Job Interview Questions and Answers

Tag: past

  • In your past positions, have you had to deal with any kind of cultural diversity?

    Your answer to this question should be extremely well thought out. This is an area where you need to be very careful. In today’s global workplace it is becoming increasingly likely that you may encounter cultural diversity, if not on a daily basis, then at least on occasion from time to time. Smart employers know that they must hire staff that is able to handle cultural diversity with respect. Not only might employees face cultural diversity among coworkers but you could also encounter it among clients, vendors and customers as well. If a business is to be successful, everyone employed there must have a good grasp of how to handle cultural diversity so that everyone is respected.

    If you have worked in an environment in the past where you encountered cultural diversity then you may be able to use that experience to form your answer to this question. If not then you will need to relate another situation where you had to handle cultural diversity, if possible. Perhaps while you were in college you roomed with someone who was of a different culture than you or you had a close friend who had a different cultural background.

    With this type of question you must keep in mind what it is that the interviewer is looking for. In asking this question, it is important for you to remember that the employer or interviewer wants to make sure that you are able to approach cultural diversity with respect and ensure that everyone is provided with dignity. There are many different ways that you can demonstrate your understanding of this to the interviewer. You might relate a prior experience in which you faced this type of situation and the specific steps that you took to ensure that others in your work environment were respected even if their own culture was different from your own. If you have truly never encountered this type of situation in the past, either in the workplace or in school or some other situation then you will need to make sure you demonstrate your awareness of the need for sensitivity and respect regarding cultural diversity. The key to succeeding with this question is to keep your response focused on your ability to effectively handle cultural diversity so that everyone feels respected.

  • How would your past coworkers describe you?

    This is a question that must be answered carefully because you do not want to reveal anything unflattering. You should always remember that the person who is interviewing you could be your future supervisor, so you should definitely take care in describing how you believe former coworkers would describe you. The key is to describe yourself in the way that any supervisor would want to see a new employee. For example you might say that former coworkers would describe you as committed, loyal, friendly, professional, etc.

    When answering this question make sure you avoid the use of the word ‘think.’ You should sound as though you are confident regarding what others would say when describing you. When you use the word ‘think’ it sounds as though you re not sure and casts some doubt onto the subject. This is something that should be avoided. You should always strive to sound as though you are confident, positive and certain regarding how others would describe you.

    It may also be helpful when answering this question if you can provide a direct quote from a former coworker. For example, you might say that a particular coworker once told you that you are the hardest working person on the team. Of course, if you do share something like this when in an interview, you should be certain that you tell only the truth. Do not just make up something that a coworker might have said about you because you think it sounds nice. You never want to place yourself in a position where you tell something that is not true in an interview and it is discovered later.

    Also, when relating how coworkers would describe you, do make sure you focus on descriptions that would be appropriate for the workplace. Even if you socialize with coworkers outside of work, you should not steer into personal territory. Even if the coworker who sat next to you said that you were the life of the party when a group of you went out after work for a few drinks, this is not something to reveal in an interview. Stick to professional qualities. The interviewer wants to find out how you function in a professional work environment. Providing a clear and confident answer regarding traits others would see in you while at work will accomplish this goal.