Interview questions
19. Describe what you've accomplished toward reaching a recent goal for yourself.
Recently I have driven across US. I have been dreaming about this trip for a long time. My friend offered me to join him for such a trip, so I had to arrange my time and efforts in order to earn enough money in 3 month. I had to work extra hours to save up, but as the result, I have made my dream come true.
25. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor or instructor? How did you resolve the conflict?
When I was working as a pool manager an argument with the pool owner has occurred due to the safety regulations norm, which had to be taken. I reported to the owner that the pool pumps needed an upgrade, since they were not performing within the expected norms; however, the pool owner was convinced that I was not performing my duties correctly and was not taking appropriate care of the equipment. For a while I kept insisting on calling the inspection, which eventually took place; as the result the pool owner had to reinstall the equipment.
54. Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills.
At some point I had to support my family in a financial and physical way, while I still had to study. This was a tough period, which required going to work, mostly distant studying and helping at home a lot. Despite the highly stressful environment I managed to perform well in all of the mentioned above areas.
60. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
While being involved into a class group project I had to complete a market research for the business plan we were developing. I was proud to submit my work on time; however the night before submitting the project to our professor I received a call from my group leader. He asked me to help him recalculate the financial data, since there were several mistakes made. Despite being exhausted, I have managed to improve the paper by checking the completed work of my team member.
64. Describe a situation where others you were working with on a project disagreed with your ideas. What did you do?
When I was performing as group leader for a marketing project, we had to make a decision on the most effective promotional campaign. The opinions spited, so I highlighted our goal to the group and once again explained the specifications of our target customer; when everybody agreed on the received input data, I provided each member with a deadline of 24 hours to come up with his\her vision for the promotional campaign. The next day we met another discussion took place. As the result, there were more ideas presented, and we have all agreed on the option, which turned out to be the most effective.
Situational questions:
13. If you could do so, how would you plan your college career differently?
For sure, I would do my best to sample a larger number of subjects. In that case, I would be able to get more of the educational coverage, and perhaps, be motivated for a second education in another specific field.
15. How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to work as a member of a team?
I learned the skill of teamwork when performing as a team leader in school project, being responsible for a group of 6 members. In my opinion, I was an effective leader, since I was able to motivate each individual for innovative ideas and personal involvement. Before approving any final decision I used to arrange a discussion with the group in order to hear their opinion and ask questions on possible improvements. I had always been willing for everyone to be on the same page and commit to the same goal. I was trying to establish personal relations with each group member. I also cared for a positive team spirit to be present; thus, each conflict resolution process was firstly discussed in person, and if necessary presented to the group for a vote.
22. What do you expect to be doing in five years?
Since I am currently a student, in 5 years I would like to be employed by an international company and keep the position, which requires working with people. Due to my personal career goals, by this time I see myself either already performing duties of a senior manager, or waiting to be promoted in the nearest future.
31. If you could change or improve anything about your college, what would it be?
I would concentrate more on the technology usage in class and while completing personal tasks, so that students get used to the rapidly changing society. Moreover, I would invite different specialist to directly share their opinion regarding current business tendencies, economic environment, and technological progress. I would also improve classes’ agenda to include more interactions like conducting interviews, developing questioners, analyzing latest business cases.
46. To what extent would you be willing to travel for the job?
I am open to travels as much as it is necessary for the position. At this point I can commit to at least 50% of the working time to be spent for business travels.
Composed questions:
If getting this position, how would you organize my training process in order to assure an effective adaptation period within the shortest time frame?
The answer provides with understanding of how much time and effort the employer is willing to invest into a new candidate.
What is your employee motivational strategy? What are the career development opportunities?
The answer shows the perspective of a potential career development, describes basic employee’s benefits, assures recognition of employee’s input.
What are the performance expectations for the probation period and the first year of employment?
The answer explains what is necessary to be successful, gives an opportunity to re-evaluate personal abilities to meet the necessary requirements.
How would you evaluate your personal experience with the company? What do you like best and what do you enjoy the least?
The answer shares personal experience from company’s onside environment, establishes more informative relationships.
What are the latest challenges the company had to overcome? Are there any current challenges to be buried?
The answer provides with an overview of the most urgent issues and, possibly, existing problems. In addition the company’s future performance can be forecasted.
