1."What do you do to stay in shape?"
Staying in physical shape also helps the brain function better. It really doesn’t matter if you are completely in shape or not. But being active indicates that you are not a lazy couch potato.
"I like to take long walks with my dog on a regular basis, and I also go on weekly hikes at a trail near my house."
"I work out at a gym a couple times a week. I like to stay active."
"I play for a co-ed softball team. It’s fun and it gives me a little exercise."
All these examples will work. It doesn’t have to be long but you should answer with something that indicates that you are active.
2."What do you like to do when you’re not in the office?"
This is another question where they want to find out some of your hobbies. Basically, you can answer this question similar to how you would answer, what are your hobbies.
"When I’m not in the office, I like to play golf, read magazines, and spend time with my wife."
"Well, I like the piano so I have piano lessons on a weekly basis. I also like gardening, so I work on my yard a lot. But if I want to relax, I like to watch videos at night."
Something short and simple is the best answer. No need to elaborate on why.
Staying in physical shape also helps the brain function better. It really doesn’t matter if you are completely in shape or not. But being active indicates that you are not a lazy couch potato.
"I like to take long walks with my dog on a regular basis, and I also go on weekly hikes at a trail near my house."
"I work out at a gym a couple times a week. I like to stay active."
"I play for a co-ed softball team. It’s fun and it gives me a little exercise."
All these examples will work. It doesn’t have to be long but you should answer with something that indicates that you are active.
2."What do you like to do when you’re not in the office?"
This is another question where they want to find out some of your hobbies. Basically, you can answer this question similar to how you would answer, what are your hobbies.
"When I’m not in the office, I like to play golf, read magazines, and spend time with my wife."
"Well, I like the piano so I have piano lessons on a weekly basis. I also like gardening, so I work on my yard a lot. But if I want to relax, I like to watch videos at night."
Something short and simple is the best answer. No need to elaborate on why.
3."What’s the most recent book you read?"
If you are interviewing for a marketing position, don’t say you are reading a book called International Marketing Strategies. Rather, answer with a novel such as Michael Crichton books or John Grisham books. It is more realistic and shows other interests that you have.
"I just finished The Runaway Jury by John Grisham. I find all of his books very entertaining."
"I have a strong interest in World War II, so I was reading a book about Hitler. It’s quite interesting to see how he grew up and what lead him to his hatred towards the Jews."
Something simple like this will be good enough.
8."Have you filed for bankruptcy?"
This question is for positions that deal with finance and money. You might see this question if you are interviewing for a banker position, a financial analyst position, or a stock broker. If money is a factor, then they want someone who is responsible with money. Just simply tell them the truth. If you have filed for bankruptcy, then you probably shouldn’t be applying for this job anyway. So I’m going to give only one answer of no.
"No. I’m very responsible with money and I have great credit."
If you are interviewing for a marketing position, don’t say you are reading a book called International Marketing Strategies. Rather, answer with a novel such as Michael Crichton books or John Grisham books. It is more realistic and shows other interests that you have.
"I just finished The Runaway Jury by John Grisham. I find all of his books very entertaining."
"I have a strong interest in World War II, so I was reading a book about Hitler. It’s quite interesting to see how he grew up and what lead him to his hatred towards the Jews."
Something simple like this will be good enough.
4."What is the most recent movie you saw?"
You can either answer by using a similar answer to the recent book question, or you can say that you don’t watch movies that much.
"The last movie I saw was The Last Samurai. I thought it was great."
"Oh gosh… it’s been a while since I’ve seen a movie. I think it was Spider Man. I like to spend my time outside, so I don’t see movies that often."
Both of these answers are fine. Whether you like to see movies or not, just tell them exactly what you think. Your answers will be more natural. If you answer these types of questions awkwardly, they might get the impression that you are uncomfortable or that you are not capable of small talk. So answer without thinking too much about these questions.
You can either answer by using a similar answer to the recent book question, or you can say that you don’t watch movies that much.
"The last movie I saw was The Last Samurai. I thought it was great."
"Oh gosh… it’s been a while since I’ve seen a movie. I think it was Spider Man. I like to spend my time outside, so I don’t see movies that often."
Both of these answers are fine. Whether you like to see movies or not, just tell them exactly what you think. Your answers will be more natural. If you answer these types of questions awkwardly, they might get the impression that you are uncomfortable or that you are not capable of small talk. So answer without thinking too much about these questions.
5."Did you have any trouble finding this place?"
This question is not an interview question, but a question usually asked by an interviewer right when you see them. This is especially common if the building location is hard to find. Here is another question you should tell exactly what happened.
"No problem at all. I checked for directions on the Internet and found it pretty easily."
"A little bit. I didn’t realize that there was another building back here, so I drove by a couple times, but that’s ok, I eventually found it."
With the first answer, they will say something like, that’s good. Then they will move on to other questions. If you answer with the second question, they will probably talk a little more about how he or she agrees that this building is hard to find. Either answers are acceptable.
This question is not an interview question, but a question usually asked by an interviewer right when you see them. This is especially common if the building location is hard to find. Here is another question you should tell exactly what happened.
"No problem at all. I checked for directions on the Internet and found it pretty easily."
"A little bit. I didn’t realize that there was another building back here, so I drove by a couple times, but that’s ok, I eventually found it."
With the first answer, they will say something like, that’s good. Then they will move on to other questions. If you answer with the second question, they will probably talk a little more about how he or she agrees that this building is hard to find. Either answers are acceptable.
6."Will working on weekends be a problem?"
If the interviewer is asking this question, then this position is probably going to requires some weekend work. Maybe it’s not a lot, but they want to make sure that if something goes wrong and more work is required, you will be able to work on weekends. I recommend answer by saying it will not be a problem. If you want to find out how often you will have to work weekends, you can ask it after answering the question.
"It shouldn’t be a problem at all. I frequently worked on weekends in my other position, especially during tax season. How often is weekend work required here on average?"
This answer is stating that it is no problem. It also supports the answer by saying I have worked on weekends in my previous group. And the last sentence is an example how you can ask them about weekend work.
If the interviewer is asking this question, then this position is probably going to requires some weekend work. Maybe it’s not a lot, but they want to make sure that if something goes wrong and more work is required, you will be able to work on weekends. I recommend answer by saying it will not be a problem. If you want to find out how often you will have to work weekends, you can ask it after answering the question.
"It shouldn’t be a problem at all. I frequently worked on weekends in my other position, especially during tax season. How often is weekend work required here on average?"
This answer is stating that it is no problem. It also supports the answer by saying I have worked on weekends in my previous group. And the last sentence is an example how you can ask them about weekend work.
7."How do you feel about overtime?"
If this is an hourly job, then pay is given to employees working extra hours. If it is a salary position, most of the time they will not ask this question because they expect you to work overtime. But expect this position to have some overtime requirements if the interviewer is asking this question.
"I don’t mind working overtime at all. I know during busy times people are expected to work more, and I’m flexible with my hours so I won’t have a problem."
If this is an hourly job, then pay is given to employees working extra hours. If it is a salary position, most of the time they will not ask this question because they expect you to work overtime. But expect this position to have some overtime requirements if the interviewer is asking this question.
"I don’t mind working overtime at all. I know during busy times people are expected to work more, and I’m flexible with my hours so I won’t have a problem."
8."Have you filed for bankruptcy?"
This question is for positions that deal with finance and money. You might see this question if you are interviewing for a banker position, a financial analyst position, or a stock broker. If money is a factor, then they want someone who is responsible with money. Just simply tell them the truth. If you have filed for bankruptcy, then you probably shouldn’t be applying for this job anyway. So I’m going to give only one answer of no.
"No. I’m very responsible with money and I have great credit."
9."Do you own or rent your home?"
Renting or owning a home sometimes indicates your financial status. Renters are usually people who do not have enough down payment for a house or people with bad credit who cannot get a loan. So it is best to have your own home, but if you don’t, then give them an answer that shows you are preparing to buy a home.
"I’m currently renting, but I plan on buying my own place next year."
"I’m renting right now, but I’ll probably buy a house when I get married."
If you own your house, then a simple, "I own my house" will be a good enough answer.
10."Do you have any outside income?"
This might be a job interview question, or it could be a question when you are talking to a creditor. In either case, you can simply reply with a yes or no. If it is a yes, then briefly tell them the other source of income.
"I get paid child support from my ex-husband."
"I have a rental property."
"No. I do not."
11."Do you earn any income from investments or hobbies?"
If you are active in the stock market, then you can mention something like that. Another income from investment is from your savings account or mutual funds. Whatever it is, simply tell them what it is.
"I have a savings account that I earn a little extra income from."
"I have some mutual funds that perform about 8% a year."
"I have some investments in the stock market."
12."Are you able to make frequent business trips?"
"Are you willing to travel?"
If they are asking this, then this position probably requires some traveling. If you say no, then you probably won’t get hired because they want someone who is able to travel. But depending on your job, you will already know if it requires traveling or not.
"I know as an auditor that I’ll have to make business trips. So I’m definitely willing to travel."
"I don’t have any problems with traveling."
13."Are you willing to relocate?"
This is a tough question because relocating means moving to a completely new area. It might be ok to answer with a no, but I would answer with a maybe. Here is an example.
"I guess it would depend on the location and the pay. If everything is the same, I would rather stay here because this is where I grew up. But I would be willing to consider it."
This answer is not saying yes or no. This is saying maybe in a polite way. Don’t answer with a direct maybe. That is bad. Instead use something similar to my example. If you are willing to relocate, it is an easy answer.
"I love change and I’d definitely be willing to relocate."
14."May I contact your current employer?"
This all depends on if your current employer knows that you are searching for another job. If you are not employeed, they might ask if they can contact your former employer. Regardless, the best answer is to say yes. If not, then they will think you have something to hide.
"Yes. Do you have their contact information?"
16."Is there anything else I should know?"
"Is there anything else you want to add?"
Adding one more sentence to state one more thing never hurts. But choose carefully because it is their last impression of you. If you felt you didn’t show that much enthusiasm, here is your chance. Or if you feel that they didn’t ask you about one of your strong traits, you have a chance to state it.
"I don’t know if I expressed it that well, but I’m very excited about this position. I’m confident that I can do very well here."
"One final trait that I have that would be perfect for this position is my organizational skills. I’m very detailed and plan very well."
17."What kind of salary are you looking for?"
"What pay range are you looking for?"
There are a couple of ways to answer this. If you state a figure, you risk stating something that is too high, or something that is too low. Either case, you will not benefit from this question. A lot of people suggest saying something like, "I’m sure whatever I’m offered will be a fair price." But I don’t agree. It is a safe answer, but if I was the interviewer, I would appreciate numbers instead of a safe answer. So I recommend answering this question with a range. I’ll explain this more in the negotiation portion, but just in case you skip that section, here are some examples.
"I’m expecting somewhere between $50,000 - $60,000."
If you know the pay for the position you are applying for. Then giving a figure is not that bad. Just state something a little higher with a small range included
"I know that the average pay for this position is roughly around $45,000, but because I have a couple years more experience, I would want something around $48,000 to $50,000."
If the salary range is already included in the job description, then you can answer that you are willing to consider any offers stated in the job description.
"The job description says that the salary will be around $45,000 to $53,000. I think it’s a fair range."
18."That’s a high salary for this position! Where did you come up with that figure?"
If you said a figure that was too high, you might here this question from the interviewer. This is not good because they would only ask this if the figure you stated was too high. So I would first justify the larger figure and explain that would consider a little less.
"I have three more years of experience that will help a lot. I also have a college degree that is not stated as a requirement. But if the figure is too high, I would consider something a little less."
20."When are you able to start?"
If you are not working, then you are able to start immediately. But saying immediately sounds too desperate so tell them next Monday or something. If you are currently employed, then you have to show that you are responsible by giving your current employer a two week notice.
"I’ll be able to start as early as next Monday."
"I have to give my current employer a two week notice so I could start immediately after that."
21."Are you considering any other offers right now?"
This question is not asking if you got an offer or not. It is asking if you are considering it. Regardless, you can tell them the truth.
"I’m not considering any of my offers right now."
"I was considering an offer I received last week, but I don’t think I will be accepting that position."
"I’m thinking about an offer I have, but I want to keep my options open."
Renting or owning a home sometimes indicates your financial status. Renters are usually people who do not have enough down payment for a house or people with bad credit who cannot get a loan. So it is best to have your own home, but if you don’t, then give them an answer that shows you are preparing to buy a home.
"I’m currently renting, but I plan on buying my own place next year."
"I’m renting right now, but I’ll probably buy a house when I get married."
If you own your house, then a simple, "I own my house" will be a good enough answer.
10."Do you have any outside income?"
This might be a job interview question, or it could be a question when you are talking to a creditor. In either case, you can simply reply with a yes or no. If it is a yes, then briefly tell them the other source of income.
"I get paid child support from my ex-husband."
"I have a rental property."
"No. I do not."
11."Do you earn any income from investments or hobbies?"
If you are active in the stock market, then you can mention something like that. Another income from investment is from your savings account or mutual funds. Whatever it is, simply tell them what it is.
"I have a savings account that I earn a little extra income from."
"I have some mutual funds that perform about 8% a year."
"I have some investments in the stock market."
12."Are you able to make frequent business trips?"
"Are you willing to travel?"
If they are asking this, then this position probably requires some traveling. If you say no, then you probably won’t get hired because they want someone who is able to travel. But depending on your job, you will already know if it requires traveling or not.
"I know as an auditor that I’ll have to make business trips. So I’m definitely willing to travel."
"I don’t have any problems with traveling."
13."Are you willing to relocate?"
This is a tough question because relocating means moving to a completely new area. It might be ok to answer with a no, but I would answer with a maybe. Here is an example.
"I guess it would depend on the location and the pay. If everything is the same, I would rather stay here because this is where I grew up. But I would be willing to consider it."
This answer is not saying yes or no. This is saying maybe in a polite way. Don’t answer with a direct maybe. That is bad. Instead use something similar to my example. If you are willing to relocate, it is an easy answer.
"I love change and I’d definitely be willing to relocate."
14."May I contact your current employer?"
This all depends on if your current employer knows that you are searching for another job. If you are not employeed, they might ask if they can contact your former employer. Regardless, the best answer is to say yes. If not, then they will think you have something to hide.
"Yes. Do you have their contact information?"
15."May I contact your references?"
The only correct answer to this question is a yes. If they have your references, then a simple yes will be enough. If they do not, then answer yes and offer them a list.
"Sure. After the interview, I can email or fax you a list of references. Will that be ok?"
The only correct answer to this question is a yes. If they have your references, then a simple yes will be enough. If they do not, then answer yes and offer them a list.
"Sure. After the interview, I can email or fax you a list of references. Will that be ok?"
16."Is there anything else I should know?"
"Is there anything else you want to add?"
Adding one more sentence to state one more thing never hurts. But choose carefully because it is their last impression of you. If you felt you didn’t show that much enthusiasm, here is your chance. Or if you feel that they didn’t ask you about one of your strong traits, you have a chance to state it.
"I don’t know if I expressed it that well, but I’m very excited about this position. I’m confident that I can do very well here."
"One final trait that I have that would be perfect for this position is my organizational skills. I’m very detailed and plan very well."
17."What kind of salary are you looking for?"
"What pay range are you looking for?"
There are a couple of ways to answer this. If you state a figure, you risk stating something that is too high, or something that is too low. Either case, you will not benefit from this question. A lot of people suggest saying something like, "I’m sure whatever I’m offered will be a fair price." But I don’t agree. It is a safe answer, but if I was the interviewer, I would appreciate numbers instead of a safe answer. So I recommend answering this question with a range. I’ll explain this more in the negotiation portion, but just in case you skip that section, here are some examples.
"I’m expecting somewhere between $50,000 - $60,000."
If you know the pay for the position you are applying for. Then giving a figure is not that bad. Just state something a little higher with a small range included
"I know that the average pay for this position is roughly around $45,000, but because I have a couple years more experience, I would want something around $48,000 to $50,000."
If the salary range is already included in the job description, then you can answer that you are willing to consider any offers stated in the job description.
"The job description says that the salary will be around $45,000 to $53,000. I think it’s a fair range."
18."That’s a high salary for this position! Where did you come up with that figure?"
If you said a figure that was too high, you might here this question from the interviewer. This is not good because they would only ask this if the figure you stated was too high. So I would first justify the larger figure and explain that would consider a little less.
"I have three more years of experience that will help a lot. I also have a college degree that is not stated as a requirement. But if the figure is too high, I would consider something a little less."
20."When are you able to start?"
If you are not working, then you are able to start immediately. But saying immediately sounds too desperate so tell them next Monday or something. If you are currently employed, then you have to show that you are responsible by giving your current employer a two week notice.
"I’ll be able to start as early as next Monday."
"I have to give my current employer a two week notice so I could start immediately after that."
21."Are you considering any other offers right now?"
This question is not asking if you got an offer or not. It is asking if you are considering it. Regardless, you can tell them the truth.
"I’m not considering any of my offers right now."
"I was considering an offer I received last week, but I don’t think I will be accepting that position."
"I’m thinking about an offer I have, but I want to keep my options open."
19."How much do you currently get paid?"
I don’t think you can lie about this question. It’s easy to find out the truth. I would recommend saying exactly how much you made.
"I was paid $50,000 a year plus an 8% bonus."
"I received $27.50 an hour at my last position."
I don’t think you can lie about this question. It’s easy to find out the truth. I would recommend saying exactly how much you made.
"I was paid $50,000 a year plus an 8% bonus."
"I received $27.50 an hour at my last position."
22.Asking Questions
Most of the time, the person interviewing you will ask if you have any questions. It is important that you ask intelligent and relevant questions. Make sure you prepare some questions before you interview so you can learn more about the company and the position. Here is a small list of questions you can ask. Feel free to create more of your own.
"Do you have any questions?"
"Does this job usually lead to other positions at the company?"
"Tell me some of the skills that you want in a candidate for this position."
"What are the people I’ll be working with like?"
"What do you like the most about this company and why?"
"How is this company doing in comparison with competitors?"
"I know of products x and y, does the company plan to introduce any new products?"
"What is the company doing to maintain its market strength?"
"How many employees work for this company?"
"What has been the company’s layoff history in recent years?"
"Do you know of any anticipated cutbacks in any departments in the near future?"
"What major problems has the company recently faced?"
"What type of training do you provide here?"
"What do you like best about this company?"
"What position title will I be reporting to?"
"What other departments does this department work closely with?"
"What kind of training should I expect?"
"How long is the training program?"
"How did this position become available?"
"Is a written job description available?"
"Please describe a typical day for this position."
"How long has this position been available?"
"How many candidates have you interviewed for this position?"
"How many total candidates will you be interviewing for this position?"
"Do you interview a large number of people before making an offer to a person, or do you make an offer to the first person who is qualified?"
"What type of hardware and software will I be working with?"
"What will my workstation be like? Will it be an office, a cubicle, or a desk?"
"What opportunities for advancement are available here?"
Most of the time, the person interviewing you will ask if you have any questions. It is important that you ask intelligent and relevant questions. Make sure you prepare some questions before you interview so you can learn more about the company and the position. Here is a small list of questions you can ask. Feel free to create more of your own.
"Do you have any questions?"
"Does this job usually lead to other positions at the company?"
"Tell me some of the skills that you want in a candidate for this position."
"What are the people I’ll be working with like?"
"What do you like the most about this company and why?"
"How is this company doing in comparison with competitors?"
"I know of products x and y, does the company plan to introduce any new products?"
"What is the company doing to maintain its market strength?"
"How many employees work for this company?"
"What has been the company’s layoff history in recent years?"
"Do you know of any anticipated cutbacks in any departments in the near future?"
"What major problems has the company recently faced?"
"What type of training do you provide here?"
"What do you like best about this company?"
"What position title will I be reporting to?"
"What other departments does this department work closely with?"
"What kind of training should I expect?"
"How long is the training program?"
"How did this position become available?"
"Is a written job description available?"
"Please describe a typical day for this position."
"How long has this position been available?"
"How many candidates have you interviewed for this position?"
"How many total candidates will you be interviewing for this position?"
"Do you interview a large number of people before making an offer to a person, or do you make an offer to the first person who is qualified?"
"What type of hardware and software will I be working with?"
"What will my workstation be like? Will it be an office, a cubicle, or a desk?"
"What opportunities for advancement are available here?"
