5) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I see myself as a _______ in your esteemed organization where by with all my enhanced learning and skill, I shall be able to make up a valuable and meaningful contribution to your organization. 6) Tell us an incident where you had a problem with your team-mate. How did you handle it? Once I had a problem with my team-mate in college who was my partner in my field work assignment. We had a disagreement on how to present our project report. I explained my point of view to her and asked her for her view point. Ive found that when conflict occurs, its because of a failure to see both sides of the situation. At that point we found a compromise could be reached by incorporating both our ideas. 7) Is there anything else that we should know about you that would impact our decision? I am a continuous learner and try to keep myself abreast of all developments in the field of IT. Also since I do not quit in the face of toughest challenges, I am certain that I would be able to achieve the targets that I set for myself and beyond. 8) How do you deal with criticism? You cant please everyone, so just please yourself. You are your best critic. Some people are just not going to like you. Accept it. 9) Did you have any failures in your life? I failed to score a good percentage in my intermediate. I worked hard for it but scored less than what I expected. 10) What have you learnt from your failures? From my failures I have learnt to analyze myself and find out my shortcomings. Those shortcomings are the areas of future improvement for me and I have undertaken seriously to improve myself on those relevant areas. One more thing I learned is never to give up, never to feel rejected.

Quote: Accepting a failure is a mans great trait.

11) If after sometime you start disliking the job? What would you do? Well, if such situation then my first priority would be to look within myself and try to find out any shortcomings or lack of skills and techniques. If such things happen then I would try to improve and rectify myself. Still if I dont get an answer then I will speak to my seniors and colleagues to learn my mistakes so that I become more user friendly to my organization. 12) What are your salary expectations? Never bargain for your 1st job. Its a cardinal rule. Sir, before answering to your question I would like to ask you with your kind permission what salary you provide to new entrants in your organization at this level. 13) Can you give three reasons why would you like to join our company? Three reasons why I would like to join your company are: a) Since your company provides a strong core competency, very strong value systems and best practices so I believe I have a strong vision of viewing me as a project leader in your company. b) Your company has one of the fastest growth rates and turnover in the industry and that would mean a faster growth rate for me as a professional. c) The practices of your company are more employee and customer oriented. 14) Do you have any questions to ask us?

Never ask Salary, perks, leave, place of posting, etc. regarded questions. Try to ask more about the company to show how early you can make a contribution to your organization like Sir, with your kind permission I would like to know more about induction and developmental programs? OR Sir, I would like to have my feedback, so that I can analyze and improve my strengths and rectify my shortcomings. 15) How do you think our company determines success in an employee? Well, I think your company measures success in an employee in three parameters a) Competence i.e how well one is able to perform his job with the least possible supervision. b) Co-operation or Interpersonal skills i.e how well the employees adapt or adjust themselves with a wide variety of situations. c) Integrity of characters well a man with the above mentioned factors but lacks character is incomplete and unsuccessful. 16) Why from ECE to IT domain? Sir, since I am a student of ECE, as u know that ECE/CSE/IT are sister branches and all are interrelated and secondly I think it will be of my best if I utilize my sharp analytical skills in a software industry so I basically do not have any problem to SWITCH from ECE to IT. And I believe flexibility must be there within us to progress in life. 17) If you were an animal/ a can of soup/ some other random object which one would you prefer and why? I would be a can of soup one that has a variety of flavors, bubbling with enthusiasm. I would associate my determined attitude with the cans tough exterior. I would believe that whatever the label on the can, the content are always a surprise. OR I would like to be the mind of the CEO I would then know exactly how complex issues are so thoughtfully analyzed, how prioritizing happens and how accurate decisions which affect numerous stakeholders are made. I would know how almost intuitively, they know what the next big things are and their risk taking abilities. 18) Suppose I tell you I dont like your face, then why should I select you? Even if you do not like my face, you definitely would agree that I have other qualities that appealed you, for which you are now interviewing me. Theres a saying

Quote: A mans face is not indicative of his abilities.

A book is not judged by its cover but it is judged by its contents.

19) Suppose you find yourself in a deserted island. What three things you will need to survive? Food, Water and Hope (that one day I will definitely come out from this island). 20) How mobile are you? I am absolutely mobile. Well I can go to any part of the country or even abroad if situation permits. 21) How do you think you conducted or performed during this interview? I think I have conducted myself in the best possible manner by satisfying your queries through my specific answers which I feel were logical, systematic and to the point. Through my answer my true worth as a dynamic and competent professional has come out fair and square and I am happy with my performance which would ensure my selection in this esteemed organization. 22) Can you work under pressure? If yes, how please explain?

Sir, I can handle pressure of work. Let me explain how. Whenever there is pressure of work, we need to tackle it from the mental and physical stand-point. Mental stand-point would mean being in a state of relaxation and composure so that I do not feel stressed out during the course of my work and from physical stand-point; I always prioritize my job in their exact order of merit and importance so that I can dispose them off quickly and effectively.

1) Tell me something about yourself? I am a person with strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to get along well with people. I enjoy challenges and looking for creative solutions to problems. OR Besides the details given in my resume, I believe in character values, vision and action. I am quick in learning from mistakes. I am confident that the various tests that you have conducted will corroborate my competencies aptitude and right attitude for the job. 2) What do you seek from a job? I would like a job which gives me a chance to apply all that I have learned in college as well as one which enables me to grow as a professional. I would like a role which enables me to make a difference. OR Great learning opportunities, challenging roles, rational career progression, good job satisfaction and opportunities to use my strength organization that gives me the opportunity to serve the organization and the society. 3) How would you present your strengths ? Always remember DO NOT SIMPLY STATE YOUR STRENGTHS. YOU DO HAVE SOME STRENGTHS AND TRY TO CONVERT YOUR STRENGTHS INTO BENEFITS. IN SHORT TRY TO ADVERTIZE YOURSELF BY CONVERTING YOUR FEATURES INTO STRENGTHS. You can answer in two ways : a) I am a hard worker and because of this ability I can work for additional hours to accomplish my tasks. I am commitment oriented and hence I always enjoy the trust and confidence of my team mates which enables me to perform my duties very easily. I am adaptable, so I can handle any type of people and situations and also bring out the best from them in spite of conflicting situations or opinions. I am a quick learner, so I can any subject quickly and analyze my job and add value to it as well as I can identify the problem and solve them faster and better. b) My strength is that I have very strong values and ethics and a very good eye for detail. I believe in strong relationships and have a very supportive family and very good friends. 4) Do you have any weakness? Always remember Try to specify your weakness as your strength and also highlight it as a benefit. Theres a saying Quote: However small the thorn maybe it has the ability to pierce.

So never highlight your weakness unless specifically asked. Answer: One of my weaknesses as I perceive it would be occasional compromise on time for quality and perfection. 5) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I see myself as a _______ in your esteemed organization where by with all my enhanced learning and skill, I shall be able to make up a valuable and meaningful contribution to your organization. 6) Tell us an incident where you had a problem with your team-mate. How did you handle it? Once I had a problem with my team-mate in college who was my partner in my field work assignment. We had a disagreement on how to present our project report. I explained my point of view to her and asked her for her view point. Ive found that when conflict occurs, its because of a failure to see both sides of the situation. At that point we found a compromise could be reached by incorporating both our ideas. 7) Is there anything else that we should know about you that would impact our decision? I am a continuous learner and try to keep myself abreast of all developments in the field of IT. Also since I do not quit in the face of toughest challenges, I am certain that I would be able to achieve the targets that I set for myself and beyond. 8) How do you deal with criticism? You cant please everyone, so just please yourself. You are your best critic. Some people are just not going to like you. Accept it. 9) Did you have any failures in your life? I failed to score a good percentage in my intermediate. I worked hard for it but scored less than what I expected. 10) What have you learnt from your failures? From my failures I have learnt to analyze myself and find out my shortcomings. Those shortcomings are the areas of future improvement for me and I have undertaken seriously to improve myself on those relevant areas. One more thing I learned is never to give up, never to feel rejected.

Quote: Accepting a failure is a mans great trait.

11) If after sometime you start disliking the job? What would you do? Well, if such situation then my first priority would be to look within myself and try to find out any shortcomings or lack of skills and techniques. If such things happen then I would try to improve and rectify myself. Still if I dont get an answer then I will speak to my seniors and colleagues to learn my mistakes so that I become more user friendly to my organization. 12) What are your salary expectations? Never bargain for your 1st job. Its a cardinal rule. Sir, before answering to your question I would like to ask you with your kind permission what salary you provide to new entrants in your organization at this level. 13) Can you give three reasons why would you like to join our company? Three reasons why I would like to join your company are: a) Since your company provides a strong core competency, very strong value systems and best practices so I believe I have a strong vision of viewing me as a project leader in your company. b) Your company has one of the fastest growth rates and turnover in the industry and that would mean a faster growth rate for me as a professional. c) The practices of your company are more employee and customer oriented. 14) Do you have any questions to ask us? Never ask Salary, perks, leave, place of posting, etc. regarded questions. Try to ask more about the company to show how early you can make a contribution to your organization like

Sir, with your kind permission I would like to know more about induction and developmental programs? OR Sir, I would like to have my feedback, so that I can analyze and improve my strengths and rectify my shortcomings. 15) How do you think our company determines success in an employee? Well, I think your company measures success in an employee in three parameters a) Competence i.e how well one is able to perform his job with the least possible supervision. b) Co-operation or Interpersonal skills i.e how well the employees adapt or adjust themselves with a wide variety of situations. c) Integrity of characters well a man with the above mentioned factors but lacks character is incomplete and unsuccessful. 16) Why from ECE to IT domain? Sir, since I am a student of ECE, as u know that ECE/CSE/IT are sister branches and all are interrelated and secondly I think it will be of my best if I utilize my sharp analytical skills in a software industry so I basically do not have any problem to SWITCH from ECE to IT. And I believe flexibility must be there within us to progress in life. 17) If you were an animal/ a can of soup/ some other random object which one would you prefer and why? I would be a can of soup one that has a variety of flavors, bubbling with enthusiasm. I would associate my determined attitude with the cans tough exterior. I would believe that whatever the label on the can, the content are always a surprise. OR I would like to be the mind of the CEO I would then know exactly how complex issues are so thoughtfully analyzed, how prioritizing happens and how accurate decisions which affect numerous stakeholders are made. I would know how almost intuitively, they know what the next big things are and their risk taking abilities. 18) Suppose I tell you I dont like your face, then why should I select you? Even if you do not like my face, you definitely would agree that I have other qualities that appealed you, for which you are now interviewing me. Theres a saying

Quote: A mans face is not indicative of his abilities.

A book is not judged by its cover but it is judged by its contents.

19) Suppose you find yourself in a deserted island. What three things you will need to survive? Food, Water and Hope (that one day I will definitely come out from this island). 20) How mobile are you? I am absolutely mobile. Well I can go to any part of the country or even abroad if situation permits. 21) How do you think you conducted or performed during this interview? I think I have conducted myself in the best possible manner by satisfying your queries through my specific answers which I feel were logical, systematic and to the point. Through my answer my true worth as a dynamic and competent professional has come out fair and square and I am happy with my performance which would ensure my selection in this esteemed organization. 22) Can you work under pressure? If yes, how please explain? Sir, I can handle pressure of work. Let me explain how. Whenever there is pressure of work, we need to tackle it from the mental and physical stand-point. Mental stand-point would mean being in a state of relaxation and composure so that I do not feel stressed

out during the course of my work and from physical stand-point; I always prioritize my job in their exact order of merit and importance so that I can dispose them off quickly and effectively.

Q: "What are your weaknesses?" "Don't take this literally and go into a detailed explanation of your weaknesses," says John Challenger, CEO of global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. He advises taking a potential weakness and putting a positive spin on it. A: "I am very detail-oriented and in some industries that may not be a good fit. But for this accounting position, I think this trait truly will help me excel." Q: "How would you solve this problem?" Challenger says that these kinds of hypothetical questions can be risky. First of all, they may not like your answer; if they do like it, there's a chance they will steal it. That's what happened to June Sullivan when she interviewed for an activity director's position at a long-term care facility. When asked about marketing ideas, June laid out her entire plan. Well, she didn't get the job, but later recognized some of her strategies being used by the facility. A: "I think you can increase product awareness by enacting some marketing strategies that could employ advertising, direct mail or media placements." Q: "Why did you leave your last job?" Again, Challenger suggests presenting everything in a positive light. An interview is not the time to dish the dirt on your previous employer. A: "The company just wasn't a good fit for my innovative personality. But what I learned is that organizations have distinct personalities just like people do. Now I know to concentrate my job search on companies who value independent thinking and alternative methods." Q: "Why do you want to work here?" Questions like these require you to do your homework before the interview. A: "I want to be a part of a global company that last year alone invested $1.4 million in research and development of eco-friendly industrial processes." Q: "Tell me about yourself." This is a chance for you to shine -- but not to tell your life history. Begin by listing your traits and accomplishments you feel are relevant for the position. Don't delve into personal information unless it relates to the position you're vying for. A: "I am very creative and resourceful. I have been a sales manager for the past five years and used my creativity to devise unique incentives to keep the sales representatives motivated. Because of this my sales team earned numerous company awards." Q: "Tell me about the worst boss you ever had." Take the high road and don't give into the temptation to vent any past frustrations. A: "While none of my past bosses were awful, there are some who taught me more than others did." Q: "What are your goals?" This is best answered by reiterating your objective statement on your resume. Keep your aspirations to be a vice president of marketing, own your own company or retire at 40 to yourself. A: "I want to secure a civil engineering position with a national firm that concentrates on retail development. Ideally, I would like to work for a young company, such as this one, so I can get in on the ground floor and take advantage of all the opportunities a growing firm has to offer."

1. Tell me about yourself. It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right? Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why youre the best candidate for this position. So as you answer this question, talk about what youve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity. Tell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best. 2. Why should I hire you? The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dont be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you. For example: You should hire me because Im the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . . Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples. 3. What is your long-range objective? Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you. The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives. For example: Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel Ill be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what Im presently doing to prepare myself . . . Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives. 4. How has your education prepared you for your career? This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.

An example: My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . . Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples. Enhance your career opportunities by getting the training you need, find top degrees and schools near you! 5. Are you a team player? Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer. A sample answer: Yes, Im very much a team player. In fact, Ive had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . . Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared. 6. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved? Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it. For example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . . Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively. 7. What is your greatest weakness? Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question. You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, Im now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and how you are using it. Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it. 8. If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?

This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if theyre willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation. Then you can answer the question like this: I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation? So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation. 9. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have? Focus on two words: leadership and vision. Here is a sample of how to respond: The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . . Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development. 10. If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change? Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change. For example: Although Im overall very happy with where Im at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship then provide examples. Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.

"Tell me a little about yourself." When responding to this request, you should focus on both your personal and professional values. Always be honest, but talk about your best traits only, especially those that relate to the position for which you are applying. Highlight experiences and accomplishments you are most proud of. Here's an example: "I'm an experienced communications specialist with extensive knowledge of public information tools and techniques. I've developed comprehensive communication plans for major public events, written dozens of articles accepted by worldwide publications, and created specialized educational programs for adults and students. I am always eager to learn new methods and procedures, and have implemented continuous improvement techniques in my past positions that saved money and increased productivity. I like working with people and enjoy group projects, but am also a self-starter who doesn't mind working on my own. I'm a volunteer with

the local chapter of Special Olympics and enjoy participating in community events. My goals are to complete my Master's Degree and broaden my experiences with community relations." Remember to tailor your response to the specific job. By studying the job announcement, you'll get a good idea of the skills and experience being sought. Work those into your response. Consider this your own personal commercial. If the interview consisted of only this ONE chance to sell yourself, what would you say? "What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?" Choose one example from your past that was important to you and helped the company you worked for. Give specific details about what you did, how you did it, and what the results were. Try to pick an accomplishment that relates to the position for which you are applying. Employers like to hear about accomplishments that reduced expenses, raised revenues, solved problems or enhanced a company's reputation. "What is your greatest strength?" This is a great chance to highlight your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on your top three or four. Some examples are: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills. Determine which strengths would fit best with the position for which you are applying. For example, if the job announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say: "I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management. But my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines." "What is your greatest weakness?" Be careful with this one. Most interview guides will tell you to answer it with a positive trait disguised as a weakness. For example, "I tend to expect others to work as hard as I do," or "I'm a bit of a perfectionist." Interviewers have heard these "canned" answers over and over again. To stand out, be more original and state a true weakness, but then emphasize what you've done to overcome it. For example: "I've had trouble delegating duties to others because I felt I could do things better myself. This has sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I've taken courses in time management and learned effective delegation techniques, and I feel I've overcome this weakness." IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element of the position! "How do you handle stressful situations?" Give some examples of stressful situations you've dealt with in the past. Tell how you use time management, problem-solving or decision-making skills to reduce stress. For example, tell them that making a "to-do" list helps. Site stress-reducing techniques such as stretching and taking a break. Don't be afaid to admit that you will ask for assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed. If it's true, say you actually work better under pressure. "What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?" Try to make this about a problem that faced your company and not just you or your particular work group. The bigger the problem, the better. Give specific examples of the skills and techniques you used to resolve this problem. Emphasize the successful results. Be generous in sharing credit if it was a team effort, but be sure to highlight your specific role. "Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle it?" This is a likely question if the position for which you are applying requires supervisory duties. Explain how you used problem-solving skills, listening skills, and coaching skills to help the employee. If those techniques turned the employee around, be sure to say so. If those techniques failed, tell how you followed the company's policies and what the end result was. "Why do you want this position?" Here's where your research about the company will help you stand out among the other candidates. Explain how you've always wanted the opportunity to work with a company that... provides a vital public service, leads the industry in innovative products, whatever... find something specific about that company that you can tie in with your answer. Explain how your qualifications and goals complement the company's mission, vision and values (use specific examples). If you are applying for a position in a company

for which you already work, explain how you'll be able to apply and expand on the knowledge and experience you've gained from your current position, and will be able to increase your contributions and value to the company through your new responsibilities. "Why are you the best person for this job?" As with all other questions, be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this. Don't try to say you are the best qualified person, because you don't know the qualifications of the other applicants. Instead, emphasize several reasons why you should be hired. For example: "I've got extensive experience in [name the appropriate field] and have the specific skills you are looking for. I'm a fast learner who adapts quickly to change and will hit the ground running. I'm dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company meet its goals, and will provide top-quality results with minimal oversite. I'm an outstanding performer who takes pride in my work. You won't have any regrets when you hire me." UNEXPECTED QUESTIONS Interview questions and answers can only be predicted and prepared for to a certain extent. There are endless variations and no way to know every question in advance. But that doesn't matter. Because you know there will be unexpected questions, you will not cringe or freak out when they pop up, as some applicants will. Instead, you will turn them into opportunities to shine even more brightly. No one knows you better than you. Memorize a list of your best features, your best selling points. Use every opportunity and unexpected question to mention these. Realize that sometimes what you say isn't as important as how you say it. Be confident, enthusiastic, and remember to smile often. QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Candidates who do not have questions show a lack of initiative and give the impression that they have minimal interest in the position. Stand out from those lazy job seekers by asking questions! Have your questions ready in advance. Relate them to the company or its accomplishments/challenges (your research of the company will show and further impress the interviewer). Don't ask any question that shows that you have notdone your research about the company. Do not ask questions related to you, such as "When will I be eligible for my first raise?" or "How often will I be subjected to a performance review?" Don't bring up money. (You can do that after you are offered the job.) In addition to specific questions you develop based on what the company does, here are some sample generic questions: What do you enjoy most about working here? Be sure the person you ask actually works for the company. Some organizations, especially public agencies, have interview panels in which employees from other agencies participate. Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job? If they do mention something that's bothering them about you, such as lack of specific experience, this gives you a last-ditch effort to change their opinion about you. If you've thought about your possible weaknesses in advance, you should have a prepared answer to those weaknesses. For example, "I know I have limited experience in this field, but what I lack in specific experience I make up for in enthusiasm and desire to excel. I'm a fast learner and I'll work harder than anyone else to be a top producer on your team." When do you expect to make your final decision? Be sure to ask that! Failure to do so may give the impression that you're not that interested, and you need to know when to follow up.