15 Interview Questions and Answers

1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer:
“I love politics. I a huge fan of Obama and find his message for change very inspiring.”
Don’t just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with government and especially in that agency, and if you can, tell a success story.
Good answer:
“I am fascinated by the way government works with lawmakers to accomplish change. In light of recent political events and the Obama Administration’s movements, we are already seeing how much the government can accomplish when the right people and resources are utilized. This is especially true for energy conservation efforts with the Department of Energy. When I worked at my previous employer, I initiated efforts to create a more “green” office – decreasing paper and electricity use by 25% after three months – saving the company $10,000 that year. Working in the administrative office of the DoE, with its resources, I know I could take this type of project to the next level. I would find career and personal fulfillment in that."

2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer:
“I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor’s in Biology – but I decided that wasn’t the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in legislative affairs for a law firm that worked with the Feds. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in government and legal work. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging legislative role.”
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer:
“I’m really energetic, and a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I’ve also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10% over two years. I’m also really interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform. This is especially important as the government moves into more Web 2.0 initiatives.”

3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad answer:
“He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I’ve moved on”
Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).
Good answer:
“My last boss taught me the importance of time management – he didn’t pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.”

4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Bad answer:
“I can’t stand my boss, or the work I’m doing.”
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
“I’ve learned a lot from my current role, but now I’m looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set – all of which, I see the potential for in this job.”

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
“Relaxing on a beach in Maui,” or “Doing your job.”
There’s really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you’re ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
“In five years I’d like to have an even better understanding of how this agency works. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I’d like to be in some type of managerial role at this agency, where I can use my people skills and department knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the agency as a whole."

6. What’s your greatest weakness?
Bad answer:
“I work too hard,” or for the comedian, “Blondes.”
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don’t want your answer to be cliché – joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer:
“I’ve never been very comfortable with public speaking – which as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He said “yes.” I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I’ve given lots of presentations to audiences of over a 100 high level executives – I still don’t love it, but no one else can tell!”

7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer:
“In my last job I earned $35,000 – so, now I’m looking for $40,000”
If you can avoid it, don’t give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you’ve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city. If the role is with a non-independent agency and therefore must us the GS Pay Schedule, think of ways to talk yourself up the scale.
Good answer:
“I’m more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I’d expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City. Further, I think my education and background can make me at the highest Step in my Grade.”

8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer:
“I’m the best candidate for the role.”
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer:
“I’ve been an Executive Assistant for the past ten years – my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I’ve also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn’t really understand the ins and outs of). I’m an Excel wiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do himself. What’s good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.”

9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer:
I never finished law school – and everything that’s happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake.”
You don’t want to actually highlight a major regret – especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
Good answer:
“When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn’t take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I’d even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I’m doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it’s not worth doing at all.”

10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,” or “I just can’t find a job.”
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
“My work is important to me, so I won’t be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I’m taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."

11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
"I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Don’t give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well – and enjoyed –that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer:
“I’m a people person. I was always happiest – and most satisfied – when I was interacting with people and patient, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible helathcare experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this job at Human and Health Services is that I know I’d have even more interaction with patients, on an even more critical level."

12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
"A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.
Good answer:
“There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.”


13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.
Bad answer:
"I’m easy to get along with, so I’ve never had any kind of discord with another coworker.”
Interviewers don’t like these types of “easy out” answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning experience.
Good answer:
“I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things – from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child’s family. Our personalities just didn’t mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren’t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”

14. What motivates you?
Bad answer:
"Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.”
It’s not that this answer is wrong – it’s just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don’t give a vague, generic response – it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good answer:
“I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline – in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven – I’m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”

15. How would your friends describe you?
Bad answer:
"I’m a really good listener.”
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn’t care all that much. It’s unlikely that they’re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You’ll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you’re interviewing for – and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good answer:
“My friends would probably say that I’m extremely persistent – I’ve never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players – so I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said “yes” – the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it’s just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it.”

10 Worst IT Job Hunting Mistakes

Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or a veteran IT professional, finding a tech-savvy job is tough work. With so many things to keep in mind, it’s easy for you get off track in your job hunt. Today’s IT companies are looking for the best of the best, which means one typo on your resume or cover letter is guaranteed to derail your best efforts and land you in the “Do Not Call” pile.

Take caution and be thoughtful with every job you apply for. Even though IT employees are in high demand, the competition is tough, which means the simplest mistake in your job search can lead to disaster. Make sure you’re not making these 10 common job hunting mistakes and get the IT job of your dreams!

1. Not Reading the Job Description
2. Duties VS. Accomplishments
3. Not Customizing Your Cover Letter
4. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
5. Not Being Concise
6. Being Too Polished or Over-Prepared
7. Sloppy Speech
8. No Concrete Examples
9. Failing to Ask Questions in an Interview
10. References Don’t Check Out

1. Not Reading the Job Description
After applying for an endless number of open IT positions, the job descriptions tend to blur together. But that doesn’t mean you should stop reading them. A common mistake IT job seekers make in their job hunt is forgetting to read and follow the requirements stated in the job description. Whether applicants are overqualified, or under qualified, too often, recruiters find themselves faced with resumes and cover letters that are irrelevant to the posting.
In addition to meeting every requirement listed in the job description, it’s also important to follow the instructions on how to apply. Too often, job seekers send an email with an attached resume or cover letter, failing to take into consideration special application instructions, such as including a salary history, list of references, or some other requirement. Searching for an IT job is hard – but don’t let yourself miss out on an opportunity because you didn’t read the directions!

2. Duties VS. Accomplishments
One of the most common resume errors IT professionals make is giving a laundry list of job duties instead job accomplishments. Employers can usually identify what your duties were through the job title – they would rather know what you did that made a difference. Your resume should answer the question: How did you succeed at your last place of employment?
Say you were applying for a job as a computer programmer. Instead of saying, “Wrote software programs for Company X for seven years” on your resume, you could say, “Took initiative with software development projects at Company X by finding unique solutions to client problems in a timely manner.” Specifying accomplishments instead of duties makes your resume stand out in a crowd.

3. Not Customizing Your Cover Letter
Perhaps one of the most common job seeking mistakes IT professionals make is failing to customize the cover letter for each job. As tempting as it is to cut and paste your cover letter, substituting only the appropriate employer name and position title, don’t. Hiring managers can sniff out a cut-and-paste cover letter from a mile away. Besides, it’s in your interest to tailor cover letters, and highlight your past experiences that are directly related to the job. That’s what makes you stand out!
Using a cut-and-paste cover letter is risky for a lot of reasons, most importantly because it’s easy to make mistakes, like forgetting to switch names and titles. For example, if you’re applying for an IT position at a government agency, you might want to double check that you changed the “Department of Energy” for “Department of Defense.” After all, if you can’t be bothered to pay attention to details in looking for a job, what’s the guarantee that you’ll pay attention once you get the job?

4. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Think your fun email address is memorable and personable? Think again.
Anarchy212@gmail.com or starwarzfan4life@aol.com doesn’t exactly give off the impression of a professional looking for a job in the IT securities field. A silly email address makes potential employers think you aren’t serious and that you may act similarly on the job.
Stick with a simple email address that contains your name. Professionalism matters! Save Gandalf_99@yahoo.com for your friends and family, if you must.

5. Not Being Concise
Sorting through job applications is one of many tedious tasks recruiters have on their plate. Don’t make their day worse by sending in a cover letter that reads like your autobiography. While it’s important to sell your strengths in a cover letter, keeping it short and focused is just as important.
Recruiters are inundated with applications and faced with weeding out the good from the bad. So make their job easier and increase your chances by filling your resume with the right IT keywords. Recruiters will take any excuse to throw a resume into the trash bin if it takes them too long to decipher your jargon, so it’s imperative your application passes the skim test. Length isn’t important, keywords are. Look at your resume and ask yourself:
1) Can a hiring manager see my main credentials within 10 to 15 seconds?
2) Does the most critical information jump off the page?
3) Do I effectively sell myself on the top quarter of the first page?
Many employees are proud of their careers and want their resume to reflect everything they’ve accomplished as an IT professional. Unfortunately, that’s the quickest way to the recycle bin.
Be judicious. If your college days are far behind you, does it really matter that you pledged a fraternity or delivered pizza? Do you really need to mention that first IT internship? Cut the fat and highlight major accomplishments. Take the time to focus on career highlights – it’s these types of executive skills that employers look for anyway.
Think about it this way: If you were a recruiter looking at a resume for an IT professional, which of the following entries would impress you more?
• “Wrote news releases.”
• “Wrote 25 news releases in a three-week period under daily deadlines.”
Clearly the second statement carries more weight. Why? Because it uses numbers to quantify the writer’s accomplishment, giving it context that helps the interviewer understand the degree of difficulty involved in the task. Numbers are powerful resume tools that help your accomplishments draw the attention they deserve from prospective employers. With just a little thought, you can find effective ways to quantify your successes on your resume and make them sing.

6. Being Too Polished or Over-Prepared
Have you ever blanked out during a class speech, or failed a test you spent all night studying for? Over-preparation is to blame. The same principle applies to job searching as well.
Loosen up and relax. While practice makes perfect, sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to be a little off your game. Preparing too much makes you seem stiff and overly formal, or worse, causes you to blank out during the interview.
Plus, interviewers can tell if you’re too rehearsed or faking it, and that doesn’t help your cause. Don’t be afraid of having answers that aren’t textbook perfect. Be honest and highlight your achievements. The “right” interview answer isn’t necessarily what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Be yourself – a little spunk goes a long way.

7. Sloppy Speech
Do you, um, like, think that maybe, like, you could speak, um, like, professionally?
Speaking properly, when talking to a potential employer is just as important as having a typo-free cover letter. Being an IT professional doesn’t mean you’re exempt from working with a wide variety of people; communication skills are still important in the workplace.
During your career, you’ll be expected to talk to a variety of people in many departments, from salespersons to public relations officers, data crunchers to IT engineering peers. So leave out the “ums” and “likes,” talk at an understandable pace, and use strong, decisive words to get your point across.
During your IT interview, remember to speak to the level of your audience. Don’t pull out the technical jargon if you’re talking to someone from human resources; save your industry expertise for further along the hiring process. Simple stuff, but you’d be surprised how many people blow it here.

8. No Concrete Examples
There are a handful of standard IT interview questions you should be prepared for. Getting asked about your past job experiences is one of them. Don’t let this question stump you during a job interview!
For example, you might be asked, “Tell me about a time when you ran up against a difficult problem.” Talk about a time you recognized an obstacle, analyzed the situation, and overcame the challenge.
If you have to sit and think about a time you dealt with a difficult software program, or had an issue with an IT client, the interviewer might assume that you’re unprepared. If you’re still having trouble thinking about your working past, grab a friend and have them quiz you with questions you might get asked at the real thing.
However, be honest if you don’t have an example. Telling the truth is always better than making up a lie that your employer could learn about later.

9. Failing to Ask Questions in an Interview
Curiosity killed the cat, but it can help you ace your IT interview. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! After all, a job interview goes both ways. It’s not just you who’s in the hot seat, but the interviewer too!.
Failing to ask questions is a big mistake for job seekers; it shows lack of interest and unpreparedness. Don’t just ask about whatever pops into your head, either. Intelligent questions show you’ve done your research, and put thought into the interview.
Go for in-depth questions, like asking about the company culture, or successful traits of someone who previously held the position you are applying for. Not only are you proving that you’ve made an investment in them, you’ve shown that you’re worth making an investment in too.

10. References Don’t Check Out
Employers use references as a way to verify your value from a third party, which means solid IT references are your golden ticket out of unemployment. But if your references don’t check out, kiss that job goodbye.
When HR comes knocking for references, make sure you provide professional, qualified contacts you can count on. Hopefully you’ve taken the time to cultivate a positive relationship with them.
An excellent reference gives you credibility, while a negative, ambiguous, or careless reference will have your employer hitting the ‘escape’ button. Be honest with your references, and ask if they are willing to provide a good reference on your behalf. If not, thank them for their time and move on to someone else.
So what are qualities of a good reference? Someone who is eloquent, professional, and qualified to talk about the IT field. Most importantly, you must have spent significant time in a work environment with your reference, and you must have directly worked with, or for them.
If possible, have more than a few references on hand, in case someone backs out, is unavailable, or isn’t qualified to speak about the particular job you’re applying for. And always, always, thank your references for their time and let them know if you get the job or not. Don’t forget to keep that relationship alive even when you’re employed! You’ll never know when you’ll need to call on them again.