JOB INTERVIEW Q&A

What's a good answer: "Tell me about yourself" ?

• I am 5'9" and 140 pounds with straight teeth. I have 2 cats and 3 dogs and love Netflix and cheese sticks.

• Well, I graduated with 3.45 in Diploma in Engineering. Previously I studied in Community College . I am active in many clubs, and actually won an award for community service last year.

• I wasa student from Politeknik Seberang Perai. My grades aren't great, and I don't do much in school, but I am the oldest in my family, and I want to get out of Penang.

• Well, what do you want to know?

What's a good answer: "Can you tell me a time when you face a conflict and how you reacted?"

• No; I typically don't ever have any problems or issues with people.

• A classmate and I disagreed on a project, so we rationally discussed on our own time to compromise.

• I could not figure out how to solve a math problem, so I simply gave up.

• A classmate and I disagreed on a project, so I let her just do whatever she wanted.

What's a good answer: "What are your strengths?"

• Well, what strengths are you looking for?

• I would say my best strengths would be my attention span.

• Three Words: Hard-working. Alpha-Male. Jackhammer. Merciless.

• I’ve always been a natural leader. When I was in school, I was elected as the class representative and President of Geography Club.

Tell me about a time you were given a task and you lacked the necessary skills or knowledge.

• I’m very experienced and so don’t really find myself in that position.

• I didn’t get enough hands-on training at my polytechnic so I wasn't able to do many tasks.

• I referred to my colleague and he explained to me how to do it. I am a quick leaner, and I was able to complete the task.

• I kept myself up to date with industry news so I was better prepared.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

• I just want to be at a place in my life when I'm happy with who I am.

• I could see myself starting my own business.

• I just want to have a steady income that I am satisfied with.

• Working for this organisation but taken on added responsibilities.

What is a good response to the question, "What is your biggest weakness?

• "I am a perfectionist and find myself disappointed that others aren't as careful in their work."

• "I'd like to work on getting myself better organized. I have been trying out a new system."

• "Weaknesses? Hmmm, gee, I can't think of any. I guess I don't have any weaknesses!"

• "I find it hard to stay focused sometimes, so I take frequent breaks."

What is not a good question to ask in your interview?

• How much time is given for sick leave and vacation?

• Are there opportunities for advancement?

• What kind of training will I be given?

• What is the culture like in the organization?

Which of the following choices describes an appropriate answer to an interviewer's question?

• Your answers must be as short as possible. Details are not needed.

• Your answers should be complete but brief.

• Your answers should be detailed and specific, with examples.

• Your answers should include extra information that will impress the interviewer.

You’re asked a really difficult question. You don’t know the answer off the top of your head, so you:

• You pause for a moment to construct a response

• Say the first thing that comes to mind

• Respond by expressing that it's a difficult question to answer and that you are unsure.

• Try to bluff your way through the job interview

Your interviewer asks you what you think about your previous boss. You didn’t get along with your previous boss. You answer:

• Highlight the negative characteristics about your boss

• State that you don't know anything about your boss

• Decline to talk about your past work experience

• Make a connection with your boss and share positive attributes