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1: Tell me about yourself.
This is usually the first question asked because it is a good icebreaker. You should not use this open-ended question to offer useless information about your hobbies and home life. Many people will make the mistake of saying, "I'm 32 years old, married, and the mother of three children aged 5, 7 and 9. My hobbies are knitting, cycling, reading and . . . blah blah blah." This is not a good answer.
A good answer to this question is about two minutes long and focuses on work-related skills and accomplishments. Tell the interviewer why you think your work-related skills and accomplishments would be an asset to the company. You could describe your education and work history (be brief) and then mention one or two personal character traits and tell the interviewer how the traits helped you accomplish a task at school or work. Do not describe yourself with tired old clichés such as "I'm a team player," "I have excellent communication skills," unless you can prove it with an illustration. For example, one might say "I would describe myself as a self-starter. At Acme Corporation, there was a problem with . . . so I created a new inventory system (give details) that reduced expenses 30 percent.
"Someone with a new degree in an IT field might answer this question as follows: "I have enjoyed working with computers since I was eight years old and have always been adept as using them. Throughout junior high and high school, friends and relatives were always asking me for help with their computer problems, so no one was surprised when I chose to major in IT at college. I spent hundreds of hours at the computer learning everything I could about them and how they worked. A few years ago I became particularly interested in software development and began formulating ideas for new software that would really help consumers. I even developed plans for a few applications on my own. [Discuss the plans briefly.] I've also worked on several college teams and as an intern at Acme developing software. [Offer highlights of work experience in software development.] I would like to continue working in this particular area very much. That's why I applied for a position with your company. You're one of the leaders in software development and I want to work in a company where I can really be challenged and make a difference. I also really like the products you've developed. I think they're some of the best on the market and I would very much enjoy working to improve and enhance these products even further and create new software as well."
Question 2: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Assume that you will be promoted two or three times in five years, so your answer should state that you see yourself working at whatever job is two or three levels above the job in which you are applying. Do not claim that you will be "running the company" in five years. You might want to add that you understand your promotions will be earned through hard work and that you do not assume you will be promoted just because you stayed with the company. Good answer: "I see myself as head of the Sales Department in five years. I've already proven that I have the ability to manage a large sales staff at Acme, and I expect that I will be promoted to a senior management position in the future provided that I work very hard at my job and earn the promotions, which I expect to do."
Question 3: Are you willing to relocate?
If relocating were not an issue, the interviewer would not be asking the question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is "Yes." If you answer in the negative, you will not get the job. If you really do not want to relocate, then perhaps you should not accept the job if it is subsequently offered to you. If you are not sure, then ask questions about relocation, such as when it is likely to occur, where you will relocate to, and would it involve a promotion.
Question 4: Are you willing to travel?
If traveling were not part of the job, the interviewer would not be asking this question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is "yes". If you are willing to travel, answer yes and give some illustrations of work-related travel you have done. However, if you do not want to travel, you should find out more about this aspect of the job before accepting the position, such as how much travel will be involved, where will you be traveling to and for how long.
Question 5: Are you willing to work overtime?
If this wasn't an aspect of the job, the interviewer wouldn't be asking this question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is "yes" if you want to be considered for the job. If your past jobs involved overtime, now would be the time to tell this to the interviewer. "Yes, I am willing to work over time. I have no family or personal obligations that would prevent me from working at night and on weekends. I don't mind working over time at all."
Question 6: What book are you currently reading?
The only correct answer is to offer the title of a nonfiction book, preferably one that is on a subject related to your career or business in general. For example, if you are a sales person, tell the reader you're currently in the middle of "Selling for Dummies" or the title of a book on improving your time management, personality, efficiency, etc. As part of your job search, you will have to start reading one or two acceptable books so that you can intelligently discuss them if the subject is brought up during an interview. Some interviewers will try to determine if you regularly read by asking you for titles of 3-5 books you've read this year, so be ready.
Question 7: What is the last movie that you saw?
Replying that you "don't have time to watch movies as you are completely devoted to your job" is not a good answer and will not win you any points, even if the interviewer was dumb enough to believe you. Interviewers are looking for well-rounded people who enjoy healthy activities, such as relaxation and entertainment, and will expect you to state the name of a movie. The movie title that you give in reply to this question should always be one that is popular with the general public, but uncontroversial, meaning that it doesn't have any negative or zealous political or religious overtones. Don't reveal the fact that you spend way too much time watching movies by stating you have seen a particular movie 15 times or that you spend too much time watching movies. A well-known uncontroversial movie, popular with the general public, and one that the interviewer is likely to have seen, is always a good choice.
Question 8: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
The interviewer is trying to find out (1) more about whom you are and (2) if you maintain an interest in a particular subject for a long period. You should not indicate that you change hobbies frequently or have a problem maintaining an interest in one subject over a long period. A good answer might be, "I have been interested in genealogy for the past five years. I am currently the President of the Adams County Genealogical Society and we meet once a month to exchange research tips. So far, I have discovered that I am the descendent of two civil war generals and Thomas Edison as well. It's very interesting, but I don't have much time with my busy schedule to do much research now, but I plan to spend much more time doing research after I retire." Answers that reveal participation in sports are also good: "For the past five years I have been an avid racquetball player. I've competed in a dozen or so competitions and I've won a few." Of course, you do not want to reveal any hobby or activity that most people would consider strange, such as "I collect potato chips that look like celebrities" or "I collect the autographs of convicted serial killers."
Question 9: What do you like to watch on television?
In answering this question, one should not appear too silly or too arrogant. Therefore, avoid revealing the fact that you have seen every episode of the Brady Bunch 200 times or that you race home from work everyday to hear the Gilligan's Island theme song. Don't swing the other way and claim that you never watch television or only watch PBS and C-SPAN because they will know you're lying or think you are weird or boring. The best answer reveals that you do watch television, but you watch respectable, very popular programs such as "Law and Order" or "CSI." Never admit to being a coach potato who sits in front of the TV five hours every day.Good answer 1: "I don't watch that much television. I try to catch the news everyday, I like to watch the political programs on Sunday mornings, and football in the fall. "60 Minutes" is probably my favorite program. My family and I usually find a movie to watch on Saturday and Sunday nights. Sometimes we rent a few movies on weekends, but I don't really have any favorite programs I watch consistently every week."Good answer 2: "I enjoy watching "Friends" just like millions of other Americans. I get together with six or so friends at a pizza place on Thursday nights and we watch it together. I rent a few movies on most weekends, and I do try to catch the news every morning when I'm getting ready for work. I don't have that much time for television because I work and go to school full time. And the last thing I want to do after sitting all day in class and at work is to come home and sit some more in front of a television. In my free time, I usually go to the gym, walk my dog and spend time with my friends and family rather than watch television."
Question 10: What jobs did you have as a teenager?Answer this question honestly. Either you had jobs or you didn't. Household chores, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and lemonade stands all count as jobs. Good answer 1: "I worked part-time at both Burger King and McDonalds between the ages of 16 and 20 in order to earn money to buy my first car and help my parents pay for my college education. I was able to handle both work and school without my grades suffering. And when I was younger, around 13 to 16 years old, I babysat for families in the neighborhood on weekends."Good answer 2: "I didn't have any jobs as a child other than chores I was expected to do around the house such as helping my parents with housekeeping, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and babysitting my younger sister and brother. My parents placed tremendous emphasis on academics and extracurricular activities, and would not allow me to work."
Question 11: Who are your references?
It is a good idea to type up the names and contact information of your references on a sheet of paper and present it to the interviewer when the topic comes up. Ideally, one should provide the names of current and former supervisors as references since these are the people prospective employers most want to speak with about your work performance. Giving the names of others as references -- such as co-workers, friends, family members, etc. -- might be an indication that you do not want the interviewer to contact your supervisor. If you do not have any work history, use teachers, professors, or business people you or your family knows as references.
A good answer to this question:
"I have prepared a list of references here I would like you to have. I have selected my current supervisor, Jane Doe, as my major reference since she can speak about my most recent work performance and accomplishments. I also list the names of my previous two supervisors at Acme, Jack Wilson and Norma Smith." If one does not have any work references, a good answer might be, "I asked two of my engineering professors to be references for me and they agreed to do so. I typed up their names, phone numbers and contact information on this sheet of paper. They can attest to the work I completed as an intern over the past two years. I also list Mrs. Sally Wilson, who is a prominent attorney and a friend of the family. She has known me since I was a child and can attest to my character."
Question 12: Do you mind if I contact your references?
You should always inform your present employer that you are looking for a new position and someone will be contacting them to discuss your work history. If you don't want your current boss to know you're searching for a new job, then tell the interviewer that: "I would prefer that you not contact my current employer as she is not aware that I am looking for another position, but you may contact Mr. Jack Smith, my former supervisor at Acme. He supervised me for four years and agreed to be a reference for me. Of course, if you decide to offer me this position, please let me know so that I can inform my current employer, and then, yes, you may contact her once I have received an offer of employment and given notice."On the other hand, you might have already informed your current employer that you're interviewing for other jobs. In this case, your answer might be, "Yes, you may contact my present supervisor, Mrs. Smith. She is well aware of the fact that I am searching for a new position and knows that you will be calling her in the near future."
Question 13: Will you take a lie-detector test?
The interviewer is asking this question (1) because it is a requirement to get the job, or (2) to find out if you are afraid of the prospect of taking such a test. Therefore, the only correct answer to this question is "Yes, I would be willing to take a lie detector test." You don't need to say anything else.
Question 14: How do you feel about air travel?
Obviously, the interviewer wouldn't be asking this question if traveling by air wasn't an important component of the job, so the only correct way to answer this question is "No, I have no problem with air travel." You might want to expand your answer by telling the interviewer that you traveled a lot in a previous job or in your personal life. If you tell the interviewer you are afraid of flying or cannot do so for some other reason, such as a medical condition, you will not get the job offer.
Question 15: Have you ever owned your own business?
The best answer to this question is yes since it shows initiative and that you have had some experience marketing services or products.
Good answer: "Yes, I ran my own business while in high school. I went door-to-door asking people if they needed their lawns mowed. I earned quite a sum of money in just a few months, enough to pay for a car and my first year of college."
Question 16: Are you in good health?
The interviewer is asking this question because providing health insurance to employees costs employers a small fortune. Consequently, many employers prefer to hire those who try to maintain their health to keep the number of claims down and insurance rates as low as possible. Keep in mind that employers can find out your medical history and many of them make the job offer contingent upon your passing a physical examination, therefore, it wouldn't be a good idea to blatantly lie about your medical history. That doesn't mean you should offer information you don't have to, such as "I smoked cigarettes for thirty years, but gave them up last year" or "I've had two heart attacks and a stroke". If your health is generally good, then answer this question briefly: "Yes, I'm in good health" or "I have no health problems that would prevent me from doing this job" and don't elaborate further.
Question 17: What do you do to maintain your health?
Obviously, if you're in good shape, answering this question is easy: "I jog two or three nights a week and lift weights at the Acme Gym three times a week. I try to eat a balanced diet; I eat lots of salads and try to maintain my weight." If you're overweight or obese (as are 65% of adult Americans) answering this question isn't going to be easy. Sample answer: "Well, obviously I'm overweight, so I can't tell you that I get up and jog for an hour every day, but I do walk my dogs for 45 minutes every night. I recently started the Atkins program and have already lost seven pounds. It's a diet I can live with, so I know this time I'll be able to lose all the weight and start taking better care of my health."
Question 18: Do you have any physical problems that would limit your ability to perform this job?
Employers have to be very careful about asking this question as too much prying can violate your civil rights. Therefore, they won't ask too many prying questions and you don't need to offer them very much information. The best way to answer this question is to keep it short and simple: "No, I don't have any physical problems that would affect my ability to perform this job."
Question 19: What organizations are you a member of?
The interviewer is interested in work-related memberships, not personal ones. The fact that you are a member of the American Business Association is more important than the fact you participate in your local PTA (which reveals the fact that you have children). It is also a good idea not to reveal religious and political affiliations, such as memberships in the Christian Business Association or the Republican Party or ethnic and cultural affiliations.
Question 20: How do you balance career and family?
On the surface this questions appears to be an illegal job interview question, but it isn't the way that it's worded. The interviewer is hoping you will reveal information about things he isn't allowed to ask, such as if you are married, single, divorced, have children, or are straight or gay. If you don't want to reveal information about your personal life, offer a vague simple answer: "I haven't had a problem balancing my work and private life. One has never interfered with the other. I am capable of getting the work I need to get done without it interfering with my personal life." On the other hand, you might want to reveal a great deal of information if you think it will help you get the job offer: "I can easily balance my career and family life as my children are now in college and my wife is starting a new career as a real estate agent. We both work hard and have flexible schedules to work when we need to, but we still have a good personal life, spending time with friends and family every week."
Question 21: What is your greatest strength (or strengths)?
Provide one or two strengths that are work-related and give the interviewer an example that proves you have that strength. Sample answer: "I have the ability to train and motivate people. For example, at Acme Corporation, employee turnover was sixty percent. To try to find out why, I interviewed more than 200 employees. I discovered that a major reason for the high turnover was lack of proper training and low morale. To try to resolve the problem, I developed a training program that helped workers perform their jobs better and got them motivated to do a better job. Each training session lasted only two days, but the results were very impressiveproductivity improved 30 percent and employee turnover dropped by more than half."
Question 22: What is your greatest weakness (or weaknesses)?
Don't answer this question by claiming that you have no weaknesses. Confess a real weakness that you have, but choose one that isn't particularly relevant to the job you're seeking if you can. Do not answer with phony weaknesses such as "I'm a slave to my job." Just state the weakness, tell the interview how it has harmed you in your work life, and what steps you have taken to improve it. A good step one can take to improve a weakness is to read self-help books on the subject. You might offer the title of a book you've read that helped you improve your weakness.
Sample answer 1: "A major weakness I had in the past was delegating work to others and trusting them to do it correctly. In my early career, this caused some problems for me in that my subordinates were unhappy because they felt I lacked confidence in them. I would try to do the work myself or look over their shoulders while they were doing the work. This problem was brought to my attention by my supervisor in a performance review. I agreed with her on this point and admitted I needed to change so I read a few self-help books that helped me change my thinking and let go of the idea that I needed to micromanage my work environment in order to get the job done. Now, I have no problem delegating work to subordinates."
Sample answer 2: "I'm a very shy person until I get to know a person. Being shy has cost me a great deal in my career as it has prevented me from getting promotions and jobs I've wanted. A few years ago, I realized I would have to change or I wasn't going to achieve my career goals. I read several self-help books on the subject, "Getting Over Your Shyness" was one, and I summoned up the courage to take a speech class at night. The teacher was excellent and was able to convince me how shyness is just an irrational fear. Although I'll always be shy, I'm not nearly as shy as I used to be and I've greatly improved my ability to communicate with others by taking several more speech classes. Now, I can get up in front of a large group of people and give a lengthy presentation without a problem."Bad answer: "I have a major weakness for chocolate." Although this is a weakness, to offer this as an answer is to sidestep the question and will turn off the interviewer.
Question 23: Do you work better alone or as part of a team?
If the position you're applying for requires you to spend lots of time alone, then of course, you should state that you like to work alone and vice versa. Never sound too extreme one way or another. Don't say that you hate people and would "die if you had to work with others" and don't state that you "will go crazy if you're left alone for five minutes". A healthy balance between the two is always the best choice. If you have previous experience illustrating the fact that you can work alone or with others, then offer it. For example, you might state that in your previous job you spent a significant amount of time alone while traveling, or that you have learned how to get alone well with people in the workplace by working on numerous team projects.
Question 24: Do you consider yourself to be organized?
The interviewer wants to hear about your work skills concerning time and task management, not that you have neatly separated the paperclips in your desk drawer into different trays based on size. A model answer might be "I manage my time very well. I routinely complete tasks ahead of schedule. For example, . . . (offer the interviewer proof of your organizational skills by telling him about a major project that you organized and completed on time or mention the fact that you consistently received an outstanding grade on previous performance reviews regarding your time management). Do not reveal to the interviewer that you are habitually late or that you complete tasks at the very last minute.
Question 25: Do you consider yourself to be a risk-taker?
How you answer this question depends on the type of company it is. If it is a start-up company or within a highly-competitive industry, then they are probably looking for those more willing to take risks. If you believe the company is this type, then offer an example of a risk you've taken in business. If the company is a well-established industry leader, risk takers are not as highly valued. Of course, no company is looking for employees who are foolish in their risk-taking behavior, so a good rule of thumb is to place yourself somewhere in the middle -- you are neither too foolish nor overly cautious.
Question 26: Are you a self-starter?
The correct answer to this question is always "yes", and the ideal answer includes an example of how you are able to work with minimal supervision, keep your skills current without being told, or a time when you took it upon yourself to be more efficient, accurate or productive.
Example 1: "Yes, I am definitely a self-starter. When I worked at Acme Corporation, I was positive that the firm would be adopting a new operating system within a year, so I started taking classes at the local university at night in order to prepare myself. I was the only one in the office that knew how to operate the equipment when it was installed, so I was appointed trainer and subsequently trained 200 co-workers. I did receive a reward for my work on that project."
Example 2: "Yes, I am a self-starter. I am always thinking of ways I can improve office efficiency and help the company be more profitable. For example, a few years ago I noticed that the sales reps were having a very difficult time finding client files when they called. The sales reps would put clients on hold and spend sometimes as much as five minutes frantically trying to locate a file. I took it upon myself to design a file management system that enabled the sales reps to locate client files on their desktops in less than 15 seconds. This has made the office much more efficient and, of course, made both the sales reps and our clients much happier."
Question 27: How do you react to criticism from supervisors that you consider to be unjust?
The only correct way to answer this question is to present yourself as a person who can handle criticism without becoming angry, defensive, vengeful or arrogant, yet, not let others intimidate or blame you when you don't deserve it.
Example: "There was a time when I was deeply hurt when a supervisor pointed out a mistake I made or an area in which I needed to improve and felt somewhat defensive. However, through the years, I have learned that no one is perfect; everyone makes mistakes and needs to improve in certain areas, so I shouldn't take criticism so personally. Therefore, I have learned to take it on the chin without becoming defensive or feeling hurt. I just take a few days to think about what was said and if I feel the criticism is warranted, I take steps to improve my performance. If I feel the criticism was unjustified, I will sit down with my supervisor and calmly discuss the reasons why I feel the criticism was unjustified."
Question 28: How well do you handle change?
The only acceptable answer is one stating you handle change very well. Don't just make this claim; offer an example of how well you coped with a major change that took place in your work environment. A common shakeup occurs when your employer brings in new automation or changes its culture. In any event, tell the interviewer what you did to cope or adapt to a change that occurred with a previous employer -- and this should be a major change, not a minor one.
Question 29: Are you opposed to doing a lot of routine work? Don't answer with, "Oh yes, I will enjoy filing eight hours a day, 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year!" Instead, try to assure the interviewer you aren't going to go mad doing your boring job.
For example, "I know this position requires a lot of routine work, but I don't expect to start at the top. I'm willing to start at the bottom and prove myself. Eventually, I will be assigned tasks that require more brain power."
Question 30: How do you resolve disputes with co-workers and handle conflicts?
Don't claim that you have never had a dispute with a co-worker. The interviewer will know you are fibbing, since getting along with all co-workers is unusual -- there's always at least one person you can stand. The best answer to this question tells the interviewer about a dispute you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it so that the outcome was positive. Your answer should tell the interviewer how you resolved it on your own, and hopefully, that you and this other person are now friends, or at least are able to work together productively. Also, concentrate on offering an example of how you resolved a work-related conflict rather than disclosing a personal feud over some petty subject. For example, telling the interviewer about your problems getting a co-worker to take your suggestions on a specific project seriously is a much better topic than telling the interviewer about your feud with another over a parking space. In addition, don't tell the interviewer that you resolved a dispute by tattling to the boss or trying to get the other person fired. Employers are sick of dealing with employee conflicts and they want a mature person who can resolve conflicts on her own without tattling or complaining to the boss.
Question 31. What would you do if a supervisor asked you to do something the wrong way?
The interviewer is testing how insubordinate you might be. Never answer this question by claiming you would refuse to do something the way the supervisor told you to do it unless you are required by your company or by law to follow certain procedures. Instead, tell the interviewer you would tell the supervisor you think it should be done another way, but if the supervisor insisted you do it his way, you would do so.
Good answer: "If I was aware that there was a more efficient or better way to perform a task, I would tactfully point this out to the supervisor. However, if she still wanted me to do it her way, I would do so."
Question 32. What types of people do you have trouble getting along with?
You don't want to answer this question with "Hard-working people who make lazy people like me look bad." You want to be the hard-working, nice person who doesn't like lazy or difficult people. However, be careful, the position you're interviewing for might come with an unpleasant, difficult supervisor and the interviewer is asking you this question for that reason.
Good answer 1: "I don't get along well with people who don't hold up their end of the job, who are constantly coming in late or calling in sick. They don't really respect their co-workers and bring the whole organization down."
Good answer 2: "I don't get along well with people who are opinionated and close-minded. They always seem to be complaining about one thing or another and they're depressing to be around."
Question 33. Why should we hire you?
Take several minutes to answer this question, incorporating your personality traits, strengths, and experience in to the job you're applying for. A good answer is to focus on how you can benefit the company. You can best do this by matching your skills and qualifications to those needed for the job and be ready with examples of how your skills, talents, etc., mesh with the needs of that particular company.
Sample answer 1: "You should hire me because I have considerable experience and success in marketing software products to small companies. I know that your organization has not done well serving the small business sector and would like to greatly expand sales in this segment. At Acme, I was able to increase small business accounts 60 percent in just two years. At XYZ Corporation, I single-handedly brought in 260 new small business accounts in just three years, which was a company record. Currently, your company has a very high turnover rate among sales recruits, approximately 60 percent. I succeeded in reducing employee turnover by more than 30% at both Acme and XYZ. I also had great success in leading and motivating new sales recruits. A large percentage of those I have trained have gone on to be stellar performers. This is why you should hire me. I can make a positive impact on sales and help reduce your labor costs, making this company more competitive and profitable."
Sample answer 2: "I believe I am the best person for this position because you need an office manager who can work effectively with diverse employees in a very fast-paced hectic environment. I have more than a decade of experience supervising clerical workers from diverse cultures, helping them to become more productive and efficient. I have reduced employee turnover by more than 20% in the past three years, which saved my employer more than $1 million in related hiring and training costs each of those three years. I also eliminated the need for 10% of the office staff by automating several processes, saving my employer a small fortune in labor costs. I am confident that I can resolve your current labor problems, reduce your labor costs significantly while improving worker morale and productivity."
Question 34. What reference books do you use at work?
One should not answer this question, "I don't have any reference books." A good, safe answer is to state that you use a dictionary on a regular basis and one or two other books that are relevant to your field.
For example, if you are a sales person you might respond, "I keep a dictionary handy and the book that helped me succeed in sales, "How to Win Friends and Influence People." If your work involves accounting, then mention a few accounting reference books; if your work involves computer programming, and then mention a few relevant books, etc.
Question 35. Have you ever held a position that wasn't right for you?
One can answer this question either yes or no, but answering "no" would be better. If you answer yes, then you need to explain the mistake you made in exercising good judgment, and a good reason is always the lure of more money.
For example, one might answer: "A good friend of mine convinced me that I could make six figures quite easily selling real estate, so I gave up my job as an office manager and jumped right in. I soon realized I wasn't cut out for that world because there were too many players and I didn't have the necessary connections. Had I known that fewer than 10% of real estate agents manage to make a decent living, I never would have entered the field. I stayed in real estate for a year before I realized I was not going to make a six figure income, so I quit and found another position as an office manager, which is work that I am good at and like doing."
Question 36. What is your most significant career accomplishment?
Just answer this question honestly. You don't have to be Albert Einstein and say "I discovered the theory of relativity."
A good answer: "I think my most significant career accomplishment is rising from a receptionist to a district manager at Acme in just five years. I started there with no education and no training, and I worked hard all day and went to school at night until I earned a master's degree in management."
Another good answer: "I think my most significant career accomplishment was winning the XYZ account at Acme, which brought my employer $30 million in sales and help establish the company as an international player. It wasn't easy winning that account because we were competing with a dozen or so competitors who could offer a more high-tech product at a lower price, but I was able to put together a package that convinced the management at XYZ that our company was better for them in the long-term."
Question 37. Are you comfortable working for a large company?
The interviewer might be asking this question because your employment history shows you've always worked for smaller companies. Always answer this question in the positive, "Yes, I would be very comfortable working for a large company. I believe that working for a large company would not only provide more opportunities for advancement and growth, but would also expose me to more areas in my field."
Question 38. Are you comfortable working for a small company?
The interviewer might be asking this question because your employment history shows you've always worked for larger companies and doubts you will be able to fit in to a new environment. Always answer this question in the positive, "Yes, after working for a large corporation the past five years, I look forward to working for a small company where employees work more closely with one another and there is more of an informal team-effort rather than the cold, impersonal corporate atmosphere. I did work for smaller companies at the start of my career and have always missed that atmosphere and look forward to it again."
Question 39: Why have you changed jobs so frequently?
Reasons for job-hopping should be based on your past employers' failure to challenge you, failure to give you enough opportunity for advancement, because you needed more money, or for family reasons, and never on the fact that your past employers were incompetent, dumb, or unfair. Do not indicate in any way that you are hard to get along with or get bored and leave at the drop of a hat, and make sure you point out any jobs you did hold for a long time. Mention that your current goal is long-term employment and back that up with any proof you have to want job stability such as a new baby, new marriage, new home, etc. If the job you're applying for offers you the challenges and environment you were always looking for, make sure you point out this fact.
Good answer 1: "Well, at ABC Corporation, I was hired as an entry level salesman with the promise of rapid promotion to management within one year. After a year and a half, I realized that I wasn't going to be promoted as promised and took a position elsewhere because I could not support my family without the commissions that were promised. At Acme, I was told that the job was very challenging and exciting with significant opportunities for advancement within one year, but this did not materialize. The job was very unchallenging and the company seemed to be failing. I felt like I was capable of doing much more than sitting around with little to do, so I left. I admit that my resume shows some job hopping of late, but this is why I am so interested in the position with your company. I feel certain that this position offers very challenging and interesting work, as well as opportunities for advancement for those willing to work hard. Your company is very profitable and stable and has a good reputation in the industry. I know that this will be a position I will stay with a very long time."
Good answer 2: "I do not believe that my work history is an accurate reflection of who I am. I am actually a very stable person who would enjoy very much working for the same employer for a long period. Note that on my resume, it indicates that I worked for XYZ Company for five years in the early 1990s. I admit that my resume indicates some job hopping in the late 1990s, but this was because I was caring for my elderly, sick mother between 1995 and 2001. Caring for her required being available nights and on weekends, so I was not able to work overtime as the job at Acme required. I had to resign after working there for only a year. At XYZ Industries, I had to resign after only one year because they insisted on transferring me to the west coast. I simply could not move away from my mother who was too elderly and ill to make such a move. My mother passed away in 2001, I got married a year later and had a child. Now, I have a wife and child to support and a mortgage to pay. I am eager to settle down and work for a company like yours for a long period of time."
Question 40: Tell me what you do on a typical day at work.
The interviewer is trying to discover (1) if you exaggerated the job duties listed on your resume and/or (2) if you have the necessary experience to do the job for them. Therefore, your answer should emphasize duties one would perform in the job you're trying to get. If you can, reread the job description and emphasize the job duties listed there.
Good answer: "On a typical day, I arrive at work around 7:30 and look over various departmental reports in order to prepare myself for the morning meeting with the sales staff. From 8:30 to 10:00, I meet with a 30 member sales staff. We have training sessions, motivational sessions; we discuss problems and try to resolve them. From 10:00 to noon, I'm on the phone, chatting with various, clients, department heads, and government agencies. In the afternoon, I'm either out in the field, visiting various stores in the area or attending meetings with clients."
Question 41: Why do you want to leave your present employer?
You could state that you want a more challenging position, higher salary, or more responsibility. Don't mention personal conflicts with your present boss or bad- mouth your current employer or co-workers as this will harm your chances of being offered the job. Keep in mind that interviewers love people who are looking for more challenging positions or responsibility because it shows drive, ambition and motivation.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Software Job Interview Questions and Answers
Interview Tips for freshers
LOGICAL REASONING :
TECHNICAL SECTION
IMPORTANTYou attend all the question without fail. Try for maximum . If ur written score is top , then they wont miss u even if u dont do the technical interview well. also go thro wipro's old question papers , bcause its possible that someof the questions may be repeated .
Technical Interview
3. Operating System .
IMPORTANT :os is very easy area . So u can easily impress the interviewer if u correctly produce the answers for ur Os questions . Give the suitable definition for each question. Dont baffle the things . Try to produce the answers by usking questions urself before u attend the interview .Say for example , the following questions cant have appropriate definitionin the text book ! * Whats External Fragmentation ?* Whats Internal Fragmentation ? * Whats the differnce between Linux & Windows ? [ U give bullet point answers , Dont say like Windows is good , Linux is worst !!!!! ] Mostly follow the books for Os , * "Operating System concepts by Silbertz Scatz " * Modern Operating System by Andrew Tanenbaum.
ONE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS IS THAT , DONT USE UNWANTED TERMINOLOGIES.
Say for example , when u r asked to tell some differnce about Windows and Linux , if u say like , " Windows is COM based or Win32 API based........" . Then the next question will be "whats COM ? Whats Win32 API ?" .So , use ur words very grisp and compact .[ I had this experience when I was answering . He asked me to tell aboutthe OSI layers , I was answering , at that time I used the word , " Incase of ATM network ....." , u know , he forgot about the OSI , and stared to ask from ATM . Then I told hime that I was not aware of ATM , and I could behappy if he continue with the OSI layer again !!! ]
U CAN LEAD THE INTERVIEWER ! , Yes just make a boundary of questions saying that this is my interest subject , I will be happy if u ask more from this area . But say this after u tried for some questions .Dont say I DONT KNOW !!! . Instead say like , " I am not much aware of it ! "Prepare ur project [ if u have any mini project or ur final year project] . Atleat u must report about one project when u r asked to explain about ur project.when u r asked to tell about the project , u just give him an overviewlike , * The project name is .... "xyz " ...* This is used to .......* This has these advatages .......* I used these things ( like c , c++ ,Java ) in my project .They will surely ask u to write some coding of some modules of ur project .[ I used SQL with Jsp in my-project . They asked me to write the coding for connecting JDBC with SQL ]. And explain ur role in ur project. [ also I was asked to explain about my role in the project and tell about the major technical risk in the project and how I cleared the hurdle .]
HR interview .
General comments
9. Maintain a flow , thats , u maintain a gap of some jiffy between thequestion and the answer .
10 . The one more thing is that , you believe that u r out smarted , urthe ultimate , and have a gentle look with confidenc , then u will win !
Thursday, April 17, 2008
General Technical Interview Questions
1. A 2MB PCM(pulse code modulation) has
a) 32 channels
b) 30 voice channels & 1 signalling channel.
c) 31 voice channels & 1 signalling channel.
d) 32 channels out of which 30 voice channels, 1 signalling channel, & 1 Synchronizatio channel.
Ans: (c)
2. Time taken for 1 satellite hop in voice communication is
a) 1/2 second
b) 1 seconds
c) 4 seconds
d) 2 seconds
Ans: (a)
3. Max number of satellite hops allowed in voice communication is :
a) only one
b) more han one
c) two hops
d) four hops
Ans: (c)
4. What is the max. decimal number that can be accomodated in a byte.
a) 128
b) 256
c) 255
d) 512
Ans: (c)
5. Conditional results after execution of an instruction in a micro processor is stored in
a) register
b) accumulator
c) flag register
d) flag register part of PSW(Program Status Word)
Ans: (d)
6. Frequency at which VOICE is sampled is
a) 4 Khz
b) 8 Khz
c) 16 Khz
d) 64 Khz
Ans: (a)
7. Line of Sight is
a) Straight Line
b) Parabolic
c) Tx & Rx should be visible to each other
d) none
Ans: (c)
8. Purpose of PC(Program Counter) in a MicroProcessor is
a) To store address of TOS(Top Of Stack)
b) To store address of next instruction to be executed.
c) count the number of instructions.
d) to store base address of the stack.
Ans: (b)
9. What action is taken when the processor under execution is interrupted by a non-maskable interrupt?
a) Processor serves the interrupt request after completing the execution of the current instruction.
b) Processor serves the interupt request after completing the current task.
c) Processor serves the interupt request immediately.
d) Processor serving the interrupt request depends upon the priority of the current task under execution.
Ans: (a)
10. The status of the Kernel is
a) task
b) process
c) not defined.
d) none of the above.
Ans: (b)
11. To send a data packet using datagram , connection will be established
a) before data transmission.
b) connection is not established before data transmission.
c) no connection is required.
d) none of the above.
Ans: (c)
12. Word allignment is
a) alligning the address to the next word boundary of the machine.
b) alligning to even boundary.
c) alligning to word boundary.
d) none of the above.
Ans: (a)
13 When a 'C' function call is made, the order in which parameters passed to the function are pushed into the stack is
a) left to right
b) right to left
c) bigger variables are moved first than the smaller variales.
d) smaller variables are moved first than the bigger ones.
e) none of the above.
Ans: (b)
14 What is the type of signalling used between two exchanges?
a) inband
b) common channel signalling
c) any of the above
d) none of the above.
Ans: (a)
15 Buffering is
a) the process of temporarily storing the data to allow for small variation in device speeds
b) a method to reduce cross talks
c) storage of data within transmitting medium until the receiver is ready to receive.
d) a method to reduce routing overhead.
Ans: (a)
16. Memory allocation of variables declared in a program is
a) allocated in RAM.
b) allocated in ROM.
c) allocated on stack.
d) assigned to registers.
Ans: (c)
17. A software that allows a personal computer to pretend as a computer terminal is
a) terminal adapter
b) bulletin board
c) modem
d) terminal emulation
Ans: (d)
18. Find the output of the following program
int *p,*q;
p=(int *)1000;
q=(int *)2000;
printf("%d",(q-p));
Ans: 500
19. Which addressing mode is used in the following statements:
(a) MVI B,55
(b) MOV B,A
(c) MOV M,A
Ans. (a) Immediate addressing mode.
(b) Register Addressing Mode
(c) Direct addressing mode
20. RS-232C standard is used in _____________.
Ans. Serial I/O
21. Memory. Management in Operating Systems is done by
a) Memory Management Unit
b) Memory management software of the Operating System
c) Kernel
Ans: (b)
22. What is done for a Push opertion?
Ans: SP is decremented and then the value is stored.
23. Binary equivalent of 52
Ans. 110100
24. Hexadecimal equivalent of 3452
Ans. 72A
25. Explain Just In Time Concept ?
Ans. Elimination of waste by purchasing manufacturing exactly when needed
26. A good way of unit testing s/w program is
Ans. User test
27. OOT uses
Ans. Encapsulated of detect methods
28.EDI useful in
Ans. Electronic Transmission
29. MRPII different from MRP
Ans. Modular version of man redundant initials
30. Hard disk time for R/W head to move to correct sector
Ans. Latency Time
31. The percentage of times a page number bound in associate register is called
Ans. Bit ratio
32. Expand MODEM
Ans. Modulator and Demodulator
33. RDBMS file system can be defined as
Ans. Interrelated
34. Super Key is
Ans. Primary key and Attribute
35. Windows 95 supports
(a) Multiuser
(b) n tasks
(c) Both
(d) None
Ans. (a)
36.In the command scanf, h is used for
Ans. Short int
37.A process is defined as
Ans. Program in execution
38.A thread is
Ans. Detachable unit of executable code)
39.What is the advantage of Win NT over Win 95
Ans. Robust and secure
40.How is memory management done in Win95
Ans. Through paging and segmentation
41.What is meant by polymorphism
Ans. Redfinition of a base class method in a derived class
42.What is the essential feature of inheritance
Ans. All properties of existing class are derived
43.What does the protocol FTP do
Ans. Transfer a file b/w stations with user authentification
44.In the transport layer ,TCP is what type of protocol
Ans. Connection oriented
45.Why is a gateway used
Ans. To connect incompatible networks
46.How is linked list implemented
Ans. By referential structures
47.What method is used in Win95 in multitasking
Ans. Non preemptive check
48.What is a semaphore
Ans. A method synchronization of multiple processes
49.What is the precedence order from high to low ,of the symbols ( ) ++ /
Ans.( ) , ++, /
50.Preorder of A*(B+C)/D-G
Ans.*+ABC/-DG
51.What is the efficiency of merge sort
Ans. O(n log n)
52.In which layer are routers used
Ans.In network layer
53.Which of the following sorting algorithem has average sorting behavior --
Bubble sort,merge sort,heap sort,exchange sort
Ans. Heap sort
54.In binary search tree which traversal is used for getting ascending order values--Inorder ,post order,preorder
Ans.Inorder
55.What are device drivers used for
Ans.To provide software for enabling the hardware
56.What is fork command in unix
Ans. System call used to create process
57.What is make command in unix
Ans. Used forcreation of more than one file
58.In unix .profile contains
Ans. Start up program
59.In unix 'ls 'stores contents in
Ans.inode block
60. Which of the following involves context switch,
(a) system call
(b) priviliged instruction
(c) floating poitnt exception
(d) all the above
(e) none of the above
Ans: (a)
61. In OST, terminal emulation is done in
(a) sessions layer
(b) application layer
(c) presentation layer
(d) transport layer
Ans: (b)
62. For 1 MB memory, the number of address lines required,
(a)11
(b)16
(c)22
(d) 24
Ans. (b)
63. Semaphore is used for
(a) synchronization
(b) dead-lock avoidence
(c) box
(d) none
Ans. (a)
64. Which holds true for the following statement
class c: public A, public B
a) 2 member in class A, B should not have same name
b) 2 member in class A, C should not have same name
c) both
d) none
Ans. (a)
65.Preproconia.. does not do which one of the following
(a) macro
(b) conditional compliclation
(c) in type checking
(d) including load file
Ans. (c)
66. Piggy backing is a technique for
a) Flow control
b) Sequence
c) Acknowledgement
d) retransmition
Ans. (c)
67. Which is not a memory management scheme?
a) buddy system
b) swapping
c) monitors
d) paging
Ans : c
68. There was a circuit given using three nand gates with two inputs and one output.
Find the output.
a) OR
b) AND
c) XOR
d) NOT
Ans. (a)
69.Iintegrated check value(ICV) are used as:
Ans. The client computes the ICV and then compares it with the senders value.
70. When applets are downloaded from web sites , a byte verifier performs _________?
Ans. Status check.
71. An IP/IPX packet received by a computer using... having IP/IPX both how the packet is handled.
Ans. Read the, field in the packet header with to send IP or IPX protocol.
72. The UNIX shell ....
a) does not come with the rest of the system
b) forms the interface between the user and the kernal
c) does not give any scope for programming
d) deos not allow calling one program from with in another
e) all of the above
Ans. (b)
73. In UNIX a files i-node ......?
Ans. Is a data structure that defines all specifications of a file like the file size,
number of lines to a file, permissions etc.
74. The very first process created by the kernal that runs till the kernal process is halts is
a) init
b) getty
c) both (a) and (b)
d) none of these
Ans. (a)
75. In the process table entry for the kernel process, the process id value is
(a) 0
(b) 1
(c) 2
(d) 255
(e) it does not have a process table entry
Ans. (a)
76. Which of the following API is used to hide a window
a) ShowWindow
b) EnableWindow
c) MoveWindow
d) SetWindowPlacement
e) None of the above
Ans. (a)
77. Which function is the entry point for a DLL in MS Windows 3.1
a) Main
b) Winmain
c) Dllmain
d) Libmain
e) None
Ans. (b)
78. The standard source for standard input, standard output and standard error is
a) the terminal
b) /dev/null
c) /usr/you/input, /usr/you/output/, /usr/you/error respectively
d) None
Ans. (a)
79. The redirection operators > and >>
a) do the same function
b) differ : > overwrites, while >> appends
c) differ : > is used for input while >> is used for output
d) differ : > write to any file while >> write only to standard output
e) None of these
Ans. (b)
80. The command grep first second third /usr/you/myfile
a) prints lines containing the words first, second or third from the file /usr/you/myfile
b) searches for lines containing the pattern first in the files
second, third, and /usr/you/myfile and prints them
c) searches the files /usr/you/myfiel and third for lines containing the words first or second and prints them
d) replaces the word first with the word second in the files third and /usr/you/myfile
e) None of the above
Ans. (b)
81. You are creating a Index on EMPNO column in the EMPLOYEE table. Which statement will you use?
a) CREATE INdEX emp_empno_idx ON employee, empno;
b) CREATE INdEX emp_empno_idx FOR employee, empno;
c) CREATE INdEX emp_empno_idx ON employee(empno);
d) CREATE emp_empno_idx INdEX ON employee(empno);
Ans. c
82. Which program construct must return a value?
a) Package
b) Function
c) Anonymous block
d) Stored Procedure
e) Application Procedure
Ans. b
83. Which Statement would you use to remove the EMPLOYEE_Id_PK PRIMARY KEY constraint and all depending constraints fromthe EMPLOYEE table?
a) ALTER TABLE employee dROP PRIMARY KEY CASCAdE;
b) ALTER TABLE employee dELETE PRIMARY KEY CASCAdE;
c) MOdIFY TABLE employee dROP CONSTRAINT employee_id_pk CASCAdE;
d) ALTER TABLE employee dROP PRIMARY KEY employee_id_pk CASCAdE;
e) MOdIFY TABLE employee dELETE PRIMARY KEY employee_id_pk CASCAdE;
Ans. a
84. Which three commands cause a transaction to end? (Chosse three)
a) ALTER
b) GRANT
c) DELETE
d) INSERT
e) UPdATE
f) ROLLBACK
Ans. a ,b ,f
85. Under which circumstance should you create an index on a table?
a) The table is small.
b) The table is updated frequently.
c) A columns values are static and contain a narrow range of values
d) Two columns are consistently used in the WHERE clause join condition of SELECT
statements.
Ans.d
86. What was the first name given to Java Programming Language.
a) Oak - Java
b) Small Talk
c) Oak
d) None
Ans.a
87.When a bicycle is in motion,the force of friction exerted by the ground on the two wheels is such that it acts
(a) In the backward direction on the front wheel and in the forward direction on the rear wheel.
(b) In the forward direction on the front wheel and in the backward direction on the rear wheel.
(c) In the backward direction on both the front and rear wheels.
(d) In the backward direction on both the front and rear wheels.
Ans. (d)
88. A certain radioactive element A, has a half life = t seconds.
In (t/2) seconds the fraction of the initial quantity of the element so far decayed is nearly
(a) 29%
(b) 15%
(c) 10%
(d) 45%
Ans. (a)
89. Which of the following plots would be a straight line ?
(a) Logarithm of decay rate against logarithm of time
(b) Logarithm of decay rate against logarithm of number of decaying nuclei
(c) Decay rate against time
(d) Number of decaying nuclei against time
Ans. (b)
90. A radioactive element x has an atomic number of 100.
It decays directly into an element y which decays directly into element z.
In both processes a charged particle is emitted.
Which of the following statements would be true?
(a) y has an atomic number of 102
(b) y has an atomic number of 101
(c) z has an atomic number of 100
(d) z has an atomic number of 101
Ans. (b)
91. If the sum of the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c=0 is equal to the sum of the squares of their reciprocals
then a/c, b/a, c/b are in
(a) AP
(b) GP
(c) HP
(d) None of these
Ans. (c)
92. A man speaks the truth 3 out of 4 times.
He throws a die and reports it to be a 6.
What is the probability of it being a 6?
(a) 3/8
(b) 5/8
(c) 3/4
(d) None of the above
Ans. (a)
93. If cos2A + cos2B + cos2C = 1 then ABC is a
(a) Right angle triangle
(b) Equilateral triangle
(c) All the angles are acute
(d) None of these
Ans. (a)
94. Image of point (3,8) in the line x + 3y = 7 is
(a) (-1,-4)
(b) (-1,4)
(c) (2,-4)
(d) (-2,-4)
Ans. (a)
95. The mass number of a nucleus is
(a) Always less than its atomic number
(b) Always more than its atomic number
(c) Sometimes more than and sometimes equal to its atomic number
(d) None of the above
Ans. (c)
96. The maximum KE of the photoelectron emitted from a surface is dependent on
(a) The intensity of incident radiation
(b) The potential of the collector electrode
(c) The frequency of incident radiation
(d) The angle of incidence of radiation of the surface
Ans. (c)
97. Which of the following is not an essential condition for interference
(a) The two interfering waves must be propagated in almost the same direction or
the two interfering waves must intersect at a very small angle
(b) The waves must have the same time period and wavelength
(c) Amplitude of the two waves should be the same
(d) The interfering beams of light must originate from the same source
Ans. (c)
98. When X-Ray photons collide with electrons
(a) They slow down
(b) Their mass increases
(c) Their wave length increases
(d) Their energy decreases
Ans. (c)
99. An electron emits energy
(a) Because its in orbit
(b) When it jumps from one energy level to another
(c) Electrons are attracted towards the nucleus
(d) The electrostatic force is insufficient to hold the electrons in orbits
Ans. (b)
100. How many bonds are present in CO2 molecule?
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 0
(d) 4
Ans. (d)
Group Discussion Topics For Freshers
Hot Topics:
1.How to deal with international terrorism.
2.Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
3.Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
Current Topics:
1.A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India.
2.Is Globalisation Really Necessary?
3.What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?
4.Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy.
5.Foreign Television Channels are destroying our culture.
6.What India needs is a Dictatorship.
7.With media publishing and telecasting trivia, censorship is the need of the hour.
8.Kaun Banega Krorepati is less about knowledge but more about money and personality.
9.Beauty contests degrade womanhood
10.The rise of regional blocs threatens independent nations like India
11.Six billion and one bronze!
12.Is dependence on computers a good thing?
13.Should the public sector be privatised?
14.China and India are similar nations with contrasting ways
15.Is India a Soft Nation?
16.Value based politics is the need of the hour
17.Religion should not be mixed with politics
18.How to deal with high oil prices
19.Our cricketers are not to blame for match fixing
20.Why cant we be world players in industry as we are in software?
21.Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?
22.Should there be limits on artistic freedom (the controversy on Fire).
23.Should there be private universities?
24.Does banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture?
Social Topics:
1.Are Big Dams Necessary?
2.Films are corrupting the Indian Youth
3.A Gandhian State selling liquor is an anomaly
4.Bride burning and dowry may look bad, but are an integral part of India.
5.Our Culture is Decaying
6.We are not serious about saving Wildlife/Environment
7.The education system needs serious reforms
8.The impact of MTV on our psyche
9.Showing Violence and Crimes should not be allowed in films and on television.
10.Let us legalise gambling
Management Topics:
1.Is management an art or a science?
2.The Rush for MBA is really a rush for big money
3.Ethics in Business are just a passing fashion
4.The objective of Management is to maximise profits
5.Do professional managers have a chance in our family run businesses?
6.The Internet is an exercise in hype
7.Is an MBA necessary to succeed in life?
8.Family owned business vs professionally run businesses
9.Smaller businesses and start-ups have more scope for professional growth.
10.Dot com or doubt com?
Creative Topics:
1.The Wheel is Turning Round and Round
2.If I was the Finance Minister/Prime Minister
3.There is no right way to do a wrong thing
4.Group Task: How can we have Mount Everest in India?
5.Do Beauty and Brains Go Together?
6.When I woke up in the morning I saw…
7.A ship docked in harbour cannot face the storms
8.Up the Down Staircase
9.Just as we have smoke free zones, we should have child free zones
10.Marriage is a social trap
SOCIAL TOPICS:
1. The Internet chains have come on the wings of science and
technology but are no less restrictive for all that.
2. Secularism has become a tool to justify the wrongs done by the minorities.
3. Media is a mixed blessing/How ethical is media?
4. To fight AIDs, stop being coy about sex education.
5. What should India strive for- Westernization or modernization?
ECONOMIC TOPICS:
1. Developing countries need trade, not aid.
2. Why do we lag behind China?
3. Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse.
4. Flexibility of labour laws is the key to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment.
5. Is the business of business only business?
POLITICAL TOPICS:
1. Reserving seats for women in Panchayat has not only been a farce but has distracted from developing a more genuine voice of women.
2. Have the nuclear tests of 1998 benefited or harmed India?
3. Voters, not, political parties are responsible for the criminalisation of politics.
4. The voters are required to be well informed and educated about their candidates so that they can elect the right aspirant by their own assessment.
5. India should go for the presidential form of democracy.
ECONOMIC TOPICS:
1. In our economic matters, there is an excessive tendency towards the thinking rather than doing.
2. Every cloud has a silver lining
3. Can the economy achieve an 8 percent growth rate?.
4. Is disinvestment really that good for India or is a rethink in order ?
5. Are co-operatives relevant in today's globalised environment?.
6. Foreign aid is a dangerous drug that can stimulate in small doses but become fatally addictive in larger doses.
7. Modern day sport in industrialised society is an industry, as anything else.
8. Government should clean its own hands before pointing finger at the private sector for corruption.
9. Is the NPA ordinance too harsh?
10. Reforms have to grow up.
11. The future lies with glocalisation .
12. Is the consumer really the king in India?.
13. Globalisation versus nationalism
14. Conditional access system for cable TV watchers: boon or bane?
15. If India is poorly governed, the reason is that we have designed our system of governance for protecting, if not encouraging, corruption?
16. Commercialisation of health care : Good or Bad ?
17. For globalisation to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them
18. Is the US economy headed the Japanese economy way?
19. Economic freedom not old fashioned theories of development will lead to growth and prosperity
20. Markets left to themselves encourage greed.
21. For globalisation to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them
22. Should businessmen run the finance ministry
23. Should important services like transport be left to market forces?.
24. Is there any point in having a business strategy when the world changes from month to month?
25. Is the patents bill good for India? .
26. Is the business of business only business?.
27. Globalisation is good for developing countries
28. Public sector being a guarantor of job security is a myth.
29. Is industryless growth here to stay ?
30. Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse ?
31. How can business get rid of the bad name that it has earned?
32. Government pumping money into the economy is not the solution for our economic problems
33. Business ethics are no longer a luxury for corporates but a necessity?
34. How should privatisation proceeds be utilised ?
35. Is the budgeting exercise of any use?
36. Should agricultural subsidies be stopped ?
37. Will Mumbai's film industry ever evolve into a truly modern corporatised one?
38. Will market reforms enrich rich states further, while poorer ones lag further?.
39. Why do we lag behind China ?
40. Who says MNCs are superior to Indian companies ?.
41. Why not use a brand index to measure national prosperity?.
42. What we need to reduce scams is better regulatory bodies.
43. War rhetoric is misplaced in a country like India which is trying to globalise its economy.
44. Trade can help the poor ?
45. The power ministry should cut off supplies to all the defaulting SEBs.
46. Steal a few lakhs and you're a criminal. Steal a few hundred crores and you become an industrialist.
47. Should PSUs be divested through strategic sale or public offer?
48. The state is above the law?
Management Education Topics
1. Managerial skills learnt in the classroom can never match those learnt from experience
2. Democracy is hampering India progress
3. MBA in India is highly overrated.
4. Religion is a private affair and should be of no concern for the state
5. Decreasing defense expenditure and increasing social expenditure is the need of the hour
Fresher Interview Questions & Tips
Warm-Up Questions
• What made you apply for this position?
• How did you hear about this job openings?
• Briefly, would you summarize your work history & education for me?
Work History
• What special aspects of your work experience have prepared you for this job?
• Can you describe for me one or two of your most important accomplishments?
• How much supervision have you typically received in your previous job?
• Describe for me one or two of the biggest disappointments in your work history?
• Why are you leaving your present job? (or, Why did you leave your last job?)
• What is important to you in a company? What things do you look for in an organization?
Job Peformance
• Everyone has strengths & weaknesses as workers. What are your strong points for this job?
• What would you say are areas needing improvement?
• How did your supervisor on your most recent job evaluate your job performance? What were some of the good points & bad points of that rating?
• When you have been told , or discovered for yourself , a problem in performance, what have you typically done? Can you give me an example?
• Do you prefer working alone or in groups?
• What kind of people do you find it most difficult to work with? Why?
• Starting with your last job, tell me about any of your achievements that were recognized by your superiors.
• Can you give me an example of your ability to manage or supervise others?
• What are some things you would like to avoid in a job? Why?
• In your previous job what kind of pressures did you encounter?
• What would you say is the most important thing you are looking for in a job?
• What are some of the things on your job you feel you have done particularly well or in which you have achieved the greatest success? Why do you feel this way?
• What were some of the things about your last job that you found most difficult to do?
• What are some of the problems you encounter in doing your job? Which one frustrates you the most? What do you usually do about it?
• What are some things you particularly liked about your last job?
• Do you consider your progress on the job representative of your ability? Why?
• How do you feel about the way you & others in the department were managed by your supervisor?
• If I were to ask your present (most recent) about your ability as a____________________, what would he/she say?
EDUCATION
• What special aspects of your education or training have prepared you for this job?
• What courses in school have been of most help in doing your job?
CAREER- GOALS
• What is your long-term employment careerr or objective?
• What kind of job do you see yourself holding five years from now?
• What do you feel you need to develop in terms of skill & knowledge in order to be ready for that opportunity?
• Why might you be successful in such a job?
• How does this job fit in with your overall career goals?
• Who or what in your life would you say influenced you most with your career objectives?
• Can you pinpoint any specific things in your past experience that affected your present career objectives?
• What would you most like to accomplish if you had this job?
• What might make you leave this job?
SELF-ASSESSMENT
• What kind of things do you feel most confident in doing?
• Can you describe for me a difficult obstacle you have had to overcome? How did you handle it? How do you feel this experience affected your personality or ability?
• How would you describe yourself as a person?
• What do you think are the most important characteristics & abilities a person must possess to become a successful ( )? How do you rate yourself in these areas?
• Do you consider yourself a self-starter? If so, explain why ( and give examples)
• What do you consider to be your greatest achievements to date? Why?
• What things give you the greatest satisfaction at work?
• What things frustrate you the most? How do you usually cope with them?
CREATIVITY
• In your work experience, what have you done that you consider truly creative?
• Can you think of a problem you have encountered when the old solutions didn't work & when you came up with new solutions?
• Of your creative accomplishments big or small , at work or home, what gave you the most satisfaction?
• What kind of problems have people recently called on you to solve? Tell me what you have devised.
DECISIVENESS
• Do you consider yourself to be thoughtful, analytical or do you usually make up your mind fast? Give an example. (Watch time taken to respond)
• What was your most difficult decision in the last six months? What made it difficult?
• The last time you did not know what decision to make, what did you do?
• How do you go about making an important decision affecting your career?
• What was the last major problem that you were confronted with? What action did you take on it?
RANGE OF INTERESTS
• What organizations do you belong to?
• Tell me specifically what you do in the civic activities in which you participate. (Leading questions in selected areas. i.e. sports, economics, current events, finance.)
• How do you keep up with what's going on in your company / your industry/ your profession?
MOTIVATION
• What is your professional goal?
• Can you give me examples of experience on the job that you felt were satisfying?
• Do you have a long & short-term plan for your department? Is it realistic?
• Did you achieve it last year?
• Describe how you determine what constitutes top priorities in the performance of your job.
WORK STANDARDS
• What are your standards of success in your job?
• In your position, how would you define doing a good job ? On what basis was your definition determined?
• When judging the performance of your subordinate, what factors or characteristics are most important to you?
LEADERSHIP
• In your present job what approach do you take to get your people together to establish a common approach to a problem?
• What approach do you take in getting your people to accept your ideas or department goals?
• What specifically do you do to set an example for your employer?
• How frequently do you meet with your immediate subordinates as a group?
• What sort of leader do your people feel you are? Are you satisfied?
• How do you get people who do not want to work together to establish a common approach to a problem?
• If you do not have much time & they hold seriously differing views, what would be your approach?
• How would you describe your basic leadership style? Give specific examples of how you practice this?
• Do you feel you work more effectively on a one to one basis or in a group situation?
• Have you ever led a task force or committee or any group who doesn't report to you, but from whom you have to get work? How did you do it? What were the satisfactions & disappointments? How would you handle the job differently?
ORAL PRESENTATION SKILLS
• Have you ever done any public or group speaking? Recently? Why? How did it go?
• Have you made any individual presentations recently? How did you prepare?
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS
• Would you rather write a report or give a verbal report? Why?
• What kind of writing have you done? For a group? For an individual?
• What is the extent of your participation in major reports that have to be written?
FLEXIBILITY
• What was the most important idea or suggestion you received recently from your employees? What happened as a result?
• What do you think about the continuous changes in company operating policies & procedures?
• How effective has your company been in adapting its policies to fit a changing environment?
• What was the most significant change made in your company in the last six months which directly affected you, & how successfully do you think you implemented this change?
STRESS TOLERANCE
• Do you feel pressure in your job? Tell me about it.
• What has been the highest pressure situation you have been under in recent years? How did you cope with it?
STABILITY & MATURITY
• Describe your most significant success & failure in the last two years.
• What do you like to do best?
• What do you like to do least?
• What in your last review did your supervisor suggest needed improvement?
• What have you done about it?
INTEREST IN SELF DEVELOPMENT
• What has been the most important person or event in your own self development?
• How much of your education did you earn?
• What kind of books & other publications do you read?
• Have you taken a management development course?
How are you helping your subordinates develop themselves?
Puzzles For Call Center Interviews
- A boy multiplied a number with 10 and got 100. If he divided it by 10, what would be the answer? Answer is 1
- If a 12 shell cupboard requires 18 ft of wall space then how much wall space would a 30 cup shelf require? Answer is 45
- The average salary of three employee is $950 per week. If one employee earns $1150 and other earns $650 rupees, how much will third be earn? Answer is $1050
- During a given week a programmer spend 1/4 of his time preparing charts,3/8 of his time for coding,rest of his time for debugging the programs.If he had 48 hrs during the week how many hours did he spend debugging the program. Answer is 18hrs
- A 16 story building has 12000ft on each floor. Company A rents 7 floors and company B rents 4 floors. What is the number of square feet of unrented floor space? Answer is 60000 sqft
- A man owns 2/3 of a computer service buroue business and sells 3/4 of his share for $75000.What is the value of the business. Answer is 150,000
- A computer printer produces 176400 lines in a given day. If the printer is in operation for 7 hrs during the day how many lines did it print per minute? Answer is 420
- From its total income a company spent $20000 for advertising, half of the remainder on bonuses and had $6000 left.What was the total income? Answer is $32000
- In a certain company 20% of the men and 40% of the women attended the annual company picnic.If 35% of all the employees are men .What % of all the employee went to the picnic? Answer is 33%
- If a card punch operator can process 80 cards in half an hour How many cards can this process in 7hr30min? Answer is 1200
- In a computer tape library there are two racks with 40 tapes per rack.In a given day 30 tapes are in use . What fraction remains in the rack? Answer is 5/8
General Programming Questions
- John weighs twice as much as Marcia. Marcia’s weight is 60% of Bob’s weight. Dave weighs 50% of Lee’s weighs 190% of John’s wight. Which of these 5 persons wighs the least? A) Bob B) Dave C) John D) Lee E) Marcia? Ans: E
- A trip takes 6 hours to complete. After traveling 1/4 of an hour, 1 3/8hours, and 2 1/3 hours, howmuch time does need to complete the trip? A) 2 1/12hours B) 2hours, 2 1/2 minutes C) 2 hours,5minutes D) 2 1/8 hours? Ans) B
- It takes 30 days to fill a laboratory dish with bacteria. If the size of the bacteria doubles each day, how long did it take for the bacteria to fill one half of dish? Ans) D (29 days)
- A car wash can wash 8 cars in 18 minutes. At this rate, how many cars can the car wash wash in 3 hours? Ans) 80
- If the ratio of the areas of 2 squares is 2:1, then what is the ratio of the perimeters of the squares? Ans) sqrt(2):1
- There are three types of tickets available for a concert: orchestra, which cost $12 each; balcony, which cost$9 each: and box, which cost $25 each. There were P orchestra tickets , B balcony tickets, and R box tickets sold for the concert. Which of the following expressions gives the percentage of ticket proceeds due to the sale of orchestra tickets? 100*12P/(12P+9B+25R)
- In a survey of town of Wasco, it was found that 65% of the people surveyed watched the news on television, 40% read newspaper, and 25% read a newspaper and watched the news on television. What percent of the people surveyed neither watched the news on the television nor read a newspaper? 20%
- City B is 5 miles east of City A. City C is 10 miles southest of City B. Which of the following is the closest to the distance from City A to City C? Ans: 14 miles
- If the area of a square increases by 69%, then the side of the square increased by? 30%
- There are 30 socks in a drawer. 60% of the socks are red and the rest are blue. What is the minimum number of socks that must be taken from the drawer without looking in order to be certain that atleast two blue socks have been chosen? 20