Frequently asked interview questions and the tips
| Question and tips | Example |
| 1. How are you today? This shows that the interviewer is quite caring and polite. He or she wants to put the candidate to ease before getting down to serious business. | I am very well thank you. |
| 2. Why did you choose your major? When answering a question about your major, focus on the skills and experiences you gained from the major that are most related to the job. Even if your major is not directly related to the job, you can likely find connections between the two. Write down a list of skills and experiences you gained through your major studies. Then, look back at the job listing. | Economics is the study of how societies, governments, businesses, households, and individuals allocate their scarce resources. Studying economics will develop habits of careful thought, the application of mathematics, and practice in clear writing. Economists engage the world of current affairs |
| 3. Tell me about yourself. Actually, this is many questions in one. Also this is a broad based question. Therefore, there cannot be a single best suggested answer. You can share your study background, expertise, work experience, extra-curricular activities and your hobbies. Avoid politics and controversy | I’ve worked hard in my education and my internships to prepare myself to become a financial analyst. I will be receiving my degree in Economics from the CUHK and have already completed two internships with large public accounting firms in the past two summers. I worked for Bank of China last summer in tax accounting. I have already taken the prep exams for the CPA and am ready to sit for the CPA exam in the spring…” |
| 4. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you? Reflect on your past successes in academic projects, jobs, internships, volunteer and campus activities. Identify personal attributes that enable you to achieve success in those roles. Start by asking friends, co-workers, and professors how they would describe you. | I have received personal feedback from several of my professors, who refer to me as one of the most dedicated students. Therefore, I was nominated to be the peer tutor to assist the junior undergraduates.. |
| 5. Why are you interested in a position at this company? The hiring manager is interested to check that if you are serious about the company. You should not think of the answer when asked. Before going for the interview with the particular company do some research and gather the information such as: What is the history of the company? What is the position of the company in the industry? What is the current business and turnover? How does this company differ from the competition? What are the things about the company that attract you? What interesting innovations has the company introduced in the recent past? | • As a fresh graduate, I have always wanted to work in a corporate organization that is into [industry] where I can apply my skills and abilities, take up a new challenge overtime and work collaboratively with the rest of the team towards the mission of the organization… • I want to join your company as the job profile suits my skills and knowledge. Also, I have a great desire to work for the reputed post in reputed company like yours. Apart from it, it provides me with the opportunity to improve my skills and knowledge to grow… |
| 6. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? The interviewer is attempting to identify your unique qualities. This is an opportunity for you to show your positive side even talking about your shortcomings. And don’t try to fake your way through the answer with a strength you cannot back up with examples. Be aware of the job requirements and don’t cite a weakness related to any of the required skills or desired qualities, e.g. If you’re an accountant, don’t talk about hating math or lack of attention to detail. | I have quite a few strengths, but if I had to focus on one that I would consider to be my greatest strength, it would be my work ethic. I’m driven to succeed and deliver results, which I know is not the case with many others. As an example, during my recent internship, I was given a project on … I’m not very good at speaking in front of larger groups. I get better through practice and the oral skills by taking short courses and involving myself in the toastmaster club… |
| 7. How do you react to criticism? The interviewer wants to hire someone who reacts positively to criticism. He/She wants to check that you are not someone who responds badly to negative feedback. Everybody needs to be prepared to accept constructive criticism and improve. It is better to give an example of real life experience. | I’m very critical of my own work and I always appreciate constructive criticism and feedback from others, especially those who may have a different angle on matters or possibly more experience than I do. I was recently asked to work on a document in my internship. While the managers were largely impressed with my work they certainly gave me constructive criticism on a number of different areas and this helped me to perfect the document. |
| 8. What do you do in your spare time? So you may mention about hobbies that keep you active like tennis or cycling. From the employer’s point of view, these subjects can be great ways to interact with clients, and it will show that you like to keep yourself physically fit. You may also mention about any volunteer work that you do. This shows that you have concerns for the society besides yourself. Of course, never about partying and drinking because this may make you seem too immature for the position. | In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis and hiking with my friends and family. And I love cooking and always try to make different dishes for my family as this is famous saying that to reach the heart of the person you should make their stomach happy with delicious good meals… |
| 9. How long would you stay with us, if hired? No one is expected to stay in the same company for his entire life and the interviewers know this very well. However, as a fresh graduate, it is important to show that you will engage yourself in the company and share how you can see yourself to develop in this company in the long run. | I’m confident that this company can offer me a fulfilling and exciting career and I want to remain with you as long as I’m having a positive impact on the enterprise. |
| 10. What makes you different from the other candidates? You need to be prepared with a short and positive personal statement about yourself. This has to make you a unique professional so that the interviewer is able to easily differentiate you from the other candidates. Your answer should be within the scope of requirements of the job profile and your personal profile. You should be able to convince the interviewer that you are the most appropriate applicant for the job. This will make you look a unique candidate as there will be many other candidates wanting the same job. | Through my previous positions in different societies I have honed a unique skill set that makes me a well-rounded and versatile person. I am able to tackle issues with a wide perspective and formulate effective problem resolution options, [give examples] … that in return would be great qualities for the job position that you are having… |
| 11. Tell me about your work experience. How has it prepared you for a career? Your previous experience serves as an indicator of whether or not you will be a valuable asset and a good fit at the company. Interviewers want to hear more details about what you did for the past organizations, not just where you worked and the duration of employment, so try to think of anecdotes and examples of contributions you made. Providing specific, quantifiable proof of your accomplishments, work ethic, and knowledge will show employers that you have directly transferable experience to bring to their workplace. | I sharpened my interpersonal skills during my internship in the Census and Statistics Department last summer. My day-to-day duty was to communicate with different interviewees using different languages. There could be rejection during the process but I learnt to cope with it with ease. And I showed my flexibility to work with different people… |
| 12. How do you handle stress and pressure? Most likely, the job you’re interviewing for will have plenty of stress baked into its work environment, and the interviewer wants to know if you can hack it. | • Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive. • I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn’t become stressful. • I actually work better under pressure and I’ve found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment. • I’m not a person who has a difficult time with stress. When I’m under pressure, I focus, and get the job done. |
