Common Interview Questions: Here Are Some Examples of Incorrect Responses

University of Sousse
ISITCom Hammam Sousse

Academic Year 2020 / 2021
3LT/S5
Common Interview Questions

First Impressions
The first impression you make on the interviewer can decide the rest of the interview. It is important
that you introduce yourself, shake hands, and be friendly and polite. The first question is often a
"breaking the ice" (establish a rapport) type of question. Don't be surprised if the interviewer asks
you something like:
 How are you today?

 Did you have any trouble finding us?
 Isn't this great weather we're having?
This type of question is common because the interviewer wants to put you at ease (help you relax).
The best way to respond is in a short, friendly manner without going into too much detail. Here are
some examples of correct responses:
Interviewer: How are you today?
You: I'm fine, thank you. And you?
OR
Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?
You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.
OR Interviewer: Isn't this great weather we're having?
You: Yes, it's wonderful. I love this time of year.
Here are some examples of incorrect responses:
How are you today?
So, so. I'm rather nervous actually.
OR
You: As a matter of fact it was very difficult. I missed the exit and had to return via the highway. I was
afraid I was going to be late for the interview.
OR Interviewer: Isn't this great weather we're having?
You: Yes, it's wonderful. I can remember this time last year. Wasn't it awful! I thought it would never
stop raining!
Getting Down to Business
Once the pleasant beginnings have finished, it's time to begin the real interview. Here are a number
of the most common questions that are asked during the interview. There are sixteen examples of
excellent replies given. A question may have more than one answer. Following the Questions, you
will find a comment describing the type of question and important things to remember when
answering that type of question.
A. Questions and comments
1. Interviewer: Tell me about yourself…………………………………….

Comment: This question is meant as an introduction. Do not focus too specifically on any one
area. The above question will often be used to help the interviewer choose what h/she would
like to ask next. While it is important to give an overall impression of who you are, make sure
to concentrate on work related experience. Work related experience should always be the
central focus of any interview (work experience is more important than education in most
English speaking countries).
2. Interviewer: What type of position are you looking for?................................

Comment: You should be willing to take an entry level position in an English speaking
company as most of these companies expect non-nationals to begin with such a position. In
the United States, most companies provide many opportunities for growth, so don't be afraid
to start from the beginning!
3. Interviewer: Are you interested in a full-time or part-time position? …………………………..

Comment: Make sure to leave open as many possibilities as possible. Say you are willing to
take any job, once the job has been offered you can always refuse if the job does not appeal
(not interest) to you.
4. Interviewer: Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job?.....................
Comment: Notice the amount of detail necessary when you are talking about your
experience. One of the most common mistakes made by foreigners when discussing their
former employment is to speak too generally. The employer wants to know exactly what you
did and how you did it; the more detail you can give the more the interviewer knows that you
understand the type of work. Remember to vary your vocabulary when talking about your
responsibilities. Also, do not begin every sentence with "I". Use the passive voice, or an
introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation
5. Interviewer: What is your greatest strength?...............................

Comment: This is not the time to be modest! Be confident and always give examples.
Examples show that you are not only repeating words you have learned, but actually do
possess that strength.
6. Interviewer: What is your greatest weakness?...........................
Comment: This is a difficult question. You need to mention a weakness that is actually a
strength. Make sure that you always mention how you try to improve the weakness.
7. Interviewer:Why do you want to work for Smith and Sons?....................

Comment: Prepare yourself for this question by becoming informed about the company. The
more detail you can give, the better you show the interviewer that you understand the
company.
8. Interviewer: When can you begin?..........................

Comment: Show your willingness to work!
The above questions represent some of the most basic questions asked on any job interview in
English. Probably the most important aspect of interviewing in English is giving detail. As a speaker of
English as a second language, you might be shy about saying complicated things. However, this is
absolutely necessary as the employer is looking for an employee who knows his or her job. If you
provide detail, the interviewer will know that you feel comfortable in that job. Don't worry about
making mistakes in English. It is much better to make simple grammar mistakes and provide detailed
information about your experience than to say grammatically perfect sentences without any real
content.
B. Answers
C. I advised customers on financial matters. After I consulted the customer, I completed a
customer inquiry form and catalogued the information in our database. I then collaborated
with colleagues to prepare the best possible package for the client. The clients were then
presented with a summarized report on their financial activities that I formulated on a
quarterly basis.
D. I work well under pressure. When there is a deadline (a time by which the work must be
finished), I can focus on the task at hand (current project) and structure my work schedule
well. I remember one week when I had to get 6 new customer reports out by Friday at 5. I
finished all the reports ahead of time without having to work overtime.
E. I'm interested in an entry level (beginning) position.
F. I am a trouble shooter. When there was a problem at my last job, the manager would always
ask me to solve it. Last summer, the LAN server at work crashed. The manager was desperate
and called me in (requested my help) to get the LAN back online. After taking a look at the
daily backup, I detected the problem and the LAN was up and running (working) within the
hour.
G. I would like any position for which I qualify. I am more interested in a full-time position.
However, I would also consider a part-time position.
H. I've just graduated from the University of Singapore with a degree in Computers. During the
summers, I worked as a systems administrator for a small company to help pay for my
education
I. I am overzealous (work too hard) and become nervous when my co-workers are not pulling
their weight (doing their job). However, I am aware of this problem, and before I say
anything to anyone, I ask myself why the colleague is having difficulties.
J. I'm looking for a position in which I can utilize my experience.
K. I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisfied. However, I began
setting time-limits for myself If I noticed this happening.
L. I am impressed by the quality of your products. I am sure that I would be a convincing

salesman because I truly believe that the Atomizer is the best product on the market today.
M. I was born and raised in Milan, Italy. I attended the University of Milan and received my
master's degree in Economics. I have worked for 12 years as a financial consultant in Milan
for various companies including Rossi Consultants, Quasar Insurance and Sardi and Sons. I
enjoy playing tennis in my free time and learning languages.
N. I am an excellent communicator. People trust me and come to me for advice. One afternoon,
my colleague was involved with a troublesome (difficult) customer who felt he was not being
served well. I made the customer a cup of coffee and invited both my colleague and the
client to my desk where we solved the problem together
O. As soon as you would like me to begin.
P. After following your firms’ progress for the last 3 years, I am convinced that Smith and Sons
are becoming one of the market leaders and I would like to be part of the team.
Q. Immediately.
R. I am more interested in a full-time position. However, I would also consider a part-time

position.

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University of Sousse

ISITCom Hammam Sousse

Common Interview Questions

 How are you today?

Interviewer: How are you today?

You: I'm fine, thank you. And you?

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?

You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.

OR Interviewer: Isn't this great weather we're having?

You: Yes, it's wonderful. I love this time of year.

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?

You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.

Here are some examples of incorrect responses:

How are you today?

So, so. I'm rather nervous actually.

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?

You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.

Getting Down to Business

A. Questions and comments

1. Interviewer: Tell me about yourself…………………………………….

2. Interviewer: What type of position are you looking for?................................

3. Interviewer: Are you interested in a full-time or part-time position? …………………………..

5. Interviewer: What is your greatest strength?...............................

7. Interviewer:Why do you want to work for Smith and Sons?....................

8. Interviewer: When can you begin?..........................

L. I am impressed by the quality of your products. I am sure that I would be a convincing

O. As soon as you would like me to begin.

R. I am more interested in a full-time position. However, I would also consider a part-time

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