http://commoninterview.com The source for Job Interview Questions and Job Search Networking Thu, 20 May 2010 18:06:05 -0600 en http://commoninterview.com/interview_puzzles/why-are-manhole-covers-round/ http://commoninterview.com/interview_puzzles/why-are-manhole-covers-round/ Thu, 20 May 2010 18:06:05 -0600 InterviewAdmin Interview Puzzles http://commoninterview.com/interview_puzzles/why-are-manhole-covers-round/ Strategic Statement: This classical Microsoft question which is designed for you to think quickly and clearly. Think of AT LEAST one reason/one answer, and support it.

Sample Response:

Manhole covers are heavy... too heavy for most people to be able to pick up and move. They are round so that they can be rolled away from the manhole.

Another reason might be the possibility of cover falling to the the manhole. Round cover would never fall into the hole, while square of rectangular shaped covers could.

1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/briefly-describe-the-most-significant-responsibility-you-have-had-in-your-career-and-what-it-taught-you/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/briefly-describe-the-most-significant-responsibility-you-have-had-in-your-career-and-what-it-taught-you/ Thu, 20 May 2010 18:04:50 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/briefly-describe-the-most-significant-responsibility-you-have-had-in-your-career-and-what-it-taught-you/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer may not really be interested in the specifics of the responsibility, but more on the lesson learned.

Sample Response:

Responsibilities reflect a supervisory assurance that you can do a good job, and a trust that you are able to handle the task. As a result, they should be accepted with gratitude. I was responsible for 50 high school students on a week-long camping trip. I learned the value of delegation and organization.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-are-some-constructive-methods-of-dealing-with-stress-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-are-some-constructive-methods-of-dealing-with-stress-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 18:02:22 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-are-some-constructive-methods-of-dealing-with-stress-/ Strategic Statement: This is a straightforward questio but be warned as it implied that there will be quite a bit of the streess in this role/position.

Sample Response: Exercise, healthy mental diversions (reading, crosswords, sudoku, music), diet, journaling, and making certain that your expectations are clearly understood!


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-does-it-take-to-get-under-your-skin-/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-does-it-take-to-get-under-your-skin-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 18:01:11 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-does-it-take-to-get-under-your-skin-/ Strategic Statement:

Without getting specific, try and list what you consider to be the mortal sins of the workplace

Sample Response:

Dishonesty, disregard, unfairness, and being luke-warm.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-experience-have-you-had-in-pressure-situations-/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-experience-have-you-had-in-pressure-situations-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:59:29 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-experience-have-you-had-in-pressure-situations-/ Strategic Statement:

This question gives you the opportunity to share a success story. Tell it without bravado or bragging.

Sample Response:

Grant writing is a pressure situation. Assurances need to be made that every ‘t' is crossed, every ‘i' dotted, every objective addressed, every requested dollar accounted for... and it all has to be postmarked by such-and-such a date. It was only through delegation, organization, dedication, support and caffeine that I ever succeeded in my experience with proposals.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/give-us-a-situation-that-illustrates-your-ability-to-exercise-good-judgement-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/give-us-a-situation-that-illustrates-your-ability-to-exercise-good-judgement-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:58:30 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/give-us-a-situation-that-illustrates-your-ability-to-exercise-good-judgement-/ Strategic Statement:

This question is posed in a manner that allows you to take it outside of the context of the workplace. Give the interviewer a better picture of who you are as a person.

Sample Response:

I am a man who looks before he leaps, and thinks before speaking. I believe the best response is sometimes Not Leaping, and Saying Nothing. It is wise to assess situations and motives, and it is also wise to ‘pick your battles'. My best illustration of exercising good judgement is the fist fight I walked away from. The punch I never threw has served as an invaluable reminder to me... and that was 47 years ago!


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/under-what-circumstances-should-you-bypass-your-supervisor-and-go-to-your-supervisor’s-supervisor--1/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/under-what-circumstances-should-you-bypass-your-supervisor-and-go-to-your-supervisor’s-supervisor--1/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:57:01 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/under-what-circumstances-should-you-bypass-your-supervisor-and-go-to-your-supervisor’s-supervisor--1/ Strategic Statement:

This is not a typical interview question. What lines are you willing to cross, and to what extent?

Sample Response:

Rarely would I ever go ‘over' my direct supervisor. Whenever possible, I would make sure that if it was ever done, that it would be with the full knowledge of the direct supervisor.

I would also make certain that my supervisor's supervisor knew that my supervisor was aware of what I was doing. The exception to this would only be if I felt that there was a possibility of harm or damage to the company, individual, co-workers/staff, or myself.




1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/-tell-us-about-a-situation-where-you-made-a-mistake-how-did-you-handle-the-mistake-and-what-was-the-resolution-/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/-tell-us-about-a-situation-where-you-made-a-mistake-how-did-you-handle-the-mistake-and-what-was-the-resolution-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:56:11 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/-tell-us-about-a-situation-where-you-made-a-mistake-how-did-you-handle-the-mistake-and-what-was-the-resolution-/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer is not interested in specifics, but wants to know your perspective regarding errors and how mistakes are ammended.

Sample Response:

Accepting responsibility for things gone wrong is, at times, more important than accepting acknowledgment for things gone right. I am a man who takes pride in his work, however it can't be perfect all the time! Resolutions certainly include an acceptance of that responsibility, but more importantly also include an assessment of any damage that might have been caused as a result of the mistake. An apology is necessary, but corrective action is critical.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/describe-a-politically-sensitive-situation-that-you-were-in-and-how-you-handled-the-situation-/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/describe-a-politically-sensitive-situation-that-you-were-in-and-how-you-handled-the-situation-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:55:19 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/describe-a-politically-sensitive-situation-that-you-were-in-and-how-you-handled-the-situation-/ Strategic Statement:

Politics are divisive, and especially so in the workplace. Make sure the interviewer realizes your perspective with that.

Sample Response:

There are very few political issues that everyone agrees on. No matter your stand, someone is going to take exception. Because of this, politics can disable any workplace team and create walls. I approach any and all political situations the same way in the workplace.

I may listen when others feel the need to express themselves, but I will not comment or offer my own opinion... whether I agree or disagree. Depending on the situation, I may simply (but tactfully and politely) explain that I choose to not bring my own politics into the workplace.




1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-a-situation-that-would-exemplify-your-integrity/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-a-situation-that-would-exemplify-your-integrity/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:54:26 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-a-situation-that-would-exemplify-your-integrity/ Strategic Statement: What are your convictions?

Sample Response: I am in-part defined by the quality of my work. This includes the integrity of that work. I was once asked to bend the rules in an effort to make our program larger (and, in the eyes of the individual who was making the request, better).

Bending the rules would have made more students eligible to receive services through our program, but these were not the students that the services were developed for. Not only did I refuse the request, but I made certain that the individual's supervisor was aware that the request had been made.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-did-you-do-the-last-time-you-were-asked-to-submit-a-report-that-due-to-time-constraints-compromised-quality/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-did-you-do-the-last-time-you-were-asked-to-submit-a-report-that-due-to-time-constraints-compromised-quality/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:52:32 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-did-you-do-the-last-time-you-were-asked-to-submit-a-report-that-due-to-time-constraints-compromised-quality/ Strategic Statement: The interviewer is interested in a number of things: how do you handle time management, and how important to you is quality?

Sample Response: I am a very organized and realistic manager of time, however I recognize that unexpected things do happen. Computers crash, kids need rides, meetings are scheduled, and clients need attending to. I would rather ask for a time extension than to sacrifice quality as I see myself in-part defined by the quality of that work. It was understood when I once submitted a report that had to be in by such-and-such a time that I'd had concerns, but it was also appreciated that I am dedicated to the quality of my work The unexpected can happen to anybody, but my dedication is mine.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/relate-to-us-a-confrontation-that-youve-had-with-your-supervisor-who-was-wrong-and-why--1/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/relate-to-us-a-confrontation-that-youve-had-with-your-supervisor-who-was-wrong-and-why--1/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:49:14 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/relate-to-us-a-confrontation-that-youve-had-with-your-supervisor-who-was-wrong-and-why--1/ Strategic Statement: The interviewer is less interested in the ‘what' than the ‘why'.

Sample Response: I don't appreciate confrontation. It is a last-resort mechanism. If expectations and communications are clearly expressed, confrontation should not be necessary. However, I realize that we are not always operating in an ideal world. When confronted, I try to always lead with the strategy of making sure I have understood the situation correctly. I make sure that expectations are agreed-upon and mutually shared. I have found, as a result, that any defensiveness is diluted.

Discussion and conversation is promoted, and the question no longer is about right and wrong but is focused on ‘so what can we do about this?'. I once worked for a school Principal who confronted me about the parents of one of my students. The parents were upset about their daughter's grade. I explained to the Principal (and the parents, who were sitting in his office!) that I wanted to know exactly why they were displeased. I came to understand where the parent's anger was rooted (their need to have their daughter on the honor roll). I then explained my expectations in class, and provided evidence of those expectations being communicated to both students and parents.

I asked if the parents wanted to review the gradebook, and they opted not to. The conversation ended with my asking the parents (and Principal) what their expectations were of me, and whether they felt that I had not lived-up to those expectations.




1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/can-you-describe-for-us-your-ethics/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/can-you-describe-for-us-your-ethics/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:47:48 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/can-you-describe-for-us-your-ethics/ Strategy Statement:

The interviewer wants to know how you feel about work and success. Frame your response as a ‘mission statement'.

Sample Response:
I have always followed the following advice -

1. Communicate clearly
2. Look a person in the eye
3. Be pleasant, and
4. Work ‘like a dog'!


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-your-morals-and-integrity-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-your-morals-and-integrity-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:47:01 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-your-morals-and-integrity-/ Strategy Statement:

Without being specific, frame your response as a ‘mission statement'

Sample Response:

I am a man who can be counted-upon. My word is as good as a promise or a contract. I am a consistent and hard-working individual, and am not willing to compromise my character for any situation.




1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/in-instances-where-you-are-required-to-assert-yourself-what-do-you-do-to-assert-yourself-effectively/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/in-instances-where-you-are-required-to-assert-yourself-what-do-you-do-to-assert-yourself-effectively/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:45:45 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/in-instances-where-you-are-required-to-assert-yourself-what-do-you-do-to-assert-yourself-effectively/ Strategy Statement:
There is a time for assertion in the workplace. How do you handle that time?

Sample Response:

I make sure to try and disengage my emotional side, and approach the moment from a logical and rational point-of-view (a bit like Mr. Spock, I suppose). My objective is not to put people on the defensive, but to let them know exactly what I think (not how I feel, but what I think).


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/how-would-your-best-friend-describe-you/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/how-would-your-best-friend-describe-you/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:44:20 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/how-would-your-best-friend-describe-you/ Strategy Statement:

The interviewer is really interested in knowing how you view yourself.

Sample Response:

I am a dedicated, honest, happy, and hard-working friend. I take my job as a friend seriously, and am supportive almost to-a-fault. When the need arises, I am there for celebration as well as for criticism.




1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/how-do-you-maintain-an-effective-working-relationship-with-your-coworkers/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/how-do-you-maintain-an-effective-working-relationship-with-your-coworkers/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:41:23 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/how-do-you-maintain-an-effective-working-relationship-with-your-coworkers/ Strategy Statement:

The interviewer wants to know about your working relationship and managerial strategies.

Sample Response:

I appreciate dedication, leadership, communication, hard work and honesty. I look for these qualities in myself, in my friends, in my co-workers, and in my supervisors.

By demonstrating those qualities, I have been able to maintain very productive relationships with my co-workers. I am definitely a "what you see is what you can expect" kind-of employee, and co-workers and supervisors have come to respect that quality in me.




1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-a-confrontation-that-youve-had-with-a-coworker--1/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-a-confrontation-that-youve-had-with-a-coworker--1/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:39:08 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-a-confrontation-that-youve-had-with-a-coworker--1/ Strategic Statement:

Are you by nature a confrontational person?

Sample Response:

I don't appreciate confrontation. It is a last-resort mechanism. If expectations and communications are clearly expressed, confrontation should not be necessary. However, I realize that we are not always operating in an ideal world. I once had to address a co-worker who had not taken care of an issue regarding his teaching certification.

As a result, our program could be cited for non-compliance. The employee appeared to simply be stalling, as requests for proof of his certification were either ignored or met with a "I'll get right on it..." kind-of response. It was only through confrontation that it was finally determined that his certification had lapsed, and he had not made any efforts to renew his license. As a result, he was terminated.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-the-best-supervisor-you’ve-worked-under-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-the-best-supervisor-you’ve-worked-under-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:37:50 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-the-best-supervisor-you’ve-worked-under-/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer wants to know what it is that you are looking for in a supervisor. Spend less time on the negatives, and more on your philosophy

Sample Response:

I appreciate dedication, leadership, communication, hard work and honesty. I look for these qualities in myself, in my friends, in my co-workers, and in my supervisors.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-the-worst-supervisor-you’ve-worked-under--1/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-the-worst-supervisor-you’ve-worked-under--1/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:36:10 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-the-worst-supervisor-you’ve-worked-under--1/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer wants to know what it is that you are looking for ina supervisor. Spend less time on the negatives, and more on your philosophy

Sample Response:

I appreciate dedication, leadership, communication, hard work and honesty. I look for these qualities in myself, in my friends, in my co-workers, and in my supervisors.

The worst supervisor I ever had was an individual who was so drained of dedication that they were almost anemic. Their lack of commitment was obvious to all, and a contagious condition in the workplace


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-situations-make-you-lose-your-temper/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-situations-make-you-lose-your-temper/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:33:16 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-situations-make-you-lose-your-temper/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer wants to know less about any actual situation/s, and more about why it/they caused you to lose your temper.

Sample Response:

Temper is an emotional product, and in the workplace I try to control my temper by making sure I lead with logic and rational thought. I accept personal accountability for my behavior. When I do lose my temper, I trust that it is recognized as a bi-product of the passion I might feel for a particular job, assignment, project, decision, etc. The last time I lost my temper involved an exchange with a co-worker who had given-up.

The individual had little-to-no regard for others, and (most importantly) had lost regard for themselves. I am passionate about the correlation between personal satisfaction and job performance, and believe that the one is reliant on the other.


2 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-the-last-time-you-lost-your-temper-did-you-take-personal-accountability-for-this-situation/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-the-last-time-you-lost-your-temper-did-you-take-personal-accountability-for-this-situation/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:31:42 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/tell-us-about-the-last-time-you-lost-your-temper-did-you-take-personal-accountability-for-this-situation/
The interviewer wants to know less about what actually happened, and more about why it happened.

Sample Response:

Temper is an emotional product, and in the workplace I try to control my temper by making sure I lead with logic and rational thought.

I accept personal accountability for my behavior. When I do lose my temper, I trust that it is recognized as a bi-product of the passion I might feel for a particular job, assignment, project, decision, etc. The last time I lost my temper involved an exchange with a co-worker who had given-up. The individual had little-to-no regard for others, and (most importantly) had lost regard for themselves. I am passionate about the correlation between personal satisfaction and job performance, and believe that the one is reliant on the other.


2 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/how-would-your-subordinates-describe-you/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/how-would-your-subordinates-describe-you/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:30:17 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/how-would-your-subordinates-describe-you/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer is mostly interested in knowing how you see yourself.

Sample Response:

Without a doubt, I would be described as "Committed." As often as possible, my efforts display my dedication to my work, my co-workers, and my workplace. Without dedication, I would not be satisfied... and without that satisfaction, it would be hard to remain dedicated..


2 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/describe-a-situation-in-which-your-work-was-criticized/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/describe-a-situation-in-which-your-work-was-criticized/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:28:29 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/describe-a-situation-in-which-your-work-was-criticized/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer wants to know how you feel about being criticized. In addition to telling a story, make sure that it is clear just how you received that feedback (and why).

Sample Response:

I believe in constructive criticism. Whenever I am given feedback or input, I strive to receive it with an open mind. I might be learning something about myself or my work, or I might be learning something about my supervisor or co-worker, but the point is that I will be learning something! I actively seek-out feedback and criticism.

I once visited a grants administrator with the US Department of Education. The 300+ page application I had submitted was "good", according to the administrator. "However," she said, "this application is very good," and she showed me a 75-page application. My next application was significantly more concise than the one I had previously written!



2 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-one-thing-would-your-boss-say-that-he-or-she-has-the-greatest-problem-with-you/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-one-thing-would-your-boss-say-that-he-or-she-has-the-greatest-problem-with-you/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:27:12 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/what-one-thing-would-your-boss-say-that-he-or-she-has-the-greatest-problem-with-you/ Strategic Statement:

Although framed to look at a negative aspect of your work, this question needs to be responded-to in a positive fashion.

Sample Response:

I seldom take a stand or make a decision without having prepared myself as well as I can. Through research, discussion, observation and planning, I usually come to decisions with a solid level of confidence. This confidence is sometimes viewed as stubbornness... and this is not to say that there aren't times when I am going to be immovable on an issue!... but when I make a decision or take a stand, I am known to stick with it.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/-what-do-you-think-your-supervisor-would-say-about-your-work/ http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/-what-do-you-think-your-supervisor-would-say-about-your-work/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:25:07 -0600 InterviewAdmin Behavioral Questions http://commoninterview.com/behavioral_questions/-what-do-you-think-your-supervisor-would-say-about-your-work/ Strategic Statement:

This question goes along well with one regarding your supervisor's confidence in your abilities, and it is important that your responses to both of these types-of-questions are similar in content.

Sample Response:

My supervisor would say that I am a capable, productive, ethical, and (and this is of critical importance to me) satisfied employee, and that my work is reflective of all those assets.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/provide-us-with-an-example-of-your-ability-to-work-independently-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/provide-us-with-an-example-of-your-ability-to-work-independently-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:23:54 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/provide-us-with-an-example-of-your-ability-to-work-independently-/ Strategic Response: When do you feel that it is beneficial to work on your own, rather than with others or as a team?

Sample Response:

Grant writing is, initially, a full-team effort. However, in the end it needs to become the Project Administrator's ‘baby'. It has been with full-confidence in my team of employees that the final editing and review of the grant application has always been mine to do independently.

As I was accountable for the application and the program, it was my responsibility to make sure that the document represented me. I have a much stronger passion about cooperation and teamwork than I do about working independently, but I also see working independently as necessary when the accountability of the work falls on one person.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-items-of-information-do-you-typically-need-before-you-make-a-decision-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-items-of-information-do-you-typically-need-before-you-make-a-decision-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:22:43 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-items-of-information-do-you-typically-need-before-you-make-a-decision-/ Strategic Statement:

This is a question regarding your work habits and strategies. The interviewer wants to know less about the type of decision and more about the process of decision making

Sample Response:

The most important information I need is to know what impact my decision may have. This is usually prioritized, and I determine the decision's impact on:

- the company/division

- my fellow employees

- myself


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-steps-are-involved-in-making-a-decision/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-steps-are-involved-in-making-a-decision/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:21:31 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-steps-are-involved-in-making-a-decision/ Strategic Statement:

This is a question regarding your work habits and strategies. The interviewer wants to know less about the type of decision and more about the process of decision making.

Sample Response:

My initial step is to gather as much information as I can, as quickly as possible. Operating from a knowledgeable foundation, I can then determine not only what type of decision needs to be made, but also how that decision may be connected with other decisions and strategies. I favor a building backward approach, where I make the big decisions first and build the mid-range and smaller decisions from those.


2 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-decisions-are-easiest-for-you-to-make-and-which-ones-are-the-most-difficult-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-decisions-are-easiest-for-you-to-make-and-which-ones-are-the-most-difficult-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:19:17 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-decisions-are-easiest-for-you-to-make-and-which-ones-are-the-most-difficult-/
This is a question regarding your work habits and strategies. The interviewer wants to know less about the type of decision and more about the process of decision making.

Sample Response:

I favor a building backward approach, where I make the big decisions first and build the mid-range and smaller decisions from those. By following a logical progression, all the decisions are relatively easy to make. However, we live in an imperfect world, and there are times when, perhaps, there is no established relationship between decisions that need to be made. Those are the most difficult decisions.


1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-type-of-decisions-do-you-make-in-your-current-position/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-type-of-decisions-do-you-make-in-your-current-position/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:17:08 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/what-type-of-decisions-do-you-make-in-your-current-position/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer may want to know how comfortable you are in making decisions, and whether that comfort promotes a sense of independence or teamwork in the workplace.

Sample Response:

My current position is as a teacher. During the course of a semester, I find myself making long-range (‘Big Picture') decisions (curriculum, textbooks, scheduling), mid-range decisions (such as developing rubrics and assigning work), and ‘Small Picture' decisions (mode of instruction, lesson plans, discussion notes).



2 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/describe-a-situation-where-you-came-up-with-a-creative-solution-to-a-problem-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/describe-a-situation-where-you-came-up-with-a-creative-solution-to-a-problem-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:14:15 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/describe-a-situation-where-you-came-up-with-a-creative-solution-to-a-problem-/ Sample Response:

I was challenged with making a rather mundane task (a monthly meeting where I had to deliver an employee status report) a bit more invigorating. When a scheduling conflict arose, I opted to present my report in a unique way through videotaping the presentation.

The tape humorously showed my trying to address the monthly report during the course of a normal workday through interruptions and phone calls and messages and ‘small fire' maintenance... and was enthusiastically received.


Copyright 2010 by North Pacific Technology Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

1 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/are-you-creative-give-us-one-example-of-your-creativity-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/are-you-creative-give-us-one-example-of-your-creativity-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:12:53 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/are-you-creative-give-us-one-example-of-your-creativity-/ Strategic Statement:

This is another "thinking outside of the box" question. Employers/interviewers generally view creativity as a very useful resource, as long as it can operate within parameters. Otherwise, the employer has no guarantee that the creativity is going to lead to anything productive.

Sample Response:

I was challenged with making a rather mundane task (a monthly meeting where I had to deliver an employee status report) a bit more invigorating. When a scheduling conflict arose, I opted to present my report in a unique way through videotaping the presentation. The tape humorously showed my trying to address the monthly report during the course of a normal workday... through interruptions and phone calls and messages and ‘small fire' maintenance... and was enthusiastically received.

Copyright 2010 by North Pacific Technology Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

2 Vote(s) ]]> http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-a-situation-that-would-show-the-confidence-your-coworkers-have-in-you-/ http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-a-situation-that-would-show-the-confidence-your-coworkers-have-in-you-/ Thu, 20 May 2010 17:08:19 -0600 InterviewAdmin General Questions http://commoninterview.com/general_questions/tell-us-about-a-situation-that-would-show-the-confidence-your-coworkers-have-in-you-/ Strategic Statement:

The interviewer is interested in an aspect of how well you work with others and how you feel you are perceived by those you work with.

Sample Response:

The best representation of co-worker confidence is trust. I am often asked to represent fellow employees, serving on panels, attending meetings, and participating in contract negotiations. My co-workers trust that I will represent their interests and serve as their mouthpiece.

Copyright 2010 by North Pacific Technology Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

1 Vote(s) ]]>