Sample Interview Questions

41. What motivates you?
Answer :A little appreciation for a succesfully completed work. If failed in that task, I am motivated to do it better than ever. If completed sucessfully, the sucess motivates me to go in for a tougher project/work which is a new challenge for me. As it is, winning challenges is the spirit in me.

42. How do you handle stress?
Answer :I'm not the type of person that becomes stressed very easily. However, if in an extreme circumstance I did start to become stressed, I would look to the cause of it and attempt to identify a solution. I would certainly not be afraid to look to others for their input and assistance. In a working environment I think stress comes around from pressurized situations. In such cases the best solution is often one of situation management until the crisis abates.

43. I'm worried about your lack of _____ experience.
Answer :I don't feel you've anything to worry about. While I've only been a designated team leader for one year, I've spent eighteen months as the most experienced member of the team and in many situations I effectively led the team. I very much enjoy team management and am confident in my own abilities.

44. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Answer :I enjoy participating in and watching most sports. I discovered golf at college and find it a great way to relax and spend time with friends. I also enjoy playing football and tennis. I was captain of the school swimming team and I try to keep that up as best I can too. I also enjoy listening to music, watching movies, and being around my friends.

45. You've been in the same firm for a number of years. How do you think you'll adjust to a new one?
Answer :Sample Answer(s) I'm looking forward to the challenge. Even in this day and age there is a lot of value in staying in the one company for a prolonged period of time. In my current role I have had an opportunity to work with many people throughout the company and build great working and personal relationships. In addition, I had enough time in each area I worked to make a real and lasting difference.

Also, I'd also like to think the firm's decision to retain my services for so long is indicative of the esteem in which I'm held. However, it's now time for me to move on so I can take the skills I've attained at ABC Corp and apply them in a new environment.

46. How often do you miss deadlines?
Answer :As infrequently as possible. In the reality it may be impossible to achieve every single deadline, however in my experience good planning and project management can alleviate late deliveries.

47. Why should we hire you?
Answer :I believe that I've got the skills and enthusiasm required to fulfill the role that's available. I think I'd be a valuable asset to the firm and, from my experience, I'm sure I'd make a positive contribution to the company's ambitions.

48. How do you measure 'success'?
Answer :I measure my own personal success by how well I've achieved the goals I set myself. I feel I've been successful to date - I attended my college of choice, I graduated with a degree, and I've spent three successful years at XYZ Bros. The key in being successful is to set challenging yet attainable goals, while always remaining focused on what you hope to achieve. My current goal is to succeed at this interview.

49. In what kind of work environment are you most productive?
Answer :Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also enjoy working independently. If you're required to attend regular project planning and status meetings, then indicate that you're a strong team player and like being part of a team.

50. How do you handle pressure?
Answer : This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.