User:Asifnawas/sandbox

Overview 	-    Practice set up and concepts -	Test Team background / team structure / role outline / expectations

Candidate to run through CV – align to role requirement

Questions for candidate

Questions for us

Next Steps

Interview Questions:

1.	Give an example of a time when you needed to compromise on quality standards and accuracy.

2.	Motivation: What key factors drive you?

3.	What do you feel will be the biggest challenge facing the successful candidate for this position?

4.	How have you been developing yourself for this role?

5.	How do you build relationships with stakeholders?

6.	Give an example of how you managed a difficult relationship

7.	Give details of leadership and management experience

8.	What are your key development areas?

9.	Give a recent example when you demonstrated initiative

Killer Interview Questions - separating the fakers from the success makers Recruiting and hiring the right people is the key to any successful business.

If you are hiring, these questions below will be invaluable. If you are looking to be hired, better to get these questions in advance and be prepared with the killer answers.

I have been in the process of hiring a few key employees for a couple of companies I am involved with. In preparation for these interviews I pulled out some of my notes on interview questions that have worked the best for me in ascertaining someones true character (it's not easy!) and performance potential. I offer this well evolved list to you as well as a couple of other article suggestions to further your resources.

Questions:

(Quick insight... sort interview or long one?) What circumstances bring you here today?

What was the best part of your previous job? Worst?

What was your greatest contribution to your last job/company?

Why did you part ways?

(A little self-examination/realization) What would you consider to be your top 3 qualities that make you successful?

What are 2 areas you would like to improve on?

How would your best friend describe you?

How would your previous boss describe you?

Favourite job ever? Worst?

Favourite boss ever? Worst?

Types of people you have trouble getting along with?

What motivates you? When have you felt most motivated about your career?

(Insight into real motivation, personal interests/passion) If you could start your career over again, what would you do different?

Starting college today, what courses would you take this time?

What do your supervisors tend to criticise you most about?

(non-professional insight) How do you balance work and family?

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

Last book you read? Favourite/most influential of all time?

(personal development inquiry) How much do you invest in your personal development? How?

Do you have written goals? What are your top 3?

Who would you consider your mentor/role model and why?

(can they sell you?) What are you looking for most in a new job/position? Describe your ideal opportunity.

Based on what you know about our industry/company how does this compare to your ideal?

(have they done their homework?) How would you describe what we do?

Who do you see as our top 3 competitors or potential threats in the future?

(more selling...) What about (company interviewing for) is most exciting to you?

Why (company interviewing for)? Why do you want this job?

(love this question....) Why you? Why do you think you are the ideal candidate for this position?

(best to find that out upfront - ask directly) Are you considering any other offers right now? Which?

(gotta know where you are negotiating from, nothing like knowing the numbers upfront) Income history? 10 Killer Job Interview Questions and Answers Q#1 - How long have you been looking for a job?

(Concern - is there something wrong with you that other employers have picked up?)

A#1 - "After I was laid off from my last job, I took the opportunity to take some time out to examine my career goals and where I was going with my life. I have just begun my search in the last few weeks. I have a definite goal in mind and have been selective about the positions I consider. Your company and this position are of great interest to me."

Q#2 - How did you prepare for this job interview?

(Concern - are you interested enough to do some research, or are you going to "wing it"?)

A#2 - "When I found this position posted on the internet (monster.com) I was immediately interested. I checked out the company website and mission statement, looked at the bios of company founders and executives, and was impressed. Once I had the interview appointment, I talked with friends and acquaintances in the industry. And, I'm sure I'll find out a lot more in today's meetings."

Q#3 - What is your salary expectation for this job?

(Concern - Can we afford you? Can we get you for less than budgeted?)

A#3 - "I'll need more information about the job and the responsibilities involved before we can begin to discuss salary. Can you give me an idea of the range budgeted for this position?"

Q#4 - How do you keep current and informed about your job and the industries that you have worked in?

(Concern - Once you get the job do you continue to learn and grow - stay challenged and motivated?)

A#4 - "I pride myself on my ability to stay on top of what is happening in my industry. I do a lot of reading - the business section of the newspapers and magazines. I belong to a couple of professional organisations and network with colleagues at the meetings. I take classes and seminars whenever they are of interest, or offer new information or technology."

Q#5 - Tell me about a time when you had to plan and coordinate a project from start to finish.

(Concern - behavioural questions - seeking an example of specific past behaviour)

A#5 - " I headed up a project which involved customer service personnel and technicians. I organised a meeting to get everyone together to brainstorm and get his or her input. From this meeting I drew up a plan, taking the best of the ideas. I organised teams, balancing the mixture of technical and non-technical people. We had a deadline to meet, so I did periodic checks with the teams. After three weeks, we were exceeding expectations, and were able to begin implementation of the plan. It was a great team effort, and a big success. I was commended by management for my leadership, but I was most proud of the team spirit and cooperation which it took to pull it off."

Q#6 - What kinds of people do you have difficulties working with?

(Concern - ability to be flexible and work in a diverse environment?)

A#6 - "In my last three jobs I have worked with men and women from very diverse backgrounds and cultures. The only time I had difficulty was with people who were dishonest about work issues. I worked with one woman who was taking credit for work that her team accomplished. I had an opportunity to talk with her one day and explained how she was affecting the morale. She became very upset that others saw her that way, and said she was unaware of her behaviour or the reactions of others. Her behaviour changed after our talk. What I learnt from that experience is that sometimes what we perceive about others is not always the case if we check it out."

Q#7 - We expect managers to work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have a problem with that?

(Concern - are you a work-aholic or a person who requires balance?)

A#7 - "I have no problem working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour days. What I have found works for me is to work smarter, not necessarily longer. My goal is to get the job done, whatever that takes, in the most efficient manner."

Q#8 - When have you been most satisfied in your career?

(Concern - what motivates you? Or de-motivates you?)

A#8 - "The job before the one I am currently at, was my most rewarding experience for me. I worked in a wonderful team environment. There was a lot of camaraderie. I worked with a team of four people and we did some really original thinking. It is that kind of environment I want to be involved in again."

Q#9 - Why do you want this job?

(Concern - are you using the shot-gun approach to job search or do you really know what you want?)

A#9 - "I've been very careful about the companies where I have applied. When I saw the ad for this position, I knew I found what I was looking for. What I can bring to this job is my seven years of experience, and knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to communicate and build customer relationships. That, along with my flexibility and organisational skills, makes me a perfect match for this position. I see some challenges ahead of me here, and that's what I thrive on. I have what you need, and you have what I want."

Q#10 - We are ready to make an offer. Are you ready to accept today?

(Concern - we don't want you to go away and think about it and change your mind - we want you.)

A#10 - "Based on my research and the information I have gathered during the interview process, I feel I am in a position to consider an offer. I do, however, have a personal policy that I give myself at least 24 hours to make major life decisions. I could let you know by tomorrow."