Job Interview Questions and Answers

Tag: work

  • Is there anything that will prevent you from getting to work on time?

    This question should be expected as it can be fairly common in an interview, especially if the interviewer is strongly considering you for the position that you are interviewing for. There should not be any problem in answering this question unless you think that you might have a problem getting to work on time. Even if that is the case, you should not be concerned about answering that question as long as you are prepared. Anytime that you are applying for a job you should give thought in advance to how you will get to and from work so that you can arrive on time. If you have done this you should have a well prepared plan so that you will be able to honestly answer this question and indicate that there will be no problems that would make it difficult for you to arrive at work on time.

    You should not answer this question by going into great details about car problems you have had, the unreliability of the public transportation system or the fact that your alarm clock sometimes does not work. This is not what the interviewer wants to hear. They are looking for reassurance that you will be a reliable employee who will arrive at work well in advance of the time you are to begin your duties.

    If you have not already given some thought to how you will get to work and ensure that you get there on time, now is certainly the time to begin mapping out a plan. This is not only for the benefit of the employer but also for your own benefit as well. If you have not given thought to how you will arrive at work on time then it is likely that you will experience problems at some point that could make it difficult for you to get to work on time.

    In the event that you experienced problems in the past with arriving at work on time you should be prepared to explain how you have rectified this situation because it very well could come out when the employer performs a reference check. You do not want to provide conflicting information and leave it unexplained, risking the possible chance of losing the job because it appears that you have been less than truthful in your responses.

  • What’s more important to you — the work itself or how much you’re paid for doing it?

    What’s more important to you — the work itself or how much you’re paid for doing it?

    The answer to this one is a balancing act. You don’t want to come across as someone running to the biggest pay check, but you don’t want to come across as phony either. It’s best to skew towards loving the work, but to recognize the importance of money too. “I’d do this work for free” is fine if you’re independently wealthy, but interviewers know people have to pay bills.

    The answer also depends on the job. For example, if they ask the question at a summer job that involves shoveling manure, they’ll know you’re shoveling onto them if you try to play it as job satisfaction. That isn’t to say you can’t mention satisfaction with a job well done, such as “Let’s face it, this is a menial summer job, not a career. But I’m hard working and there’s a certain satisfaction in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.”

    Knowing the job and company can help with this question. That, of course, means a little research.

    Great Offer:
    “There’s no doubt I really love this work, so that’s the most important thing. But I know your company pays near the top of the industry, for top people of course. I love the field, which has made it a lot easier to become an expert who can help an organization.”

    Opportunity:
    “I have bills to pay just like the next guy. As long as the salary is in range with the position and my experience, that kind of takes care of itself. I’m more excited about the opportunities to grow here. This company has quite a reputation for molding the top people in this industry. I’m ready to work hard to get there.”

    Pay is More Than Salary
    “I tend to look at the whole package. Sure, salary is a part of that. But if there’s a choice between a great paying job with a rotten environment and an average paying job with a great environment, I’ll go with a little less money. I can’t sit in an office day after day doing what I don’t like, in a negative environment. That’s why I’m here. You have a great reputation for treating employees well, and the job is exactly what I enjoy doing, and I do it well.”

    Avoid this answer, related by a woman who no doubt didn’t land the job. “If I can get paid for doing nothing, wow!”

  • Why Do You Want to Work Here?

    This is a question you should ask yourself during the job search. Why do you want to work at a company, why apply there? The answer might be perfect for the interview question. Equally as important, the answer guides your choice of companies and jobs. People are rarely happy in jobs that are nothing more than a pay check.

    Do research on the company to make sure you know about it – what is done there, the people, the environment, the owners or executive staff. Most of that information can be found on the company web site.

    Some good answers in this vain include:

    Learn from the executives:
    “In my career field the people who run this company are some of the best there are. I want to get into this environment so I can learn from their experience while working with them to make the company a success.”

    Personality match:
    “The environment here matches my personality. This is a company that likes creativity on the job. This is where I want to work.”

    Industry Leader:
    “My research showed me that your company is an industry leader. I saw some information on future projects here that got me excited – I want to be involved.”

    Even after all the research it may come down to nothing more than you need a job, you have to pay the bills. Then be honest about that, but spin it in a way that shows you will be an asset.

    “I have bills to pay, I need to work. I intend to work hard here so I can help the company and keep the job a long time.”

    A little humor doesn’t hurt.

    “I owe, I owe, so off to work I go. Look, people have to work. I need the money. You need a hard worker who can do the job and is willing to grow with the company. That’s me.”

    Beware of sounding desperate. The company is looking for employees to fill their needs. Good companies recognize that they have to fulfill employees needs too. Honesty is the best policy. If you need a job but don’t really intend to work hard, it will come out during the interview.

    The worst possible answer to this question we’ve ever heard? “Your office is next to the bank I intend to rob. I can study their security and the lay out during my breaks.”