1. What are your salary expectations?
A. My expectations are that I receive a salary commensurate with my experience taking into account current market rates. Given my background and knowing that I can deliver what you’re looking for I would be looking at getting paid in the upper quartile of what the market is paying for people like me.

This is the best answer.

This answer is fair, realistic and shows you’re not pulling a number out of the air. It demonstrates to the employer that you know what’s going on and that you’re expectations are reasonable. Also, by quoting the upper quartile range you’re indicating to the interviewer a deeply held belief in your abilities.


2. What experience have you had that qualifies you for this position?

A. For the past four years, I have been working in the e-commerce industry. I am proficient working with Java and possess a strong working knowledge of HTML. I have great communication and teamwork skills have repeatedly demonstrated an ability to get results.

This is the best answer.

This answer provides the interviewer with a good idea of the experiences and skills you will bring to the position. In addition to technical knowledge, communication and teamwork skills, the ability to get results can be critical to most jobs.


3. How would your boss describe you and your work style?

A. She'd say I have a lot of initiative. I see the big picture and do what has to be done. And that I always meet deadlines, and if I say I'm going to do something, I do. And, lastly, I have the ability to focus on what I'm working on - I am not easily distracted.

This is the best answer.

Not only did the answer give three positives, but it also gave reasons for the answers. By giving more detail, you give the interviewer a better look at how you think others see you and what you think is positive about your work style.

4. Do you have any questions? (Usually asked by the interviewer at the end of the interview)
A. Yes, I do. Thank you for asking. What would you say would be my biggest challenges? What would a typical week look like for a person in my position?
This is the best answer.
It's important that you ask questions but be careful not to ask too many questions or questions that may embarrass the interviewer/s. Asking too many questions creates a role reversal situation which many interviewers do not enjoy (they feel as though they’re being put under the microscope). Also, be aware that if you’re being interviewed by a panel one of the interviewers may be the manager of another. The last thing you want to do is ask a question that the subordinate cannot answer in front of his/her boss?

5. Tell me about yourself and your past experience.
A. I have four years experience working in the high tech industry. For the past two years, I have been working as a Web developer. I have experience with most of the software programs on the server side: JavaScript, ASP, VB, HTML and SQL Server. I am very organized and able to do multiple projects at once. I want to work in a cutting-edge company where I can add my experience to the mix and be a part of a growing team.
This is the best answer.
By emphasizing specific examples of knowledge-based skills, transferable skills, and personal traits, you give the interviewer a summary or snapshot of yourself. You are also speaking the jargon of the industry.

6. Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new program or system.
A. I was studying MBA while in my previous job. The company I was working for changed from C to C++, and I didn't have time to attend the training program. I learned it on my own through an online program, working a lot of late hours. By staying focused, I was able to get through it and continue my education goal.
This is the best answer.

This answer demonstrates motivation, determination and flexibility, which are important traits in almost any job. Being able to handle five things at once is almost a prerequisite in this field.

7. When have you been most motivated?
A. During my first job at a start-up company I had to undergo some rigorous training to understand the product and customer. At the same time, we were actually working with the customer. It required a lot of self-direction and motivation. I thrived on the whole experience - the discipline, the planning and the deadlines. It was a pressure cooker, but I got through it.
This is the best answer.
It has energy and enthusiasm. Companies are looking for high-energy people who are able to be in the moment. This answer demonstrates self-motivation, passion, energy and ability to cope under pressure. It also provides a specific example of a time when you were highly motivated.

8. Give me an example of a project you handled from start to finish.
A. As a customer research analyst, I developed a database for the collection of customer data. After collecting the data, I did an analysis using Excel and wrote a summary and evaluation. I worked with the customer's marketing department so the information could be used to monitor and focus on customer behavior for future planning. The results of my work were that we had now had a user-friendly tool that accurately tracked customer behavior.
This is the best answer.
The answer gives a specific example of how you handled the project through the problem to the result. Communication, analytical skills, organizational and coordination skills are all demonstrated by this answer.

9. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
A. My strengths are in my ability to learn quickly. I've seen a lot of changes in the technical industry. I've had to adjust and learn new programs several times. As far as weaknesses, I really enjoy my work, and sometimes I put in too much time. But by being aware of my tendency to overwork, I have learned to pace myself more and work smarter.
This is the best answer.
This answer gives specific examples of strengths, not just the skill. One of the most important traits employers are looking for is the ability to be flexible and learn new things as changes arise. The weakness question is handled best by leading with a positive statement, slipping in a negative and ending on a positive note. Also, you’ve shown that you’re in control of your weakness and have improved it. P.S: Never offer more than one weakness unless absolutely compelled to.

10. Why did you leave your last position?
A. I've set some goals for myself and my career, and unfortunately, I'm at a standstill in my current situation. I have begun to explore options available before I spend too much time in a job where I cannot advance. My goal is to continue to improve myself so that I can eventually be a project manager.
This is the best answer.
This answer indicates planning and thinking proactively. Sometimes things happen in careers that are out of your control, but at other times, planning gives you more power over your future.


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