Answers from the experts
| Q. | Hi, I am applying for a position as a sales manager in a major corporation. How should I approach a question such as "What are your best qualities?"
Thanks,
Bill, San Fransisco | | Hi Bill, We recommend that you emphasise your persuasiveness and your ability to connect with people. It is also important to point out that you respond well to failures and do not give up when facing adversity. Presenting these qualities is important when applying for a sales position.
Yours,
The JobTestPrep team
[18/5/2009]
| | | Q. | I am applying for a manager position in a large bank. How should I prepare for a question regarding my weaknesses?
Denise, Washington D.C | | Hi Denise,
First of all, it is important not to try to avoid a direct answer. Some candidates try to avoid the question by replying something like: "My biggest weakness is perfectionism"; such a response indicates apprehension and avoidance from dealing with the situation. The interviewer might perceive you as not wanting to deal truthfully with the question. We recommend that you present real weaknesses but without stressing their severity. For example: "I am a bit worrisome and sometimes a bit shy, but that's usually the case in new situations and after a while I relax and become more confident".
Yours,
The JobTestPrep team
[19/5/2009]
| | | Q. | In the last interview I had for a sales position the interviewer asked me quite rudely: "Why in fact did you apply to our company?" The truth is I applied to that specific company quite randomly. I don't have any preference for their company over others, but I thought such an answer would be a mistake so I said that i preferred them because they are a big and stable company. Is that a good answer for such a question? What do you think could be an appropriate answer?
Jake, Newton MA | | Hi Jake,
First of all, the question was not rude. The interviewer has the prerogative to ask questions, even if the interviewee might find them somewhat embarrassing or rude. As an interviewee you need to show some resilience when facing hard questions. Regarding the question itself, if you didn't have any specific preference towards the company you're applying to, you can answer that you applied to that company among others, out of interest in the position itself and not necessarily a specific company. Usually there is no reason to present preference to one company over another. Another option is to reply that you've applied to the company in question after receiving recommendations from friends about that company being a leader in their field, one that offers interesting challenges.
Yours,
The JobTestPrep team
[20/5/2009]
| | | Q. | Hi，I am applying for a position as a researcher in a university. how to answer the question such as "How do you decide on the most appropriate means of communication at work with your work colleagues and customers etc.?" and " Describe a recent situation when you needed to use different communication styles to get your message across and influence people.
Anonymous | | Dear Anonymous,
The most important thing to remember is to respect your co-workers, whether they are your superiors, peers, employees or customers.
If you treat people respectfuly, then your communication with them will be a positive one, regardless of your style.
If you need something from a co-worker, ask for it respectfully.
It is also important to have the same attitude regarding yourself - If you want to ask a superior for something you think you deserve, don't underestimate yourself; give yourself the same amount of respect and credit you would've given others.
Yours,
The JobTestPrep Team
[28/05/09]
| | | Q. | On an OPQ assesment, is the employer looking for the highest score from the results?
M. | | Dear M.,
OPQ is a personality test that tries to assess an applicant's suitablity for certain positions.
The personality qualities that are required depend on the position in question. For instance, a senior manager should be dominant, but an overly dominant customer service person could be problematic.
Thus, a high score in a certain quality could be good for one job, and not as good for another.
Yours,
The JobTestPrep team
[17/8/09]
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