第1个回答 2012-02-13
Question 1: Tell me about yourself.
This seems to be the most easiest question when asked, but the answer to 'tell me about yourself interview question', is not that easy. By asking this question, they don't mean to ask your name, childhood etc. This is the time to advertise yourself from the interviewer's point of view. Tell me about yourself, is another way of asking, 'Tell me about how you are beneficial to my company?' It is best if you give a refined answer highlighting your skills and transform them as the plus point of your career.
The answer for this question should be something like this, "I have been a fan of advertising right from the beginning! Every time I saw an add, I would try to improvise it on my own. Even during my school and college days, I took up group projects on advertisement which enabled us to come up with our own creative ideas and helped us in identifying the loop holes in the existing adds. I have done advanced diploma in creative advertising and I love engaging my mind with new and innovative ideas and work towards implementing them."
Question 2: How Do You Handle Conflict?
This is another typical interview question that is bound to be raised in an interview! Today, conflicts are a part of each and every organization. Therefore, your answer to this question should be practical and logical enough which highlights your leadership skills and team work.
An ideal answer for this question would be, "Well, I am glad you asked me this question. As I mentioned earlier, that I have done many group projects, and that too in a creative field. Yes, there were a few creative conflicts and being the group leader, it was my job to listen and try to understand the reason for conflicts and the point of views based on that. I outlined the main issues and diverted our focus on the important issues and resolved the conflicts with mutual understanding, compromising a little on both sides so that things seem fair from all ends."
Question 3: What are your greatest strengths?
This is one of the most common interview questions as it is obvious that the interviewers would want to know your strengths to be able to decide whether or not you possess the skills which helps you get the spot! But they want to see whether you not only speak, but also show those strengths! So what is it that you should say?..., well, speak specifically of your strengths and skills that are relevant to the job and desired by the employee.
"Well, I think I am creative and imaginative, this is something which comes naturally to me. I have also won many certificates and awards for creative advertising projects and competitions. Apart from that, I also possess good leadership qualities, which is why I was always chosen as the group leader in my school and colleges. I also knew that advertising and good communication skills go hand in hand, which is why I have constantly focused on improving my communication skills and continue to do so. I am also hardworking, persistent and loyal."
Question 4: What is your greatest weakness?
Don't even think of saying that you don't have any, because they would know you are lying! And please don't mention your 'true' weakness if that can cost you the job! Play it safe. The interviewer is trying to see how well you play with words and speak up. So play with words and state a weakness that proves to be your career strength!
"I think advertising is my greatest weakness. I constantly seek the perfect and therefore, I cannot accept the completion of a project, even with the slightest loopholes! Advertising has been my passion, at times I get compulsive and simply can't stop until I am completely satisfied!"
Question 5: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Employers always look for people who can prove to be an asset to the company. Candidates possessing excellent qualifications and skills should also be goal oriented and visionaries! Your ideal answer should be the one which focuses on these aspects! Something like, "Well, I am sure that my passion for advertising would make me the department head of this organization as I am looking for career growth and stability."
Question 6: How do you rejuvenate yourself from work stress? What do you do in your free time?
Employers like employees who can balance their personal and professional lives! The main idea behind asking this question is to know how you handle stress and how you apply your personal qualities to get a balance in your professional life. An ideal answer should be, "Apart from watching the collection of my favorite ads, I like reading novels for relaxation. Apart from that I also like to swim to feel active and rejuvenated again. Making pottery also helps me calm my mind!"
Question 7: What is your greatest source of motivation?
Whatever answer you choose to speak, avoid talking about money, that will give a negative impression to the employers, and so does talking about power, recognition and promotions! Try not to appear selfish, but hardworking and intelligent! So the answer which is expected from you should be something like, "Job satisfaction, as I mentioned earlier, I carve for perfection, and a well done project and a chance to use my imagination in a challenging job, gives me immense motivation to perform better!"
Question 8: Why do you want to be a part of our organization?
As simple as it may sound, the more tricky is this question! Your answer should focus on the strengths that this organization has over others. It will be easier for you to answer this if you have done a thorough research on the company! Your answer for this question could be something like, "Well, I have followed your company's growth pattern for sometime now. With the kind of performance and stable growth rate, I think this is an organization that I can grow with and contribute my bit."
Question 9: Why should we hire you?
This question is asked to judge your convincing skills, and you need to do that by highlighting your achievements and skills in reference to the needs of the employer. The answer to 'why should we hire you' can include something like, "My previous work experience and my passion for the field will prove to be an asset to the organization. Apart from that my skills which includes quick learning, improving performance and sincerity towards my work, will make me productive in no time."
Question 10: What are your salary expectations?
Again, this is the most frequently asked interview question! You need to be quite reasonable as well as polite when it comes to answering this one! Try not to be selfish, instead try to show that you are more interested in the job, rather than the figures. You can play it safe and say, " I am more interested in getting the job in a reputed company like yours, however, I also need to pay the bills. I am open to any reasonable remuneration that you decide to offer." It is advisable to speak this extremely confidently and then pause. However, make sure you maintain eye contact with the employer and let him be the first one to break the silence.