Employment interviews are all about questions. Some questions will help the interviewer get to know you better, while others are directed at measuring your interest, experience, and accomplishments. You might be asked to answer questions that inquire about your future plans and that challenge your reactions. Be prepared to answer questions related to your salary expectations, and decide what you are going to say if the interviewer asks about subjects that are illegal to consider when making hiring decisions.

4. Anticipating Typical Interview Questions

Employment interviews are all about questions. Some questions will help the interviewer get to know you better, while others are directed at measuring your interest, experience, and accomplishments. You might be asked to answer questions that inquire about your future plans and that challenge your reactions. Be prepared to answer questions related to your salary expectations, and decide what you are going to say if the interviewer asks about subjects that are illegal to consider when making hiring decisions.

Consider the scenario, and then answer the question.

You are a recruiter interviewing a potential job candidate. You have several other highly qualified candidates, and you want to ask questions that will help you determine the best choice for the position.

What questions can you ask that will provide information about a candidate’s experience and accomplishments? Check all that apply.

Do you have any religious beliefs that would prevent you from working weekends or holidays?

How have your education and professional experiences prepared you for this position?

How much money are you looking for?

What were your major accomplishments in each of your past jobs?

Points:

0.75 / 1

Close Explanation

Explanation:

The questions asked regarding an applicant’s experience and accomplishments should be specific. Recruiters want to hear how the applicant’s strengths will help the company. In addition, applicants should make sure to mention their knowledge of the latest methods, equipment, or technology. Questions about experience and accomplishments should not include queries regarding salary expectations or personal information that is inappropriate and potentially illegal to ask about.

Consider the scenario, and then answer the question.

You are interviewing for an accounting position. The interview is coming to a close, but the interviewer wants to clarify your salary expectations.

What question might the interviewer ask?

Are you interested in becoming a partner in this firm someday?

Do you have any children?

How much are you presently earning?

Points:

1 / 1

Close Explanation

Explanation:

If an interviewer wants to clarify salary expectations, he or she might ask, “How much are you presently earning?” Remember that nearly all salaries are negotiable, depending on your qualifications. Make sure you know the salary range for the targeted position, and delay salary discussion until you know exactly what the position entails. Questions about whether you have children are inappropriate. Once you have been hired, employers may request information about your dependents for tax purposes. Questions about your future goals will not clarify salary expectations.

What advice should you follow when answering situational questions?

Keep your answer positive.

Refuse to answer if the situation is negative.

Respond emotionally to negative situations.

Points:

1 / 1

Close Explanation

Explanation:

Situational questions help employers test your thought process and logical thinking. An interviewer will present a hypothetical situation and ask how you would handle it. Your knowledge of the company culture and the position will help you respond favorably. Remember to remain positive even if the situation in the question sounds negative. Never respond emotionally to negative situations or refuse to answer; this will indicate that you do not possess the professional poise to handle the situation.