HR Interview Questions
 
Q: How has your experience prepared you for your career?
Ans : Coursework: Aside from the discipline and engineering foundation learning that I have gained from my courses, I think the design projects, reports, and presentations have prepared me most for my career.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Describe the ideal job.
Ans : Ideally, I would like to work in a fun, warm environment with individuals working independently towards team goals or individual goals. I am not concerned about minor elements, such as dress codes, cubicles, and the level of formality. Most important to me is an atmosphere that fosters attention to quality, honesty, and integrity.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What type of supervisor have you found to be the best?
Ans : What type of supervisor have you found to be the best? I have been fortunate enough to work under wonderful supervisors who have provided limited supervision, while answering thoughtful questions and guiding learning. In my experience, the best supervisors give positive feedback and tactful criticism.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What do you plan to be doing in five years' time?
Ans : Taking the PE exam and serving in supervisory/leadership roles both at work and in professional/community organization(s).
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What contributions could you make in this organization that would help you to stand out from other applicants?
Ans : In previous internships, my industriousness and ability to teach myself have been valuable assets to the company. My self-teaching abilities will minimize overhead costs, and my industriousness at targeting needs without prompting will set me apart from others. Additionally, one thing that has always set me apart from my scientific/engineering peers are my broad interests and strong writing abilities. I am not your typical "e;left-brained"e; engineer, and with my broad talents, I am likely to provide diverse viewpoints.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What sort of criteria are you using to decide the organization you will work for?
Ans : Most importantly, I am looking for a company that values quality, ethics, and teamwork. I would like to work for a company that hires overachievers.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What made you choose your major?
Ans : My academic interests are broad, so I sought civil engineering to achieve a great balance of mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and writing. .
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Have your university and major met your expectations?
Ans : The College of Engineering at MSU has exceeded my expectations by providing group activities, career resources, individual attention, and professors with genuine interest in teaching. My major has met my expectations by about 90%. I would have enjoyed more choices in environmental courses, and would have preferred more calculus-based learning. .
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What made you choose this college?
Ans : I chose this college for the following reasons: my budget limited me to in-state schools, I was seeking an area with dog-friendly apartments, the MSU web site impressed me, I saw active student groups, and the people were very friendly.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: List 2-3 of your greatest achievements since you've been in college and why? Receiving the SWE Outstanding Member Award and College of Engineering Student Service Award I got involved with student activities to overcome my debilitating shyness. Receiving these awards signified that I had accomplished a transition from dragging myself to participate to feeling energized by it.
Ans : Receiving the SWE Web Site Award Without training in web design, I competed against not only the other student sections, but professional sections around the nation. Despite competing with more HTML-experienced people, I brought this award to my section. After getting so much from SWE, I was able to give something back. Earning the highest grade in an organic chemistry class of ~200 people I worked very hard for this grade and loved the subject, so it was a great feeling to see that the hard work paid off.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Which subjects have you enjoyed studying the most and why?
Ans : I have enjoyed hydrology, fluids, solid & hazardous waste management, water and wastewater treatment, and oceanography because I love water and environmental topics. Calculus and linear algebra excite me because I love logic. I enjoyed the writing and analysis in economic history. Business law thrilled me because I have a strong interest in legal matters.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Which subjects did you dislike and why?
Ans : Introductory soil elicited little interest in me, most likely because the professor was inexperienced, the book was ineffective, and I had little spare time that semester to look into other resources.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Do you have plans to continue your education?
Ans : Yes, but not immediately. I plan to continue part time with either an MBA or an environmental engineering masters, depending on which will be more beneficial to my work.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: How would a professor who knows you well describe you? One who does not know you well?
Ans : A professor who knows me well would likely describe my personal qualities: sweet, down-to-earth, smart, hard-working, and conscientious. As specific examples of those who did not know me well, my soils professor and soils teaching assistant each considered me smart and respectful, and both thought that I must have enjoyed the class a lot, due to my performance.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Given the chance, how would you alter your education?
Ans : Knowing now what I like the most, I would have used my electives for extra math and psychology classes, since I tend to be well-rounded enough that a variety of classes are unnecessary; my personal reading is diverse enough. I have found that mathematics and psychology are helpful to all career and life paths.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Which part-time job did you enjoy the most and why?
Ans : Working for PM Environmental was most enjoyable to me, since I felt like I was significantly contributing to the company, and I enjoyed learning on my own.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What are your strengths?
Ans : My strongest strength is the ability to teach myself difficult material, regardless of the subject (with the exception of theater and drawing blood from dogs, which I have no talent for). Additionally, I have always excelled verbally and look forward to writing opportunities.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What are your weaknesses?
Ans : I tend to try to do too many things, leaving little time for myself. I have worked on balancing myself for the last several months. I am also working on improving my public speaking skills.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What sort of serious problems have you experienced, and how have you handled them?
Ans : My apartment building burned down at the end of January during one of my semesters at MSU. Before the fire got too bad, I was able to rescue my pets and the neighbor's dog, as well as my textbooks and backpack, but I lost most of my mementos and possessions. While the firemen were preparing their hoses, I drove to school (with the animals in the car) to meet my lab partners, who were waiting for me. I explained the situation, emailed my professors, and rushed back to the apartment. Fortunately, I had renter's insurance. I missed about a week of school to deal with the insurance matters and find a new place to live. In order to salvage my grades and sanity, I dropped a course and honored my existing student group and research commitments. Staying active socially and keeping myself well-rounded were the best healing tools for me. Within a few weeks, I was caught up and had recovered reasonably from the loss of sentimental items.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Do you or have you in the past experimented with illegal drugs?
Ans : No. My only addictions are caffeine and sugar.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Would you be willing to take a drug test?
Ans : Of course. my pleasure.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Do you drink alcohol socially?
Ans : No, but I enjoy Shirley Temples quite a bit.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: If you had your whole life to live over, what would you do differently and why?
Ans : I was always good in math, but I wish that I would have focused on math more. I feel that mathematics can lead one anywhere, and is the basis of most disciplines. On a personal level, I would have ensured that, despite pre-teen angst and insecurity, I would have been nice to everyone, even on especially bad days.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Which is more important to you, your salary or your job?
Ans : Salary is important, but I couldn't stay with a job that brought me misery when I could support myself doing something else; hence, my job is more important.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What have you found to be the biggest source of motivation in your life?
Ans : Taking advantage of my strengths so that they are not wasted. Since nobody is lucky enough to be strong in every area, I think it is important to make good use of one's strengths.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What sorts of things cause you stress, and how do you deal with them?
Ans : Lack of organization throws me off. To deal with this, I come up with some kind of system to organize things, even if it is only in my head, in the case when chaos is desirable.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What is your definition of success?
Ans : Being a good person by improving the quality of the lives of others, whether it be through work, doing sweet things, improving the environment/community, taking care of one's family, etc. Superficially, I tend to measure success by level of education and abilities within one's career; however, I try to remind myself of the things that are more important.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What qualities should a successful supervisor possess in regard to job requirements and those who report to him/her?
Ans : A successful supervisor should be able to tactfully give criticism, guide, motivate, encourage and foster a positive work environment.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: How would you develop team spirit among the people that you supervise?
Ans : My experience in student groups has taught me that people work best when their friends (teammates) are counting on them to do well; therefore, I believe that bonding motivates people. I would also foster team pride by promoting our team's assets.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Do you like to work independently or as a team?
Ans : I like to work independently towards a team goal.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What kind of work environment do you like the best?
Ans : I enjoy working with friendly co-workers who can share a laugh while working hard and overachieving.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: How would you resolve conflicts with employees, coworkers, and supervisors?
Ans : If possible, I would refresh my memory on what I've learned about conflict communication, and then I would discuss things, honestly and tactfully. I am a big fan of kind sincerity and honesty, as well as humility (when appropriate).
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: In what ways have you learned from your mistakes?
Ans : Upon getting myself overwhelmed with involvement in too many projects, I changed my approach. When possible, I now start with less than I can handle and add more only as time allows, and in small increments.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Why should I hire you?
Ans : The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don't be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you. suppose,You should hire me because I'm the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .? Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples. What is your long-range objective? The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives. suppose: ?Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I'll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I'm presently doing to prepare myself . . .? Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Why don't you tell me something about yourself?
Ans : Be prepared to talk about your unique qualities. Wind up with something that relates to the job. An example: "e;I'm a native of Jones County, raised here and educated at Jones Community College. I have a large number of friends who are loyal to me because I get along with almost any type of person. I've met many of my friends while working as a volunteer in the Habitat for Humanity effort in my community, and my experiences there are among the reasons I'd be an excellent construction worker for your company, Mr. (or Ms.) Builder."e;
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What kind of work are you looking for?
Ans : Be as specific as you can with this particular employer. The best answer to this question will be found in the job description you obtained prior to the job interview. (You can repeat the duties listed for the position for which you're interviewing.) Other answers that suggest you want to grow and learn or want to demonstrate your good work ethic would be "e;I want a job in which I'll be able to produce for the company and grow along with it"e;, or, "e;I want a job where showing up on time and working hard is compensated by a fair wage."e;
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What do you do best?
Ans : This question demands that you praise yourself?something a lot of us are uncomfortable doing. As you prepare for the job interview, think through some of your recent successes you can use to give a good answer to this question. It's best if they relate to ways you improved the current business, generated new business, or saved the company money.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Ans : This is the great-granddaddy of goofy questions, and I give you permission, if you have any misgivings about a job opportunity, to walk out the door when you hear it. It's such a time-waster that only the most hidebound interviewers will utter it, but it lives on. Here's why it's dumb. No company will guarantee you a job for five years, much less a career path. To construct such a plan for yourself, you'd have to make predictions about industries, companies, and your likes and dislikes that could only serve to constrain your choices. And in any case, why is it so all-fired important to have a dang career plan in mind? Every successful entrepreneur and many top corporate people will tell you their key to success: I did what I felt driven to do at the moment. So when you get asked this question, you can say: "e;I intend to be happy and productive five years from now, working at a job I love in a company that values my talents"e; and leave it at that. Or you can give the expected answer and say: "e;I hope to be three levels up the ladder, here at Happy Corp."e; Or you can say: "e;I hope to own this company,"e; just to shake things up. But for an interviewer to ask the question at all is a bad sign. Come on, people! There are millions of thoughts in the human brain. Can we change the ones we use in job interviews every decade or so?
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: When would you expect your next promotion?
Ans : It's difficult to give an exact time without knowing the personnel structure within XYZ Corp and specifically the line of responsibility associated with this position. However, I'm an ambitious person and through hard work, dedication, and with the guidance of a good manager, I aim to gain my next promotion as soon as possible, ideally ahead of 'normal' timeframes. Advice from the recruitment consultant This is a question that could easily catch you out. Be sure not to cross the fine line between ambition and arrogance in your answer. Avoid giving glib answers e.g. 'In three months time', that may reduce your credibility. Try to tell the interviewer how you will achieve your next promotion, e.g. through hard work, rather than when.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What do you know about this industry?
Ans : The telecommunications industry is currently going through a period of rapid expansion. The major industry players are positioning themselves for the delivery of the next generation of telecommunication services. New developments in mobile, broadband and satellite communications mean that it's an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry. I've no doubt that the telecommunications industry will be a driving force of the worldwide economy in the 21st century. I know that XYZ Corp intends to be a frontrunner in that expansion. For that reason, this job is highly attractive.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What kind of salary are you seeking?
Ans : 1: I would expect a salary which reflects the experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What range do you have in mind? 2: I've got a strong background in this industry and my skills are a perfect match for this role. I would expect my compensation to be at the upper end of the position's salary band. Can you tell me what that salary band is? 3: Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 28,000-32,000 would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Do you expect to work regular hours? Would working irregular hours cause a problem?
Ans : I don't have a problem working overtime. I understand that in today's competitive marketplace there is a need for flexibility in regard to working hours.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Name three adjectives that best describe your ideal work colleague.
Ans : It's difficult to think of an 'ideal' work colleague. I'd like to think I work well with most people. If I had to choose three adjectives I'd say: Communicative, intelligent, likeable.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What irritates you about co-workers?
Ans : This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What is your greatest strength?
Ans : Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: What has disappointed you about a job?
Ans : Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Would you be willing to relocate if required?
Ans : You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
Q: Describe your management style.
Ans : Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
Date submitted :8/8/2009 1:03:38 AM
Submitted by : shabir@myfaithsolution.com
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