Virtual interview
Practice, practice, practice! The Virtual Interview contains actual interview questions ranging from the simple to the very difficult. This interactive section gives you the opportunity to test your answers in a safe environment so that when the real thing comes along you can engage in a meaningful exchange rather than grope for clumsy answers. Good luck!
Question 1: What has been your most difficult work experience?
Answer 1: My most difficult work experience was when I had a falling out with my boss. I felt so bad that in the end I had to leave my job. For some reason he didn’t like me. I’m not sure why because he was never open enough to tell me. He made my life very difficult by being rude to me and giving me boring and dead-end projects. Every time I tried to talk to him he just avoided me. I’m glad I’m no longer there.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This is not a good answer because you’re not putting yourself in a good light. Blaming everything on your boss (although it may be true) may not sound very credible to the interviewer. Some interviewers, being bosses themselves, will think that you may be a difficult person to get on with.
Answer 2:
Last year when I was working in the recruitment department for a large financial institution I was having a difficult time because all the work I was given was the same – that is, reading through hundreds of resumes. Not only was the work the same, but it was also tedious. After several weeks of this, when I thought I would go mad, I approached by boss and told her how I felt. I asked if I could take part in some interviews and I also made suggestions on how I thought I could contribute more to the HR department. My boss reacted very positively. She told me the only reason I was reading resumes all day was because she thought that as a new person that’s what I really wanted to do. She was very pleased I approached her directly with my problem and immediately assigned me to new duties.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This example demonstrates your ability to confront and resolve a difficult situation in a responsible and non-aggressive manner. Not only have you demonstrated how you resolved the problem but you’ve also told the interviewer that you’re not a person who will sit there and take no action when things are not going well for you.
Answer 3: In my last job I was working for a law firm and sharing responsibilities with another woman. Unfortunately this woman refused to pull her weight. She spent large portions of the day on the phone, took long lunch breaks and left early, while I stayed late to finish the work she hadn't done. I tried talking to her about it, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, I went to our boss. He said he had noticed the inequity and that he would take care of the situation, and he did. After the conversation with my boss, I noticed that my co-worker began doing her share of the work. I was pleased by the way things turned out, pleased that I had taken the initiative and that the situation had been resolved to my satisfaction.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This choice isn't terrible, but it's preferable not to mention problems with co-workers; it could suggest to an interviewer that you have trouble getting along with people. If, however, you do feel compelled to mention how you handled a genuinely poor co-worker make sure you mention that everyone else in the work unit thought that he/she was a poor worker. And never mention any names.
Question 2: Tell me about the positive and the negative aspects of your last job.
Answer 1: I really enjoyed working for Aardvark Advertising at my last job. I was working on very different projects that I found challenging, and I was able to work with some really talented people. I think I learned a lot from them. The downside was that I was only there for a short period of time so that I was unable to see some of my projects through to completion.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is the best answer: You should say you liked your last job—even if you didn't (generally there are aspects of a job that are enjoyable – focus on these). Also, negatives should be as neutral or harmless as possible.
Answer 2: Working for the museum was a great experience. I really liked the people I worked for and with, and I had a lot of interesting projects. Unfortunately, museums just can't pay what art galleries do.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
It's not a good idea to bring up money as a downside of a job that is inherently low paying. Complaining about money when you worked for a non-profit organisation is a little naive. Also, it makes you sound as if money is the only reason you're applying for the gallery job.
Answer 3: I had a lot of responsibilities and an opportunity to work in a supervisory role for the first time. Also, I was able to work on my own a good portion of the time, and I was given good guidance from my boss. But the commuting was getting to be too much for me and the building we were in was too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
While it is true that you want negatives to be as neutral as possible, mentioning climate control is a bit ridiculous, and mentioning the commute could make you sound like a complainer – unless the company moved whilst you were working for it and the commute was beyond a reasonable level.
Question 3: What do you do in your spare time?
Answer 1: I'm very committed to being fit, and I go to the gym whenever I can, usually about five to six times a week.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
It's good that you have some regular activities outside of work and whilst this is not a bad answer, it would be better to demonstrate outside interests that define you as unique. Take advantage of the opportunity to stand out in the employer's mind and to show long-time commitment to an interesting pursuit.
Answer 2: To tell you the truth, it's rare that I have a free moment, since, as you know, I work very long hours. Luckily, I love my profession. But when I do find myself with a free afternoon or weekend, I like to relax by reading and listening to music.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Lose the gratuitous mention of the long hours—who doesn't work long hours? You want your employer to know that you have a balanced life outside of work. Also, almost everyone enjoys reading and listening to music; it would be better to mention activities that make you stand out from the crowd.
Answer 3: I have a collection of model ships that I've built myself, and I like to work on them in the evenings or on rainy weekends. Also, for the last two years I've been volunteering at the local Children's hospital on Saturday mornings.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
Great answer. Your pursuits are interesting and unique, and you show a long-time commitment to your interests and community.
Question 4: What kind of position are you interested in?
Answer 1: First I'd like to hear a bit more about the kinds of positions you have to offer.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Not an acceptable response. You should have done your homework before the interview. Even if you don't know ahead of time exactly which positions the firm is trying to fill, you should know the kinds of jobs the company has.
Answer 2: I'm looking for real hands-on management experience, something where I have the opportunity to supervise other people and to initiate and develop my own projects.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This answer could be if you know that the employer is specifically looking for staff managers. But remember, if you say you want to manage people, you open yourself up to questions about your management techniques and philosophies.
Answer 3: I'm interested in a position that will allow me to learn this business inside and out, one that will allow me to develop the skills I need to move forward.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is the best answer. It shows that you have reasonable expectations and goals, that you are willing to learn and that you’re wanting to get ahead.
Question 5: How do you feel about working in groups? Do you tend to play a particular role?
Answer 1: I enjoy working in groups. Although some projects may take a little longer when several people have to reach a consensus, I believe the result is always better when you can benefit from several peoples' ideas. I've found that when I work in groups I'm usually the person who makes sure the work gets finished-the detail person, the person who ties up all the loose ends and who sees the thing through.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is the best answer because it shows a real understanding of the value of teamwork and what your major strength is. Before answering this question, it's important to consider the type of job you're interviewing for. Obviously, if you're going to be alone in a room all day doing some type of individual research you don't want to convey the idea that you hate working alone. Conversely, if you're planning a career in management consultant where teamwork is everything, you don't want to come off as a hermit.
Answer 2: I don't mind working in groups, but I find that I'm generally more productive working alone, or maybe one-on-one with a supervisor.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This answer isn't necessarily bad—assuming the job has minimal teamwork—but it sounds a bit vague. A better response would be, "I tend to be a fairly independent thinker and worker, but I also believe there are times when groups can accomplish far more than the individual."
Answer 3: I think teamwork is one of the most overrated management concepts! Innovative organisations need independent thinkers.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Since very few jobs involve no teamwork whatsoever, and since teamwork is one of the most popular trends in today's business worlds, this answer is much too negative.
Question 6: What aspects of your experience make you qualified for this job?
Answer 1: During the last couple of years I have worked for a marketing firm that sells to the educational market. Previous to that I worked for a catering company and for a travel agency. As you know I received my undergraduate degree in business with a marketing major, so I am sure I will be able to help your firm in those areas.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Avoid mentioning experience that is irrelevant to the job you're interviewing for—after all, that's not what the interviewer requested. It makes you sound unfocused.
Answer 2: I have worked in several marketing positions over the past few years. This has given me a broad set of marketing and sales skills, which I am sure will be of great use to your company. Whilst I am not fully aware of the specific needs in your industry I am a quick learner and my current skill set will hold me in good stead.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This is not a bad response if you have no experience in the specific industry. Its greatest weakness, however, is that it sounds unconvincing. It can be vastly improved by including specific outcomes of the previous work as well as examples of how your skills can be of direct benefit to the interviewer.
Answer 3: I understand you are trying to expand your reach into educational markets. As well as having covered sales to universities and secondary schools in your area I have increased sales by over 10% in the eighteen months I have been there. I have valuable contacts in the area that I can immediately tap into. In other words I can hit the ground running.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
Ideally you want to show the interviewer that you know what will be asked of you and that you have some experience that applies directly to the job. Very importantly you have demonstrated the ability to increase sales.
Question 7: How much money do you want to make in this job? (Assume your target range is $45,000 – 50,000 per year.)
Answer 1: As I understand it, the position would entail reporting directly to the executive editor, overseeing all aspect of book production from acquisition to publication, reviewing submissions, and acting as a liaison between authors and agents and the company. Am I missing anything? In that case, based on my track record and qualifications, what would be the salary range for the position?
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
In any discussion of salary your goal should be to find out as much as possible about the employer's expectations and target range before you divulge your own. In this answer you clearly articulate your responsibilities (making them sound as weighty as you can); you ask the employer if there are additional responsibilities that should be considered, and then you turn the question around to try to find out the employer's bargaining zone. Nice work.
Answer 2: Based on my qualifications and the market rate for this type of position, I'm looking for about $55,000 a year plus benefits.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
First, you should never divulge your salary expectations without trying first to find out your employer's. Second, when you state a figure well above your target price, you run the risk of turning off your employer (it's good to aim high, but not ridiculously so).
Answer 3: I'm looking to make between $48,000 and $53,000 per year.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Before you state your expectations, first make your value clear to the employer by summing up the responsibilities of the job and your qualifications. The good part about this answer is that it states a salary range rather than a specific amount. This gives you more room to negotiate. If your actual zone is $45,000 to $50,000 per year, the range you tell the employer should be $48,000 and $53,000
Question 8: Do you have any questions?
Answer 1: You've gone over just about everything. I honestly can't think of another thing I need to know!
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Even if the interviewer has told you everything you've ever wanted to know about her company, you'd better have a question or two at the end of the interview. What you chose to ask can say a great deal about you, so use this opportunity to cast a final impression wisely.
Answer 2: How much growth potential is there in this job?
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is a good example of a final question. Others topics include: finding out why the job is open, what your initial responsibilities would be, and the company's competitors and future outlook. Do not ask too many questions, and never ask a question that may embarrass the interviewer.
Answer 3: Did I get the job?
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
You're kidding, right?
Question 9: What is your greatest strength?
Answer 1: I'm efficient and I know how to get things done. For example, in my previous job I repeatedly met my targets within time and budget and within our quality standards. I was able to do this by planning ahead, prioritising and ensuring I was up to date with any of the technical changes.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is a good, straightforward response. You know what you're good at; you sound proud of it; and it's a talent that's valuable in any job. You’ve also provided a concrete example and the relevant skills.
Answer 2: That's a hard question to answer. Probably my sense of loyalty.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
While it may be hard for many of us to talk about—or even identify—our strengths, this is a common interview question and one you should be prepared to answer with confidence. Hesitating on this one makes you sound either self-deprecating or lacking in self-confidence.
Answer 3: I'm a people person. I'm good at developing and maintaining relationships.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Personal skills are wonderful, but the term "people person" is sometimes over used. Some employers may even balk at the term. If the job you’re going for calls for strong interpersonal skills then by all means talk about your skills in this area, but be sure you use specific examples, relevant behaviours and above all how it will benefit your employer.
Question 10: What is your greatest weakness?
Answer 1: Lack of experience in this field. But if hard work and enthusiasm count for something, then I hope that won't be a weakness for long!
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Unless the employer specifically states “no experience necessary”, the problem with this answer is that you’re likely doing yourself out of a job. Even though enthusiasm is important, experience is vital.
Answer 2: I'm a perfectionist. I'm never satisfied with anything until I know it's the very best I can do, and I recognise that sometimes this tendency can slow things down.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Many people give this response (as they do with the “I work too hard” answer). So many, in fact, that it's become cliché. When you tell an interviewer that your biggest weakness is your perfectionism, you're essentially claiming that you have no weaknesses. Also, a perceptive interviewer knows that a perfectionist can be very difficult to work with. So you may get a series of very difficult follow up questions like: How does your perfectionism impact upon colleagues?
Answer 3: I used to be very disorganised. You know, the kind of person with every paper he owns spread on top of his desk. Eventually this got me into trouble; I missed a meeting because the slip of paper I wrote the details on got lost in the mess. I knew I had to make some changes, so I asked a very meticulous co-worker if she would help me organise my workspace. In just an hour we worked out a system that I still use today. I find now that not only am I more on top of things, but I work more efficiently, too.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is the best response because you discuss a real weakness and show how you successfully acted to improve your self. Also, and very importantly, you’ve placed the weakness in the past.
Question 11: How do you work under pressure?
Answer 1: I thrive on pressure. I think it brings out the best in me.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This answer could make you sound like you're one of those people who needs a looming deadline to get anything done—not very reassuring to an employer.
Answer 2: I work well under pressure; although I usually try to avoid getting into eleventh hour situations.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is definitely the best response. You want to walk the middle ground here—don't sound like pressure is the only thing that gets you to do your work, and don't sound like a wimp.
Answer 3: Pressure makes me very anxious. I start my taxes three months before they’re due.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Not a good answer for today's competitive, "get-it-done-yesterday" work world.
Question 12: Why do you think you would enjoy this kind of work?
Answer 1: I know this job would be a real challenge and would allow me to grow professionally. Also, marketing has always been my main area of professional interest, so I'm excited about the opportunity to work in that field.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Not a bad answer, but it’s not the ideal answer because you could be talking about virtually any job. This question gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer that your skills match the position. Don't waste it.
Answer 2: Brand management appeals to me because it requires a combination of creativity, strategic and analytic ability-all qualities that I feel I possess. Also, after working at Sellstuff Advertising Agency, I have a pretty good idea of what it's like to work toward the same goal but from another angle, and I know I enjoy the work.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is the best answer: you clearly demonstrate how your particular skills and talents match the requirements of the job.
Answer 3: Right now I'm most concerned with finding a position that will challenge me and allow me to grow professionally. I'm a very positive person in general, and I know that if the environment is right, I will enjoy my work.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
A response like this makes you sound wishy washy and doesn't show that you understand what the job requires or how your strengths match the job.
Question 13: Tell me about a time when you received criticism for your work or an idea. FOR ME TO TRANSLATE
Answer 1: Last year I was doing a university class as well as my usual teaching. One of my responsibilities was grading students' homework every week. There were about 150 students in the class and turning the homework around in six days wasn't always easy-especially since I had classes of my own to worry about. Still, I managed to keep up until the end of the semester. I had a huge paper to write and I just couldn't finish the homework that week. My boss was sympathetic, but he was also upset. He felt that since he had promised the students they would get their homework back within a week, my oversight made him look bad. I understood his point and apologised. And the next week I made sure to finish on time.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This answer could harm you because it strongly implies that your planning and communication skills are poor. Try to choose an example of a bad idea rather than a bad work habit—bad work habits raise red flags to interviewers. A good answer demonstrates what you did to overcome the criticism.
Answer 2: In my last job I was the Executive Assistant for the president of a footwear manufacturing company. Among other things, I typed all his correspondence. He would give me the letters handwritten and I would type them up. I noticed there were a lot of grammatical mistakes in his letters, so I corrected them. But when he saw the typed letters with my corrections he made me change them back to his version, and he told me never to make changes to his letters again. You have to understand, these were not minor mistakes. A typical letter read, “Dear Mr. So-and-So, It was real nice meeting together again with you yesterday at my office.” I recognised a futile situation; he was not going to change his mind. And besides, if the president of the company wants his letters to read a certain way, that's his prerogative. So I accepted the criticism and stopped correcting his letters.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
While this answer is acceptable, it doesn't allow you to demonstrate your ability to learn.
Answer 3: I work as an editorial assistant at a book publishing house, and recently I came up with an idea for a new book: a book about the history and changing dynamics of the airline industry. I told my boss my idea and she thought it had merit, so at the next editorial board meeting I presented the concept to the board. Well, the other editors were not nearly as enthusiastic. They said that the airline industry had already been written about a lot and they didn't see enough of an audience for the book. After the meeting my boss and I discussed the board's reaction and my presentation skills and how they could be improved. Even though my idea was not well received, presenting it to the board and discussing it with my boss were valuable learning experiences. As a result of this experience the next time I had to give a presentation my proposal was accepted and I received great feedback.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This response demonstrates a willingness to accept criticism and to follow up and learn from the experience. It also shows that you are good at taking initiative.
Question 14: I noticed you're wearing a wedding ring. Do you have any children?
Answer 1: No I don't. But although my husband and I do plan to have a family in the future, I do not anticipate that doing so will affect my work in any way, other than the standard maternity leave, of course.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
First of all, the interviewer is not legally permitted to ask questions about your marital status (generally the same goes with your political and religious beliefs). Nevertheless, some interviewers are not aware of their legal obligations. Even though you do not have to answer this question it’s in your interest to try to ascertain why the interviewer asked it. Usually interviewers ask about family situations because they have an underlying concern such as geographic flexibility or time commitment. Try to identify and address these issues rather than completely avoiding the question. Also, do not commit yourself in an interview to a course of action (returning to work full-time after a brief maternity leave) you may not wish to follow in the future.
Answer 2: Do you mind telling me the purpose of that question? Is it because you’re concerned that my family situation could represent an obstacle to my fulfilling my duties?
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This answer is best because it allows you to reframe the discussion around the real issues the interviewer is trying to address, such as whether you are geographically flexible, or whether you plan to stay with the firm for a reasonable length of time.
Answer 3: With all due respect, that's not a legal question. Is there something that concerns you about my being married or having children?
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Of course, you are perfectly within your rights to give this answer. However, there are friendlier ways to steer away from the family issue and address the interviewer's underlying concerns without the admonishment.
Question 15: How did you feel about your last boss?
Answer 1: I have a lot of respect for the work she does, and I learned great deal from her.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
Yes, this is the best answer. When talking about a former or current employer, never say anything negative. It will only make you look bad. Instead, focus on their positive qualities (come on, even the worst bosses have positive qualities) and leave it at that.
Answer 2: I have to give him credit: He brings in a lot of money for the firm. While we didn't always get along, I'd say we had a mutually respectful relationship.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Unfortunately, this answer gives a back-handed kind of compliment; there is definitely a suggestion that relations were not good between the candidate and the boss, and you don't want to raise the possibility that you have trouble getting along with your superiors.
Answer 3: To be honest, he wasn't the easiest person to work for, but I managed to find ways of dealing with it. I'm looking forward to having a much more professional relationship with my next employer.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This answer is much too critical. Even if your previous boss was the worst boss in the world, the interviewer does not know that for a fact, so he/she may think it was your fault. Try again.
Question 16: I'm getting a really negative feeling about you, can you tell me why that would be?
Answer 1: I'm sorry. I'm not quite myself today-I'm just getting over a terrible flu. Ordinarily I'm much more lively.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
A hostile question like this one can mean only one of two things: either the interviewer is unreasonable, or he/she is testing you to see your reaction to a stressful situation. Either way, do not make excuses for yourself. Explore the interviewer's underlying concerns instead.
Answer 2: If you feel that way, why don't I just leave right now?
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
The interviewer is probably trying to see how you react to stressful situations, and your hostile response to this hostile question does not demonstrate good interpersonal skills. Take the opportunity to diffuse the situation and address his/her underlying concerns.
Answer 3: Can you be more specific about your concerns? I'd be happy to address them.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
The best answer to such a vague, seemingly irrational question. How can you possibly know why another person would respond to you in a negative way? Perhaps you remind him of his overbearing older brother; maybe she's just in a bad mood today. Only by exploring the interviewer's concerns more specifically can you engage in a meaningful discussion.
Question 17: Tell me about yourself.
Answer 1: Well, I grew up in Queensland with my parents and two brothers, and I decided to go out of state for university so I could experience a new environment on my own. When I got to uni I didn't know what I wanted to do after graduation, but after taking a lot of economics and political science courses, I decided that I'd like to work in government and have done so for years. That's what brings me here today.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This answer is informative but lacks substance. Try again.
Answer 2: What would you like to know?
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is the best response. The question "Tell me about yourself" is far too open-ended to answer immediately. The interviewer may want to know about your career goals, your hobbies, who knows? When you ask the interviewer what he/she wants to know, you allow him/her to focus the question so that you can provide the kind of information he/she wants to hear.
Answer 3: I've always been interested in government, especially after an internship in Canberra years back. I'm particularly interested in legislation reform, how we can change the current system so that politicians can concentrate more on helping their constituents and less on running campaigns and returning favours. A sense of social responsibility and helping others is very important to me.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This response might be perfectly fine—assuming the interviewer wants to hear about your career goals.
Question 18: If you are hired, how long will you stay with this company?
Answer 1: As long as the work is challenging and I have the opportunity to learn and advance, I see no reason to consider leaving. How long do you believe that will be?
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
"As long as the work is challenging and I have the opportunity to learn and advance"— this is the most important part of your response. Since no one can see into the future, you shouldn't give a more specific response. Asking the employer how long that environment will continue is also a good idea; it suggests the idea of mutual responsibility for your ongoing commitment.
Answer 2: I certainly wouldn't consider leaving this, or any job after less than one year. It takes that long to really assess a position.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This answer does not convey any enthusiasm for the position you're being offered. It sounds as though one job is the same as the next. You can also bet that some people will only the “one year”. They will think that you’re implying that you will leave after a year.
Answer 3: I would like to stay with your company as long as possible, and I don't anticipate leaving in the foreseeable future.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Whilst this is not a bad answer it is all too common. It doesn’t’ make you stand out in any way, nor does it say something positive about yourself. Yes, you want to stay with the company for as long as possible, but only if you can thrive there.
Question 19: What have you done that shows initiative?
Answer 1: This year I organised a group of co-workers to change the title system at our company. Our titles don't match the ones used by most of the other firms in the industry and make us sound like we're lower down on the ladder. Our supervisor recognises the fact that six out of the eight people at my level will have to leave the firm to move up, so I thought he would be sympathetic to our request. After all, it's not like we were asking for raises! I drafted a memo that all eight of us signed and submitted it to the supervisor and to the president. A week later, our supervisor explained that he couldn't grant our request because it would require a company-wide overhaul —a process he didn't want to undertake. But, he did offer to speak with senior executives at other firms so that we would be viewed fairly. Since this outcome addressed our primary concern, we were flexible enough to accept this solution.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Not the ideal response since it shows the candidate bucking the system—you don't want to convey the idea that you're a trouble-maker. Also, try to talk about an initiative that helped the employer, not you.
Answer 2: I started a community service group at my work that integrates with other local organisations. We provide information to interested parties so they can volunteer at soup kitchens, tutor inner-city children, perform at youth centres, and participate in community clean-up efforts. It's taken a lot of time and effort, but it's the most rewarding thing I've done at school. Last year the group logged over 2,000 hours of community service.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
Good try, this is not a bad answer. This answer demonstrates initiative and results from your undertaking. But, there is an even better, more complete answer.
Answer 3: When I was at uni my department is one of the smallest, and we often had trouble getting sufficient enrolments in our classes and classes got cancelled. This was extremely frustrating to me so I went to see the Dean to talk about it. He expressed his commitment to the department and suggested we form a task force with the department head and a few other students to address the problem. In the following year we revamped the curriculum so that it was more in line with student demands. As a result, classes were better attended and we had fewer cancellations. It was a great learning experience.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is the best response because it not only demonstrates initiative and results from your undertaking, it also shows how you identified a problem, were willing to take advice and took part in its solution.
Question 20: Where do you see yourself five years from now? (assume you’re a candidate who has not had managerial experience).
Answer 1: In your chair!
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This type of response is much too clichéd, and it sounds arrogant to boot. Try again.
Answer 2: In five years I see myself in a mid to senior level management position, with real responsibilities and projects of my own to develop.
Sorry, but there is a better answer.
This answer isn't necessarily bad, but it may lead to difficult follow up questions. When you tell an interviewer you see yourself in a management position, you open yourself up to questions about your management philosophies and techniques—something you may not want to do if you’re not thoroughly prepared to answer these types of questions. Also, the company may be looking at cutting back on its management positions (very common these days) and moving towards a flatter structure.
Answer 3: To be honest I think it's difficult to know now exactly where I'll be five years from now. Certainly, my main goal is to move forward and to get ahead. In order to do that I need to continue my learning in the areas that are essential to this company. This is something I really look forward to doing. Once I've done that I can define my goals more narrowly.
Congratulations, you picked the best answer.
This is the best type of answer for a non-manager candidate because it shows that you’re willing to continue your learning and forward movement but that you are also flexible where you end up.
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