You are here: Home / Job Search Techniques / Interviews / Page 8

Sample Job Interview Questions and Answers (Continued)

Why did you choose this line of work?

The interviewer is trying to find out about your commitment to your career choice. In other words do you do it because you love the work, or just take any job you can get for the money. If you did this work for many years and stopped due to a layoff, you might say:

I have done this work for (number) of years. I like my work. The only reason I left my last workplace was because I was laid off.

What did you think of your last employer?

The interviewer is looking for clues to any problems that may arise again with a new employer. Never say anything negative about a previous employer, even if your experience was a negative one. You might say:

I liked my employer. He or she treated me fairly and respected my work. I appreciate my previous employer having given me the opportunity to acquire a lot of skills and experience in (name area of work/skill).

How well do you work under pressure or tight deadlines?

This question indicates that the job you're applying for will involve working under pressure. Give examples of volunteer and paid work that involved pressure and deadlines. You could mention that we are always faced with pressure and deadlines in our lives and you do not mind the stress. Stressful situations are a learning and challenging experience. You might mention the following:

• How you handled large rush orders at your last workplace.
• How you prepared for exams and homework assignments while working full-time and attending school part-time.
• How you managed a crisis situation. (For example: a car accident.)

Why did you leave your last job?

The interviewer is trying to determine whether you had difficulties with your previous employer that might arise again. Never give negative reasons for leaving a job. For example:

• I decided to go back to school to further my education or skills.
• I left my job because I was laid off.
• I left my job because I needed a career change.

How often were you absent from work in your last job? Have you ever had any serious illness or injuries? Do you have any health problems?

The interviewer is trying to find out if you have any health issues which will cause you to take a lot of sick days. You do not have to go into your health history for the interviewer. If you have health problems that do not interfere with your work performance, do not give the interviewer details about them. If you had a previous health problem that interfered with your work in the past, but is no longer a problem, do not volunteer this information. It no longer affects your work, therefore the employer does not have to know.

If you have a health problem that will affect your work performance, explain your situation briefly and stress the positive points. It will be helpful to have a positive reference letter from your previous employer. This letter should explain the type of duties you did and stress that you are a steady worker who is responsible, hard working and punctual.

Are you bondable?

This question indicates that the job involves working with money or valuable merchandise. Very likely the employer's insurance company requires that only bondable people be hired as a condition of their insurance policy. As long as you do not have a criminal record, and you have not previously been denied a bond, you should answer "yes" to this question.

Caution: If you answer yes when you are not legally bondable it is very likely that the employer will discover this.

Have you ever been fired from or quit a job?

The interviewer is looking for clues to any problems you have had in previous jobs and if you may have the same problems in a new job. Try to:

• Avoid saying anything negative about yourself or your previous employer. If you had problems, explain them without being negative.
• Be careful not to use the word "fired" or "quit". Instead use words such as: "I changed jobs", "I was laid off", or "I needed a more challenging job".
• If you were fired and are not on good terms with your previous employer, explain the reason why you were fired. Stress that you learned something from the situation.

Why haven't you worked recently?

The interviewer is looking for clues to serious problems or job difficulties that could carry over to a new job. You might say:

• Since I was laid off from my previous employer, I have been actively looking for a job. However, as you know, there are many people looking for work and applying for the same jobs. I have always worked steadily but I haven't been able to find a job in the present job market.
• After I got laid off from my previous employer, I decided to go back to school to upgrade my skills so I can get a better, more secure job.

What are your long-term goals or career plans?

The interviewer may want to know if you are ambitious, plan ahead, or if you set goals for yourself. The interviewer may also want to know what expectations you have of the coinpany. You might say:

• I hope to become very good at my job and perhaps take some schooling to become more skilled in my field of work.
• I intend to learn (name of area or skill) very well so that I can be promoted to a higher position in (name skill or department).