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Tough Interview Questions and the Answers Managers Want

Janice Schooler Litvin

For those venturing into the IT job market, landing that all-important first position is no accident. Obviously, skills and experience count for a lot. But it also requires knowing the best answers to those seemingly simple questions.

Your best foot forward Interviewing is a skill like any other -- it can be learned, but it requires a certain amount of practice.
The purpose of an interview in IT or elsewhere, is obviously to get a job offer. It is your opportunity to sell yourself and demonstrate in person the skills and experiences you've listed on your resume. Of course, it is also your opportunity to get to know a company's work environment, both technological and cultural. The first thing you have to do is mentally prepare yourself for interviewing. Interviewing is a skill like any other -- it can be learned, but it requires a certain amount of practice. It's not every day that one goes on an important job interview, and those skills are not usually taught in college. You want to remove the emotional anxiety that acceptance and rejection can evoke. Planning and preparation is the best way to do that. Find out as much as you can about the company you will be visiting. A company's website can offer a multitude of information, including the types of technologies in use at that company. If not, check out Hoover's Database of companies, or go to Yahoo Finance or other company databases. Get to know the company's

Remember, a hiring manager is

making an investment in you. It may take months of training to turn you into a productive employee, but you will be receiving a salary from day one.

background, history, revenues, number of employees, and product or service offerings. Remember, a hiring manager is making an investment in you. It may take months of training to turn you into a productive employee, but you will be receiving a salary from day one. Therefore, your job during the interview is to convince the IT manager or recruiter that you would be a good investment. You will be expected to demonstrate not just your technical skills, but also your ability get along with coworkers, both in the IT department and in the company at large. You want to be as pleasant and personable as possible during the interview process.

Chemistry
Without the proper chemistry between you and the people you meet from one company, you will NOT get an offer, no matter how technically qualified you are. This factor is quite often overlooked on a conscious level, but it must be considered. Chemistry is not something you manufacture. It happens naturally, but there are several things you can do. Project a positive attitude, warmth and friendliness. Smile occasionally, ask intelligent questions and listen carefully to the replies. Maintain eye contact at all times. Lack of eye contact implies dishonesty, an inability to communicate, arrogance or lack of confidence. Use the interviewer's name in conversation occasionally. That single act will do more to endear you than you can imagine. People like to hear their own name. Using it shows respect and makes the person feel important. A slight amount of nervousness gives you an enthusiastic edge about yourself that will come across as genuine excitement about the job.

Without the proper chemistry between you and the people you meet from one company, you will NOT get an offer, no matter how technically qualified you are.

Establish common ground

Before doing any talking, take a quick read of the interviewer by noting the look and feel of their office, including artwork, furniture, evidence of children or hobbies. More importantly, notice features, such as body language, pace, manner of speech and so on. Sit at the

Use the interviewer's name in conversation occasionally. That single act will do more to endear you than you can imagine.

edge of your chair, unless the interviewer noticeably backs away. Do not speak too much faster or slower than they do. Make niceties. Comment on one of the personal effects in the office, or talk about a vacation spot you see in a poster or photograph. Compliment the interviewer on a nice office environment, but don't be fake. By the time you leave their office, you want your interviewer to be thinking, "I feel better when I'm with that person."

For anyone preparing for that all-important IT job interview, here are some questions to anticipate, and the responses that managers are looking for.

Q : "Tell me about yourself."

HINT : Talk about personal characteristics and skills that translate into career strengths. A : "I love to jump into projects with both feet. I like sitting in front of a computer or at my desk for hours at a time thinking about a problem, plotting out the solution, making the presentation. Object-oriented technology [or any new technology] is my newest challenge."

Q : "What books and/or magazines do you read?"

HINT : Obviously, a technical or trade journal is one answer they are looking for. The books you've read tells the manager something about your personality. A : Whatever you do, don't say, "I don't like to read."

Q : "What are your greatest strengths?"

HINT : Discuss specific assets the employer desires.

A : "Pleasant personality/politeness, loyalty, willingness to work hard, motivation, persistence, tenacity."

Q : "What were your favorite subjects in school and why?"

HINT : Of course, if your major is Computer Science you want to mention some of your computer science classes. You might mention other related subjects. For example, if you're interviewing at a financial services firm, you might discuss why you liked your accounting or finance classes. If you did any unusual or special projects in that area, you would bring that up now. Mention anything that shows a keen interest this employer's particular kind of work. If you are interviewing at a software or integration consulting firm, somewhere during the interview you would want to mention that you truly enjoy working with people. To illustrate this point, mention any volunteer work or part-time jobs you might have held anytime in your life that involved interacting with people. For example, "I volunteered at a homeless shelter during the holidays giving out food." This shows that you genuinely care about others and like giving back to the community, and that you would go out of your way for a boss or a coworker.

Q : "How do you let off steam after you've completed a tough project? What do you like to do in your spare time?"
HINT : Managers like well-rounded employees; your answer to this question illustrates some of your personal qualities. If you can mention pastimes that would be an asset to the job you are seeking, so much the better. For example, a bridge player must possess valuable analytical skills. Whatever your favorite hobby is, strong outside interests round out your character. A : "For relaxation I like to read a mystery novel, go swimming, go skiing, make pottery . . ."

Q : "Where do you plan to be in five years?"

HINT : Everyone hates this question, but everyone asks it. The traditional answer is "management." But in recent years companies have started to develop a technical career track. Many companies call this position "consultant" or "senior software engineer" or "staff engineer." Of course, any other management position that you think would interest you is also appropriate: product marketing manager, application manager for a particular project (in other words, a firstline manager), or any other position that requires a technical background. Employers like goaloriented workers, so saying you don't know will turn a manager off. A : The generic answer would be, "I would like to try the technical career track," or, "I want to follow the management career path."

Q : "What are your weaknesses?"

HINT : There are a couple of approaches you can take with the "weakness" question. Whatever you do, do not mention any true weakness, such as, "I have a hard time getting to work on time." The ability to answer the question properly is half of what the manager is looking for. One strategy is to give a personal weakness that is considered a professional strength. A : "I'm so compulsive about my work, that I can't stop until the job is perfect." Another approach is to turn the question into a discussion of your current professional goals. Example: "I plan to improve myself this year by taking a class in public speaking." Choose a peripheral weakness -- one that you may really need to work on, but not one that would disqualify you for the position in question.

Q : "Why do you want to work here at XYZ Company?"

HINT : Be very careful with this one. If you've researched this company then you can say something specific, like "object-oriented relational database technology really turns me on." Showing that you have done some research marks you as a self-starter with a solid grasp of the big picture. A : "I've been following XYZ's growth and I want a company that I can grow with. Your company is solid and stable, with a growth rate of X percent last year and a great competitive position" Or, "I like a start-up environment where I can really make a difference."

Q : "Why should we hire you?"

A : "Because I would be an asset to your organization. I'm loyal, tenacious, motivated, and I learn fast. I'm someone who could be very productive very quickly."

Q : "What motivates you?"

HINT : Whatever you do, do not say lots of money. We all know that money, power and recognition are all basic motivators. But you do not want to appear selfish. You want to appear intelligent and hard-working and interested in doing a good job, interested in giving rather than receiving. If you've held jobs while in college or during the summers, be sure to reach from those specific examples to illustrate the above. A : "A job well done." "A challenge." "Interesting work/technology." Any or all of these answers work.

Q : "Tell me about a conflict you encountered and how you handled it."
HINT : This is one of the toughest interview questions of all. It's sort of a trick question, as a matter of fact. Never speak negatively about anyone. The ability to successfully resolve conflicts

is important for all members of an IS team.. It may be the most important factor if you're working in a service environment, such as a large consulting firm that deals with outside clients. The answer you give here could go a long way toward getting you a job offer. Managers want to see that you are mature and unselfish. The answer should involve proof of your maturity level. They are looking for your ability to handle conflict. Compromise and working it out without external intervention are the keys. A disgruntled person is not going to be productive, and tends to bring down coworkers' morale as well. A : "I sat down with the other person and asked what his issues were. Then I outlined my issues. We talked about which were the most important ones and which we could compromise on. We looked for the common aspects of our goals and placed those first. Then we decided together what to give up and what to keep, so that both parties felt they were winning something. Both parties were satisfied."

Q : "What changes have you made in your life that you are most proud of?"
HINT : This tells the manager more about your ability to take control of your life. It illustrates your leadership potential, and suggests just how promotable you might be. After all, if he produces a star, he looks good. If you're interviewing at a service provider, you will probably be asked to lunch. Remember that you're being judged on whether you know how to make small talk with a client and your overall manners and social skills.

Q : "What are your salary requirements?"

HINT : The use of the word "offer" is critical. It's a subliminal message that an actual job offer is what you are discussing, not just your salary needs in general. A : "Salary is not my primary consideration. Of course, I have to pay the bills. I'd be open to any reasonable offer." Pause and maintain direct eye contact, even if it seems like forever. Do not be the first one to flinch. Do not over-talk. Be prepared for a long silence. Let the manager be the first to present a figure. It will give you power and control. If forced to give a specific number, never give a broad range -- you will usually be offered the low end. Instead, be as precise as possible: "I'd be open to something in the low-fifties (or midforties, high-seventies, whatever)." Giving such a specific number presumes you've researched the local job market and know what entry-level people with your skills are making.

Q : "Are you interviewing at any other companies?"

HINT : You want the manager to know that you're extremely interested in his opportunity, but are keeping your options open.

A : "Yes, Mr. X, but at this point XYZ is my first choice."

Remember, all of these interview questions have more than one appropriate answer. If you are feeling nervous about an upcoming interview, keep in mind that the hiring manager gets just as excited about a potentially strong candidate as the candidate does about him or her. Strong, qualified, motivated technical people are very hard to find. Be direct, but think before you speak, and you will surely get an offer.

By Janice Schooler Litvin Litvin is an executive search consultant with Micro Search in Lafayette, California. She can be contacted at jlitvin@microsearchsf.com .

Look for Janice's upcoming book about career search strategies and navigating corporate websites. She is accepting requests for job search advice as research for her book. Your privacy will be protected. She can be reached at jlitvin@microsearchsf.com

nterview Question and Answers

Detailed below are a number of possible interview questions and answers scenarios to help you prepare for your interview:

Never lie...

Q. Why did you leave your last job? A. You felt your career prospects and progression could go no further and you need a challenge where your potential can be exploited.

Whether you're looking to fill a senior position or want to move up in your career, Alexander Lloyd has the resources you need. Please browse through our seletion of Accountancy JobJobs, Compliance Jobs, Financial Services Jobs, HR Interim Jobs and HR Permanent Jobs, as well as Legal Jobs.
Never criticise your manager...

Q. Do you get on with your current manager? A. I have a good relationship with my boss; he/she is not the reason I'm looking to move.

Never criticise an employer...

Q. Do you think your boss is a good manager? A. I have never had any problems with the management expertise of my boss and as already mentioned he/she is not the reason I'm looking for another job.

Never criticise your company...

Q. What do you think of your current job? /Why do you want to leave? A. As a company they are fine but I do not think they can match my ambitions with the possible opportunities offered and now is a right time for me to move on.

You can easily search the site to find a suitable position from our selected Finance Manager Jobs or if you are looking for Audit Jobs, Alexander Lloyd, one of the most successful recruitment agencies in Crawley, will help you find the right position.
Be positive...

Q. How long would you stay with us? A. I see this as a long-term career move.

Prepare your own five-year plan...

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years time? A. At the moment in five years time I can see myself progressing along my chosen path and currently I would like to progress into a managerial role. But, if in two to three year's time a better, more suitable opportunity shows itself, then I would give it my consideration. Actually I would like to have won the pools and be sitting on a boat drinking wine in the Med. (Humour can sometimes help.)

We have a selection of HR Advisor Jobs and Recruitment Jobs, plese use the search facility to find the right position for you or contact Alexander Lloyd, Human Resources Recruitment specialist for more information.
Prepare your strengths...

Q. What are your greatest strengths? A. My greatest strengths are threefold: 1. To be able to recognise my weaknesses 2. I have the ability to pick up procedures quickly 3. An excellent temperament which means I don't get rattled easily

Prepare your weaknesses...

Q. What are your greatest weaknesses? A. Some people have said my natural enthusiasm is a weakness, but I found my

administration skills were weak. However I have recognised this and come to terms with it. Consequently, it is no longer a major problem.

Why you're the best person for the job...

Q. Why should we offer you the position? A. I've listened very carefully to what you've told me about the position and on that basis I'm confident that I could do the job as well as, if not better than, the others you have seen.

Why you want the job... (listen carefully during the interview & note interesting pointers)

Q. What interests you most about the position on offer? A. The career prospects, job content, work environment, day-to-day duties, etc

Other Likely Questions

Below are some other questions that you may be asked at interview. The responses depend entirely on your personal experiences. It is worth bearing these in mind when preparing to meet a prospective employer:

What kind of people do you find most difficult to work with? Why? What do you feel you have done particularly well in your last job? In what areas have you achieved the greatest success? Why do you think this is? In your last job, did you find anything particularly difficult? What would you consider to be your greatest achievement in your career to date?

55 most frequently asked interview questions

By admin | August 18, 2005 Dan Johnston from PPR Career shared the following list of frequently asked questions on a job interview, as well as advice on what to be prepared for. 1. Tell me about yourself. Use Picture Frame Approach Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, dont ramble. Touch on these four areas:

How many years, doing what function Education credentials Major responsibility and accomplishments Personal summary of work style (plus career goals if applicable)

Prepare in advance using this formula: My name is Ive worked for X years as a [title] Currently, Im a [title] at [company] Before that, I was a [title] at [company] I love the challenge of my work, especially the major strengths it allows me to offer, including [A, B, and C]. 6. Second, help the interviewer by focusing the question with a question of your own: What about me would be most relevant to you and what this company needs? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2. Did you bring your resume? Yes. Be prepared with two or three extra copies. Do not offer them unless youre asked for one.

3. What do you know about our Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Do organization? your homework, and youll score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends that work there. But I would love to know more, particularly from your point

of view. Do we have time to cover that now? 4. What experience do you have? Pre-interview research and PPR Career will help you here. Try to cite experience relevant to the companys concerns. Also, try answering this questions with a question: Are you looking for overall experience or experience in some specific area of special interest to you? Let the interviewers response guide your answer. Be prepared to define success, and then respond (consistent record of responsibility)

5. According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far? (Is this person mature and self aware?) 6. In your current or last position, what were your most significant accomplishments? In your career so far?

Give one or two accomplishment statements

Refer to positive aspects of the job, advancement 7. Had you thought of leaving your present position before? opportunities, and what you learned. If yes, what do you think held you there? 8. Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized? Give only one, and tell how you have corrected or plan to correct your work.

9. If I spoke with your previous Be consistent with what you think the boss would say. Position the weakness in a positive way (refer to #12) boss, what would he or she say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? 10. How would you describe your personality? Keep your answer short and relevant to the job and the organizations culture.

11. What are your strong points? Present three. Relate them to that particular company and job opening. 12. What are your weak points? Dont say you have one, but give one that is really a positive in disguise. I am sometimes impatient and do to much work myself when we are working

against tight deadlines. Or I compliment and praise my staff, but feel I can improve. 13. How did you do in school? (Is the person motivated? What are his/her values, attitudes? Is there a fit?) 14. In your current or last position, what features did you like most? Least? Emphasize your best and favorite subjects. If grades were average, talk about leadership or jobs you took to finance your education. Talk about extra-curricular activities (clubs, sports, volunteer work) Refer to your satisfiers for likes. Be careful with dislikes, give only one (if any) and make it brief. Refuse to answer negatively. Respond that you like everything about my current position and have acquired and developed a great many skills, but Im now ready for a new set of challenges and greater responsibilities. Flip this one over. Despite the question, the employer isnt really interested in what you are looking for. Hes interested in what he is looking for. Address his interests, rather than yours. Use words like contribute, enhance, improve, and team environment. Fit your answer to their needs Relate your preferences and satisfiers/dissatisfiers to the job opening. Not long, because of my experience, transferable skills and ability to learn.

15. What do you look for in a job?

16. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? 17. How long would you stay with us?

As long as I feel that Im contributing, and that my contribution is recognized. Im looking to make a long term commitment.

18. If you have never supervised, If you want to supervise, say so, and be enthusiastic. how do you feel about assuming those responsibilities? 19. Why do you want to become a supervisor? 20. What do you see as the most difficult task in being a supervisor? 21. Youve been with To grow and develop professionally, to help others develop, to build a team and to share what I have learned. Getting things planned and done through others and dealing with different personalities. Show how you have done this in the past. Lets assume the interviewer has a point here.

your current employer quite a while. Why havent you advanced with him?

That doesnt mean you have to agree with the negative terms of the question. Answer: What I like about my present position is that its both stable and challenging. But its true that Ive grown about as much as I can in my current position. (This response also turns the issue of salary on its head, transforming it from What more can I get? to What more can I offer?) Never answer with negative reasons, even if they are true. However, some companies have financial problems which may preclude you from staying with them. Frame your answer positively by answering why you want to move to the target company instead of why you left or want to leave your most recent job. For example, instead of answering, I dont get enough challenges at [company], respond, I am eager to take on more challenges, and I believe I will find them at [hiring company]. Im not unhappy (at my present employer). However, this opportunity seems to be particularly interesting and I am interested in pursuing it further. Never personalize or be negative. Keep it short, give a group answer (e.g. our office is closing, the whole organization is being reduced in size). Stick to one response; dont change answers during the interview. When applicable; best response is: I was not on the market when PPR Career contacted me and explained what you are doing, it peaked my interest. Team work is the key.

22. Why are you leaving your present position?

23. Describe what would be an ideal working environment? 24. How would you evaluate your present firm? 25. Do you prefer working with figures, or with words?

Be positive. Refer to the valuable experience you have gained. Dont mention negatives. Be aware of what the job requires and position your answer in that context. In many cases it would be both.

26. What kinds of people do you Use this question as a chance to show that you are a team player: The only people I have trouble with are find difficult to work with? those who arent team players, who just dont perform, who complain constantly, and who fail to respond to any efforts to motivate them. The interviewer is expecting a response focused on personality and personal dislikes. Surprise her by

delivering an answer that reflects company values. 27. How would your co-workers describe you? 28. What do you think of your boss? Refer to your strengths and skills.

If you like him or her, say so and tell why. If you dont like him or her, find something positive to say.

29. Why do you want to work in Explain how this size or type of company works well for you, using examples from the past if possible. a company of this size. Or this type? 30. If you had your choice of jobs and companies, where would you go? Refer to job preferences. Say that this job and this company are very close to what best suits you.

31. Why do you want to work for You feel you can help achieve the companies objectives, especially in the short run. You like what us? youve learned about the company, its policies, goals and management: Ive researched the company and people tell me its a good place to work. 32. What was the last book you Think this through. Your answer should be compatible with accepted norms. read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended? 33. What are you doing, or what Talk about formal courses and training programs. have you done to reach your career objectives? 34. What was wrong with your last company? 35. What kind of hours are you used to working? (Does the person match job and criteria?) Again, choose your words carefully. Dont be negative. Say that no company is perfect, it had both strengths and weaknesses. As many hours as it takes to get the job done.

36. What would you do for us?

Relate past success in accomplishing the objectives which are similar to those of the prospective employer.

37. What has your experience been in supervising people? 38. Are you a good supervisor?

Give examples from accomplishments.

Draw from your successes. Yes, my people like and respect me personally and professionally. They often comment on how much they learn and develop under my supervision. If you havent, say so, but add that you could do it, if necessary.

39. Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it? 40. How have you helped your company? 41. What is the most money you ever accounted for? Largest budget responsibility? 42. Whats the most difficult situation you ever faced on the job?

Refer to accomplishments.

Refer to accomplishments. If you havent had budget responsibility, say so, but refer to an accomplishment that demonstrates the same skill. Remember, youre talking to a prospective employer, not your best friend. Dont dredge up a catastrophe that resulted in a personal or corporate failure. Be ready for this question by thinking of a story that has a happy ending happy for you and your company. Never digress into personal or family difficulties, and dont talk about problems youve had with supervisors or peers. You might discuss a difficult situation with a subordinate, provided that the issues were resolved inventively and to everyones satisfaction. Refer to accomplishments. Everyone has had a few of these pressure situations in a career. Behavior-related questions aim at assessing a candidates character, attitude, and personality traits by asking for an account of how the candidate handled certain challenging situations. Plan for such questions by making a list of the desirable traits relevant to the needs of the industry or prospective employer and by preparing some job-related stories about your experience that demonstrate a range of those traits and habits of conduct. Before answering the questions, listen carefully and ask any clarifying questions you think necessary. Tell your story and conclude by explaining what you intended your story to illustrate. Finally, ask for feedback: Does

43. Describe some situations in which you have worked under pressure or met deadlines?

this tell you what you need to know? 44. How do you handle rejection? Rejection is part of business. People dont always buy what you sell. The tick here is to separate rejection of your product from rejection of yourself: I see rejection as an opportunity. I learn from it. When a customer takes a pass, I ask him what we could do to the product, price or service to make it possible for him to say yes. Dont get me wrong: Youve got to makes sales. But rejection is valuable, too. Its a good teacher.

Refer to accomplishments 45. In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked? 46. Give an example of your creativity. 47. Give examples of your leadership abilities. Refer to accomplishments.

Draw examples from accomplishments.

48. What are your career goals? Talk first about doing the job for which you are applying. Your career goals should mesh with the hiring company goals. 49. What position do you expect to have in two years? 50. What are your objectives? (How does the person handle stress? What is their confidence level?) 51. Why should we hire you? This may sound suspicious, negative, or just plain harsh. Actually, its a call for help. The employer wants you to help him/her hire you. Keep your response brief. Recap any job requirements the interviewer may have mentioned earlier in the interview, then, point by point, match your skills, abilities and qualifications to those items. Relate a past experience which represents success in achieving objectives which may be similar to those of the prospective employer. Just say you wish to exceed objectives so well that you will be on a promotable track. Refer back to question #48 on goals.

52. You may be over-qualified or A strong company needs a strong person. An

too experienced for the position we have to offer. 53. Why havent you found a new position before now?

employer will get faster return on investment because you have more experience than required. Finding the right job takes time. Im not looking for just any job.

54. If you could start again, what No need to be self-revealing. Hindsight is 20/20; everyone would make some changes, but Ive would you do differently? learned and grown from all my decisions. Be careful. If you dont know the market value, 55. How much do you expect if we offer this position to you? return the question by saying that you would expect a fair salary based on the job responsibilities, your experience and skills and the market value of the job. Express your interest in the job because it fits your career goals Receptive to a reasonable and competitive offer dont talk $s. Its always best to put off discussing salary and let PPR Career handle that. ANSWER: Im open to a competitive offer. Id prefer to discuss the opportunity and allow my recruiter to handle any salary questions.