Job Interview Special Tips
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The following questions are unrelated with Java technology, but they
may be asked. So study this list, plan your answers ahead of time and
you'll be ready to deliver them with confidence. Note: most of
questions and answers are cited from email box or donated by the
people who experienced. They are listed here for your reference.
Javacamp.org will not be responsible for any job loss or damage by
using these tips.
What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your
weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal
qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working
on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter.
I recently joined Toastmasters.com, which I find very helpful."
Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in
this industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I
could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be
a great addition to your team."
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given
this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there
is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission
statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited
about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list
of desirable choices."
What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals
rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My
immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My
long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to
eventually grow into a position of responsibility."
Why Did You Leave (Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive
context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but
the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which
included me."
If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After
two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is
team-focused, where I can add my experience."
When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an
example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer
will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last
job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems;
that is an important part of the job for me."
What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't? or
What makes you unique?
This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits.
Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical
skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This
allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more
user-friendly."
What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's
quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone
else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has
ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."
What Salary Are You Seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first.
Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line
or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the
time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you
typically pay someone with my background?"
If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can
think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive
impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive.
What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What
impression do you want to make?
Why do you like to join us?
Be honest to answer such question. Sample answer would be: Because I
like your company, etc. and I am capable of doing a good job. Or I
just move to this area and I am looking for the job that suits me very
well...
How did you handle your most challenging experience in your previous job?
Smoothly, generally speaking. But I am a good team work player and
always share my experience with others and learn from others.
Tell me about yourself?
I'm a quick learner, dedicated, hard working and friendly employee.
Common Mistakes in Job Interview
Poor personal appearance.
Lack of interest and enthusiasm: Passive and indifferent.
Over emphasis on money: interested only in best dollar offer.
Condemnation of past employers.
Failure to look at the interviewer when conversing.
Limp, fishy handshake.
Unwillingness to go where sent.
Late to interview.
Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's time.
Asks no questions about job.
Indefinite response to questions.
Overbearing, over aggressive, conceited with superiority or "know it
all complex."
Inability to express self clearly: Poor voice diction, grammar.
Lack of planning for career: no purpose and goals.
Lack of confidence and poise: nervous ill at ease.
Failure to participate in activities.
Unwilling to start at the bottom-expects too much too soon.
Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavorable factors in record.
Lack of tact.
Lack of courtesy: ill mannered.
Lack of Maturity.
Lack of vitality.
Indecision.
Sloppy application blank.
Merely shopping around.
Wants job for short time.
No interest in company or industry.
Low moral standards.
Cynical.
Lazy.
Intolerant: strong prejudices.
Narrow interests.
Inability to take criticism.
High pressure type.
Here are some other job interview questions you might want to rehearse.
Your Qualifications
What can you do for us that someone else can't do?
What qualifications do you have that relate to the position?
What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative.
What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?
What is important to you in a job?
What motivates you in your work?
What have you been doing since your last job?
What qualities do you find important in a coworker?
Your Career Goals
What would you like to being doing five years from now?
How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?
What type of position are you interested in?
How will this job fit in your career plans?
What do you expect from this job?
Do you have a location preference?
Can you travel?
What hours can you work?
When could you start?
Your Work Experience
What have you learned from your past jobs?
What were your biggest responsibilities?
What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?
How does your previous experience relate to this position?
What did you like most/least about your last job?
Whom may we contact for references?
Your Education
How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?
What were your favorite classes/activities at school?
Why did you choose your major?
Do you plan to continue your education?
What have I forgotten to ask?
Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and
attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization.
Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and
that you can succeed.
What salary are you expecting?
You probably don't want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect
the question back to the interviewer by saying something like: "I
don't know. What are you planning on paying the best candidate?" Let
the employer make the first offer.
However, it is still important to know what the current salary range
is for the profession. Find salary surveys at the library or on the
Internet, and check the classifieds to see what comparable jobs in
your area are paying. This information can help you negotiate
compensation once the employer makes an offer.
"What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any sports?"
The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside
of your professional experience. For example, hobbies such as chess or
bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are
creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina,
while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working
as part of a team. Also, the interviewer might simply be curious as to
whether you have a life outside of work. Employees who have creative
or athletic outlets for their stress are often healthier, happier and
more productive.
"What are your career goals?" or "What are your future plans?"
The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's goals
are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan
ahead. Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your
performance, and be specific as possible about how you will meet the
goals you have set for yourself.
Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give
examples describing how you have worked in both situations.
What is your major weakness?
Be positive; turn a weakness into a strength. For example, you might
say: "I often worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to
make sure the job is done well."
What are your best skills?
If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be
able to imagine what skills the company values. List them, then give
examples where you have demonstrated these skills.
Why did you leave your last job?
The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last
job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as:
relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off;
temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better
suited to your skills.
If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept
responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any
problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don't describe
that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning
experience that will not affect your future work.
"Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our company?"
Few questions are more important than these, so it is important to
answer them clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your
interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the
company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how
your professional skills will benefit the company. Unless you work in
sales, your answer should never be simply: "money." The interviewer
will wonder if you really care about the job.
Tell me about yourself.
Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional
achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your
qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the
organization.
Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?
It depends on the project or the task. I am comfortable working in a
group as well as individually. Most of the times, the team effort
brings the new and better concepts. However, there are some tasks that
are effectively completed by one person. If I am trying to identify a
production problem, one person can do it effectively. When some other
person is looking over your shoulder, you do not do a good job.
Why should we hire you?
I will be an asset to your organization. I'm loyal, persistent,
motivated, and I learn fast. I am someone who could be very productive
very quickly.
What is your favorite color?
Purple
Why do you like the job?
Because I think I have a best quality for that job.
Why should we hire you not others?
You are recommended to focus on your qualification against the job
requirements. If your job role is going to change, and you really know
that others mean the people you know, you are recommended to sort out
your strong points against others.
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etip
