(Faq’s) in interviews lesson

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS(FAQ’S) IN
INTERVIEWS

Purpose: -
 Asked as an introductory (comfort) question, to get the interview started
and make you comfortable, settle down & to know about your
communication & speaking style; & get an initial “feel” of your suitability
 You have to reply back in a minimum of 4 to 5 sentences or a maximum of
8 to 10 sentences; which you think to be a word portrait of you but
relevant to the job expectations that the interviewer may have in mind.
 The answer should be crisp – economizing on words yet not so short as to
inform nothing much. Cover your academics, family, special abilities &
qualifications, aspirations; hobbies (and if confident – your strengths
about which you are in a position to answer more). Those with experience
should definitely speak the salient part of their experience.
Q). Tell us something about yourself?

Q). What are your greatest strengths?
You should know your strengths to speak realistically.
A probable model answer:
 My major strengths are my qualification as an I.T. Graduate and a good
academic performance of above 70% throughout; which goes to show
that I am consistent, hardworking & committed. Further I have always
had good scores on I.T. Aptitude Tests conducted by our college or
available on line & thus I believe I have good analytical, logical and
reasoning capabilities & can perform well as a software engineer after
due training. I also believe that I can get along well with people &
could integrate & gel with the work team & thus add & contribute to
the group effectiveness. I am both a smart & hard worker and can work
under pressure. Being a regular yoga enthusiast, I have excellent
physical & mental fitness & can destress & regain energy quickly; so
necessary in today’s demanding work situations.

Q). What are your major weaknesses?
Purpose: -
 This is an eliminator question; designed to quickly cut short the
unwanted. Therefore, the admission of a weakness or fault that is
not visible very obviously; may earn you an ‘A’ for honesty but an
‘F’ (Failure) for the interview.
 Therefore very often students disguise strengths as a purported
weakness, but even this the interviewers are quick to interpret.
Better is to talk off a weakness that does not impact the job very
substantially and to add & stress – that you are making sincere
efforts to improve & overcome the weakness

Q). Where do you find yourself five years
(or ten years) down the line?
Sample Answers:
(For Five Years)
– Oh! I will certainly be amongst the high performers and with great
passion for work & achievement and I think I would like to go as far
as possible within the companies HR policies – may be a couple of
positions up from the entry level into one of greater responsibility
where I could handle responsibility more independently.
(For Ten Years)
By this time, I hope to have crossed the middle management level and
may be on the threshold of becoming a senior management ( or
executive) professional
- May be a Project Manager or a Deputy G.M………

Q). What do you want to do in your life?
Or
What career goals you have in mind
(or you have set for yourself)
Or
What are your goals? (Are you a goal oriented person?)
& similar questions
Purpose: To check if you have a goal focused approach.
A Sample Answer:
Yes; I have certain vision of what I want to achieve in the long run & I
have also set short term goals to achieve them. I have set goals all by
myself but I am open to discussing it with my parents, teachers or
mentors”.
(………then you can go on to narrate a few career goals…..)

Q). How do you plan to achieve these goals?
A Sample Answer:
 The keenness to learn and high motivation (passion) to achieve &
perform; I believe; are driving forces for me. So through learning,
acquiring experience & skills, through committed hard work and ups
killing & upgrading & informal education I think I will achieve these
goals, I am already on the verge of completing my basic qualification (B.
Tech / MBA / B. Pharm) & aspire to get into a good company to begin
a career soon & then I will gradually work my way up ; with keenness
& passion as I just spoke; I believe, in a timeframe of 15 to 20 years; I
should attain whatever I am aspiring for.

Q). Any achievements; that you justifiably
would like to quote?
A Sample Answer:
 I have consistently done well academically scoring above 70%
(or first class marks) all through, and thus I have been better
than an average student. Further I have read 3 papers in
technical symposia organized by technical institutes of
repute; and I got a IInd prize in the one that I presented at
I.I.T. (K) I am also a member of my college Cricket XI &
represented in the inter college meet where our team reached
up to the semifinal stage. These are some of the significant
achievements.

Q). What accomplishments have given you the
most satisfaction in your life?
A Sample Answer:
 I derive satisfaction from good performance and
achievements. The one notable achievement that was very
satisfying was the (you can now describe as above at Q. 7 &
8 & later at Q.12 or some other achievement of your life-
from the good project you have done etc. we leave it to the
imagination of the student / incumbent to prepare their own
suitable answers) All these achievements have been
satisfying.

Q). Looking back (or if you were to live your life all
over again) what you do differently in your life?
A Sample Answer:
 It has been a good life so far, rich in learning experience; and being on
the threshold of a career; I believe the best has yet to come. I believe
every experience so far has taught me something & made me wiser; I
don’t think of anything much I could want to change. yes; in future I
wish & aspire to occupy a position of responsibility & challenge in life;
and given the opportunity again would like to economize on some
wasted moments and missing opportunities through lack of awareness
and improve my score by 5% more and also play more cricket & learn to
dance & enjoy the music of A. R. Rehman &….

Q). How do you define success? How do you think you can
be successful?
A Sample Answer:
 The best definition of success I have come across is that “success is the
progressive realization of a worthy goal”, a goal that one aspires for or
has set for oneself”.
 Some people may aspire for a lot of money, others for a lot of fame or a
lot of power and authority; But as an engineer I aspire to grow to be a
technically capable professional and manage at the helm of a reputable
company in my domain and I believe I should accomplish this in about
18 to 20 years time.
 As a first step I have already acquired the basic qualification and now I
am on the verge of starting a career and through intense motivation,
hard work, commitment, creativity and building healthy relationship
based on mutual trust and respect with all those whom I work with, I
believe; progressively I will achieve the goal I have in mind That will be
the moment of my success.

Q). Describe a situation in which you were
successful?
A Sample Answer:
 Our college celebrates a technical festival of a national level which in
this region is amongst the most popular one’s in which about 4000
students from over 50 colleges participate in various fun and technical
events, models exhibition, paper presentation; and cultural and dance
and drama shows, I was amongst the team of chief coordinators
consisting of 10 members, all from 3rd year batch of students and
ultimately we organized it as a grand success and won praise and
accolades for the smooth conduct and flawless events management,
from teachers, visitors & participating students alike

Q). Are you a team player?
A Sample Answer:
 Yes, I am very much a team player; as I believe that “pulling
together” produces the best results; and therefore, I value the
effectiveness of the group I work for & I can work well in
groups. In a group of six classmates, we are currently
working on a very interesting project. Further as a member of
college band, I have given performances in many colleges in
various events. I think good team work is very essential for
success of the organization & the team. (You can study more
about team work in a separate chapter devoted exclusively to
it).

Q). What motivates you?
A Sample Answer:
I am driven by a passion to perform and achieve in all
things I, do so basically I am a self driven person &
“the fear of nonperformance” weighs a lot with me.
Further good ambience, a good compensation and
encouragement from the seniors also reinforces my
motive to achieve more & more.

Q). Why should we hire you?
Purpose:
 Whether the interviewer asks you this question explicitly or not; this is
what he must answer in his mind favorably before he decides to hire
your services. Basically, the interviewer is checking up whether you as
an applicant clearly understand the position’s requirements vis a vis
your own suitability. This is what you have to state, following each
important reason with a short explanation why you meet the
requirement so well.
 The answer will substantially involve competencies highlighting your
strengths to match the job requirements- Understanding corporate
expectations.
 We are providing two answers – one each from the point of view of
entry level (read fresher) and the other for some what more experienced
applicants:
cont…….

An entry level (fresh college graduate)
A Sample Answer:
 “As I see the job; the engineers will have to plan, execute, & deliver in the
maintenance, production planning, or top floor, and production
management. I think the company would want engineers with sound
practical knowledge of the machines & processes; who are good in
execution – planning, co-ordination etc. and can get the output from
skilled technicians and semiskilled workers. I believe, I posses these
requirements. I have done optional papers of Manufacturing Sciences and
industrial engineering – which goes to show my interest. Further, I have
taken training in a manufacturing set up at Maruti Udyog one of the best
equipped for precision product manufacturing and lastly I can manage the
workers confidently as I have done plenty of event management
successfully and are good in interpersonal dealings.. So besides being
qualified as a Mechanical Engineer, I am highly motivated and posses’
traits that fit in with the job.
 And so I believe I have a strong case for being considered.
Cont….

Some what experienced Candidate- for selling precision
machined components to OEMS (Original Equipment
Manufacturer’s – in this case Car manufacturer’s)..
A Sample Answer:
 “As I understand the job; it involves a strong CRM (Customer
Relationship Management) capability to retain existing buyers and add
more OEM buyers to expand Sales of components that our Company
produces. I am already working on a similar assignment, where the
company supplies gears and transmission gear boxes to the Auto majors
and I believe, I have the right contacts, methods and exposure to such a
job and can assume this responsibility at the higher level, given my track
record of past achievements. In my innovative promotional ideas, I first
doubled and then tripled the total sales at my current Company of
course aided by an upswing in Car demand and I am confident I can do
the same for you”

Q). Why would you want to work with us?
Purpose:
 This question tests whether you have done your homework, about the
company & how do you value & view the employment opportunity
being offered. If you have not, there is little you can speak- if you have
- you will win big reward. Thanks to the indepth preparation that you
have done, this question will provide you the opportunity you badly
needed to speak. Best sources for researching about the company are as
already previously stated – its website, annual reports, corporate news
letters, brochures and pamphlets sent to your placement deptt,
advertisements, articles about the company in the trade press, contacts
(such as your college seniors) working at the company etc.
 You have to basically show the “Value” offered by the company’s job is
understood by you and how you find it to be a very good opportunity,
and would be happy to accept it
Cont……..

Sample Answer (a):
 (An applicant for a job at TCS Tata Consultancies Services -or Infosys
Technologies - both top level /IT & solution providing companies you can
provide answers some what on the lines given below)
“I think I am very keen to work for TCS (or Infosys). It is not only
about the money alone – which is no doubt good – but more about the
overall value proposition that is offered by your renowned company.
You spend a very high amount on training and provide one of the best
training to the fresh recruits, – which adds a lot of value? Then you
have very impressive client list and many fortune 500 companies are
your clients – so there will be world class projects to work on; in the
guidance of world class superiors and world class peers – and above all
in a demanding but very constructive ambiences the opportunity to get
exposure to truly world class practices & managerial policies. So there is
much more to learn, to absorb and progress - and as the company is
successful & growing fast the opportunities for growth are good, better
than most other places. That’s why this is a “dream company” not just
another opportunity. I will truly feel a wish has come true if I am
offered the opportunity.

Sample Answer (b):
 I definitely know the Company reasonably well. It is a market leader in
its space offering Software solutions, packaged solutions to meet the IT
needs of renowned clients; a large no of which are fortune 500
companies, and with a current annual of $ 1 billion, it is one of the
second largest in India in its field. The thing that impresses me most is
the culture and HR Philosophy. The compensation is good but more
importantly there are constant challenges and those who meet these get
quickly rewarded, and thus one gets to explore ones full potential. There
is good team feeling and a rich ambience and world-class superiors to
work with on world-class projects. (or to work on high class projects of
high class clients…..)
 I will be pretty well happy if I am granted an opportunity for it will be
a “dream opportunity” as far as I am concerned.

Q). Do you have a role model (who has inspired
you in your life)?
A Sample Answer:
 My father, I think, is the person I appreciate most- not
because he is my father but because I have watched him grow
as a self made man from very humble beginnings; with sincere
hard work, patience & perseverance. He has faced odds &
difficulties without loosing confidence or his affable &
cheerful dispositions, shouldered his responsibilities at work
& the family so I admire him & would want to develop the
same way my life too, through hard work, devotion, with
courage & to face challenges with full hearted enthusiasm.

Q). Do you think it is correct & ethical for the company to
ask trainees to fill a service bond of 2 years? Do you have
any issues if you are asked to sign a service bond of 2
years?
A Sample Answer:
 A fresh graduate coming out of the college does not have work
experience and generally lacks application or process capability and an
initial training is required to make the person productive and deployable
& the company incurs costs on it. As the Company incurs cost on
training, & the person benefits out of it so a reasonable time should be
allowed to the company to recover its costs and I do not see anything
wrong in the 2-year service bond.
 As far as I am concerned; I have simply no issues and I am perfectly
ready to sign the bond. Infact I am delighted by the company’s work
culture and HR Policies and I am looking for a long term commitment
to learn and contribute and grow – so 2 yrs bond is just not an issue
with me.

Q). Can you work under pressure?
Any example you can quote in support of your claim?
A Sample Answer:
 Yes, I am confident I can handle pressing situations and deliver the
results. As a cricket player also I have faced pressing situations and
thought and excelled . I believe in accepting all challenges that can
reasonably be met; and I remain calm and focused and proceed
methodically to quickly solve and overcome the problem. However, the
extra concern does create extra eagerness to respond quickly & does
create some amount of stress, but I think some stress is good.
 (Quote some believable example from your life or of those whom you
know closely saying that in your own life – you have not faced a really
pressing situation – but you have observed closely a case which taught
you the way one should handle pressures & narrate)

Q). Why did you choose to attend this college?
A Sample Answer:
This is a premier and highly rated college of this region;
and academic standard is high; and discipline and
ambience is very good and infrastructure, labs,
workshop, libraries are all well equipped and best part
is that faculty is knowledgeable and very helpful. And
the placement opportunities are very bright as several
very good companies come here for campus recruitment
and our seniors are working in all the top class well
known companies & many are abroad.

Q). How has your education prepared you for your
career ?
A Sample Answer:
The education I have undergone has given me the
conceptual clarity & technical (domain) knowledge
about my professional field & groomed my personality
and attitudes. Given these inputs with some
application experience and process ability that I can
gain by initial training in a good organization, I am
confident of pursuing a good career.

Q). Are you satisfied with your academic
performances till now?
A Sample Answer:
 Our college schedule is quite demanding. Besides curriculum studies, we
have to attend many co-curricular activities like seminars and PDP
classes & Sessions and also participation in extra curricular activities is
also mandatory. So I have done reasonably well, though I think with a
little better time management and extra focus I could improve by
another 3% to 4%. – which now I am trying to do.
 (Sometimes if you’re academic scores has gone down over the years or
fluctuated there may be questions aimed at this and you have to include
a viable explanation for the same which is believable)

Q). What qualities do you feel a successful
manager should have?
A Sample Answer:
The job of a manager is to bring out the best results
through his people making optimum use of resources
available and so he should have. good leadership skills,
be people friendly and capable of motivating his team,
result oriented and a sound decision maker. Further he
should judge his subordinates based on the
performances they deliver and not on other extraneous
considerations. Also he should be a balanced & good
person.

Q). Do you have any plans for further education?
A Sample Answer:
 Yes: I believe learning is a continuous process and I would want to add
to my qualifications. But right now I am looking for a job and
acquiring application and process abilities. Some time in future when I
am on the threshold of a managerial responsibility I may definitely
want to get an Executive MBA degree or through On-line / distance
learning mode (lot of Universities are providing such courses
nowadays). But right now it’s the job that I want.
 (Too-often- We have seen the MBA lure/ B.Tech students is taken to
mean the applicant will use the job as a stopgap arrangement or just a
stepping stone) and otherwise certain offers are withdrawn due to this
lack of priority on the part of the student).

Q). Do you have any location preference? Are you
willing to relocate?
A Sample Answer:
No; I do not have any strong location preference and
can work any where in India or abroad. However, if I
have a choice available then I will opt for (Noida or
Gurgaon in preference to Bangalore (or Vice-Versa) as
it is nearer home and I could meet parents and relatives
more frequently; but it’s not a precondition.
I am ready & willing to relocate as per my companies
requirement; it is only a preference I have indicated.

Q). (a). What do you know about us?
Purpose:
In this the interviewer checks if you have done your homework & have
cared to know about the company or by some non-chalant attitude on your
part in this regard; wishes to asses what esteem the candidate feels about
the job and the company; and the approach has to be reaffirm that you
have cared to know about the job and the company and that you admire
and appreciate the company and the job.
Generally if you have studied the company Website and / or gone through
a company brochure and briefing etc. you would know well what to speak.
Cont……

Sample Answer a).
 I am keenly interested in the company & the job. It’s one of the best
known companies in the field ………….
(Software/telecom/aviation/FMCG/retail……as the case may be) with
an annual turnover of ……………The company has ……(so many)
branches (& overseas centers & offices) and offers………(product &
service details-mention a couple of its best known offerings/product).
The companies vision…….(employment ethics)….makes it a highly
respected company.
 You can thus add a couple of salient features about the company/Chief
Executive) special recognitions/products & offerings etc…………

(b). Anything you would want to know
about us?
Purpose:
 It is more of a courtesy question to give the applicant an opportunity to
clear his doubts-though after very long questioning most of the
interviewers will hardly have the capacity to respond to some true &
sensible query by the student, especially if it requires a long elaboration;
so some sincere answers/queries could be clarified.
cont…..

 Sample Answer 1:
Sir,/ Ma’am; this being a very important opportunity; I already have a lot
of information gathered. Some small doubts that I had were settled when you
delivered the pre-placement talk which was very informative and therefore, I
have no more queries to make
Or
 Sample Answer 2:
Thank you Sir / Ma’am; I am already impressed by the Company as it is so
successful and doing so very well. However, I am just curious to know how
you see your operations growing over the next decade – as fast as now or
likely to slow down. (under the effect of …………. Worldwide economic
constraints, a stronger rupee; U.S. Congress imposing restrictions…etc.)

Management/ Executive capabilities
What are the qualities of a good manager
What is Management & How do you think you will
make a good Manager?
What is leadership-what exactly does a good leader do?
Refer Question Bank of Management Interview
question.
Conflicts – are they essential ? How do you resolve
them? OR
Have you ever had a conflict with the boss or professor.
How did you resolve it?

Cont.
Can you handle pressure & stresses ? Why do these
arise? How do you think you should handle ?
What are the qualities of a team & what in turn you
see as important to become a good tem player?
Do attitudes have an effect on work performance-
Name a few such attitudes
What is Positive Mental Attitude?
What is Proactive ness? How is it different from
reactive?
In business negotiations is it good so be aggressive?

(Faq’s) in interviews lesson

(Faq’s) in interviews lesson

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