Are You Ready For Interview?
In this quiz there are 15 typical interview questions everyone should be prepared to answer. Want to know how you measure up against the competition? Choose the response that closely matches how you'd answer each question in an interview and we'll tell you your results!
- 1.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
- A.
Deliver your personal branding statement.
- B.
Explain your resume in great detail, starting from your part-time jobs during high school all the way through to your current employment.
- C.
Delve into personal matters, like where you grew up and your family history.
- D.
"What would you like to know?"
Correct Answer
A. Deliver your personal branding statement.Explanation
The correct answer is to deliver your personal branding statement. This is the most appropriate response because when an interviewer asks "Tell me a little bit about yourself," they are typically looking for a concise summary of your professional background, skills, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position. Providing a personal branding statement allows you to highlight your unique value proposition and showcase how you can contribute to the company. It is more relevant and effective than delving into personal matters or providing a detailed resume explanation.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What do you know about our company?
- A.
"You’ve just launched a new website."
- B.
"Not a lot."
- C.
"You value innovation and creativity."
- D.
"Your employees receive good benefits."
Correct Answer
C. "You value innovation and creativity."Explanation
The given answer suggests that the person knows about the company that it values innovation and creativity. This implies that the company encourages new ideas, thinking outside the box, and finding creative solutions to problems. This can be seen as a positive attribute for the company, as it indicates a forward-thinking and progressive approach to business.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Why do you want to work for this organization?
- A.
"The organization’s mission statement is profound and struck a chord with me."
- B.
"I believe my skills and experience will help your agency to better achieve its goals."
- C.
"I’ve heard your organization has a good salary and benefits."
- D.
"It seems like a good stepping stone into the industry."
Correct Answer
B. "I believe my skills and experience will help your agency to better achieve its goals."Explanation
This answer is the most appropriate because it demonstrates the candidate's understanding of the organization's goals and how their own skills and experience align with those goals. It shows that the candidate is not just interested in personal gain or using the organization as a stepping stone, but genuinely wants to contribute to the success of the agency.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Describe a difficult situation or conflict and how you overcame it.
- A.
Describe a time when you fought with your friend then made up.
- B.
Describe a time when you had a huge workload and tight deadlines and how you managed it.
- C.
Describe a conflict with a customer when you were a waiter/waitress.
- D.
Describe the time when you came up against an ethical conundrum and how you acted to right the situation.
Correct Answer
B. Describe a time when you had a huge workload and tight deadlines and how you managed it. -
- 5.
What is your greatest strength?
- A.
"I graduated top of my class and did a lot of extra-curricular activities in high school/college."
- B.
"I don’t take my stress out on others."
- C.
"I’m a people person and get along with everyone."
- D.
"I’m organized, efficient and generally complete projects ahead of schedule."
Correct Answer
D. "I’m organized, efficient and generally complete projects ahead of schedule."Explanation
The given answer highlights the individual's strength of being organized, efficient, and completing projects ahead of schedule. This quality demonstrates their ability to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and deliver results in a timely manner. It implies that they are reliable, focused, and possess strong project management skills. This strength can contribute to increased productivity, meeting deadlines, and overall success in their work.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is your greatest weakness?
- A.
"I used to struggle with public speaking, but in my last position I did a lot of in-team presentations and now feel more comfortable speaking in front of others."
- B.
"I’m a perfectionist, so I spend a lot of time making sure my work is 100%."
- C.
"I prefer to work independently and do not like working in a team environment."
- D.
"I do not respond well to criticism."
Correct Answer
A. "I used to struggle with public speaking, but in my last position I did a lot of in-team presentations and now feel more comfortable speaking in front of others."Explanation
The answer suggests that the candidate's greatest weakness was public speaking in the past, but they have actively worked on it and improved their skills by doing in-team presentations in their previous position. This demonstrates the candidate's ability to identify and address their weaknesses, as well as their willingness to learn and grow.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
- A.
"If certain people are contributing to my stress level, I try to avoid them."
- B.
"I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment."
- C.
"I sometimes lash out at others, but they should know not to take it personally."
- D.
"From a personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every evening. It's a great stress reducer."
Correct Answer
B. "I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment."Explanation
The answer suggests that the individual handles stress and pressure by thriving in challenging situations. They have found that they work better when under pressure and actually enjoy working in such environments. This indicates that they have developed effective coping mechanisms and are able to perform well even in high-stress situations.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How do you define professional success?
- A.
"Finding a job that is rewarding and where I can use my skills to add value."
- B.
"A perfect work-life balance."
- C.
"A substantial income."
- D.
"Being the CEO of a company."
Correct Answer
A. "Finding a job that is rewarding and where I can use my skills to add value."Explanation
This answer defines professional success as finding a job that is fulfilling and allows the individual to utilize their skills to make a positive impact. It suggests that personal satisfaction and the ability to contribute value are important factors in determining professional success. It does not focus solely on external factors such as income or job title, but instead emphasizes the intrinsic aspects of a fulfilling career.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Where will you be in five years’ time?
- A.
"On the other side of this table."
- B.
"In another role, most likely managerial."
- C.
"I do not know where I will be exactly, but I hope to be in a position where I can leverage the skills and expertise I’ve developed and where I feel I can add the maximum value."
- D.
"At home starting a family."
Correct Answer
C. "I do not know where I will be exactly, but I hope to be in a position where I can leverage the skills and expertise I’ve developed and where I feel I can add the maximum value."Explanation
The answer suggests that the person is open to growth and development in their career. They express a desire to utilize their skills and expertise in a position where they can make a significant impact. This indicates a proactive and ambitious mindset, which is often valued by employers.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What inspired you to work in development?
- A.
"I like to travel and visit other cultures."
- B.
"I really want to leverage my skills to help alleviate poverty."
- C.
"The benefit packages are usually quite generous."
- D.
"I volunteered abroad in college and was inspired to continue working to help others."
Correct Answer
B. "I really want to leverage my skills to help alleviate poverty."Explanation
The answer "I really want to leverage my skills to help alleviate poverty" suggests that the person is motivated to work in development because they have a strong desire to use their skills to make a positive impact on reducing poverty. This answer indicates a genuine passion for helping others and a commitment to using their abilities in a meaningful way. It shows a deeper understanding of the purpose and significance of development work beyond personal benefits or experiences.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Give an example of your cross-cultural communication skills.
- A.
"I took Spanish all throughout college and made an effort to join Spanish student groups."
- B.
"I love ethnic restaurants and always ask the wait-staff their background."
- C.
"My family come from a multi-cultural background so I grew up with multiple cultures."
- D.
"In my last position I had to work closely with a partner organization in India, which required me to change the hours I worked, and I learned to adapt my tone in emails to be more culturally sensitive."
Correct Answer
D. "In my last position I had to work closely with a partner organization in India, which required me to change the hours I worked, and I learned to adapt my tone in emails to be more culturally sensitive."Explanation
The answer demonstrates cross-cultural communication skills because it highlights the individual's experience of working closely with a partner organization in India. This experience required them to adapt their working hours and adjust their communication style to be more culturally sensitive, indicating their ability to effectively navigate and communicate across different cultural contexts.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Do you have any field experience?
- A.
"Yes, in my previous position I worked on several projects in South East Asia where I worked with local NGOs along with public institutions to design and implement meaningful programs for the community."
- B.
"I don’t have overseas experience but my experience domestically could be applied in an international context."
- C.
"I vacation overseas every chance I get."
- D.
"I volunteered at an overseas charity program in Honduras, which was a good introduction to development issues."
Correct Answer
A. "Yes, in my previous position I worked on several projects in South East Asia where I worked with local NGOs along with public institutions to design and implement meaningful programs for the community."Explanation
The answer is the only one that demonstrates actual field experience in the development sector. The candidate mentions working on projects in South East Asia, collaborating with local NGOs and public institutions to design and implement programs for the community. This experience indicates a practical understanding of working in the field and suggests that the candidate has hands-on experience in addressing development issues.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Name someone who has inspired you professionally.
- A.
"Bono for his activism in Africa and benefits concerts."
- B.
"Jeff Sachs for his work with the UN and the Millennium Promise Alliance."
- C.
"An old manager of mine always encouraged me to tackle new interest projects and come to him/her with ideas I had."
- D.
"My Mom always seemed to do a good job of tackling work and family life."
Correct Answer
B. "Jeff Sachs for his work with the UN and the Millennium Promise Alliance." -
- 14.
Are you willing to travel with little notice including to conflict zones?
- A.
"I am available for travel and understand the nature of the work means it is not always possible to have advanced notice though I would request as much notice as possible so I can make arrangements for a cat sitter."
- B.
"I love to travel and I love a little danger, so yes, please send me anywhere, anytime!"
- C.
"I am afraid of flying and will not get on a plane unless I absolutely have to."
- D.
"As a seasoned development professional, I've learned to always have my bag packed and my passport up to date in case I am needed overseas and understand that the locations where my expertise is needed most may be in areas of conflict."
Correct Answer
D. "As a seasoned development professional, I've learned to always have my bag packed and my passport up to date in case I am needed overseas and understand that the locations where my expertise is needed most may be in areas of conflict."Explanation
The correct answer is the most suitable because it demonstrates the candidate's preparedness and willingness to travel to conflict zones. It shows that they have experience in the field and understand the demands of the job, including the possibility of working in challenging and dangerous environments. This response also highlights the candidate's commitment to their work and their understanding of the importance of their expertise in areas of conflict.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Do you have any questions for us?
- A.
"How much will I get paid?"
- B.
"Where do you see the company in 5 years’ time?"
- C.
"No, I’ve got all the information I need."
- D.
"Are there any opportunities for advancement in this position?"
Correct Answer
B. "Where do you see the company in 5 years’ time?"Explanation
The answer "Where do you see the company in 5 years’ time?" is the best choice because it shows the candidate's interest in the long-term goals and vision of the company. It demonstrates that the candidate is thinking beyond just the immediate job and is interested in the company's future plans and growth. This question also allows the candidate to understand the company's strategic direction and potential opportunities for personal and professional development within the organization.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Sep 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 21, 2014Quiz Created by
Devex
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