Profile

Q. Tell me about yourself
This is the most frequently asked question. Your answer to this question should be a brief summary of your resume. Mention your key skills, course work or experience and the most recent successful accomplishment in a professional manner.

Example:
"During my six years of experience as a database specialist, I have acquired extensive knowledge and expertise working in various areas of SQL Server and Oracle database systems. Recently, I was involved in a data warehouse implementation where I contributed as a project team leader responsible for maintaining project plan, design and implementation of database schema and export/import process from various databases. As a next step in my career, I would like to utilize my current skills and continue to grow in the related areas."

Q. Why did you choose our organization? [ top ]
Employers prefer to retain their employees for a longer period of time. The high turnover of employee could cost company in many ways. Employers like to know what attracted you to apply for a job in their organization. Employers prefer to hire candidates who share their goal and could contribute to achieve it.

Note: Do not say; I am interested in your organization because your benefits are good or any other monetary reason.

Example:
"From my research through your website, I learned that you are one of the top 10 games development company. I have a passion for games and would like to work for a company like yours, who share the same vision to take today's games to a new level."

Q. What do you know about our organization? [ top ]
This is another question that most interviewers ask. Interviewers like to know how much research you have done before coming to an interview. This shows your seriousness and preparedness.

Never say; I don't know anything. Always try do some research about the company prior to going for an interview. It also helps you decide whether it is worth to invest your time and effort for an interview with that company.

Example:
"From my initial research, I learned that you are in the business of manufacturing and marketing of medical devices. You have 3 manufacturing facilities and 12 marketing offices through out the country. I would welcome some more detailed information that might be helpful to succeed in this job."

Q. Can you describe your strengths and weakness?[ top ]
Use this question to showcase all your strengths. Weakness should be conveyed in a positive manner. Do not say I do not have a weakness. Interviewers know that no one is perfect. Start with all your strengths that could help you excel in the job and add one weakness at the end and perhaps a question asking interviewer's opinion to overcome that weakness.

Example:
"Effective communication and ability to learn quickly are my biggest strengths. In April, I was awarded with employee of the quarter award in our sales department for meeting my target much earlier to my deadline. My weakness is, sometimes I push myself too much to close the deal and end up losing the client occasionally. What do you think is the best way to overcome that?"

Q. Considering your number of years of working experience, describe your most successful achievements.[ top ]

This question could be asked in many ways. Make sure that you have a well-defined answer. Describe your one of the best recent achievement that is related to the job requirement. This could be an achievement from your course work or prior work experience.

Example:
"Recently, I was part of a team that successfully developed a supply chain integration system at Yale University, San Diego. The system included modules for cost, resource, capacity and process management. My responsibilities were to develop and implement process based planning and advanced cost methodologies."

Q. How do you rate yourself from 1-10? 10 being the best, and why? [ top ]
This is a very tricky question. You don't want to sound an arrogant person by saying 9 or 10 nor want to rate yourself very low. Rate yourself an average if you are a junior level person and above average if you an experienced person. Also, provide a convincing reason that supports your statement.

Example:
"Considering my professional experience and certifications, I would rate myself above average (rate 7 or 8 if asked to specify the number)."

Q. Describe your daily activities at your present job. [ top ]
Prepare the list of all items that you are/were doing at your current/prior job as your day-to-day activities.

Example:
"As a Financial analyst, my daily activities are preparing forecasts, budgets, operating statistics and financial analysis for business proposals using different methods and tools. Other daily activities include managing and supporting AMS financial system. You may also list few tools that you might have used for the purpose."

Q. Why did you select this particular career?[ top ]
This question is mostly asked to recent graduates. Recent graduates normally require training before they can add significant value to the company. Employers would often like to invest in recent graduates who have passion in their selected field and would enjoy the work.

Example:
"Creativity is my biggest strength. I enjoy challenges and strive for innovative ideas when it comes to expressing something. I choose advertising because I believe it requires you to be creative and innovative at all times. It also has the excitement and challenges that I enjoy the most."