1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What did you most enjoy about your last job?
3. How would your colleagues or supervisor describe you?
4. What can you offer us that other people cannot?
5. What about this job attracts you? What is unattractive?
6. How long do you see yourself with us?
7. How would you describe an ideal working environment?

Standard interview questions might not seem difficult, but your answer to each should be polished and sharp. Craft responses and practice them before your interview so that they roll off your tongue when you face the interviewer. Effective responses answer questions honestly, positively, and briefly, highlighting important qualities and accomplishments that are relevant to the position at hand. Give examples to illustrate and corroborate your statements when possible. Your responses should work together, making connections between what you have previously done, the available position, and your goals.



Tell me about yourself.
Ineffective: I am a hard-worker who is good with numbers. After I worked as a financial analyst for a few years, I decided to go to law school. I just finished and now am looking for a new challenge.

Effective: I began developing skills relevant to financial planning when I worked as a financial analyst for three years. In that role, I succeeded in multiplying the wealth of my clients by carefully analyzing the market for trends. The return on the portfolios I managed was generally 2% more than most of the portfolios managed by my company. My initiative, planning, and analytic skills were rewarded by two promotions. As the manager of a team, I successfully led them to develop a more efficient and profitable strategy for dealing with new accounts. My subsequent training in the law, including tax law and estate law, gives me an informed view of what types of investments and charitable gifts would be most advantageous for your clients.


What did you most enjoy about your last job?
Ineffective: I liked lots of things-the people, the challenge, the rewards. Sometimes we had to work long hours, but it always seemed to pay off.

Effective: Of the many things that I enjoyed, I would say that the strategic aspects of my job most energized me. I liked setting concrete performance goals for myself and finding ways to meet them. I similarly enjoyed analyzing markets for trends and identifying when would be the most beneficial time to enter or withdraw from certain funds. When I was a manager, my team and I developed a new approach to accounts that became a standard for the company. Strategizing gave my work a sense of tangible direction and accomplishment.


How would your colleagues or supervisor describe you?
Ineffective: I guess they would say that I am a hard worker who is successful.

Effective: My supervisor and colleagues have described me as a dependable worker. My supervisor has appreciated that I prioritize tasks and manage my responsibilities so that she can rely on me. My bosses tell me I have a sixth sense for markets and I learn new information and procedures quickly. These skills account for my two promotions in three years. My boss was also impressed by how I was able to lead my team.


What can you offer us that other people cannot?
Ineffective: I have a unique combination of skills. I also really want the job.

Effective: I have a track-record of multiplying wealth through investments and developing strategies with teams. Since I have a JD, I also know what legal parameters and loopholes affect families and individuals planning their finances. My CFA training not only shows that I will succeed in the CFP courses, but also gives me a broader view of why financial plans work as they do. Since I am organized and self-motivated, I will add value to the company without requiring much tending and supervision.


What about this job attracts you? What is unattractive?
Ineffective: I like that it is in the field I am targeting. I don't like the commute that it will require.

Effective: As I evaluate my skills and goals, this job maximizes on both. I will be able to merge my knowledge of law and markets while strategizing for the sound financial future of clients. Since this is a small company, I imagine that there will be opportunity for increased responsibilities and challenges. I share the values of the company. I am not eager to do much data processing, but the position is very attractive.


How long do you see yourself with us?
Ineffective: I don't want to make any hasty commitments, and I like to keep my options open. Maybe I will be here for one year, maybe for five. It depends.

Effective: I see myself here as long as we both think that I am contributing to the vitality of the company while still being grown through challenges.


How would you describe an ideal working environment?
Ineffective: A laptop and cell phone on a beach sound ideal to me. Short of that, I would like an environment in which I am able to work as I please, without much supervision.

Effective: It is important to me that my company has clear objectives and strives for success. Similarly, I like having colleagues whom I admire for their skills and perspectives. When communication is clear between colleagues, our energy becomes synergy. In addition, I find that I flourish when given discretion after having gained the trust of my supervisor.

This post has been edited by JobListed: May 20 2005, 09:38 PM

Thank you...This is really helpful...hahaha....I got this question asked frequently...

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Normally i'll tell them about my plans and I make sure my plans wun venture away from the job I am applying or makes them sound like I'll juz be working with them in short term....

Is this the proper way?

What is your strength and weakness?
My answer : My strength is that I am willing to learn and work and I can go far if you give me this oppurtunity. My weakness is my due to my lack of experience since I am a freshie but I will not hesitate to learn from others. (do not brag too much. And try to cover when telling about your weakness)

What do you know about this company?
Very common question. So read about the company's latest news and developement before going to the interview.

So, here's 2 questions I was always ask when going to interviews. Some interviewer might get too creative and ask weird questions...so be prepare. LOL

Well done...thanks for sharing! Appreciated!

Template answers are huge turnoff for employers esp when you do not even mean it.

Q: I'm not going to hire you, do you know why?

Do you really think covering up your weaknesses will make them go away? The interviewer knows more about the company and position and is in a position to assess if your weaknesses will affect your success at the company. It is in your interest not to be in a position where you are unlikely to succeed given your weaknesses. Alternatively, the interviewer may realize that you are more suited to another position, possibly even a better position.

Your weaknesses will be discovered later on by your employer so there is little reason to hide or cover them up. Be honest and explain your any weaknesses that may be relevant to the job. You do not need to share non-relevant weaknesses such as your addiction to chocolate or anime unless you think it may affect your job.

You are welcome.

If you tell them regarding your plan and you are just be working with them in short term only, they will hire you too if they need you but they will not put more attention on you, exspecially they will not increase your salary. Right?

You are welcome. Below is some tips for Interview

. Be punctual
. Introduce yourself in a courteous manner and remember to smile,smlile smile!
. Read company materials while you wait.
. give a firm handshake.
. Use body language to show interest.
. Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback to the interviewer.
. Ask about the next step in the process.
. Thank the interviewer.
. Write a thank-you letter to anyone you have spoken to.

i was asked by an interviewer this question;

"so basically thats what u need to do if u are hired, this not an interesting job but rather a boring job, do u think this is the job that u looking for? do u think u can suit urself with this kins of job?"


* the position offered was system support and monitoring. the job is basically just sit there and monitor the server, if got problem occurs just write the problem's detail and call the system engineer to solve the problem.

anyone have any idea how to answe this question?

What do they ask before this question? Seem like you did some mistake in the previous questions that they asked.

Try to arrive at the company 30 minutes before the interview. Normally they require you to fill up interview form. eg if they ask u to come at 10am, try to reach there by 9:30am

Below is some dificult questions during Interview

1. What are your weaknesses?
2. Why did you leave your last job?
3. How do you deal with criticism?
4. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
5. How do you deal with authority?
6. What do you think of your previous manager?
7. What is the riskiest thing you have ever done?

Be confident and speak with a clear and convincing voice. Don't panic and squirm uncomfortably. As you prepare responses before the interview, consider what information the questions seek: are there ways in which you would be a liability to the company? If the company invests in you, what kinds of things would it need to overcome? Are you the kind of person who can deal with things when they get rough, or are you pure gloss?

In answering sensitive questions, make sure that your answers are honest, but reassuring. Use tact and choose your words carefully so that you show respect for other people in your responses. You should usually use understatement in your reply to sensitive questions. When people hear something bad, they tend to focus on it in a way that is out of proportion to its significance in everyday life. If you say that you are not always organized, the interviewer could imagine your desk with papers strewn everywhere and deadlines missed. But in reality your conception of disorganization might look a lot like the interviewer's conception of organization. In addition, most of the interviewer's questions could be answered honestly in a variety of ways. You want to choose the version of the truth that is most appealing and sensitive--the version that helps support your main message.


What are your weaknesses?
Overemphasized: I am not a good manager.

Avoidant: I always get my work done on time. When other people drop the ball, sometimes I get frustrated with them.

Effective: I prioritize continual growth and improvement. An area on which I would like to focus is managing others who have different expectations from me. What needs to be done in order to complete responsibilities is intuitive for me, so I am learning how to give better direction to others who are not self-motivated.


Why did you leave your last job?
Vague and negative: Law always interested me, and I was looking for a new challenge. I thought it would be a good time to go to law school. Besides, I had gotten frustrated with the lack of support I felt at work.

Dangerous: In the end, my manager and I could not get along. He was driving me crazy and I needed to leave.

Effective: As I succeeded in financial analysis, I became increasingly interested in broader issues of managing money. I wanted to understand how legal regulations and individuals' goals affect decisions about how to manage money. When I gained entrance to my top choice in law school, I seized the opportunity to infuse my financial training with legal knowledge.


How do you deal with criticism?
Disrespectful: When I remember the source, I usually realize that the other person is in no position to criticize me.

Unbelievable: Criticism does not bother me at all.

Effective: Criticism is vital to my continued growth, and I welcome constructive criticism that helps a team operate better together or produce better results. It is important to me to understand where my critic is coming from so that I know how to apply the feedback.


Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Dismissive: Living in a boat off the coast of Bermuda.

Exploitative: I hope to have gained enough skills here to start my own company.

Scattered: In ten years, I imagine that I will want a change of scene. One of my long-term interests has been ecological protection, and I can see myself working as a spokesman for a lobbyist organization. First, though, I need to make some money and I want to contribute to your company.

Effective: In ten years, I endeavor to have refined my strategic and client relations skills. I intend to be a leading expert in estate planning. After having proven myself as a senior manager, I hope to help shape the strategic direction of estate planning services. I could do this in any number of official roles. The important thing is that I will continue contributing my abilities in a challenging and rewarding environment.


How do you deal with authority?
Concerning: I think it is important to question authority from time to time.

Frightening: In my last job, there was a time when my boss made a financial decision that I knew would be abysmal. I went directly to his superior to explain the problem. His superior agreed that I was right, and my boss had to alter his plan.

Effective: Respect is very important to me. As an employee, I try to respect my boss not only by following her guidance, but also by seeking her guidance. When a trusting relationship is formed, I have often found that my bosses have appreciated concerns or options that I raised to them. They know that I support them, and I know that they respect me.


What do you think of your previous manager?
Evasive: She did her job fine. She was a pretty nice person.

Disrespectful: She knew her stuff, but she did not give my colleagues or me any real guidance. It is like we were fending for ourselves. She rarely stood up for us either. I do not really think she should be a manager.

Effective: My previous manager had excellent technical skills and was very agreeable as a colleague. I would have liked more support from her at times, but her hands-off style meant that I had to become resourceful in problem solving and negotiating with colleagues.


What is the riskiest thing you have ever done?
Too much information: My wife and I conceived our first child in front of the police department.

Dangerous judgment: I play chicken with trains.

Effective: The greatest calculated risk that I have taken was to launch my own internet company. My idea was solid, but I knew the market was volatile. Even though the venture ended, my investment of time and money paid off in terms of the skills, perspectives, and contacts that I made through the process. I feel like I matured-rather than aged-ten years during that time.

before this she asked me whether i know the scope of this job or not. i told her i know as i read it from the job advertisment. then she straight assume that that job is a boring job, i dint even mention the word 'boring' in front of her before she asked that question.


then i replied her that the word 'boring' has different defination to different kind of people, example is some people feel programmng is a challenging and interesting job to attempt but some find it boring as it only deals with coding. another example is some body can sit in front of a pc and spent 4-5 hours to surf in the internet while somebody cant sit in fornt of a computer more than 30 minutes. this is up to the person attitude and interest. u feel it boring doesnt mean other ppl feel boring to it.

any comments to my reply? is it abit rude? especially the last sentence. i think it is abit rude to say the last sentence.

This post has been edited by wenloong78: May 21 2005, 05:07 PM

My point of view is she will not hire you. You did a big mistake in the interview. When she ask you regarding whether you know the scope of this job or not, you should answer according, not mention that you get the info regarding this job function from the job advertisement. Try to learn from your mistake.

Additional, you can not mention that "you feel it boring doesnt mean other ppl feel boring to it too". This is too rude. The tip here is you must show your interest for this job during your interview.

Covering the weakness by telling something good instead to back up. I did not say lie or hide about the weakness. Everybody has their weakness and interviewer ask question like this to see if we're brave enough to admit.
Backing up weaknesses like this way...
Examples:
*I'm not too keen with computer's application but I'm thinking of taking part time courses to improve.
*Although I don't have much experience in this field but I think it's really interesting and I am willing to learn.
*Since I'm a fresh graduate, lack of experience is my weakness but I won't hesitate to ask and learn from others.

BTW, to be over-honest is not really necessary in interviews...I don't think by telling them something like 'I tend to be always late for work' or 'I have really hot temper' will earn you any honesty points.

This post has been edited by Kii: May 22 2005, 03:02 PM

HI Kii,

Just an interesting test.. What would you say of you get this response...

So, what you are saying is you have not taken any concrete step to address this weakness now. What makes you think you will do anything different in the future??

So, since you say you think this field is interesting, please tell me what you done so far to learn more about this interesting field??

Heh, I had interviewed quite a few fresh graduates and they had taken the trouble to get some exposure to this area in spite of their heavy study schedule. Why you have not done the same?? If you were not motivated to learn on your own in the past, why should I believe that you will act differently in the future??

Please noted that I had lived and worked in USA for a long time. So, I am very Americanized. If you apply to work in some companies that are American culture based, you may get this kind of response to your answers...

Dreamer

This post has been edited by dreamer101: May 22 2005, 03:20 PM

Hi,

Some time, the best and correct answer is "I do not know" instead trying to B.S. someone...

This is a very normal technique that I used when I interview some new people and trying to decide whether to work with someone.. I will ask question after question until the level of technicality of the question reach to a point that I know the person will not know the answer. Then, at that point, from the answer, I will know whether the person has the integrity or honesty of telling me the truth aka "I do not know". If the person will not tell you the truth when he/she do not know the answer, I either will not work with the person or I will be very careful on anything that I hear from the person.

Dreamer

Actually I think b4 an interview, it is important to do some homework on the job I am applying to... I think the most important part of interview is to show the employer we hv done some homework b4.. Am i right?

Anyways, another question I frequently came across here is... What kind of person you can't actually get along with??

I always tell them I can't work with irresponsible kind of ppl.. but after some thoughts... I figured, should we tell them I can't work with xxx and yyy type of ppl.. Or should we tell them, I hv no problem working with anyone... Unless they really dislike me...

Another thing I wanna ask is, should we remain serious during the interview or should we smile often? Even when answering question??

Cuz I hv a tendency of smiling all the time...

Hi,

Whether you done your homework on the particular job, it will show up on the interview.. Preparation is important...

The answer is the goal is to get the job done.. I will find a way to get the job regardless of what kind of person that I work with.. Getting along is irrelevant..

What should you care whether someone like you or not?? It is a job and you get pay.. In fact, some time, people liking each other make the job a lot of harder..


Be yourself. If someone cannot stand you smiling all the time, let's find out during the interview as opposed after you work on the job for a while..

Dreamer

My answer will be : What I know is very basic computer knowledge and if that's not efficient enough to do my work, and if my work requires me to know more, yes, I will do something about it and take up a course to improve.


My answer will be : By joining this company is the best way to indulge more in this field. It's only up to you whether to give me this opportunity to learn or not.


My answer will be : Not everyone has the same opportunity to access their own field of interest. But I've been exposed to other area such as plastic industry and quality management.

Yes, Americanized or not we should all be prepare to be criticized. I'd gone through a 3 hours interview aka debating session. Torturing...really torturing.

Yes. Very true. We might not realize but the interviewer will know and we'll look really stupid and desperate trying to answer something we have no idea at.
There was one time when the interviewer asked me 'Do you know anything about our line assembly process?'. And I was like.... and thought that I was going to flunk this interview because this seem like such an important question. I could not say anything but 'I do not know'.
But the interviewer was kind enough to explain to me step by step their assembly process. Whoa...it's really complicated to me and there's no way I could know the answer unless I work at the line. And so now the interviewer is my boss

Not smile often/always during the interview, smile when you answer the particular question.

The most important thing is to show your interest for the company and show them that you are the one that they need.

Learn from your mistake and continue with your hard work. You will be succesful.

Oh... thanks... Its juz that,I really smile alot... I am someone who can smile even being scolded at.. so I got complaints from ppl b4, saying I dun take my job seriously and etc.... Actually I did take my job seriously... Juz that I smile alot.... Tat's y...aahha...

Will be going for my internship interview this week... Hopefully it 'll go well...

All job interviews have the same objective, but employers reach that objective in a variety of ways. You might enter the room expecting to tell stories about your professional successes and instead find yourself selling the interviewer a bridge or editing code at a computer. One strategy for performing your best during an interview is to know the rules of the particular game you are playing when you walk through the door.

All the best.

Hi,

A) Actually, IMHO, who you know make a hell of difference than anything else.. Why don't you contact people that are your senior and it is currently working now to see whether there is any internship opportunity??

Are you in good term with any of you lecturer/professor?? If yes, can they introduce you to some where for an internship??

C) "What color is your parachute" is a very good book for job hunting.. You should go to library and pick up a copy to read...

I am not a strong believer in cover letter and CV/Resume.. I had worked for 20 years and only one out of the ten jobs that I found is through responding to advertisement with cover letter and CV/Resume...

Anyhow, if you want me to review your copver letter and CXV/Resume, just send me an message and inclue the CV and cover letter in the message via this forum.. But, as I said again, I am Americanized so my style may not fit the UK style of companies..

Dreamer

This post has been edited by dreamer101: May 23 2005, 06:36 PM

Erm, I dun hv much senior frens here in UK... most of them is my frens.. However, I do believe u're right, having contacts in the company makes life ezier...

Regardless, the system here is that, you hv to do everything yourself for looking for an intern... haha....

Hmm, actually I think, the only thing I can do now for an undergrad applying a placement is through CV, cuz those companies I believe, the first thing they do to skim down the numbers of applicants is through reviewing their CV and Cover Letter...

UK or American its ok.. We must welcome various kind of opinion ma, right? Tat way its the best way to improve...

Geminist,

Please kindly re-edit your CV and write more regarding :

1) Your practical and/or Industrial Training (duration - company - job description in detail - reference)
2) Full-time & Part-time Jobs that relevant to the application of job

All the best.

Why?? System is designed for average people. Do not be average. Beat the system so that you get above average result..

Dreamer

Yes... After hearing ur statement, I have been cracking my head prepraring for the interview tomolo.. I wish to stand out in the crowd and not just give common answer. So far, for everything I will be saying in the interview, I will give an example to back up my statements.

Such as if I say I am good in xx area, I will give example wut I hv done in this area and etc.... (thanks to joblisted and dreamer reminding me of how bad my cover letter is...)

Besides, I hv also dug up the company's history,revenue, objective, main customer, current CEO and etc and memorize all of them...

Dug out information regarding the branch I'll be working at...

Read all the technical things which they might be asking me...

However, I am still thinking how does I stand out and get myself notice.. I am not an extremely smart student or someone who is very very good in something.... hmmm.... Because I believe most of the people would be preparing for those things above....

Hi,

You are wrong!!! Most people are lazy and they never come prepared for a job interview..

Hard working and motivated type always beat the smart and lazy type..

There is a famous quote..

"The world is full of talented failures"

Dreamer

Geminist,

Employers want intelligent and enthusiastic individuals who can organise and plan their work and interact with others effectively. Some of these skills are already honed in the university or college, but others will need to be developed outside your studies. Your applications will be more convincing if you can point to a range of situations in which you developed the skills the employers seek and make yourself more employable.

The top listed skills the employers seek as below :
. Self-awareness.
. Self-promotion
. Exploring opportunities.
. Action planning.
. Matching and decision-making.
. Development focus.
. Transfer skills.
. Self-confidence.

Good luck and all the best.



This post has been edited by JobListed: May 25 2005, 06:56 PM

Yea, juz got back from the interview.. TO my suprise, the lady told us out of so many applications, only 5 were selected for the interview.... And I am still quick surprised how I got the interview in the first place...

Anyways, the interview went pretty well for the 2nd half, as for the first half, due to all those formalities, I was quite nervous despite I have been practising in front of the mirror yesterday... And some questions, i can answer them better but I didn't.. well, we learn from experience...

Hmm, they are all very friendly people and they told me they are surprise d by me that I did so much research on HP.. (their previous CEO which is Fiorina, current CEO, revenue for the past few years, the business partner, they core business, how many branch they have and etc... ) They told me I done quite a good job for doing some "homework" (They really told me "well, u did ur homework huh...")

I didn't answer that well for some of the question because I still feel alittle bit nervous.. On the 2nd half of the interview which is the technical part, another 2 person interviewed me and they only asked me some basic question.... However, some of the question I didn't answer that correct...haiks....But then again, in my CV I included some of the other curricular activities such as I am learning on my own some simple japanese and I told them something about the cultures in japan such as japs are very loyal and they wan to be treated with respect.. (then to another surprise, they told me I am right as one of the main business partner is japs....)

THe interview went pretty well and its not that serious, they did joke around with me and I did joke around abit with them (I dunno its appropriate or not when thinking back now.....I smile alot too ..)

And I think its very important to be honest cuz I directly tell them I am not good in ee stuff and they also didn't make any fuss out of that...

Generally, I think this interview really is very helpful, I learnt alot of things from them.. Regardless of I get the interview or not, I really learnt alot ... Hopefully the information i shared out will help some one not to make the same mistake..

And dreamer, joblisted, thanks for ur help

If u find anything I can improve above, juz tell me, I'll be having another interview with another company soon....

Hi,

If you hit it off with some of the interviewer, did you ask for their business card?? If they ask why, you can say regardless of whether you get this job or not, you would like to stay in contact and get some advice about this industry. Ask them whether this will be okay...

Dreamer

Actually I was taking a bath juz now and a question strikes my head...

*sorry arr, me really is a problem child...

Anyways, from an employer POV, I have told them that beside I noe the things in my studies, I have also written some program and done some extra reading and even taken the step to learn some simple japanese language... And they didn't ask for any prove regarding the things I mentioned above...

Why izzit like that? They juz trust wut a person say like that?? I am curious why isn't it required for me to prove to them I actually noe the things mentioned above? I can juz lie that I noe xxx and yyy (of course not lying overly la...)

Hi,

Two possibilities:

A) You had earned their trust by the way that you presented yourself.. If you are interested in learning more on how to earn trust. Search on "Orange Juice Test" and "Gerald M. Weinberg"

B ) Those items are irrelevant to them aka they do not care..

Dreamer

Ic, thanks for the info..

Actually I think those items are relevant and in fact, there were quite impresssed that I would spend time learning japanese and programming... I hit right on both spot because I told them something about jap culture which the company has close relationship to, and when I mentioned programming, they told me they are actually looking for someone who has some programming knowledge and appreciate programming (its not written in the job requirement though)...

I guess they way I answer their question when they ask me regarding these above matter are quite ensuring for them...

I do not dare to put high hopes in the HP job application but truthfully, I do hope they will give me a chance to work with them... I tried my best in my interview edi by doing all the preparations I can...

Thanks for the site, will look it up now...

this thread should b pinned

I have a question: Is that the interviewer expect the candidates to speaks a lot? 'Coz i had attend an interview, after i tell them my opinion, then i just sit there quietly, and the interviewer ask me: You didnt talk much huh?!

I too have a question, Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I think they expect u to talk... Something useful, constructive and not nonsense... So if I hv nothing else to say, I'll juz smile and say, "yea, tat's all"... hahahahahha.........

Juz my opinion though...

Haih.. sad story, juz got my reply for my inter from HP... haih.. why dun they reject me directly? haih....

This is the content of the letter .. haih...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunately at present, HP's cost restraints cannot support the hiring of any new employees which includes new interns. We cannot currently make any offers to students, the best we can do is review the situation in a months time.

Please do not take this as a rejection as we felt you were a very strong candidate, but if in the mean time you find another position, please do take the opportunity as we are not sure what the financial status will be after the review.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for you interest in HP and for attending the interview. It was a pleasure to meet you, good luck in your exams and in finding a suitable intern position.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Haih.. sad sad sad.... but wut to do..hehe.. life goes on ~~

Ohh..but dont give up as there is alway opportunity

Hi,

From my experience, in general, when the interviewer talk more than me (the applicant), I tend to get a job offer..

Dreamer

Hi,

HP is being very professional. Most places will not even send you a rejection lettter ASAP..

Dreamer

Hi,

Rich, happy, still doing fun and interesting things...

Dreamer

Do you know the logic behind this? Pls share......

You sure this won't impact the impression on the interviewer??

Hi,

The interviewer is anxious to "sell" their company to you aka they want to convince you to join them...

Dreamer

Hi,

Good company do not want to hire a failure... If you are good, you will be successful.. If the interviewer react negatively to this answer, it means they cannot handle people that are confident and successful. Then, the answer will be do you want to work for this kind of company??

Dreamer

Cheer up, Geminist! May the force b wif u!

Thanks Dreamer.

Geminist, dont be so sad, you've already give your best! May be there will be a greater oppurtunity behind, right? Wish you best of luck!!!

I do get a chance to attend a final interview, but i didnt attend as i found that there is so much inconvenience for me, like the salary, the problem to get a house rent, and also the transportation problem, since i found that there have no bus to pass through that area. I am not telling them that i am not going to attend that interview, and they also didnt call me back afterall. I am thinking of wanna send an thank you email to them, but i dont know what kind of content that i should write about, is that i should tell them about my problem? Or i am just let it be that way...?

Well, during the past interview that i am attend, normally they ask me to introduce myself. Well, normally i just tell them my name, age, the University and the which field of my degree holder. I think it's quite less though, so i just talk something about the activities during my school life. Then i just smile to them. From this point, is that i still need to talk another things else? 'Coz sometimes the interviews seems like wait me to continue my story, as i had already finish up my story. Any opinion on that?

Another question: What is your career plan? Oh oh.. How to answer huh?!

Oh my, what a problematic person huh? Hehe^^ However, your opinion would be highly appreciated!!! ^0^

Hi,

If you do your homework/research, this will be a good time to talk about wehat you know about the company and why you think you can contribute to this company.



My answer which may or may not be usable for you is I do not believe in career plan. I believe in capabilities and skills. If I have the capabilities to learn, communicate (listen, talk, and teach), lead, and coach.I will be adaptable to whatever the future holds. I had held 10 different jobs in different area/industries for 20 years. And, that is my philosophy.

A short version will be as long as I know how to make a lot of money for an employer, I wll be employable.. So, my plan is to learn how to make money..

Dreamer

not really, coz i attend few interview n the interviewer talk a lot more than me. some both of us even chat chat abt 2 hrs, but finally i also rejected. wat i hear fr internal is, the interviewer actually alrdy choose d candidate, then interview u so long just wan do a show to d other that he did his job... but it is wasting our time if truth..

Thanks a lot. Well, is that you mean that during they ask me to introduce myself, i should talk about my knowledge about the company as well? Well, I am not really dare to tell what i can contribute to the company, since i am just a freshie, so normally i just tell them that i am willing to learn and do my best on the task assigned, is that ok?

On the last interview, the interviewer ask me what is the different between interpersonal skill and communication skills. I did so bad on talking about differentition, and in the end, i think i just talk about the same things.

From the last interview, i really did so bad as so many question i dont know how to answer, and as predicted, i am not getting an offer.... ;(

Some thought -

-About yourself
-About your education background
-About your working background
-About your strenght and weakness
-About your leisure that help in undertaking (reading etc)
-About your understanding and your stand against the company
-About your extreme interest to join the company

and there can be other value that you can put in to strenghten your undertaking

Haha... Thanks for the support....

Went on looking and a company promise to give me an interview after my exam....hahahahahahaha... happy...

Yea, HP is being nice, they could hv juz kept quiet about it....

Actually, I talk alot more than the interviewer....damn..... haha....

Hm... they always ask me a question....

"How do you troubleshoot a problem, lets say something goes wrong in the manufacturing line, how do u troubleshoot it? "

haih.. tough answers.. the answers I gave are logical, but cost wise, its not acceptable cuz my method cost quite a lot...hahaha.. plan to ask my lecturer this question later.. cuz I bet I'll be asked this question again by another company...hahaha

Did you all had attend for a second interview? What are the common question that the interviewer will ask during the second interview? Since there were so many question being asked during the first interview...

Second interview will be more on company briefing and usually the HR will be accompany by GM of the company and so on...

That's what I'd encountered so far lar...

Would like to share my experience.....

I went to one interview for a fabless semiconductor company in Penang, for the position of IC Mask Design engineer.

The interview started with a little bit of standard questions like my current job functions and nothing much. Then, they conducted some sorts of written tests.
They gave me one paper with some engineering problems, and asked me to answer all of them and at the same time they kept staring at me while I was struggling to solve the problems. This indeed exerted certain pressure on me that time.

I did manage to solve most of the problems, but I admit to them certain details that I really did not know.

After the tests, the interview ended. And I did not get any offer.

In retrospect, I think the most likely reason is my current job function and skills is too far from the post I was applying. One of the interviewers did mention this on the phone interview prior to the face to face interview.

I answered the questions in the test all by my memory of final year syllabus, although with a bit of struggle after one and half year working (at the time this interview took place).

Then an interesting event occurred, after the interview, their HR sent an email to me saying that my application failed but my resume is being rettained for future reference. I thought, bah.....same bullsh** to all failed applicants. After one month, another manager called me, but from different department, asked me whether I am interested in other specific post or not. The post is like software support kind of nature. I responded with NO INTEREST.

Huh...I apply job A they gave me job B.

Arggg... May be they thinnk that your qualification is nore suitable for the position B?

Hmm.....I doubt it.

You see post A is Mask Design, which requires engineering knowledge in VLSI, semiconductor and wafer cross-section knowledge, which I believe I displayed my knowledge during the test, though may be a fresh graduate level, since my current position is of different nature.

Post B is more to software, I recall the post is something CAD support and something like that, the caller did not tell in much details. I presume it requires a lot of programming skills and thus far more strayed from my skills sets.

I felt not right about it and did not want to regret second time, thus REJECTED.

This post has been edited by TYK: Jun 11 2005, 12:13 AM

Looking back now, sometimes I wonder whether I made a right decision....

Even bothering me now is will I be happier if I accepted their offer last time......

There's another question from the interviewer regarding this. I didnt get a place in the company previously bcause i answered it wrongly

Question : There's a lot of empty vacancies in the department A. How about trying position B?

Although in my application form I applied for position A

My answer : Yes, I'll try my best in position B and will work hard to accomplish the tasks that I'll receive.

BANG! you're a goner

This is where they are testing your ability in making decisions. If u applied for A, please state firmly in your answer that u are only interested in it. Your interviewers definitely will get the first impression of you not being able to make desicions wisely.
A type that will keep on changing things in the future and definitely will waste a lot of time in projects.

Most probably other companies will ask this question if they think u are more suitable in other positions. That is good. But in interviews u have to take a chance in your answers.

The question has no general right or wrong answer. It depends on the company. It is entirely possible the company thinks you might be more suited to another position.

In my case, it is definitely a screwed up question

I got this info from my senior who's working in the Admin department.
Mostly their question are made to attack u indirectly

hello all.
i've not been working since august last year (almost a year now) due to some family problem which i prefer not to mention to the interviewer. but they will ask what family problem do i have that make me quit for a year. can someone teach me how to answer this in a more effective way?

What is wrong with answering the question? If you don't answer the interviewer will just conclude that you must have served jail time or something and throw away your application. Your interviewer is probably human and understands that families have problems. If you were part of the problem that would concern them, if you are part of the solution that would look favourably to you.

usually when they ask me why i quit, i'll tell them due to some family problem. although not all, but some will ask what family problem, and my answer is to take care of my aunt who lives alone and recently have difficulty in moving. it's not a very good answer right?

This post has been edited by DreamScar: Jun 15 2005, 02:52 PM

If it is not the truth it is a terrible answer. If I was interviewing you and would dig deeper to understand if no closer relation could take care of the aunt. My intent would be to learn if this is going to be a long term commitment that may impact your work. You would have to demonstrate that it would not.

yeah i learn that from my pervious interview too....

it's true and i know it's not a good answer. that's why i was hoping to have an opinion on what else can i say. i did include that i took the time to think about what i want to do in life.

Hi,

If it is true, why do you think it is not a good answer?? All you have to said is you are very close to you aunt and she is like a mother to you. As an employer, what we would want to know is going forward do you still have this kind of commitment??

Truth is always better than lies.. It is less troublesome too and it put you in a moral high ground.

You are not the only one in the world that has older familiy member to take care of...

Dreamer

This post has been edited by dreamer101: Jun 16 2005, 08:56 PM

true, just tell the truth

Maybe its better to tell them that u prefer not to mention more about your problems, Just tell them its personal matters and its already been solved.

Some companies will have sympathy on u and try to help u as much as they can. One they know thats it regarding family problems, they will stop asking and proceed to other questions.

But, if u run into companies that are hardsellling and dont accept no as an answer,
you better not answer them like that bcause they basically dont care about your personal problems. Its either u give full commitment to your work or your family.

Hi,

Why?? For those company,

1) You do not want to work for them

2) Even if you work for them, eventually you will have problem witth the company because you need time to deal with your family.

So, honesty saves time and trouble. It stops you for wasting time on a company that you do not want to work for..

Dreamer

Hi,

You may or may not believe me. After working for 20 years, I found that it is just not worthwhile to lie. Honesty is the best policy...

Dreamer

This post has been edited by dreamer101: Jun 18 2005, 08:26 AM

Yup, lying will never help you much, thats why u need to check out about the company that u are going to work for - about their background.

BTW, since u have been working for 20 years +, I think u should be experienced enough to balance time between your work and personal/family matters.

Good Luck

mm... ok. thanks for all the advice.

Hi,

I am sorry to tell you that years of experience does not help in balancing time between work, family and health. It will always be a tough struggle...

Dreamer

Hmm.. what to do

Getting married and raising your family definitely will have some impact on your work.
Life goes on - just dun get stressed out from these all.

Hey...newbie here. I've never been to any formal interviews yet.
I want to know how do I answer if I'm asked "Why should I employ you?".
Whoa..though question. I'm just an average freshie and all and I can't really think of saying anything outstanding that will make the interviewer go "Yay..you're in!". I just want a good answer that the interviewer will be satisfied with.

And what should I ask if I'm asked "Do you have any questions?" at the end of the interview? I heard that if you don't ask anything it shows that you're not interested in the job anymore.
Thanks!

You cannot answer the question "why should I employ you?" if you know nothing about the company. You must do research before the interview so you can answer something relevant like "I know that you were awarded a contract to deliver a health management system to the gov't. My parents work in the the health industry and I have learned a lot from them about the healthcare systems and I have a personal interest in this area. I am sure my interest combined with the information my parents have shared with me already will give me a head-start in working with your firm on these contracts."

If you had done your homework on the company, you will definatley have questions. You should try to learn as much about the company and the position as possible for you to understand if you are compatible with the position. You don't want to learn these things after you are employed. For example you might ask "What are the main criteria that you are looking for in a candidate? What are some of the significant challenges the person who is given this job are likely to face? How would the person who is given this position be evaluated?

Rawr...thanks jsm! That really helped..
Another thing is do I have to shake the interviewer's hand when I walk in or do I just...walk in...and only sit when asked to.

It is a custom to shake hands. Show how professional u are. But be surprised if some of them ignore you.

When entering the interview room, just be yourself. Act normally. The interviewers can sense whether you are nervous or calm.

Respond in the appropriate culture way. If your interviewer is a Malay lady you would not take the lead in a handshake unless she initiates it. If your are interviewing in a Japanese company you had better learn their customs. It would be rude and uncultured to just sit down and ignore greeting formalities.

Heh...I just remembered shaking hands isn't really appropriate if its a Malay lady. And yeah I think I know what to do if its a japanese company. *Bows* Konniciwa.....I guess.
Thanks!

care to elaborate not shaking hands with a malay interviewer ? that's new to me.

A Muslim lady is not supposed to have physical contact with men outside her immediate family, many people believe that includes handshakes. Some women do not care about this and will shake hands with a man. It is best to respect a Muslim lady and let her offer her hand first instead of sticking your hand out and making her feel awkward if she doesn't wish to shake your hand. Some Muslim women may shake a males hand but they first put a piece of fabric between the hands to avoid real contact.

noted. thanks. I dealt with Malay ladies before, none of them had this problem. I learn something new everyday.

Hi Jsm,

Is this specific to Malay lady?? Generally, I do not shake hand or have any physical contact with Asian lady unless it is offerred by the lady first...

Dreamer

Haha. Not many people is as professional. Usually, when I leave the interview room, I will offer to shake hand with the interviewer. Very often, they have a few seconds of blank mind, I guess. Like.. what is the hand for. Hahaha.

However, it makes a good impression if you manage to shake the interviewer's hand before the interview begins. Coz if you know the right way to shake hand (firm but not hard), it shows that you have quite a good confident level.

Funny that most Malaysian girls find it odd to shake a man's hand. What is wrong with that? They always just touch and that's it ... Come on la, the guy is not going to molest your hand unless he is a pervert.