For Job Interview Challenging Question and Answer

1. What is important to you in a job?

Mention specific rewards other than a paycheck- for example, challenge, the feeling of accomplishment, and knowing that you have made a
contribution.

2. Why do you want to work for this organization?

Cite its reputation, the 0pportunities it offers, and the working conditions.
Stress that you want to work for this organization, not just any organization.

3. Why should we employ you?

Point to your academic preparation, job skills, and enthusiasm about
working for the firm. Mention your performance in school or previous
employment as evidence of your ability to learn and to become
productive quickly. If the job involves management responsibilities,
refer to past activities as proof of your ability to get along with
others and to work as part of a team.

4. If we hire you, how long will you stay with us?

Answer by saying something along these lines:
“As long as my position here allows me to learn and to advance at a pace consistent with my abilities.”

5. What are your greatest strengths?

Give a response like one of the following:
“I can see what needs to be done and do it”; “I’m willing to make
decisions”; “I work well with others”; “I can organize my time
efficiently.”

6. What are your greatest weaknesses?

Identify one or two, such as the following:
“I tend to drive myself too hard”; “I expect others to perform beyond
their capacities”; “I like to see a job done quickly, and I’m critical
if it isn’t.”
Notice that these weaknesses could also be regarded as desirable
qualities. The trick with this question is to make a potential virtue
sound like a problem.

7. What didn’t you like about previous jobs you’ve held?

Discuss the things you didn’t like, but avoid making slighting references to any of your former employers.

8. How do you spend your leisure time?

Mention a cross section of interests— active and quiet, social and solitary— rather than just one.

9. Are there any weaknesses in your education or experience?

Take stock of your weaknesses before the interview. Practice discussing
them in a positive light. You’ll find that they are minor when
discussed along with all the positive things you have to offer.

10. Where do you want to be five years from now?

Saying you’d like to be president is unrealistic, yet few employers
want people who are content to sit still. You might say, “In five
years, I’d like to have my boss’s job?” If you can’t qualify for your
boss’s job by then, you may not be the right candidate.

11. What are your salary expectations?

If you are asked this at the outset, it’s best to say,
“Why don’t we discuss salary after you decide if I’m right for the job?”
But if the interviewer asks this after showing real interest in you,
speak up. S/he will probably try to meet your price. If you need a clue
about what to ask for, say “Can you discuss your salary range with me?”

12. What would you do if …?

This question is designed to test your responses.
For example: “What would you do if your computer broke down during an audit?”
Your answer here isn’t nearly so important as your approach to the
problem. And a calm approach is best. Start by saying, “One thing I
might do is ….” Then give several alternative choices.

13. What type of position are you interested in?

Job titles and responsibilities vary from firm to firm. So state your
skills instead, such as “I’m good at figure work,” and the positions
that require these skills, such as “accounts payable.”

14. Tell me something about yourself?

Say you’ll be happy to talk about yourself, and ask what the
interviewer wants to know. If this point is clarified, respond. If not,
tell why you feel your skills will contribute to the job and the
organization.
This question gives you a great 0pportunity to see yourself.

15. Do you have any questions about the organization or the job?

Employers like a candidate who is interested in the organization. So
this is a perfect time to convey your interest and enthusiasm.

Many other answers might be appropriate, of course, so you need not
memorize the ones suggested here. Just be sure that your answers are
sincere, truthful, and positive. And take a moment to compose your
thoughts before responding so your answers are to the point.

1. What makes an effective answer to an interviewer’s question?
Consider some of the ways in which answers can vary: specific versus general, assertive versus passive, informal versus formal.

2. Think of four or five additional questions that pertain specifically to your resume. Practice your answer.

Ref: http://mysing.ning.com/profiles/blogs/for-job-interviewchallenging