Palo Kimbiza: Brillumba Palo Kimbiza Tumba Francesa Kikongo Piti Bantu

TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
“What did you like/dislike about your last job?” – Interviews may start with a preamble by the interviewer about his company. If this happens pay attention; this information will help you answer the question. Any statement the interviewer makes about the job or corporation can be used to your advantage. Use this to highlight all your positives points.
Note:criticizing a previous employer is a warning sign that you could be a problem employee. Keep your answers short and positive.

“Why are you leaving your present position?” – If your current company is not meeting your expectations, you can often explain this in a positive way. “I need to be challenged to develop my potential further. I’m interested in additional responsibility and new opportunity, whichunfortunately are limited at (name of current employer) because of (company size/limited product line/company restructuring or downsizing). The reputation and market focus of (name of prospective employer) offers many opportunities for someone with my training and experience. It’s the ideal environment I’ve been seeking.”

“How long would you stay with the company?” – The interviewer might bethinking of offering you a job. But, employers are aware that the marketplace is such that new hires often do not stay with the company more than two years. Your reply might be: “I would really like to settle down with this company. As long as I am growing professionally, there is no reason for me to make a move.”

“Have you done the best work you are capable of doing?” – Say “yes” and theinterviewer will think you’re a has-been. As with all these questions, personalize your work history and include the essence of this reply: “I’m proud of my professional achievements to date, but my best is yet to come. I am always motivated to give my best efforts, and there are always opportunities to contribute when one is alert.

“How long would it take you to make a contribution to ourcompany?”

“What would you like to be doing five years from now?”

“What are your biggest accomplishments?” – Keep your answers job-related, a number of achievements should spring to mind. Do not exaggerate contributions to major projects. You might begin your reply with: “Although I feel my biggest accomplishments are ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with…I made my contribution as part ofthat team and learned a lot in the process. We did it with the hard work, concentration, and an eye for the bottom line.” Always remember to quantify your achievements.

“Can you work under pressure?” – You might be tempted to give a simple yes or no answer, but don’t. It reveals nothing and you lose the opportunity to sell your skills. Actually, this common question comes from an unskilledinterviewer, because it is closed and does not give you the chance to elaborate. Whenever you are asked one of these, provide a brief yet comprehensive answer and seize the opportunity to sell yourself. For example, you could say: “Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and time management in order to reduce panic.

“How much money do you want?” – This is a knockoutquestion: give the wrong answer, and you will immediately be eliminated. It is always a temptation to ask for the moon knowing you can come down, but that is a poor approach. Generally, companies have salary ranges for every job; so giving an ill considered answer can reduce your job offer chances to zero. The solution? Try: “Currently/in my last job my package is… I’m interested in thisopportunity and I will seriously consider any reasonable offer you care to make me.”

“What are you looking for in your next job?” – Avoid saying what you want the company to give you. You must say what you want in terms of what you can give to your employer. The key word in the following example is “contribution”: “My experience at XYZ PLC has shown that I have a talent for motivating people. This is...