Preparing for an Interview

Part 3
Objectives
We will continue the learning with the following:
• How to answer common interview questions
• Relocation for a career
Questions About You
Tell me about yourself
(Run me through your resume / Run me through your CV)

Your response:

• Keep it professional and brief ( 1-2 minutes)

• If you are a fresher talk about
o your academic background (university, academic achievements, etc.)
o Your interests, hobbies while still keeping it relevant to the company
• Highlight qualities you have which are suitable for the applied job.
• Don’t start with ”My name is …….” if you have previously introduced yourself.
Questions About You
Tell me about yourself
(Run me through your resume / Run me through your CV)

Example: “My name is Sunita, I’m 22 years old and I recently graduated from University X with a BBA. I
learned a lot of theory in subjects like corporate communication, international economics, corporate
governance, and more. I was also part of the student committee, captain of the volley ball team and
maintained a GPA of 3.6. I practice yoga and like to solve crossword puzzles. I’ve worked hard in my
education and now I’m ready to apply my knowledge into practice.

While I don’t have any real-life work experience, I’ve had some exposure to the business environment. A
semester of my course involved working with companies to solve real problems.

Now, I’m looking to leverage everything I’ve learned in university and get some hands-on work
experience.”
Questions About You

Tell me something about yourself that's not on your resume

• One of the goals of this question is to get to know you a little bit beyond your career and on-the-job
attitude and experience

• Go prepared with a few things to share and be sure to tie them to the skills and qualities that are
most valuable in this job
Interests and Hobbies
• A hobby that you are passionate about like photography, chess, singing, cricket, or gardening
• Interests like long-distance running or yoga that help to represent your healthy, energetic side
• Pursuits, like reading , solving crossword puzzles or brain teasers, will showcase your intellectual leaning
• Volunteer work will show the seriousness of your character and commitment to the welfare of others

The interviewer is trying to get to know you by asking about your hobbies and interests

• Avoid religion, politics and anything with negative connotations

Questions about You
What are your hobbies? How do those hobbies help you
personally?
Talk about interests and
How to answer the question hobbies which you pursue
actively. The interviewer
will find out if you lie.
1. Select a few hobbies of your which you can easily relate to the job role. These
could include: travel, sports, creative pursuits, cooking, gardening,
volunteering, or charity work.

2. Identify skills or qualities you have developed while pursuing your hobbies.
These include skills like:
Planning and organization Determination and commitment
Leadership Creative thinking and problem solving
Team work Patience
Communication and interpersonal skills Adaptability

3. Relate the skills to that of the job requirements. Elaborate with a specific
example.
Questions About You
What are your hobbies? How do those hobbies help you personally?

Example:

“I love traveling, and I try to take a trip every season. Traveling allows me to adapt to new situations and use my
organization and planning skills to ensure I have the most fun I can. I try to anticipate possible delays and other
interruptions in my travel and always have a list of important contacts, such as my hotel front desk or travel
coordinator. These strategies prepare me for many possible situations.”

On my last trip to Mumbai, my flight was delayed, and I had to get to a wedding. As soon as I found out about the
delay, I called my hotel to confirm a later check-in. I knew I would have enough time to get to the wedding, but
I scheduled my taxi-rideshare from the hotel to the wedding venue to save time. Once I got to my hotel, I had about
15 minutes to settle into my room, change and then get into my rideshare to the venue.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
“I like participating in volunteer activities especially teaching underprivileged kids. I have been associated with a few
non-profit organizations since my college days and I like spending my weekends helping these NGOs for different
activities from teaching to organising interesting games and activities to make learning fun for kids.”

Prepare similar set of answers related to your hobbies

Questions About You
What are your strengths and weaknesses?

The interviewer is looking for honesty, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Examples of Strengths for Interviews: These include analytical, communication, and leadership skills,
as well as the ability to collaborate and work as a team.

Examples of Weaknesses for Interviews: These include job and soft skills, plus tips on how to present
your weaknesses so that they don’t harm your chances for the job.
Questions About You
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How to answer the question:

Focus on two or three strengths you have that are are directly related to the job.
Support at least one of them with evidence, such as awards, metrics, or specific anecdotes.
Example: if a job requires a lot of work on team projects, you might say one of your strengths is that you are a good
communicator who can work well with others.

Present your weakness as a possible strength

Example: I am very detail oriented which at times is time consuming but helps me deliver a better quality of work.

Give an honest and sincere response: Don’t make false claims on your strengths. Watch your body language.
Don’t mention any weakness which disqualifies you for the job.

Prepare your answer with examples to showcase your strengths. Remember to pick strengths which align with the
job requirement. Always give an example of how you’re working to improve upon your weakness.
Questions About You
What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Example answers:

1. I have a strong work ethic. When I'm working on a project, I don't just want to meet deadlines. Rather, I
prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule. Last year, I even earned am award for completing 2
projects ahead of time.
Demonstrating how your strengths contribute to job success is a good strategy. It shows the recruiter why
you’re qualified.

2. I have good customer service skills and ability to resolve potentially difficult situations. With two years
of experience as a customer service associate, I have learned to understand and resolve customer issues
effectively. I also have strong communication skills, which help me to work well with customers, team
members, and management. I am an effective team player with a talent for giving presentations.
Highlights several strengths and shows the interviewer why those attributes are essential for success in
the job.
Activity - Questions About You
Write down a self introduction - 5 minutes

Introduce yourself – Assume the student next to you is the interviewer – in under 2 minutes

Every student will participate in this exercise

At the end of the activity students can point out which introductions were impressive and what did
they learn from them.
Questions About You
Do you consider yourself to be a confident person? If so then why?

Employers ask this question to:

• learn more about your confidence skills and how you developed them
• to know if you have the confidence needed for the job
• to see what steps you took to develop your confidence

When answering this question, be honest about whether or not you consider yourself confident. If you do,
explain why. If you don’t, explain what steps you would take to build up your confidence.

Example: “I definitely consider myself a confident person. I’ve always been confident in my abilities, so I
haven’t had to work too hard to maintain that trait. However, I am always looking for ways to improve my
confidence even more. For example, when I was applying for this position, I practiced my interview
answers with a friend until I felt comfortable enough to answer any question confidently.”
Questions About You
Describe yourself with three adjectives /
If you had to use 3 words to describe yourself, what would they be?

The interviewer is assessing whether you have the personality and the skills needed to excel on the job

How to answer this question:

• Create a list of words
• Choose three that represent you
• Explain why you chose them

Example:
“Creative, flexible, and adventurous are three words I’d use to describe myself. My creativity helps me think
of new things to make, along with finding out-of-the-ordinary solutions to complex problems. I often go
with the flow when a situation is out of my control, making me a rather flexible person. In a fast-paced
work environment, it’s important to adapt rather than worry about the situation. Finally, my adventurous
nature always leads me to accept new challenges. That’s why I am hoping to move onto a senior-level
position.”
Questions About You
What steps are you taking for self growth?

The interview wants to check if you have the initiative and motivation to develop yourself

How to answer this question:

• List the different areas you’ve grown in and plans for further growth
• What is the processes/ methods used by you to develop and skill yourself

Example:
“One of my career goals is to take a leadership position in my organization, so I want to improve my
leadership skills. Specifically, I want to get better at speaking in front of large groups and motivating
teams. I have enrolled for a certificate program on leadership to improve in this area.
I have completed a course 2 months back on Big Data so that I can work on those projects.
To keep physically and mentally fit to balance work and personal life, I have learnt yoga and practice it for
30 minutes every morning.”
Questions About You
What is your goal?
• Start with short-term goals, then move to long-term goals
• Mention that one of your goals is to work for a company like the one for which you’re interviewing
• Focus on how you’ll add value to the company through the achievement of your own goals

Example:
“My short-term goal is to get a job and become a good software developer and my long-term goal is to
lead a software development project in future.

My short-term goal is to get placed in this company where I can upgrade my skills and contribute my
learnings t the success of the company. My long-term goal is to become financially independent with a
respectable position in a reputed company and be happy and satisfied.”
Questions About You
Where do you see yourself 1 year, 3 years and 5 years from now?

The interviewer wants to know if you:

• have a career plan or how serious you are about building a career
• Do your goals align with the company’s mission? Are a long term employee?

How to prepare for this question

• Research a reasonable career path that is possible from the position for which you are applying.
• What is the duration one spends in the job? What are the next steps within 1, 2 and 5 years?
• Check the career section of the company website where pathways may be outlined.
• Talk to professionals in the field through alumni, family, or friends to gain an accurate picture.

Example:
“In my first year I hope to successfully complete my training and get assigned to a project. In three years, I
want to be a team leader and develop myself to take on more responsibilities and support the growth of my
team. This will enable me to contend for the role the of a project manager in five years.”
Activity – Questions about You
You are interviewing for the position at a company.
The roles are

• Customer Service Associate at a large ecommerce retail company

• Trainer at a software development company
• Sales person at a white goods manufacturing company

The teacher will assign each of you with a specific job role you are interviewing for.

Think of answers the following questions about yourselves keeping in mind your assigned job role.

• Tell me about yourself

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your hobbies and interests?

You will ask another student the same set of questions and answer when its your turn.
Home Assignment
Based on the job role for the interview which has been assigned to you, select a well known
company and do a research on the company, its mission, corporate values, products and services
and career growth opportunities.

Note down the key points.

You will be using this information in the next class.

Questions About Your Interest in the Job
Why do you want to join this organisation?
• This is a frequently asked question
• Interviewer want to know the level of interest and to see if you have you been motivated to
research the company in order to learn about it

How to prepare to answer this question

• Research the company. The "About Us” section of the employer's website is a good place to start.
• Read about the goals of the company on its website and see if they align with your personal goals.
• Find out about its core values and corporate culture, to details on its products or services.
• Based on your company research, match your own job skills to the job and how you can help them
in the position for which you are applying.
• Be straightforward. In matching your job skills to the company culture and mission, don’t
exaggerate.
• Be Brief when commenting on what the company does. You don’t want to say anything wrong.
• Prepare an answer prior to your interview and practice that answer.
Questions About Your Interest in the Job

Why do you want to join this organisation?

Example answer:

“This company is internationally known for its home electronic products and my business management
degree and internship in the marketing of consumer products makes me interested in the opportunity
this position offers.”

Some don’ts

Don’t talk about salary, company benefits/ perks or anything personal

Questions About Your Suitability for the Job
Why should I hire you?
• Interviewers are trying to measure how you qualify for the job and fit in with the company
• Your pitch has to be positive, confident and highlights your key strengths and skills which match the
job requirement

How to prepare an answer for this question

Make a list of the requirements for the position, including personality traits, skills, and qualifications
Make a list of the qualities you have that fit those requirements.

Select five or six of your strengths that match closely to the job requirements and use these as the core
for your answer regarding what makes you a highly suitable candidate.

Think of additional strengths or qualifications/ course certificates you have, which though not asked in
the job description could be useful for the job.
Questions About Your Suitability for the Job
Why should I hire you?

Example:

“My experience with technology and, in particular, my ability to maintain and update websites, make
me a good match for this position. At college, I was responsible for maintaining our department web
page. This required me to update student and faculty profiles, and post information about upcoming
events. In my free time, I learned to code in JavaScript and Python. I used my coding skills to redesign
our homepage and received praise from the department head for my work. I would like to bring my
coding skills and my passion for learning new technologies to this position.”

If you don’t have related work experience, make a pitch for hiring you based on your technical
knowledge and people skills. Remember to show your enthusiasm, energy, and passion for the work.
Activity – Interest and Suitability
You are interviewing for the position at a company.
The roles are

• Customer Service Associate at a large ecommerce retail company

• Trainer at a software development company
• Sales person at a white goods manufacturing company

In the previous class, the teacher will have assigned each of you with a specific job role you are
interviewing for.

Think of answers for the following questions about yourselves keeping in mind your assigned job role.

Why do you want to join our organization?

Why should we hire you?

You will ask another student the same set of questions and answer when its your turn.
Questions About Your Skills
What do you understand by time management?

Time management is about

meeting deadlines and being organized
Knowing how to prioritize—when to focus and when to switch gears.

You need to address the following areas when answering questions on Time Management

• Meeting deadlines
• How you get (and stay) organized
• Dealing with distractions and interruptions
• How you prioritize tasks
• Handling last-minute changes
• Short-term organization vs. long-term organization
• How you manage your stress
Questions About Your Skills
How do you manage your own time?

“I make a list. I work out what order to do things in by thinking about which tasks are urgent and how
important each task is. If I’m not sure what’s urgent and what isn’t, or how important different tasks are, I
find out. If I’m given a new task I add it to the list and decide when to do it, so I adapt the order in which I
do things as necessary.”

The ’To Do’ list can be in any form (you jot it down in a notebook or in a desk diary or use an app or other
online tool )– but be ready to explain your preferred technique to your interviewer.

Setting yourself targets and breaking down bigger projects into small, manageable steps is very effective.
Self-awareness – doing certain tasks at a particular time of day or week suits you. This can form part of
effective time management – though you'll need to make it clear that you're able to adapt and be flexible
too.
Questions About Your Skills
What do you understand by the term effective habits? How will you use it as a professional?

A Habit is formed of three things: Knowledge WHAT TO DO and the WHY

Skill is the HOW TO DO, Desire is the Motivation, the WANT TO DO

Stephen Covey’s 7 effective habits are applicable for a professional to boost productivity at work

Habit #1 – Be proactive
Habit #2 – Begin with the end goal in mind
Habit #3 – Put first things first
Habit #4 – Think Win-Win
Habit #5 – Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Habit #6 – Synergy
Habit #7 – Sharpen the saw

Use the meaning of the above points to prepare an answer in advance. Give examples of how you have used
them in your student / work life. For example, when working on the final semester project or preparing for a
competitive or entrance exam or in acquiring a new skill successfully.
Questions About Professional Attributes
What qualities do you think a good professional should have?

The top 5 qualities a professional should possess are:

1. Ability to learn on the job

2. Dependable and reliable
3. Interpersonal skills
• communication, listening, conflict management, team work, empathy and leadership
4. Adaptability
5. Integrity
Activity – Skills
You are interviewing for a position at a company.
The roles are

• Customer Service Associate at a large ecommerce retail company

• Trainer at a software development company
• Sales person at a white goods manufacturing company

The teacher has assigned each of you with a specific job role you are interviewing for.

Think of answers for the following questions about yourselves keeping in mind your assigned job role.

• What do you understand by time management? How do you manage your time?
• What qualities are needed to be a successful professional?
• What are effective habits? Can you explain how you will use it in your profession?

You will ask another student the same set of questions and answer when its your turn.
Questions About Professional Attributes
Do you consider yourself creative? Give me an example.

What do you understand by the term out of the box thinking? Give an example.

Creativity is often defined as the ability to come up with new and useful ideas
Thinking outside the box means to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective

How to answer these two questions

- You can begin by describing the context of the example (the Situation)
- Explain what your initial role and goal was while also listing the problem that you faced (the Task)
- State the Actions that you took to overcome the problem
- Conclude with the outcome based on the steps that you took (the Result)

Example:
"I do consider myself to be a creative individual. One example of this would be the telephone sales scripts
that I crafted for our inside sales team. They were lively and effective, and sales increased by 23% in the
first 90 days of implementation.”
Questions About Professional Attributes
What is your achievement?
Interviewer wants to know if you are a high achiever, the steps you took to accomplish your achievement and how
you value your success

How to answer if you are a fresher

• Achievements in education, sports, volunteering, or projects

• Make sure they include time frame, scale, and results
• Be honest and specific
• Relate the achievement to the job profile if possible

Use the STAR method

S – [SITUATION] Describe the situation that led to the achievement

T – [TASK] Talk about the task you had to do to accomplish the achievement
A – [ACTIONS] Describe the actions you implemented to achieve the accomplishment
R – [RESULTS] What were the results of what you did?
Questions about Professional Attributes
What do you understand by the term "success"?

Interview is evaluating your work ethic and what you prioritize

The answer will be person dependent

How to answer this question

• Consider your top achievements

• View success as a process broken into small goals which lead up to the final goal
• Find out how the company views success from their website and align your answer
• Give specific examples when you felt that you were successful, and explain how it came about
Questions about Professional Attributes
What do you understand by the term "success"?

Example:

“I consider achieving personal goals as a success. I view overcoming hurdles as a success. The
challenge has shown me that success is a process. Every small step taken to overcome the hurdle is a
personal victory which encourages to keep going and finding creative solutions to the problems. This
has helped me grow and become a stronger and better person”.

In college, I found it difficult to understand statistics and failed my tests. I was determined to pass the
final exams. I set myself a goal of mastering statistics as a subject in two months. I enrolled myself
for additional tuitions with my professor, got up every day at 4 am to dedicate 3 hours to learn the
subject. I took the help of the bright minds in my class to help me understand the concepts. I solved
all the previous years papers. I passed my final exam with 92% and was happy with my result. I
understood that if I put my mind and efforts into a task I will achieve it.“
Questions About Professional Attributes
What is your achievement?

Winning an national intercollegiate debate competition

SITUATION: ”In my final year at college, I was keen to participate in the prestigious national
intercollegiate debate competition. I had to get selected to represent the college.”

TASK: ”I made a commitment to myself that I would find a way to succeed in the selection round and
participate in the competition and win it.”

ACTION:” I started working toward this goal in the second year and prepared well by reading up and
listening to talks on the topic. I participated in debate competitions to get my confidence up as well as
improve my speaking skills.”

RESULTS: ”I got selected to represent my college from a pool of 20 students and then fought hard and
well through 4 rounds to win the competition.”
Questions About Professional Attributes
Describe one challenge(hurdle/difficulties) you've faced and how did you overcome it?

The interviewer wants to

• Know about a struggle you've faced in your previous jobs / as a student and how you overcame them
• Assess your problem-solving skills, which can give them an idea of how you'd face similar challenges in
the role you're interviewing for

How to answer this question

• Consider previous challenges you have faced and overcome (avoid personal anecdotes and health
issues)
• Tailor your answer to suit the job description
• Be specific why you considered it a challenge
• Be honest in your answer
• Present your response in a positive light
• If you have no work experience use an example from your education, volunteer work or any sports
activities you were a part of. Here, tie your previous actions to your professional life and the job
description of the job you're applying for
Questions About Professional Attributes
Describe one challenge(hurdle/difficulties) you've faced and how did you overcome it?

Example:

"As a college fresher, one of my biggest challenges was

keeping up with the volume of work compared to what I
was used to in school. When I noticed myself feeling
overloaded, I worked on my organization and time
management skills.

I also reached out for help from my professors, joined

study groups and worked on creating a structured
schedule which helped me focus on the tasks at hand.
Everything I learned from this is what I hope to carry into
this role with your company."
Questions About Professional Attributes
What qualities do you have to get what you've achieved?

To be successful in achieving goals one must have the following qualities

1. Ambition
2. Dedication
3. Focus
4. Passion
5. Willingness to learn
6. Patience
7. Timeliness
Choose the ones which are most applicable for you
8. Honesty
9. Confidence
10. Optimism
Activity – Professional Attributes
You are interviewing for a position at a company.
The roles are

• Customer Service Associate at a large ecommerce retail company

• Trainer at a software development company
• Sales person at a white goods manufacturing company

The teacher has assigned each of you with a specific job role you are interviewing for.

Think of answers the following questions about yourselves keeping in mind your assigned job role.

• What do understand by the term ‘success’?

• What is your proudest achievement and how did you go about achieving it?
• What is a challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

You will ask another student the same set of questions and answer when its your turn.
Questions About Professional Attributes
What is your ideal job and how will you fit in? What do you understand by the term
"office environment"?

The interviewer asks this question:

• to determine your passions and long-term goals
• to know whether or not your goals align with the daily tasks of the job

How to answer this question

• List your qualifications, skills, interests and goals. Compare them to the requirements of the job.
Create a final list where there is a match.
• Does the job offer what you are passionate about (personally or professionally)
• Assess if this is long term career option for you. If its a direct step toward your dream job, make note
of it to connect to your answer.
• Consider qualities like an independent role or on a team, customer facing or back office.
• Work environment: Freedom to work at different places, office amenities etc.
• Create your answer connecting your ideal job to the position applied for.
Office or Work Environment
The job fit has to match both ways, for you and the company

There are a few factors to take into consideration when looking at the work environment:

- Are questions encouraged without judgment?

- Is continuing education encouraged?
- Does the office allow for flexibility such as working from home or flexibility in hours?
- Are there regular team meets?
- Is it an open-air environment without cubicles or walled offices?
- Is feedback, from both sides, encouraged and acceptable?
- Are goals set as a team, or only individually?
- Are there strict dress codes, after-hours expectations, and other restrictions?
- Is the initial training offered or is it only self learning?
- Is there recognition for a job well done, or incentives on a regular basis?
- Are employees promoted based on performance, or seniority only?

Choose two to three of these factors that are important to you, and before accepting a job offer, ensure that the
company satisfies these 'must-haves' for you and your ideal work environment
Office or Work Environment
What is your ideal work environment?

Examples:

1. "My ideal work environment is where I am working with people who are supportive and positive. Where
we help each other achieve our goals and celebrate victories together when we work as a team.”

2. “A collaborative environment where performance is rewarded, through added responsibility. An

environment where everyone is focused on the vision of the organization and personal development is
encouraged.”

3. "My ideal work environment is one where mistakes are an opportunity for learning, where adequate
training is available, and there are opportunities for continued education.”
Questions about Values
Who is your role model/inspiration? Why?

Interviewers ask this to understand

• who has inspired you in your journey and how you would respond to tough situations at work
• What are your values and do they align with the company’s values and mission statements
• to ensure that you will be with them for the long term

How to answer this question

It’s an important question, so prepare well in advance

• Choose a role model

• Discuss the reasons why you look up to your role model
• Explain what qualities you admired about them
• Relate some of these qualities to yourself (How you have applied it to your life)
Questions about Values
Who is your role model/inspiration? Why?

Example:

“One person I have always looked up to was a senior professor in my second year at college.
He used to teach economics and the grasp he had on the subject was awesome. Whenever I was
confused, he used to explain the entire matter so simply that even a school-goer could understand.
He always used to say there's knowledge everywhere and to share it without sounding superior. This is
an extremely important aspect when working in a team or even as we progress in our careers because
nobody would like to feel bad for not knowing a particular thing.

Sharing knowledge and having a positive regard for others are the qualities of a team player and a good
leader which I aspire to be.”
Questions About Your Interest in the Job
Do you have any questions for me?

This is a make or break question. So be prepared.

• Never say ”No”. Not asking questions shows a lack of interest, a lack of preparation, and a failure to
engage in the interview itself.
• Prepare at least 10 questions.
• Don’t ask questions which have been answered during the interview.

• What would you like to see me accomplish in the first 60 days? By the end of the year?
• Can you tell me what a typical day looks like in this role?
• You mentioned there are quite a few opportunities for professional development at XYZ Company.
Can you tell me more about these?
• Based on the current team, what skills or traits are most important in order to excel in this role?
• What will the on-boarding and training process look like?
• What sort of development and/or learning opportunities does the company offer?
• Don’t ask about salary, leave, and benefits
Questions About Salary
What is your salary expectation?

This question is asked by the recruiter the to evaluate whether your expectations are on par with what
they are willing to offer or what the industry average is.

Prepare for the answer

• Know your strengths and weaknesses

• Be aware of industry standards
• Consider miscellaneous benefits
• Keep a specific number in mind
• Research salary paid role wise on sites like naukri and glassdoor

Example for Fresher: “I expect to be paid as per industry norms based on my qualifications, skills and job
responsibilities.” Can you please tell me the salary range for this role?

If asked for a specific figure, quote a figure with room for negotiation. Factor in the additional benefits
which are value.
Questions About Culture
What do you understand by the term ‘diversity’ and ‘respecting diversity’?

Diversity is about what makes each of us unique and includes our backgrounds, personality, life
experiences and beliefs, all of the things that make us who we are.

Respecting Diversity is the ability to recognise, understand, accept and demonstrate respect towards
individuals and groups that might be different from us.

By respecting the differences of your co-workers and having a mutual understanding creates a more open
and accepting environment where the whole force feels they are one team working towards a common
goal.

Avoid language that demeans a particular group of individuals. For instance avoid calling women ‘girls’ and
avoid jokes that have religious or cultural inferences.
Questions About Your Training Needs
If you join this company, what are the areas where you would like to be trained on?
• Workplace training is the process of developing knowledge, skills and efficiency in your job
• Employers conduct different types of training depending on their requirements, the urgency of their
needs and the availability of resources
• Orientation and On boarding is done for all new employees

The different trainings offered by employers include:

• Technical skills
• Soft skills development
• Products and services
• Quality
• Team collaboration

Choose the areas you would like to be trained on. Trainings are an opportunity for growth within the
company and for acquiring new skills.
Questions About Gaps
What were you doing during this time?( If there is a gap of more than six months
between graduation /last job and present day.)

Interviewer’s ask this question to address any concerns on continuity in the job if they hire you

How to answer this question?

• Be honest and confident

• Don’t go into too many details
• Assure them that the situation no longer exists (if the gap was due to some personal issue)
• Highlight with specific examples how you have utilized the gap time to add to your skill set, develop
soft skills, done volunteering etc.
• Move on without spending too much time on this topic

Example:
“I was preparing for [exam name/ job profile] after completing my graduation. During this time, I used my
free time to attend several classes at [school name], gaining valuable skills in [skill].”
Questions on Relocation
How to Answer “Are You Willing to Relocate?”

A DEFINITE YES: “For the right opportunity I am definitely willing to relocate. I believe that this
position and company is that opportunity.”

MAYBE: “For the right opportunity I am definitely willing to relocate. I believe that this position and
company is that opportunity.”

NOT ENTHUSIATIC ABOUT MOVING: “This is a great opportunity and a position I believe I am a
great fit. I enjoy working in this area, but I would consider relocating depending on the
circumstances.”

DON’T WANT TO MOVE: “This is a great opportunity for my career and would love to be a part of
the team here. I enjoy this area and think it is where I would like to further my career, especially
with this company.”
Questions on Relocation

How to Answer “Are You Willing to Relocate?”

WHAT NOT TO SAY:

• “Are you going to pay me more?”

• “If I get to choose where you move me.”
• “I never want to move from this area.”
• “Depends on what you are willing to offer.”
Activity – Professional Attributes
You are interviewing for a position at a company.
The roles are

• Customer Service Associate at a large ecommerce retail company

• Trainer at a software development company
• Sales person at a white goods manufacturing company

The teacher has assigned each of you with a specific job role you are interviewing for.

Think of answers for the following questions about yourselves keeping in mind your assigned job role.

• Who is your role model and why?

• What is your salary expectation?
• Do you have any questions for me?
• What is your ideal work environment?

You will ask another student the same set of questions and answer when its your turn.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learnt about the following topics
• Practice how to answer common interview questions
• Relocation for a career