Job Interview Question: Do you mind if I smoke?
Our Job Interview Answer Tip:
Many organizations today are smoke-free. You probably won’t face this question. If the facility is not smoke-free, at least you will now know it. You will have to choose how to answer this question, since some people smoke and others don’t.
Job interview question: Would you like some coffee, tea or soda?
Answer Tip: To avoid accidental spills it is safer to decline invitations for drinks. However, sometimes a glass of water is helpful if you get a dry throat due to nervousness.
Job Interview Rehearsal:
Question: Are you detail-oriented?
How to answer the question: Be prepared to describe a project that required great attention to detail in order to demonstrate your experience and expertise in this area. Emphasize that although you are capable of managing the details, you never lose sight of the big picture.
Interview Questions Asked: Why do you want to work here?
Our answer tip: To answer this question, you must have researched the company and built a strong background of knowledge. Reply with the company’s attributes as you see them. Offer one or two examples to explain why you’re talking to this particular company. What’s the most compelling reason you can give to prove your interest?
Job Interview Question: How do you handle tension?
How to answer it:
Indicate that tension is usually caused when things are piling up and areas of responsibility are extended for any length of time. You can handle this best by keeping on top of your priorities and responsibilities and by not procrastinating on tasks that need to be accomplished.
Preparing For Interview: Are you involved with any professional affiliations, organizations, or local groups?
Answer tip: The interviewer is seeking to see if you are able to make and keep commitments over an extended period of time. Explaining about your professional associations also shows a consistency of interest in your career and a desire to further yourself.
Although there is no set rule, a typical interview is scheduled for about one half-hour to an hour, and will include several phases. The first phase is an icebreaker, a few minutes of pleasant conversation so that you and the interviewer will feel comfortable with each other. Then the interviewer will get into some substantive questions, behavioral questions, and questions about your background. This will be the bulk of the interview and lasts anywhere from 15 to 50 minutes.
An employer will usually leave 5 to 10 minutes for you to ask questions. That’s a very important part of the interview and you should be prepared for it. Then there’ll be a close. The interviewer will thank you for coming in. You’ll have the opportunity to tell the interviewer what a pleasure it was to be there and how much you want the job. Usually, you’ll have to interview a second time, perhaps even a third time before getting a job offer.