3 Sample Situational Interview Questions And Example Answers.

In a situational job interview, questions are asked based on hypothetical situations in order to ascertain how a job applicant would react should such a scenario arise. The questions often begin with phrases like “How would you react…?” or “What would you do…?” or “How would you handle…?”. The ability to think on your feet and to remain calm under pressure are key in this type of job interview.

 1.  How do you react to pressure?

I enjoy the challenge of working under pressure, the sense of accomplishment can be very rewarding. Through good management and work practices I try to avoid a situation becoming pressurized.

2.  How would handle delivering bad news to colleagues?

Laying off colleagues is a never a nice thing to do, however the ability to do so in an emotionless manner is a fundamental aspect of any supervisors role. I faced a task in my previous job where I had to tell a colleague, who was also a friend, that due to downsizing his job was being made redundant. I explained to him the unfortunate reasoning as to why the job was no longer needed, despite his disappointment he understood and we remain friends to this day.

3.  How would you react to indecision between team members?

I would reiterate the importance of coming up with a solution in a timely manner. I would listen to any questions or queries between colleagues and provide solutions to those queries.  My goal would be to repair any conflict between colleagues to ensure that work is carried out effectively,with the group working in unison and well within deadline timelines.

Situational interviews allow you to prove to employers that you have the ability to handle the most difficult of scenarios.  A confident situational interview will help ensure you stay ahead of other job seekers in the search for employment.

Funny Job Interview Answers

Since my blog was launched back in April, I have focused on providing serious tips and strategies to help improve resumes and interview skills today we take a break from the serious stuff and have a lighthearted look at some of the funniest, sharpest, wittiest interview answers I have received over the years.

A job interview is not usually the time for jokes and humor but depending on how the interview is going, and how the general flow of conversation progresses, deadpan humor can work well in helping to personalize your job application and in creating a bond with the interviewer.

Q. Describe a poor business decision that you’ve made?

A. Would dating the boss’s daughter count? (in this example the guy was actually dating his boss’s daughter, in fact they are now a happily married couple.)

Q. Why did you leave your previous employer?

A. More than likely for the same reasons you left your previous employer! (not recommended but had me laughing at the time.)

Q.  How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

A. Tall, chubby, enthusiastic, honest and unemployed.

Q. If successful could you come back tomorrow for a mandatory medical test?

A.  Tomorrow? No I’d need more time to study for it.

It should be noted on each of the above occasions, the interviewee then said, “No seriously….” and gave a proper answer. The general rule of thumb is not to initiate humor during an employment interview however don’t be afraid to let your natural personality shine through should the situation arise during your interview.

4 Reasons Why You Should Register With An Employment Agency.

Employment agencies and recruiters work off a commission basis so it is in their best interest to find you a job,in a previous post we looked at 5 tips to help you get the most out of your employment agency, today we look at 4 of the reasons why registering with a recruitment firm will be to your advantage.

1.Employment agencies can help you with your resume.

A successful resume is key to getting a job interview, experienced recruiters will be quick to spot any flaws on your resume and help you overcome them.

2. Employment agencies can offer advice on your interview skills.

Professional recruiters having interviewed you will be able to offer advice that will allow you improve your interviewing skills before interviewing with the hiring company. This will be of particular benefit for those who have not changed jobs in sometime so therefore may be short of experience in this regard.

3. Employment agencies already have relationships with hiring companies.

If a recruiter is working on behalf of a client then this suggests that they have a solid relationship with that client so an application on your behalf may be met with greater merit if coming from the recruiter rather than directly. Another reason is that recruiters have the advantage of being able to call the hiring manager to sell your resume on your behalf.

4. Employment agencies can negotiate a salary on your behalf.

Experienced recruiters are well-versed in the skill of salary negotiation (after all the more you get, the more they get) and can negotiate on your behalf ensuring you get the best possible package.

Maintaining a good relationship with your recruiter is important, so don’t bombard him/her with calls or emails, you want him/her to work on your behalf in a favorable manner so ensure you have a cordial relationship with your recruiter.

Registering with employment agencies is free of charge (steer clear of any employment agency who tries to charge you a fee for using them) and as a job seeker you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by joining a reputable employment agency to work on your behalf.

Five Types Of Job Interviews.

There are a number of types of job interviews, however no matter how varied these interviews may be, each share the same goal in mind, to find out whether you are the right person to fill the vacant position. Today we look at 5 of the most common interview types and what you can expect to face within them.

1. Behavioral Interviews.

Behavioral interviews are interviews wherein the interviewer will probe your past in order to assess your suitability for the role. Common questions in this type of interview include;

Give me an example where you overcame a difficult situation in work?

Provide an example of when you had to complete a project within a strict deadline?

2. Panel Interviews.

Panel interviews as the name suggests is when your interview is not one-on-one as is the norm but rather an interview with a small group of people, usually from different areas within the company. In this instance you can expect a Recruiter, HR Manager, and the person to whom the role reports to, to be in attendance.

3. Telephone Interviews.

Telephone interviews take place for a couple of reasons, firstly as a screening interview to weed out unqualified candidates and secondly, if the applicant lives in a different state or country telephone interviews offer a chance to assess their suitability before having them travel all the way to the office for an interview.

4. Stress Interviews.

The aim of a stress interview is to challenge the applicant and see how he/she reacts under pressure. Your qualifications or suitability for the role may be doubted by the interviewer in order to see your reaction and ability to cope when put on the spot.

5. Situational Interviews.

Situational interviews are along the same lines as a behavioral interview expect rather than “Give me an example of how…” the questions are related to how you would propose solutions to possible scenarios such as “How would you react to…”

No matter what job you are being interviewed for, to be the best qualified candidate, be prepared for questions that fit into each of the interview categories and then provide a confident interview that will be the springboard to interview success.