Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.
1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers, or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special, or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest worker she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So do not answer it. Instead, say something like, "That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?" In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: "I'd like it to be a long time" or "As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job."
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as a layoff or reduction in force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief, and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization.
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made.
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good; just stay positive. A few good examples:
- Your ability to prioritize
- Your problem-solving skills
- Your ability to work under pressure
- Your ability to focus on projects
- Your professional expertise
- Your leadership skills
- Your positive attitude
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay generic and say something like: "A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work."
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience, and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer #23.
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence, or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
- Loyalty
- Energy
- Positive attitude
- Leadership
- Team player
- Expertise
- Initiative
- Patience
- Hard work
- Creativity
- Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
The biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well blow the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
- Not enough of a challenge.
- You were laid off in a reduction.
- Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
- Challenge
- Achievement
- Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
- You set high standards for yourself and meet them.
- Your outcomes are a success.
- Your boss tells you that you are successful.
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman, or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe because it says you will manage according to
From India, Chandigarh
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131. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers, or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special, or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest worker she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So do not answer it. Instead, say something like, "That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?" In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: "I'd like it to be a long time" or "As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job."
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as a layoff or reduction in force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief, and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization.
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made.
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good; just stay positive. A few good examples:
- Your ability to prioritize
- Your problem-solving skills
- Your ability to work under pressure
- Your ability to focus on projects
- Your professional expertise
- Your leadership skills
- Your positive attitude
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay generic and say something like: "A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work."
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience, and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer #23.
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence, or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
- Loyalty
- Energy
- Positive attitude
- Leadership
- Team player
- Expertise
- Initiative
- Patience
- Hard work
- Creativity
- Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
The biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well blow the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
- Not enough of a challenge.
- You were laid off in a reduction.
- Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
- Challenge
- Achievement
- Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
- You set high standards for yourself and meet them.
- Your outcomes are a success.
- Your boss tells you that you are successful.
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman, or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe because it says you will manage according to
From India, Chandigarh
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Proves to be a good guide for the interviewer to face the interview, enabling one to be prepared. An interviewee must be spontaneous in replying to these questions.
Even though several books are available on how to face interviews, most of them cater to helping the interviewers. It would be beneficial for interviewees to read them to understand the types of questions asked.
Thank you,
Ram
[Visit my website](http://nicheitjobs.googlepages.com)
From India, Madras
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Even though several books are available on how to face interviews, most of them cater to helping the interviewers. It would be beneficial for interviewees to read them to understand the types of questions asked.
Thank you,
Ram
[Visit my website](http://nicheitjobs.googlepages.com)
From India, Madras
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Dear Deepali, Thanks very informative My small suggestion, if you would have quoted some e.g. for each answer it may be great help to the readers. Regards, kumar
From India, Chennai
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From India, Chennai
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Good post.
With this, I would like to add one thing that selection, to an extent, also depends on the personality, beliefs, and work culture prevailing with reference to the HR/Resourcing team.
Regards,
Tikam
From India, Pune
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With this, I would like to add one thing that selection, to an extent, also depends on the personality, beliefs, and work culture prevailing with reference to the HR/Resourcing team.
Regards,
Tikam
From India, Pune
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Great information comes from greater men. You are the man. Thanks so much for such info. I am interviewing about 60-70 call center agents next week, and this is my first time. I have listed questions that I thought were powerful, but after reading yours, it looks like a day-old child writing poems. Haha.
Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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Please also refer to the following link: [http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/jul/30job.htm](http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/jul/30job.htm)
Regards,
Ravi
From India, Nasik
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Regards,
Ravi
From India, Nasik
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Hey,
You made me feel as if I am sitting in an interview and facing the questions. As I keep reading the questions, the feeling of facing an interview became more and more intense. 😢 This proves that this email is very important and will help everyone prepare to face the bombardment of questions during any interview.
Very nice, thanks for sharing this with us.
Bibhutosh Bhadauria
From Australia, Balwyn
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You made me feel as if I am sitting in an interview and facing the questions. As I keep reading the questions, the feeling of facing an interview became more and more intense. 😢 This proves that this email is very important and will help everyone prepare to face the bombardment of questions during any interview.
Very nice, thanks for sharing this with us.
Bibhutosh Bhadauria
From Australia, Balwyn
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HELLO Deepali really this is vry gud and also very helpful for us as a student i said this makes me more confident for an interview REGARDS Mayuri Garg
From India, Delhi
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From India, Delhi
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Mayuri Garg, are you sure you are now confident? if you happen to meet somebody like me in an interview, your confidence level will be lost in no time. am a hard nbut to crack. Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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From Ghana, Accra
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Hi Lockwood, Don’t make Mayuri nervous. We are here to solve each other’s prolmes, guide our juniors, learn form our seniors and to share knowledge. :D :D :D :D :D Deepali
From India, Chandigarh
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From India, Chandigarh
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Hahaha, just waiting for this response from all of you. I am just provoking him to research more and not become overconfident because it is one thing that makes most potential candidates lose jobs. I will advise him to consider the word "assertive" rather than being confident. You will agree with me that you can be confident and walk into the interview room, but if you are not assertive, you can't answer most "STUPID" questions from the panel. I am fond of asking "STUPID" questions basically to assess the assertiveness of a person, facial expression, and how one can accommodate any unwanted confrontations. An interview is just like a stage drama; you have to learn your lines very well to convince the audience. It is really an act.
Great job, guys!
From Ghana, Accra
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Great job, guys!
From Ghana, Accra
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Deepali, Thanks, I can see we are all one page. Great job people, great job Deepali. I owe you Ice cream or what do want for such a smart response. Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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From Ghana, Accra
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Lockwood,
I am sure that you had made Mayuri nervous. Now, you have to tell her how she should handle the situation if she encounters an interviewer like you. 😄 What can be the situations in which she can find herself trapped, and what skills will help her successfully come out of it and achieve success in the interview.
When I interview, the first thing I do is make the interviewee feel comfortable, cool, and calm so that he/she can perform his/her best. To check other aspects, psychometric tests are sufficient to conclude. While taking any interview, I always remember how I felt when I faced the first interview of my life.
Bibhutosh Bhadauria
Bibhutosh Bhadauria
From Australia, Balwyn
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I am sure that you had made Mayuri nervous. Now, you have to tell her how she should handle the situation if she encounters an interviewer like you. 😄 What can be the situations in which she can find herself trapped, and what skills will help her successfully come out of it and achieve success in the interview.
When I interview, the first thing I do is make the interviewee feel comfortable, cool, and calm so that he/she can perform his/her best. To check other aspects, psychometric tests are sufficient to conclude. While taking any interview, I always remember how I felt when I faced the first interview of my life.
Bibhutosh Bhadauria
Bibhutosh Bhadauria
From Australia, Balwyn
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Bibhutosh,
My first interview wasn't smooth at all. Okay, help me answer this question I had on my first interview day: "You are given a mobile phone to sell to a deaf and dumb person, how will you sell it?" This is basically not in line with what the company does but just to see how the individual can think on his/her feet. There are a thousand and one tricky, stupid questions that make you see the individual's thinking ability.
For an interview - I will always say that - put your best foot forward first.
She must look extra good in facial grooming, dressing, and, if possible, wear a nice fragrance (perfume).
Have a quote for the day.
Get focused on the interview.
Spend time researching about the company (Vision and Mission Statements), their customer base, and what they do.
Eye contact is one thing we don't pay attention to, but it is a sign of assertiveness. Honesty is a point I will touch on: if you don't know or have an answer to a question, please be bold and say, "I think I have no idea," than giving a wrong answer. Always answer your questions with a smile. All your answers should be short, precise, and to the point.
Never hit on your former company. No, don't try it. My father will just thank you and tell you, "Okay, you can go, we will get in touch with you whether you are on or not."
Always speak clearly and be ASSERTIVE.
Hope these points will help my friend.
Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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My first interview wasn't smooth at all. Okay, help me answer this question I had on my first interview day: "You are given a mobile phone to sell to a deaf and dumb person, how will you sell it?" This is basically not in line with what the company does but just to see how the individual can think on his/her feet. There are a thousand and one tricky, stupid questions that make you see the individual's thinking ability.
For an interview - I will always say that - put your best foot forward first.
She must look extra good in facial grooming, dressing, and, if possible, wear a nice fragrance (perfume).
Have a quote for the day.
Get focused on the interview.
Spend time researching about the company (Vision and Mission Statements), their customer base, and what they do.
Eye contact is one thing we don't pay attention to, but it is a sign of assertiveness. Honesty is a point I will touch on: if you don't know or have an answer to a question, please be bold and say, "I think I have no idea," than giving a wrong answer. Always answer your questions with a smile. All your answers should be short, precise, and to the point.
Never hit on your former company. No, don't try it. My father will just thank you and tell you, "Okay, you can go, we will get in touch with you whether you are on or not."
Always speak clearly and be ASSERTIVE.
Hope these points will help my friend.
Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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Thanks Deepali, I found ur articleafter my mock interview which didnt go as well as expected now dat im workin towards improvin dis will help me a lot
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Hi drlovina, Sorry i don’t know ur name. Hope ur next interview will be the best. All the best. Deepali
From India, Chandigarh
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From India, Chandigarh
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Dear Deepali, This is a very good supplement for any recruiter, if you have any thing relevent in context to Employee Retention, do let me know. Regards, kedar
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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hi Deepali, I believe these questions are the most frequent questions we come across. Thanks for sharing the inputs that a recruiter searches for. Regards, Lily
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Hi Lockwood,
I agree that in an interview, it's better to be honest than to bluff! But how do we bring in assertiveness as an interviewee and up to what extent do you think it is acceptable as an interviewer? Being aggressive has its own pros and cons, and I don't find it just! If a candidate is rated as being submissive, how can we train him/her to change that.
Regards, Lily
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I agree that in an interview, it's better to be honest than to bluff! But how do we bring in assertiveness as an interviewee and up to what extent do you think it is acceptable as an interviewer? Being aggressive has its own pros and cons, and I don't find it just! If a candidate is rated as being submissive, how can we train him/her to change that.
Regards, Lily
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Many thanks for your valuable questions for the interview. In this regard, I would like to seek your help to discuss 2-3 points after a thorough study of the same. If you have any other related questions, please email me at my address: ranjankumar4@gmail.com.
Nevertheless, it is very fruitful for us.
Regards,
Ranjan
From India, Gurgaon
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Nevertheless, it is very fruitful for us.
Regards,
Ranjan
From India, Gurgaon
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Hi Lily,
I agree that in an interview, it's better to be honest than to bluff!
But how do we bring in assertiveness as an interviewee and up to what extent do you think it is acceptable as an interviewer?
Being aggressive has its pros and cons, and I don't find it just!
If a candidate is rated as being submissive, how can we train him/her to change that?
Regards,
Lily
Straight up with me, we need bold people to work with. Being assertive is far different from being aggressive. Assertive means expressing yourself very well without intimidation from any source, not even the panel. Being assertive means answering your questions very well without fear. It is when you call a spade a spade, not a shovel. In the past, being submissive was considered respectful, but the modern world needs young, energetic, and assertive men and women.
For instance, if you work in a call center, we need assertive (not aggressive) agents to address issues with irate customers. In the banking industry, assertiveness is key because you will encounter irate customers, and you need to be assertive to handle them; otherwise, you may end up losing money every day.
Let me explain the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness:
Assertiveness means standing up for your rights and not being taken advantage of. It also means communicating what you really want in a clear fashion, respecting your own rights and feelings, as well as the rights and feelings of others. Assertion is an honest and appropriate expression of one's feelings, opinions, and needs.
Aggressiveness, on the other hand, means standing up for yourself in ways that violate the rights of others (not respecting the panel). Aggressive behavior is typically punishing, hostile, blaming, and demanding. It can involve threats, name-calling, and even actual physical contact. It can also involve sarcasm, catty comments, gossip, and "slips of the tongue."
I hope this point is clear.
A submissive candidate is easily pushed. For example, when asked how much they want for salary, they might say anything between X and Y. If they are given Y, they may end up complaining to colleagues and friends that the company is not paying them enough, even though they did not negotiate for a higher salary.
For the past 8 years, I have mentioned what I want in interviews because I know my worth. If the environment is not good, I will let you know, and if needed, I will leave. I am not being aggressive, but assertive.
If there are any questions, just make some noise, and I will try my best to answer them.
Thanks, Deepali, for the reminder. It nearly escaped me because I was just reading the current postings.
Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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I agree that in an interview, it's better to be honest than to bluff!
But how do we bring in assertiveness as an interviewee and up to what extent do you think it is acceptable as an interviewer?
Being aggressive has its pros and cons, and I don't find it just!
If a candidate is rated as being submissive, how can we train him/her to change that?
Regards,
Lily
Straight up with me, we need bold people to work with. Being assertive is far different from being aggressive. Assertive means expressing yourself very well without intimidation from any source, not even the panel. Being assertive means answering your questions very well without fear. It is when you call a spade a spade, not a shovel. In the past, being submissive was considered respectful, but the modern world needs young, energetic, and assertive men and women.
For instance, if you work in a call center, we need assertive (not aggressive) agents to address issues with irate customers. In the banking industry, assertiveness is key because you will encounter irate customers, and you need to be assertive to handle them; otherwise, you may end up losing money every day.
Let me explain the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness:
Assertiveness means standing up for your rights and not being taken advantage of. It also means communicating what you really want in a clear fashion, respecting your own rights and feelings, as well as the rights and feelings of others. Assertion is an honest and appropriate expression of one's feelings, opinions, and needs.
Aggressiveness, on the other hand, means standing up for yourself in ways that violate the rights of others (not respecting the panel). Aggressive behavior is typically punishing, hostile, blaming, and demanding. It can involve threats, name-calling, and even actual physical contact. It can also involve sarcasm, catty comments, gossip, and "slips of the tongue."
I hope this point is clear.
A submissive candidate is easily pushed. For example, when asked how much they want for salary, they might say anything between X and Y. If they are given Y, they may end up complaining to colleagues and friends that the company is not paying them enough, even though they did not negotiate for a higher salary.
For the past 8 years, I have mentioned what I want in interviews because I know my worth. If the environment is not good, I will let you know, and if needed, I will leave. I am not being aggressive, but assertive.
If there are any questions, just make some noise, and I will try my best to answer them.
Thanks, Deepali, for the reminder. It nearly escaped me because I was just reading the current postings.
Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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DEEPALI, Thx a million for this topic, you a blessing to the world and we the upcoming leaders. am a very young person(male/female)LOL Lockwood
From Ghana, Accra
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From Ghana, Accra
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Hi Dipali,
I am a fresher, and I have my TCS interview on the 1st of October. Can you please tell me what kind of questions TCS usually asks in HR? Or if you can, please tell me what to prepare for TCS.
Regards,
Prachi :)
From India, Mumbai
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I am a fresher, and I have my TCS interview on the 1st of October. Can you please tell me what kind of questions TCS usually asks in HR? Or if you can, please tell me what to prepare for TCS.
Regards,
Prachi :)
From India, Mumbai
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Hi Lockwood/Prachi, I am not guru. I just want to share what i know. Prachi, in TCS you are going for which position? Deepali
From India, Chandigarh
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From India, Chandigarh
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hi dipali.. I am a fresher and my campus plcmnts is going on...They wud be taking us as a Management Trainee Regards Prachi
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Hi Prachi,
I was working for you only. I am not getting any specific questionnaire for TCS for freshers. They will conduct your technical round and then HR round, where you will be asked questions like: where do you see yourself after 5 years, about your family, interests, hobbies, extracurricular activities, technical questions, etc.
Deepali
From India, Chandigarh
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I was working for you only. I am not getting any specific questionnaire for TCS for freshers. They will conduct your technical round and then HR round, where you will be asked questions like: where do you see yourself after 5 years, about your family, interests, hobbies, extracurricular activities, technical questions, etc.
Deepali
From India, Chandigarh
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Interview questions.doc