
have just begun an active job campaign.”
46.
How many hours should a person devote to his job?
Possible answer: “As many as needed to get it done while maintaining balance in one’s life. Could you
describe to me what the hourly expectations are for this position?”
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47.
When was the last time you felt enthusiastic about helping a colleague or co-worker to
succeed? Explain.
Technique: SAR
48.
What do you think your references will say about you?
(Success Factors)
49.
How many people did you supervise in your last position?
Spot needs = Supervision
SAR (One-liner)
Question
Do not exaggerate as this can be verified. Avoid specific numbers. “I supervised a small department and
was later promoted to manager, which increased the number to more than 35. Our department placed second
in cost reduction for the entire company last year.”
Question: How many people would I be supervising in this position?
50.
How would your spouse (co-workers) describe you?
Focus on good things (intangible strengths), especially since by now you have discussed your resume with
your spouse. (success factors)
If you are single: “The people in my life might tell you (intangible strengths).”
51.
What do you feel your strengths are?
Stick to accomplishments. Offer a multiple-choice question of your skills based on what you know about the
position. (Success factors and Myers Briggs)
Question : Which of these would interest you?
52.
What would you like to improve on?
Pick something that will not be a deterrent for this position. You can always improve skills, such as:
Communication skills, computer skills, foreign language skills and listening, etc.
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53.
How do you spend your free time?
Be reasonable. This is not the time to mention that you like jumping out of planes, even if it is true. Pick a
variety of hobbies such as computers, sports, and cooking. Avoid dangerous and controversial hobbies.
54.
What are your major accomplishments and how did you do them?
Spot needs
SAR (One-liner)
Question
Here is your dream question! Pick the ones that pertain to the position for which you are interviewing. You
know you have struck pay dirt when someone asks, “How did you do that?”
55.
I don’t think you have what we are looking for.
Technique: Short & Sweet –
Ouch! This could be a smoke screen. Defuse the potential defensiveness first by paying a compliment and
then questioning it. Example: “Thank you, I appreciate your candor. Out of curiosity, if there were one
quality that you feel that I lack, what would that one quality be?”
56.
Don’t you feel that you are overqualified for this position?
Technique: (OHT)
Ouch! This is usually a smoke screen. First you must lower any perceived defense mechanism then you must
find out why they feel you are overqualified. Then utilize the appropriate technique based on the underlying
reason. If it’s money, then use the technique.
Response: “Well, thank you, I take that as a compliment. Out of curiosity, are you perhaps concerned that I
may not be challenged? Or “Are you perhaps concerned that the salary range may be an issue?”
57.
Do you mind working for someone of the opposite sex or someone younger than you?
It is the job that counts. Stick to the job specification and do not get sidetracked on tough implications. If
you have worked in this situation before, tell the SAR. If not, express your lack of concern on the topic.
Question: Tell me about the person I would be working for?
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58.
You have never done this type of job before. How do you expect to succeed?
Technique: Redirect –
Bring up some accomplishments that show how you tackled new things and succeeded. Redirect to our
transferable skills.
59.
Do you mind travel? Or How do you feel about travel?
Technique: Ask Back
Possible response “I am not opposed to travel, what kind of travel did you have in mind?” Once it’s
explained: “I’m sure we can work something out!”
60.
Do you mind taking some psychological tests?
Technique: Short & Sweet,
Correct response: “No.”
61.
Would you consider yourself aggressive?
Possible response: “I feel that the words determined, assertive or tenacious better describes me. I want to be
as assertive as needed in each situation.”
“If you mean am I a go-getter, yes, I am. When I see an opportunity, I like going after it.” Defuse the tough
implications.
62.
How many days were you out ill last year?
Technique: Short & Sweet –
If you have been out a lot, this could be damaging, unless you can impress upon the person that it was a onetime illness. “Unfortunately, I was out three weeks because of an auto accident. Even though I was not at
fault, it was costly in time. But I maintained daily contact with my office and made sure that necessary work
was completed. Everything is okay now.” If you were not out for a long time, just say, “Only a couple of
days.”
63.
How do you take criticism?
Most people have problems taking criticism. Emphasize “constructive” criticism. Suggested response: “I
welcome the opportunity to learn how to do my job better. Tell me about your review program for employee
evaluation?”
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64.
Does your present company know you are planning to make a change?
If yes . . . Technique: Short & Sweet –
If no . . . Technique: Redirect – )
Be careful. Your answer could come back to haunt you. Possible response, “I have grown just about as far
as I can and see no further opportunities. At the appropriate time I expect to let my company know and, of
course, when I am ready to move, I will do everything to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
65.
If you feel you have any weakness, with regard to the position, what would it be?
Focus piece – time it would take to learn the position (ramp up on company policy and procedure)
66.
If you were choosing someone for this position, what kind of person would you choose?
Focus piece, job description and success factors.
67.
What have you been doing since you left your last position?
Almost always asked or discussed in an interview. Know your story
68.
You are the supervisor and a member of your team is insubordinate and disruptive in front of
the unit, how would you handle the situation?
“I’m interested in hearing your input, but, at this time . . .”
69.
What is the most difficult business related decision you ever had to make? What was it and
how did you handle it? (SAR)
Be specific with the example – could be letting someone go, leaving a position, closing a plant.
70.
Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
Teamwork is always paramount, but express ability to do both – self-motivated and able to motivate
others. Give specific examples of success doing both.
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71.
Why have you decided to change careers? Or Why did you leave your last position?
Technique: Short & Sweet –
Your answer could be based on growth, interest, opportunity, increased responsibilities, or greater product
knowledge. Tie this into the position for which you are currently interviewing.
72.
Do you have any questions? YES
Do not ask, “What’s in it for me” questions. Save them for the offer stage. Questions pertaining to benefits,
vacations, work hours, parking and continuing education should wait until the offer is apparent. Stick to the
following topics. You may have more questions about a particular project or topic discussed earlier in the
interview. Ask 4-8 questions. You will have other meetings to get more information.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPANY

What is the growth plan of the company?

What do you see as the most significant challenge facing this (department-division-company) in the
coming year?

Which markets do you regard as most important?

Who are your major customers?

What growth do you foresee in this company in the next five years?

What is your market share?

What are your company’s goals for 2 years? 5 years? 10 years?

What separates your company from its competitors?

Considering my qualifications and our discussion today, how do you feel about me as a potential fit?

Where do we go from here? What’s the next step? When can we schedule another interview?
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