Interview Questions

  
Like most job interviews, a project management interview will include behavioural questions to determine how you would perform in any given situation.

Your interview will also include competency-based questions that test you on essential project management skills such as planning, scheduling, organization, problem-solving, team-building, negotiation, communication, adaptability, and leadership.

The overall goal is for your project to come in on-time and on-budget (or under-time and under-budget) with a high-quality result.

Some example questions could be:
Tell me about your experience in managing different projects.Tell me about a time you managed a diverse team and arrived at a successful or unsuccessful project.Describe the most complex project you have managed from start to finish.What do you use to set realistic schedules for the project?How do you go about selecting and allocating resources?How often do you update stakeholders and how do you communicate those updates?What are your risk management procedures?What project management methodologies are you familiar with?What project management software have you used?How would you close a project?Make sure when you are doing your research that you go over any past projects you have undertaken and know the details thoroughly enough to explain to your interviewer whilst being specific with the information, they do not want a big long tale just the facts of the project from conception to delivery.

Good Luck.

  
Data Analyst Interview

A data analyst must have the ability to look through a client defined array of information, and be able to pick out relevant data as requested by a client. There will also be a requirement to sift through large amounts of data sources in order to compile a professional and technical report which will then be presented to the client.

Skills required to be considered for this role include, I.T skills, maths and English, strong problem solving ability, excellent organisational skills, working alone and as part of a team, dedication and commitment, high work rate, communication skills.

In order to prove that you are suitable for this position you will need to provide examples of your experience, or at least relevant examples of achievements in other industries. Computer skills and problem solving will most likely be assessed before the interview stage. This will normally involve a psychometric test and some kind of data capture exercise. Successful completion of this will require the ability to record large volumes of data quickly, without any degradation of accuracy.

This is often a fast paced and hectic industry. The margin for error is small and the expectations are always high. However, if this is the job for you then there is a great deal of job satisfaction to be had as a data analyst. You will be taking an unchallenged sample of data and quantifying it in a way that produces definitive conclusions.

In order to increase your chances of success in the interview, ensure you have done your homework on the company. They may focus on a smaller group of clients that creates a more streamlined work load. Knowing information such as this will allow you to tailor your interview responses to how you would be a perfect candidate for what they do and making reassurances that you would fit in to the existing team.

Data Analayst interview questions:
Describe a situation when you had conflict with others.What was the most difficult data question you solved?When is the most difficult time that you experienced?What does initiative mean to you?What does deductive reasoning mean to you?What makes you different from the other analysts?

  
Chef Interview:

You will be invited for an interview if you were successful at your Chef job application.

You will receive typical interview questuions during your interview so it’s best to take a look those ones on our job forum.

Try to give an answer to following questions:

– Tell me about yourself.

– Why should we hire you?

Once you have somethings to say to above questions then you can start reading some example answers for other questions too.

Here are useful interview tips for a Chef interview:

– Dress smart
– Be there at least 15 minutes before
– Smiley.

Here are the most asked Chef interview questions and possible answers.
How many hours do you normally work? Interview Question
How would you describe the pace at which you work? Interview Question
How do you handle stress and pressure? Interview Question
What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? Interview

The possible answers are given however it’s best for you to make your own answers.

Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? interview question
What type of work environment do you prefer? Interview Question
How do you evaluate success? Interview Question

Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it?
What interests you about this job? Interview Question

Related job guides:

– Chef CV Example
– Chef Salary
– Chef Cover Letter Example
– Chef CV Template

Here are some more typical interview questions and answers for a Chef job:
What are your salary expectations? Interview Question
Describe a difficult work situation project and how you overcame it
Give some examples of teamwork – Interview Question
What motivates you? Interview Question and Answer
What is your greatest weakness? Interview Question
Why do you want this job? Interview Question
What is your greatest strength? Interview Question

View more typical interview questions and answers?

  
Why Should We Hire You? Interview Question

The interview may be going well, you have dodged some questions you thought may have tripped you up and you have the interviewer eating out of the palm of your hand. They appear impressed by your qualifications and experience, and the interview itself is about to be wrapped up. Then as a final question the interviewer throws this curve ball in your direction. If you are prepared for it, you will most likely take it in your stride. If not, this could set you off into a mumbling and bumbling end to what was a fairly stress free and successful interview.

The idea behind this question is that you will have spent so much time focussing on swatting up on the company, you will have paid an inadequate amount of time to having answers prepared about your most valuable asset. Yourself.

See also: What challenges are you looking for in a position?

Although this question may seem to be a difficult one to tackle. In truth, you will have already answered this question, in bits throughout the interview. Now you simply need to gather in the fragments and give them a structure before confidently delivering your answer.
 
You should start by structuring your response to highlight how you meet the requirements of the job. You can add in some key characteristics you believe they are looking for and then we should be getting towards a strong answer. This is an opportunity to blatantly advertise yourself, so leave out anything negative.

For example,

"I have spent the last 12 years working in the vibration analysis. I have achieved an NVQ level 3 in this field which exceeds your requirement for a level 2. My references show that I am hard working and a trustworthy and reliable individual who can work well alone or as part of team. In my last job the routines I set up on three production lines resulted in massive maintenance savings when compared with three lines at another branch. These savings have shown the importance of non destructive examination and I am considered a leader in this industry."

As long as you rehearse your own tailored answer, you should have no problem delivering a well structured and confident answer to what can be an awkward question.

photo by: mdennes

  
Receptionist interview: tips and questions.

The receptionist is usually the first voice heard, and first person seen, by clients or customers contacting a company.  Although it may not appear to be particularly complicated career choice, it is; in fact, particularly important.  The receptionist’s role can be one which gains or loses the company a considerable amount of business.

A receptionist needs to have a good standard of English, excellent phone manner, accurate typing and must be exceptionally polite when speaking to the general public or clients.  There are many tasks a receptionist will do on a daily basis, including taking messages, receiving mail and signing for special delivery items, general clerical work and filing, booking appointments and in some companies, keeping holiday schedules.

A receptionist must be reliable, cheerful, know where everyone is, and what their role is, must be able to manage a busy telephone system, whilst remaining calm and keeping their cool.

A good general education is necessary, but a university degree isn’t required.

Read more:

– Receptionist CV Example

– Receptionist CV Template

– Receptionist cover letter example

The interview

Although there are receptionists of all ages, the majority of them start after leaving school or college.  This may be the first interview which you have attended and so you are likely to be nervous.  Find out some information about the company before the interview, and then if you are asked if you have any questions, you can comment or enquire about something on the website.  This also shows the interviewer that you are interested in the company.

What can you do for this company? Interview Question
Why are you the best person for the job? Interview Question
Is there anything I haven’t told you? Interview Question
What do you know about this company? Interview Question
Why do you want to work here? Interview Question

Dress smartly for the interview, although it isn’t necessary to wear a suit.  Make sure that you know where the company is, and take a practice run the day before so you are certain where you are going.  Allow plenty of time for travelling and arrive at the interview in good time.

When you meet the interviewer, make sure that you smile.  When you answer questions, keep the answer straightforward, and keep on the topic.  Look at the interviewer and not at the floor.  If you don’t hear a question properly, ask for it to be repeated.  If the interviewer wants more information from you, they will prompt you with another question.

Are you willing to travel? Interview Question
What are your salary expectations? Interview Question
Describe a difficult work situation project and how you overcame it
Give some examples of teamwork – Interview Question
What motivates you? Interview Question and Answer
What is your greatest weakness? Interview Question
Why do you want this job? Interview Question
What is your greatest strength? Interview Question

The interviewer may suggest that they can arrange day release at college.  It is always good to accept these offers which may lead to a qualification, and may mean that you get an increase in salary.

Tell me about yourself.
Why should we hire you?

The interviewer will make it obvious when the interview has ended.  Thank him and ensure that you say that you would like the job if it is offered to you.

View more typical interview questions.

  
Interview Tips and Questions for Waitress

Although being a Waitress isn’t considered to be a skilled job, there are several attributes necessary to be successful.  Many students look for part-time waitressing work and this is often their first paid employment.

A Waitress needs to look smart and take care with their appearance.  Hair and nails need to be groomed – you wouldn’t want your meal being served by someone with dirty fingernails!  Good hygiene is essential for everyone who works in the catering industry.  There may be a simple uniform – often a black skirt and white blouse or top but is there isn’t this is still a good choice.  Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for several hours.  A Silver-Service Waitress will need specific training, but they will usually have had some restaurant experience.

A wage for a Waitress is usually the minimum allowed for the age of the applicant.  There are opportunities to increase the basic wage by earning tips for good service.  Some establishments arrange for all tips to be collected and divided out to all staff, but in other restaurants each Waitress retains their own tips.

If the Waitress is unhappy for some reason they should still always smile at the customer.  Always be polite, and be attentive so that when diners have finished eating the dirty plates can be removed almost immediately. The customer will leave a larger tip if the service from the Waitress has been good but don’t let the customer see you’re disappointed if they don’t leave a tip.

The customer may want details about the food, or for you to recommend a dish.  Tables should be ready for the next customer so all tablecloths should be replaced regularly.   Write the order, so there can’t be errors.  When the restaurant is busy it is easy to forget or confuse orders.

Read more:
Waitress CV Example
Waitress Salary
Waitress Resignation Letter
Waitress Cover Letter Example

The Interview

Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? interview question
What type of work environment do you prefer? Interview Question
How do you evaluate success? Interview Question

Don’t overdress or wear too much make-up.  Ensure that you arrive in plenty of time for your appointment.  It doesn’t create a good impression if you are late.

The interviewer will ask you about yourself – your hobbies and interests, whether you are a student and when you can work.

The customer’s bill will be automated so there isn’t any need for the Waitress to be particularly good at maths. A clear speaking voice is essential, together with the ability to remain calm, even if there is an irate customer.

Thank the interviewer for seeing you, and ask when a decision will be made.  Confirm that you want the job if you are selected.

Waitress interview questions:
How do you evaluate success? Interview Question
What can you do for this company? Interview Question
Why are you the best person for the job? Interview Question
What are your salary expectations? Interview Question
Describe a difficult work situation project and how you overcame it
Give some examples of teamwork – Interview Question
What motivates you? Interview Question and Answer
What is your greatest weakness? Interview Question
Why do you want this job? Interview Question
What is your greatest strength? Interview Question

View the full list of typical interview questions and answers!

  
What can you contribute to this company?

You are almost certainly going to be asked this question and it’s a good question to think about.

What can you contribute to the company?  Why do you think working there will benefit the company?

This is a personal question to you. Make sure you are sincere and honest about your response.

For your answer you need to focus on your strengths and those strengths you can bring to that company. Remember the knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills you possess. Be very positive and confident in your reply.

Give examples of that you have done in other roles in the past and try to explain how you could use those skills in the future in their company.

Think about some sample answers:
I work very hard with the experience to get things done quickly and efficiently. I can contribute with my organisational skills as well as working in a team. Be honest and think logically about what you view as being a good skill and explain that to your interviewer.

  
This is the easier question to “what are your weaknesses” except people still struggle to answer it because they are not sure what an employer wants to hear.

The answer is anything! They are looking to see what you consider to be your strength and it doesn’t have to be purely work related. They are also looking to see what your level of confidence is and how honest you are.

The interviewer wants to see how you handle this stressful question firstly then secondly how you handle it. Just be honest.

As with any interview and most tasks you will feel comfortable if you have done your research and preparation, not just about the job and company but about yourself. Can you talk carefully and confidently about your skills? This is what you need to practice.

There are many standard questions in an interview, this being one of them but there are no standard answers and no right or wrong answers when it comes to questions like these.

Make an honest list of what you think your strengths are then select a few of them that you can remember. Practice your responses so that they sound natural not like a script and then you will feel better and able to answer the question.

Also remember that some weaknesses could also be seen as strengths such as: I am a workaholic, I work all of the time. You might view this as a weakness but an employer will probably view it as a positive.

Just remember to be prepared for any standard question.

Good Luck.

  
How to Answer "What do people most often criticize about you?" Interview Question

In order to grow and improve in your career, you must be open to criticism as a method of identifying and therefore, eradicating your weaknesses. You should never answer this question by saying you are not criticised because you have no weaknesses.

Everyone has room for improvement and this question can help you show that you are capable of dealing with criticism. You could always try to show ways in which you are attempting to address the problems and weaknesses that have been identified with your character. However, don’t go too extreme and mention weaknesses that could have a seriously detrimental effect on your prospects of getting the job.

Example Answers

An example answer could be to say,

"I have been criticised about occasionally being too outspoken and forceful in putting my ideas to the group. It was always done with the best of intentions but I am aware that I must be mindful about how I put my point across. In order to improve on this, I always take a notepad and pen into meetings. Now I can put my ideas to paper and therefore will not forget them. This enables me to wait for a more appropriate opportunity to press my point."

This answer will show the interviewer that you have given this issue serious consideration. Furthermore, they will be impressed with your efforts to turn a weakness into a strength. 

Another answer can be:

I sometimes talk over people: “People have said I sometimes interrupt people, so I have been really concentrating on making sure to wait until people speak before countering their argument. I only do it because I’m keen to solve the problem, and don’t often need all the back story that some customers feel the need to give.”

By doing your homework on this company you should be able to get a good picture of the type of employee they are looking for. Make sure you tailor your answer to suit this model. Although this is a negative question, if you can give a positive and confident answer it will be reflected in your projection to the interviewer.

  
How do you evaluate success?

Evaluation is a word that can be used to describe a short term, fixed value or worth, or it could mean a mid to long term appraisal charting cumulative worth or value. Therefore you should answer this question referencing both forms of evaluation. Of course success can be gauged in a similar fashion and this should be projected in your response to the question.

This question will also give the interviewer an impression of how you would define success. Careful consideration should therefore be given to this question, if you have done a good amount of research on the company you should be able to tailor your answer to suit. Most company’s today will have some sort of mission statement or corporate aim. For example, BAE systems uses the slogan "Innovating for a safer world". Therefore, within your answer you should make some sort of reference to safety and innovation is often a process that takes time from development to application. Therefore, for this example, you should tailor your answer to long term evaluation.

Example Answers

"I would evaluate success by analysing a process from its initial conception, right up to the final development and eventual safe application. If all criteria have been met along the way, I would consider the project to be a success."

“As a manager I evaluate success by having a happy, productive team, who are all achieving their goals, and are happy in their jobs. That to me is success.”

Panasonic has the slogan "Sense and simplicity". Although this company will inevitably have long term goals and will evaluate its success accordingly, the slogan gives you a brief insight into the ethos of the company. This slogan is meant to be short and snappy so I would revise my answer to the question to reflect this. For example, "I would evaluate success with an in depth analysis of results set against clearly defined aims." This answer, although implying there could be long term trends to follow, shows a preference for taking short term snap-shots to gain results.