The Best Answers to Tough Interview … - offer

41. What's your most productive or ideal work setting?

The interviewer wants to know the impact that the candidate's working
environment has on his or her job performance. How well would you fit
the position, physical layout of the department, and attitudes of the
particular work group? Emphasize your ability to work in a variety of
settings and how you've managed to be productive in less-than-ideal
work environments.

"I like having at least one hour of uninterrupted time in the early
morning to plan my day. I usually start around 7 a.m. Otherwise, I
enjoy an office with open doors, constant feedback, and lots of energy
and activity. It helps me work more productively when I sense how busy
everyone else is, too."



42. Do you prefer continuity in structure or frequent change in
your daily work?

Your answer should be consistent with the job description. Describe
environments that have allowed you to remain interested and learn new
things without getting bored.

"I enjoy challenge and change, which is why I frequently ask for the
tough assignments. The last two projects we discussed were ones that I
asked for. I don't allow myself to get bored."



43. What environments allow you to be especially effective?

Emphasize your flexibility and your ability to work in many different
types of environments. Your answer should not consist of a laundry list
of requirements (private office, few interruptions, and so on) or the
interviewer may conclude that you will be difficult to satisfy.

"Although I can work effectively in most environments, I prefer
environments where people are their own bosses, within reason. I like
to have a goal but be able to draw my own map to get there. To
accomplish goals, I rely on asking questions and finding people
receptive, so cooperation and access are important to me in a work
group."



44. How will you complement this department?

Describe how your personality and/or skills would help round out the
department. What types of people enjoy working with you for hours at a
time? How would the company's customers or clients react? Assure the
interviewer that there will be no surprises about your work personality.

"I enjoy an environment in which people bounce ideas off each other
and have the flexibility to ask for help when they need it. I'm usually a
great troubleshooter for PC problems in my office, and I'm often going
to ask for help proofreading important memos. I believe in
give-and-take."



45. Whom did you choose as your references and why?

The interviewer is looking for a logical mix of people without any
obvious omissions. For example, a former sales person would do well
to include a former salesperson as a reference. Describe what you'd
expect each of your references to say. Include a diverse group-senior to
junior, an associate from work, and old professor from college.

"I selected a former boss, a peer, and customer as references, to
demonstrate that I'm a pretty well-rounded person and get along with
all the important work associates in my life."



46. Can we call all of your references?

This is a question designed to protect you. If your current job employer
doesn't know your looking for a new job (as is most often the case), you
can request that the interviewer contact your current employer after
you've accepted a position and given your notice to your current
employer.

"I'd prefer that you call my current boss only after you've made me a
firm offer of employment and I've had a chance to tell her myself that
I'm changing jobs. Then, of course, I understand your need to verify
that my application was accurate."



47. Are you most productive working alone or in a group?

The interviewer is looking for someone who can work in an
environment without the environment disrupting the candidate's
preferred way of getting work done. Be honest but communicate that
you're a flexible and reasonably adaptable employee.

"I need some privacy time for planning, but otherwise I like the activity
and noise of people around me and the ability to share ideas. I think
most writers need reinforcement, because we all get writer's block
occasionally."



48. Tell me about an effective manager, supervisor, or other person
in a leading role you've known.

Talk about a supervisor's management style and interpersonal skills.
Focus on the positive-how the person worked rather than what type of
work he or she did. How was the person able to accomplish so much
and get your support?

"The best professor I ever had always reviewed the most important
points from our last class before he moved on to new material. He also
watched our faces carefully and repeated information whenever he saw
a blank stare. Sometimes he would just ask for feedback by saying,
'What are you having difficulty with?'" He never assumed too much or
made us feel dumb for not grasping a concept quickly."



49. What type of people do you work with most effectively?

Focus on the positive here. What type of boss, employee, and colleague
would you be? Keep in mind that the interviewer wants to find out how
well you would fit in with the other personalities in the company-not
how well the other personalities in the company would suit you.

"I tend to work well with people who are confident and straightforward.
It's more difficult for me to be around timid people, because I move
quickly and am decisive."



50. What things impress you in colleagues?

The recruiter will want to see how developed your interpersonal skills
are. More than likely, you'll be interacting not only with your own
department, but with other people in the company, and possibly
colleagues. Show the recruiter that you will shine in this area.

"I admire and work best with people who are of good character and
have integrity. I also think confidence and enthusiasm is positive in any
business environment."

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