Challenges or problems that you encountered

What needed to be done?

Where did you start?

Describe your specific assignments, responsibilities orduties.

Describe the situation, project or task.

Emphasize the non-routine challenging problems.

How and why did the situation arise?

Did you notice or discover it yourself?

Did you suggest or initiate the action?

What did you do?

How did you proceed?

Describe your goals, plans and procedures.

Emphasize your creative and innovative approach.

Describe what you actually did and how you did it.

Emphasize what others did under your supervision.

Describe the difficulties that you encountered and overcame.

Result that was achieved for you or the company. (Be specific and use measurable examples whenever possible).

What did you accomplish?

State how well you carried out your responsibilities.

Describe your contributions and achievements.

Quantify your results and specify them in concrete language.

Describe how completely your plans were realized.

Emphasize who (Company? Department? Boss? Other?) benefited.

Exactly how did they benefit and how much did they benefit?

Positive/Negative and Neutral Questions

Listen carefully to whether a question will prompt an automatic positive or negative response. Turn the negative and neutral questions into positive examples. Give specific, positive examples describing your experiences and attributes. Remember: Challenge, Action, Result.

Positive Questions

What are your strengths?

Why should we hire you?

What can you contribute?

What are your most significant accomplishments?

Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

Why have you been successful?

Tell me about the things you enjoy.

Describe the ideal position for you.

Tell me about a situation in which you felt very effective on the job.

In what type of business environment do you function best?

Negative Questions

What are your weaknesses?

Tell me about a work situation where you felt ineffective.

What didn't you like about your last position (boss) (company)?

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career?

Tell me how you have handled a difficult peer (boss) (subordinate).

What criticisms have supervisors had about your work style?

What type of business environment makes it most difficult for you to function?

Why did you leave your last position? (Be brief, consistent, and stick to a pre-determined, positive reason for leaving).

Neutral Questions

Tell me about yourself.

What will references (former bosses or co-workers) say about you? (Stress the positive; do not volunteer the negative; use their actual words where possible).

How do you communicate with bosses/peers/subordinates)?

How did you spend time on your last job?

How do you handle pressure?

What are your salary requirements and expectations? (Give range, not a specific figure. Leave room to negotiate after the position is offered. Make clear that salary is not all that is important).

What qualities do you look for in people you hire?

Why are you interested in this position?

What is important for me to know about you?

What is the key thing you have learned in your management career?

How do you set priorities?

How do you and your family feel about relocation?

What do you want to be doing in five years? (Remember, you have to get this position and do it well before you move up).

DO...

Get clear directions to the exact location.

Smile frequently.

Answer questions honestly and without hesitation.

Be confident.

Talk in terms of the employer and what you can do for them.

Be sincere.

Be free from breath and body odors.

Be about 5 - 10 minutes early for the interview.

Maintain good eye contact.

End the interview by asking what the next step will be.

DON' T...

Carry a large handbag or heavy briefcase.

Take a seat unless offered one.

Wear clothes that are soiled and baggy.

Fidget/chew gum.

Contradict yourself.

Wear a flashy tie or clashing colors.

Falsify information.

Get too friendly. Keep it formal and relaxed.