INTERVIEW ZING FOR PO: Frequently Asked Questions

1)If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?

The question “If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something, how would you handle this?” is asked to find out how you deal with a difficult situation.

Sample Answer 

An answer that works well is: “It depends on the situation and the personality of the supervisor.” 

To elaborate, give examples:

My present supervisor does not like to have his authority questioned. He’s fairly new on the job and almost all of the people he supervises have been on the job longer than he has. He’s never bothered to learn the procedures, how things are done or how the computer system works. But if any of us tell him that how he wants something done won’t work, he gets extremely angry. So, I never tell him he’s wrong. Never. Whatever he tells me to do, I smile and say “okay.” Then if I know a way to get it done that will work, I do it that way, give him the results he wants and never tell him I didn't do it the way he told me to. He got the results and is happy. I saved myself the stress of being yelled at and gave him what he wanted so I'm happy.

My prior supervisor was more easy-going and if I told her “you know, I think it might work better if I do what you asked in such and such a way,” she say “okay, try it.”

If I were a new hire on a job, I would probably not question a supervisor because I might think I didn't know enough. Except on the new job I'm going to. The director has admitted that she’s new on the job and there are a lot of things that a secretary does that she doesn't know how to do, so she will be depending on me to know how to keep the office running.

2)What is your preferred way to communicate?

This is a good opportunity to show you understand the importance of adjusting your preferences when necessary.At home, I enjoy talking on the phone and emails. At work, I follow the established pattern. Each of my bosses, in the past, has had a preferred method I've followed their lead

3)What did you do during this six month gap in employment?

Everyone, at some point, will probably have a gap in employment. Do not “waste it”.

Sample Answer 

For the month, I worked on my “to do list” at home and accomplished a great deal. Then I began building a plan to re-enter the workplace. While it took a little longer than I’d anticipated I've learned a great deal about myself, am rested and looking forward to new challenges in the workplace.

5)What interests you about his job?

When you’re asked what interests you about the position you are interviewing for, the best way to respond is to describe the qualifications listed in the job posting, then connect them to your skills and experience. That way, the employer will see that you know about the job you’re interviewing for (not everyone does) and that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.

For example, if you were interviewing for a Human Resources Manager job where you would be responsible for recruiting, orientation, and training, you will want to discuss how you were responsible for these functions in your past positions, and why you are interested in continuing to develop your expertise in Human Resources management.

Another example would be if you were interviewing for a Specialist Officer role. In that case, you would mention your interest in learning and excelling at new technologies or practices, your experience in programming both new applications, and your interest in and your ability to problem solve.

In all cases, you will want to convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview, along with your solid ability to do the job.

6)Are you overqualified for this job?

Are you prepared to respond when an interviewer asks if you’re overqualified? 

Keep in mind that you can customize these answers to fit your particular circumstances and the job you are applying for.

Clarify the interviewer’s concerns. Find out whether the interviewer really thinks you’re overqualified — or just over aged — and whether you’ll want to earn too much money or be bored by the position. 

Enthusiastically address the interviewer’s concerns, emphasizing the positive. Explain how you can grow in this position. Show how you can use your experience to benefit the company in solving long ­term problems, building profit, or assisting in other departments. Make sure that the interviewer understands your qualifications. If you’ll be working in an office full of younger people, explain how you’re an anchor. You’re experienced, calm, stable, reliable, and you can provide day ­to day continuity.

7)What challenges are you looking or in a position?

A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for your in next job, and whether you would be a good fit for the position being hired for, is 

“What challenges are you looking for in a position?”

The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would like to be able to effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle a challenging job.

You can continue by describing specific example of challenges you have met and goals you have achieved in the past.

8)Are you willing to travel?

When you are asked about your willingness to travel during an interview, be honest. There’s no point in saying “yes” if you would prefer to be home five nights a week.

It is perfectly acceptable to ask how much travel is involved. That way, you can weigh how much you would need to be on the road and make an educated decision as to whether the amount of travel required fits in with your lifestyle. What’s most important is to get a good understanding of what’s involved before you are offered the job, rather than being (unpleasantly) surprised after you have already been hired.

9)What is good customer service?

When you are applying for a retail or customer service position a typical job interview question is “What is good customer service?” The interviewer wants to know what you consider quality customer service and how you would be willing to provide it to customers.

Here is a selection of sample answers you can use to respond to questions about good customer service.

• Good customer service is treating customers with a friendly, helpful attitude.

• Good customer service means helping customers efficiently, in a friendly manner. 

• It’s one of the things that can set your business apart from the others of it’s kind.

9)How long do you expect to remain employed with this company?

Review sample answers to the interview question “How long do you expect to remain employed with this company?” When you respond, be sure to frame your response so that it’s positive.

I've heard applicants say that they only want the job for a short amount of time or are planning to relocated or go back to school.

Responses like that aren't going to impress the hiring manager who is looking to hire a long-term employee.

Possible Answers

• I believe that this company has the capacity to offer me a rich and satisfying career, and I would like to remain employed here for as long as I am having a positive impact.

• I would like to pursue my career here for as long as I have the opportunity to.

• I would like to remain here for as long as my services are needed.