How to answer the tough interview questions II

How to Answer the Tough Interview Questions Part II(51-100)

Q51 – Do you always keep busy, even when you run out of work to do?

The old standby answer to this question is that you are happier
when you are busy and usually have no trouble finding something
to fill in during a lull.

Q52 – Do you manage your time well?

An answer similar to the answer to Q51, with the added comments
that you plan and prioritize your work so that you not only get
the work done, but get the most important things done first.

Q53 – How much time did you spend preparing for this
interview?

You should be able to calculate this. The more time
in prep the better but don’t overdo it.

Q54 – Have you ever worked without direct supervision?

Only you can answer this one. Yes is the answer they want, and
they are looking for self-motivation.

Q55 – If you won the lottery would you stay at the same career?

Most people would answer NO, but if you are really – really
dedicated and in a field in which you would continue regardless
of the money, then you could answer “yes”

Q56 – Do you freely volunteer information to your supervisor?

Here they are probably probing to see how well you get along
with your boss and whether or not your philosophy includes
helping your boss be successful (because in the long run this
will probably help you also). They are seeking a ‘yes’ answer.

Q57 – Have you ever been asked to do a task by someone
who is not your direct supervisor, and if so, how did you handle it?

This is a probe to determine how you would operate in this kind
of “problem” situation. Your best answer would be that you would
only do that after asking your supervisor’s permission and/or
in an emergency situation.

Q58 – Have you ever worked with computers?

With computer use increasingly becoming a part of the job,
you may have trouble finding some jobs if you answer ‘no’
If this is the case I would answer no, But I do learn quickly
and am willing to take whatever instruction you have in this area.

Q59 – Do you know anyone who works for us?

This is the time to get a referral from inside the company,
but it’s a good idea to talk to that person ahead of time to
let them know and perhaps even ask their permission. It is
even possible to use your “pre-interview” information gathering
session to cultivate someone inside the company to later use
as a reference. i.e.- If you called the public relations or sales
departments to get information, you should always try to get their
name. If asked that question in the interview, you could mention
that you know Mr. A in public relations and say that you had
called him to get information about the company. The interviewer
may later call Mr. A and ask his impression of you during the
conversation you had with him.

Q60 – Do you drink?

Here they are probing to find out if you have a drinking
problem. Your best answer here is that you drink socially on
occasion, but if you really are a problem drinker, it will be
discovered at some point in the future.

Q61 – Do you always get to work on time?

The interviewer is essentially telling you it is important to
be on the job on time. Any answer but yes will probably end your
chances for the job.

Q62 – How do you feel about working weekends?

As with the question about working overtime, this is one you
need to work out yourself and prepare an answer. You can also
ask the interviewer questions about the frequency of
weekend work so you can decide in your mind if you want to
accept any offer you may receive. Keep in mind that if weekend
work is part of the job then you won’t get an offer if you
answer that you won’t work weekends.

Q63 – Can you take ‘constructive’ criticism?

You should answer yes and that you welcome anything that will
help you do a better job.

Q64 – Are you ’self-motivated’?

Here again is a question related to working without supervision,
but also your answer should give a clue about your attitude.
Your answer should be ‘yes’

Q65 – Do you have good communications skills and if so
can you give examples to illustrate this?

The question gives you another opportunity to sell yourself by
relating examples of your ability along these lines. Do your
homework on this one.

Q66 – Are you familiar with and good at using technical
terminology?

Most industries have almost their own “second language”; terms
used commonly in that industry. Familiarity with the terms will
help you but most are easily learned so you can indicate that your
knowledge is by no means extensive but you are a fast learner.

Q67 – Do you have good analytical skills?

This relates to problem solving skills and in many jobs this is
very important. Be ready with any examples you can.

Q68 – Do you have good problem solving skills?

This relates to the “analytical skills” and you should find
examples from your work history.

Q69 – Are you a fast learner?

Best answer of course is yes but consider this another opportunity
to sell yourself, especially on a project where you tackled a
problem that was new but solved it by learning quickly, then solving.

Q70 – Are you willing to meet very high standards of performance?

This question probes your attitude to see if you think you are
an excellent performer. Very high standards sounds a little scary,
but remember these terms are relative, and until you get on the job
you may not even know how high they mean. You should answer yes to this question.

Q71 – Which are the best and worst bosses you have ever had & why?

Here is more probing to determine if you get along well with your
superiors. The best answer you can give here is that you’ve always
gotten along with all your bosses and never really had a “bad”
boss. Always be positive when answering this one as well as any
questions about what you think for the companies where you have
worked. Any negatives in this area can only hurt you.

Q72 – What is the most interesting and the least interesting
work you have done?

This is another question designed to probe into your preferences
about work areas. A positive answer, as usual would be helpful.

Q73 – Have you ever had a job you really didn’t like?

Another loaded question here and it should be handled with
caution. If you didn’t like a particular job because it wasn’t
stimulating, was boring, or didn’t bring out your real talents,
you can mention these but put a positive slant on it. Anything
negative about the people involved in these jobs should be avoided.

Q74 – What did you do during the gap in employment
between your last job and the one before?

Interviewers pick up on any gaps in employment so be prepared
for this one if you have any gaps.

Q75 – What is your Social Security Number?

This will always be asked at some time, so should either
have it memorized or have your card with you.

Q76 – How do you feel about working with minorities?

Asking this question may be illegal, but you should in most
cases answer that you try to avoid any prejudices and treat
all people alike.

Q77 – Do you have references I can check?

Be prepared with names, addresses & phone numbers on your
references. You should always ask people for permission to
use them as a reference before you do so.

Q78 – Do you have any direct work experience in this job area?

Handle this question by outlining your accomplishments in
specific areas related to the job you are seeking. Always
use concrete examples where possible as these are more
credible than generalities.

Q79 – How do you feel about working for a woman?

Common sense should tell you the answer is that you have no
qualms whatever.

Q80 – Do you feel that you can deal with the general public?

If you have never had a job dealing with the general public,
you should indicate that you get along well with all the people
you meet and it should be easy for you.

Q81 – Are you a joiner?

Here the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a
socializer and get along well with people. In most cases
the interviewer should know from reading your resume’,
but a positive answer here would be more helpful than a
neutral or negative answer.

Q82 – How did you get our name?

This question may be designed to help the company keep
track of their sources of new prospects. If you answered
an ad they will probably ask what newspaper or magazine.
A straightforward answer is best.

Q83 – Where did you first hear about our company?

As in Q82, they are probably tracking sources of new prospective
employees. A straightforward answer is best.

Q84 – Do you consider yourself a “nice guy (or gal)?

The old saw “nice guys finish last” is still believed by some.
Best answer here is that you expect to be paid based on your
performance on the job, and your goal is to do what it takes to
be a high quality employee.

Q85 – What’s a nice girl (or guy) like you doing applying for work in a place like this?

The best response to this one is to question the
interviewer about what is so bad about this place that
I should have to worry about applying here? Their answer
may or may not give you second thoughts about trying
for a job here.

Q86 – How is your health in general?

This question may be designed to catch you off guard
in case you have had recurring medical problems that
may either impair your job performance, or may cost
the company health providers with high expenses.
You need to be truthful here.

Q87 – Ever had any back problems?

This is a loaded question and a no answer is what
they are looking for. If you have had problems, it
may limit what jobs you can do and may also cost the
company more for your health care.

Q88 – How’s your coordination?

On some jobs this may be very important. Best answer
is “normal”, but if you are really a “klutz”, then
you might want to think twice about taking a job
requiring super coordination.

Q89 – Do you get bored easily when doing
routine and repetitive tasks?

Most people would answer ‘yes’ to this. If you
can truthfully answer ‘no’ then you might make a
terrific assembly line worker.

Q90 – What kinds of machines can you operate?

In and office and some industrial shop environments,
experience on specific machines (or computer
platforms) may be helpful and if you have such
skills you should bring them out here.

Q91 – Do you think you would be a good salesperson?

Better answer yes if you are going into the sales
field (and back it up with any experience data)
After your ‘yes’ answer the follow-up question will
likely be: Why? Be prepared to back up your answer.

Q92 – How are the company politics where you work now?

This is a loaded question. A positive or neutral
answer is called for here. Anything negative will
probably hurt you.

Q93 – Ever had any safety problems?

Your best answer is that you always work safely, but
if you have had problems with former employers you
should be ready to explain any past problems.

Q94 – Ever been subjected to disciplinary action such as
time off without pay?

If you have anything on your record, you should be
prepared to give your side of the story and answer
any follow-up questions you may get.

Q95 – Have you ever been fired from a job?

If you have, you need to be well prepared for
questioning. Most companies understand that in
company buyouts, difficult economic times etc. that
people are fired through no fault of their own.
Be prepared with all the circumstances, etc.

Q96 – Have you ever been laid off?

If you have, be prepared to outline the circumstances, etc.

Q97 – Have you ever collected unemployment?

This question is designed to find out if you have been
laid off, and also to determine if you have been “chronically
unemployed” because of a long record of unemployment. If
this is the case with you, be prepared to explain all the circumstances.

Q98 – Are you the kind of person who ‘gets things done’?

If you answer ‘yes’, be prepared with evidence to back it up.
your best answer is ‘yes’ but the question is really a leading
question designed to learn about what you have gotten done and
how you did it.

Q99 – Can you maintain your concentration on the job
no matter what is going around you, or are you distracted easily?

This is a loaded question that is probing to find
out whether you can work in a noisy office (or factory,
or shop). The fact that they are even asking such a question
should be a clue to you that this company does have a noisy
environment, and if that bothers you then you should
weigh this and other factors to decide whether you really
want to work for this company.

Q100 – Do you have good interpersonal skills?

Here you are being asked how well you get along with
other people, and they are looking for someone who
can answer good, or excellent’ at all levels.