JOBS, PROFESSIONS & OCCUPATIONS

Jobs, Professions, Occupations

 English Vocabulary

 

 Below we have a list of different Professions and an explanation of what each person does in that profession.

 

Accountant - a person that works with the money and accounts of a company.

Actor /Actress - a person that acts in a play or a movie.

Architect - a person that designs building and houses.

Astronomer - a person who studies the stars and the universe.

Author - They write books or novels.

Baker - They make bread and cakes and normally work in a bakery.

Bricklayer - a person that helps to build houses using bricks.

Bus driver - a person that drives buses.

Butcher - a person that works with meat. They cut the meat and sell it in their shop.

Carpenter - a person that makes things from wood including houses and furniture.

Chef/Cook - a person that prepared food for others, often in a restaurant or café.

Cleaner - a person that cleans/tidies an area or place (such as in an office).

Dentist - a person that can fix problems you have with your teeth.

Designer - a person who has the job of designing things.

Doctor - a person you go to see when you are ill or have some type of health problem.

Dustman/Refuse collector - a person that collects trash/rubbish from bins in the street.

Electrician - a person that works with electric circuits.

Engineer - a person who develops solutions to technical problems. They sometimes design, build, or maintain engines, machines, structures or public works.

Factory worker - a person that works in a factory.

Farmer - a person that works on a farm, usually with animals.

Fireman/Fire fighter - a person that puts out fires.

Fisherman - a person that catches fish.

Florist - a person that works with flowers.

Gardener - a person that keeps gardens clean and tidy. They take care of the plants in the garden.

Hairdresser - they cut your hair or give it a new style.

Journalist - a person that makes new reports in writing or through television.

Judge - a qualified person that decides cases in a law court.

Lawyer - a person that defends people in court and gives legal advice.

Lecturer - a person that gives lectures, usually in a university.

Librarian - a person that works in a library.

Lifeguard - a person that saves lives where people swim (at a beach or swimming pool).

Mechanic - a person that repairs machines, especially car motors.

Model - a (usually attractive) person that works in fashion, modeling clothes and accessories.

Newsreader - a person that reads the news, normally on television.

Nurse - a person trained to help a doctor look after the sick or injured.

Optician - a person that checks your eyes and try and correct any problems with your sight.

Painter - a person that paints pictures or the interior and exterior of buildings.

Pharmacist - a qualified person that works with and dispenses medicine.

Photographer - a person that takes photos.

Pilot - a person who flies a plane.

Plumber - a person that repairs your water systems or pipes.

Politician - a person who works in politics.

Policeman/Policewoman - a member of the police force. They (try and) prevent crime.

Postman - a person that delivers mail to your house.

Real estate agent - a person that makes money from selling land for development.

Receptionist - a person that is at the reception (entrance) of a company.

Scientist - a person that works in the science industry. They do many experiments.

Secretary - a person employed in an office who types letters, keeps records etc.

Shop assistant - a person that works in a shop or store selling products.

Soldier - a person who works for the army.

Tailor - a person that makes clothes for others, many times producing exclusive items of clothing.

Taxi driver - a person who drives a taxi.

Teacher - a person that passes knowledge to students, usually at school.

Translator - a person that translates from one language to another.

Traffic warden - a person that patrols areas to check that people do not park in the wrong place.

Travel agent - a person that organises and sells holidays and flights for others.

Veterinary doctor (Vet) - a qualified person that looks after sick animals.

Waiter/Waitress - a person that works in a food outlet, looking after customers and serving food.

Window cleaner - a person that cleans windows, normally the windows of big buildings.

Jobs and Professions

 

Management

president, vice-president, executive officer (CEO);

director, deputy director, managing director, financial director, marketing director;

general manager, assistant manager, manager;

personnel manager, production manager, marketing manager, sales manager, project manager;

supervisor, inspector;

 

 

Office

office clerk, receptionist, secretary, typist, stenographer;

 

  

Banks

banker, bank officer, accountant, bookkeeper, economist, teller, cashier, auditor;

 

 

Medicine

doctor, physician, family doctor, general practitioner;

eye specialist, ear specialist, throat specialist, heart specialist;

cardiologist, surgeon, pediatrician, psychiatrist, dentist, dietician, pharmacist, veterinarian;

nurse, paramedic;

 

 

Restaurants

chef, head cook, cook;

maitre d', headwaiter, waiter, waitress, bartender, barman;

 

 

Sales and stores

sales representative, sales manager;

salesperson, salesman, saleswoman, salesgirl, salesclerk, cashier;

seller, buyer, wholesale buyer, wholesaler, retailer, distributor, advertising agent;

 

 

Art and creative work

musician, composer, singer, dancer;

artist, painter, sculptor, architect;

film director, producer, art director, actor, actress, cameraman;

writer, author, playwright, dramatist, scenarist;

journalist, reporter, correspondent, photographer;

designer, fashion designer, dress designer, interior designer, furniture designer, graphic designer;

 

 

School and college

principal, dean, professor, teacher, student, pupil;

schoolteacher, college teacher, university teacher; head teacher, senior teacher;

English teacher, history teacher, maths teacher (BrE), math teacher (AmE), music teacher;

 

 

Construction

engineer, technician, mechanic;

builder, construction worker, repairer;

welder, bricklayer, mason, carpenter, plumber, painter;

 

 

Science

scientist, scholar, researcher, explorer;

mathematician, physicist, chemist, biologist, astronomer;

historian, archeologist, economist, philosopher, psychologist;

 

 

Law and order

judge, lawyer, attorney, legal adviser;

police officer, policeman, traffic officer, detective;

guard, bodyguard;

 

  

Other

expert, specialist, analyst, consultant, adviser;

computer programmer, computer operator; systems analyst, software specialist;

web developer, web programmer, webmaster, web designer;

pilot, flight engineer, flight navigator, flight attendant, stewardess;

driver, taxi driver, bus driver, truck driver; car mechanic;

firefighter, librarian, farmer, tailor, model, politician, priest, travel agent;

hairdresser, hairstylist, barber, beautician, cosmetologist;

cleaning lady, cleaning woman, janitor;

Places of work

office, agency, company, firm, plant, factory, hospital, hotel, school, shop.

Describing a job

a job in electronics, a teaching job, a position as secretary;

an interesting job, a boring job, a good job, a difficult job, a challenging job;

a well-paid job, a highly paid job, a low-paid job, a badly paid job;

a full-time job, a part-time job, a permanent job, a temporary job.

Related terms

to hire, to fire, to quit one's job;

unemployed, jobless; to look for a job; to apply for a job;

letter of application for a job, resume, CV, interview;

contract, work agreement;

employer, employee, staff member; to be on staff;

temporary worker, freelance worker, freelancer, season worker;

to work full-time, to work part-time, to have a part-time job, to work overtime;

pay, wages, salary, income, bonus, tips;

to be paid by the hour, to be paid by the month;

monthly pay, weekly pay, hourly pay, yearly pay, annual pay;

gross pay, net pay, take-home pay, overtime pay;

taxes, expenses, deductions;

fringe benefits, sick leave, maternity leave, holiday, vacation, pension plan;

medical insurance, health insurance, accident insurance, life insurance;

She gets ten dollars an hour. She is paid ten dollars an hour. Her hourly pay is ten dollars.

He gets two thousand dollars a month. His monthly pay is two thousand dollars.

They get twenty-three thousand dollars a year. Their annual pay is twenty-three thousand dollars.

His salary is thirty-four thousand dollars a year.

 

 

Related phrases

What do you do? What business are you in?

I am a teacher. I am a car dealer. I am a freelance writer.

I am a sales representative. I sell computers.

I work as a psychologist. I work as a stockbroker.

I work at a bank. I work at a small travel agency.

I work at a hotel. I work at a transportation company.

I work for a newspaper. I work for a film company.

I am in real estate. I am in advertising.

I have a small business of my own.

I am a homemaker. I work at home.

I am unemployed at the moment. I am looking for a job right now.

I am looking for a job in marketing. I am looking for a job as a driver.

I am seeking a position as librarian. I am seeking a position as office clerk.

He is looking for a place as a housekeeper. She is looking for a place as a cook.

I'd like to apply for a job. I'd like to apply for the position of shop assistant.

He was offered the position of salesclerk. She has a position as cashier.

 

Note: work, job, position, profession, occupation

work: I have a lot of work today. He is at work now. My work is very interesting. What work do you do?

 

job: He lost his job last month. Do you like your new job? She wants to change her job.

 

position: How long did you work in your previous position?

 

profession: The profession of a doctor requires a lot of training. He is a lawyer by profession.

 

occupation:  Write your name, age and occupation on this line. What is his occupation?

INTERVIEWS

 

Sample Job Interview Questions

 

Typical Interview Questions and Answers  

 

• Why do you want to work for this company? Why are you interested in this job?
  
  
  The interviewer is trying to determine what you know and like about the company, whether you will be willing to make a commitment to the job, and if your skills match the job requirements. Your research will be a big help in formulating your answer to this question. Say as many positive things about the company as possible, show your interest in whatever products/services they sell and explain why the position fits with your career goals.
  
  
  
• Have you done this kind of work before?
  
  
  
  The interviewer wants to know if you can learn to do the job in a reasonable time and how much training you will need. Never say "no" to this question. Instead, stress the experience you do have that will assist you in learning the new job quickly and efficiently. No two jobs are alike and you never do exactly the same work. In all jobs, new skills, rules and details have to be learned. Be sure to mention the following:
  • Your past work experience.
  • Your education and training related to the job.
  • Volunteer work that might relate to the job.
  • Any transferable skills - e.g. organizational skills, people skills.
  • Your ability to learn quickly and how quickly you learned that type of work in the past.
    
    
• What kind of training or qualifications do you have?
  
  
  The interviewer is trying to find out what school credentials you have. If you have no formal school qualifications but have a lot of experience, you might say:
  • I didn't get formal school training for this job but I have (number) of years of experience in the field. I'm willing to learn new skills or go to school to get further training if I am offered the job. I learn quickly and I like to keep upgrading my skills.
  If you have just completed a training course but have little work experience, you mightsay:
  • I took a one year training program in (name of program) at (name of school) which is related to the job I'm applying for. I look forward to working in the field and putting into practice what I learned. I don't have a lot of work experience in this area but I learn quickly. I know you will be happy with my work.
    
    
    
    
• Tell me about yourself. Why should we hire you?
  
  
  The interviewer is trying to find out about you, your job skills and how well you express yourself. Do not dwell on personal issues. State your best qualifications for the job. Be specific and include examples to support your statements. Try to show that you meet the employer's expectations. For example:
  • I am punctual, dependable and can be counted upon to finish what I start. I get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing that I have done something well and on time. For example, at my present job, I was given different work orders every day. It was my responsibility to finish the orders and make sure they all met quality and safety standards within a specific deadline. On occasion, I had to familiarize myself with the product and the production process. I was always able to learn quickly and carry out my job responsibilities. Our company was known for making excellent processed food products. In 1990, it received an award for being on of Canada's top companies in the field. I feel I can use the same skills and hard work to do well on this job too.
    
    
    
    
• What do you do in your spare time?
  
  
  Interviewers ask this question to see if your activities and hobbies might help the company and to get an idea of what kind of person you are outside your work life. Describe any volunteer work you do and any hobbies or interests that might relate to the job in some way. Stick to active hobbies, such as playing sports, carpentry,gardening, etc. Avoid mentioning inactive and non-creative activities such as watching television.
  
  
  
  
• What do you think of working in a group?
  
  
  The interviewer is trying to find out about your ability to get along with others.Focus on the following:
  • The advantages of working in a group. Explain how the various individuals in a group complement one another in carrying out certain tasks.
  • Give specific examples of your personal experience in a group.
    
    
    
    
• How do you react to instruction and criticism?
  
  The interviewer is trying to find out how you get along with Supervisors and how you feel about authority. You might say:
  
  • I appreciate getting instruction and criticism when it is done fairly and constructively.
  
  
  
• With the kind of work experience you have had, do you think this job would bore you?
  
  
  The interviewer may think you are over-qualified and want this job only until something better comes along. Stress that no job is ever boring because you always learn new skills. Mention how you would benefit by working for the company and vice versa.
  
  
  
• Why did you choose this line of work?
  
  
  The interviewer is trying to find out about your commitment to your career choice. In other words do you do it because you love the work or just take any job you can get for the money. If you did this work for many years and stopped due to a layoff,you might say:
  • I have done this for (number) of years. I like my work. The only reason I left my last workplace was because I was laid off.
    
    
    
    
• How well do you work under pressure or tight deadlines?
  
  
  This question indicates that the job you're applying for will involve working under pressure. Give examples of volunteer and paid work that involved pressure and deadlines. You could mention that we are always faced with pressure and deadlines in our lives and you do not mind the stress. Stressful situations are a learning and challenging experience. You might mention the following:
  • How you handled large rush orders at your last workplace.
  • How you prepared for exams and homework assignments while working full-time and attending school part-time.
  • How you managed a crisis situation. (For example: a car accident)
  
  
  
  
• How often were you absent from work in your last job? Have you every had any serious illness or injuries? Do you have any health problems?
  
  
  The interviewer is trying to find out if you have any health issues which will cause you to take a lot of sick days. You do not have to go into your health history for the interviewer. If you have health problems that do not interfere with your work performance, do not give the interviewer details about them. If you had a previous health problem that interfered with your work in the past, but is no longer a problem, do not volunteer this information. It no longer affects your work, therefore the employer does not have to know.
  
  
  If you have a health problem that will affect your work performance, explain your situation briefly and stress the positive points. I will be helpful to have a positive reference letter from your previous employer. This letter should explain the type of duties you did and stress that you are a steady worker who is responsible, hardworking and punctual.
  
  
  
  
• Are you bondable?
  
  
  This question indicates that the job involves working with money or valuable merchandise. Very likely the employer's insurance company requires that only bondable people be hired as a condition of their insurance policy.As long as you do not have a criminal record, and you have not previously been denied a bond, you should answer "yes" to this question. Caution: If you answer yes when you are not legally bondable it is very likely that the employer will discover this.
  
  
  
  
• Have you ever been fired or quit a job?
  
  
  The interviewer is looking for clues to any problems you have had in previous jobs and if you may have the same problems in a new job. Try to:
  • Avoid saying anything negative about yourself or your previous employer. If you had problems, explain them without being negative.
  • Be careful not the use the word "fired" or "quit". Instead use words such as: "I changed jobs", "I was laid off", or "I needed a more challenging job".
  • If you were fired and are not on good terms with your previous employer, explain the reason why you were fired. Stress that you learned something from the previous situation.
  
  
  
  
• Why haven't you worked recently?
  
  
  The interviewer is looking for clues to serious problems or job difficulties that could carry over to a new job. You might say:
  • Since I was laid off from my previous employer, I have been actively looking for a job. However, as you know, there are many people looking for work and applying for the same jobs. I have always worked steadily but I haven't been able to find a job in the present job market.
  • After I got laid off from my previous employer, I decided to go back to school to upgrade my skills so I can get a better, more secure job.
  
  
  
  
• What are your long-term goals or career plans?
  
  
  The interviewer may want to know if you are ambitious, plan ahead, or if you set goals for yourself. The interviewer may also want to know what expectation you have of the company. You might say:
  • I hope to become very good at my job and perhaps take some schooling to become more skilled in my field of work.
  • I intend to learn (name of area or skills) very well so that I can be promoted to a higher position in (name skill or department).
    
    
  
  
  
• What do you feel are your greatest strengths?
  
  
  This is your opportunity to brag a little bit. It is important that you have done your research about the type of work that you are applying for. For example if you are applying as a production labourer and from your research you understand that this type of work required people that have the ability to meet quotas, work as a team and make improvement suggestions, then it is important for you to incorporate this into your strengths.
  • Example:
    My greatest strength is that I have a lot of initiative. I am always looking for a better way to do things at work that I feel would save the company money and I can always achieve my production quotas. For example one time I was working at my station and I felt that I was wasting time by always having to walk to the other side of my station to get some parts. So I reorganized the station and my supervisor was really impressed as it increased my quota.
  
  
  
  
• What do you feel are your weaknesses?
  
  
  You never want to give any indication of any weaknesses that you have. Turn you weaknesses into strengths by working it to the employer's advantage.
  • Example:
    I am the type of person or is very hard on myself. I am always expecting myself to do a little bit more. However, I guess this works out well for my employer.
    Or
    I never like to leave work until I have every thing finished completely. Sometimes this bothers me but I feel inside that it is important.
    Or
    I am the type of person who always takes my work home with me. This sometimes interferes with my personal life but I feel that work comes first.
  
  
  
  
• How would you describe your last employer?
  
  
  Never run down or say anything negative about anybody or anyone. The employer will feel that you will do it to them. You should state the positive things such as he had high expectations and I really respected him for that. He was down to earth and really knew the job I was doing, if I had any problems he was approachable and would always give me suggestion or he gave the responsibility to do a good job.
  • Example:
    I liked my employer. He/she treated me fairly and respected my work
    Or:
    I appreciated my previous employer having given me the opportunity to acquire a lot of skills and experiences in (name area of work skill).
    
    
    
    
• What five words would be describe you?
  
  
  These should be your transferrable skills such as reliable, punctual, organized,friendly, honest, cooperative, outgoing, easy to get along with, hardworking,energetic, take pride in my work, responsible, respected,dedicated.

• What did you like about your last job?
  
  
  Say only positive things that you feel could transfer across to the position your are applying for.
  • Example:
    I liked my last job because I got along well with my co-workers and the work was challenging, fast paced and I was given a lot of responsibility to do a good job.
  
  
  
  
• Why did you leave your last position?
  
  
  Keep this answer simple. If you were laid off simply say so, If your company downsized, simply say so. Do not go into a lot of detail. If you were terminated you will have to say you were let go but always follow up that as a result you have learned how to overcome this and feel it will not affect you in the future.

• What are your long range goals?
  
  The interviewer is trying to figure out whether or not you are going to be a long term employee or whether or not you will be using this job as a stepping stone to another objective. So, you should try to assure him/her that your intention is to stay with the company and to grow in your career within the company. You should respond "I am looking for a position with a company where I can stay and grow with and I feel this position would give me this opportunity."

• What kind of machines or equipment have you worked with?
  
  
  This is your opportunity to give some detail of what actual work skills you have. Don't be vague, supply all of the information that you have to offer.

• What type of salary are you looking for?
  
  Do not get into this subject unless you are forced to. Even then you want to leave an impression that you are flexible in this area.

• What do you know about our company?
  
  This is your opportunity to show them that you have taken the time to research their company in particular.
  

• Do you have any other skills of experiences that we have not discussed?
  
  
  List any other skills that you have that are related to the position. You can also discuss any hobbies or volunteer experience you have and discuss any interest courses or educational upgrading you have.

List of Typical Behaviors

1- Adaptability    
2- Communication-Oral
3- Communication-Written

4- Control
5- Analysis
6- Attention to detail
7- Decisiveness
8- Delegation
9- Development of Subordinates

10- Energy
11- Entrepreneurial

12- Equipment Operation
13- Insight
14- Fact Finding-Oral
15- Financial Analytical
16- Flexibility
17- Impact
18- Independence
19- Initiative
20- Innovation
21- Integrity
22- Judgement
23- Leadership/Influence
24-  Listening
25- Motivation
26- Negotiation
27- Organizational
28- Participative
29- Sensitivity
30- Management
31- Planning and Organizing
32- Practical Learning
33- Presentation Skills
34- Process Operation
35- Rapport Building
36- Resilience
37- Risk Taking
38- Safety Awareness
39- Sales Abilities / Persuasiveness
40- Sensitivity
41- Strategic Analysis
42- Teamwork
43- Technical/Professional Knowledge
44- Technical/Professional Proficiency
45- Tenacity
46- Training
47- Work Standards

Sample Behavioral Interview Questions

Here is a list of sample behavioral-based interview questions:

1. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
2. Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
3. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgement and logic in solving a problem.
4. Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
5. Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
6. Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
7. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get the job done.
8. What do you do when your schedule is suddenly interrupted? Give and example.
9. What have you done in the past to contribute toward a teamwork environment?
10. Describe a recent unpopular decision you made and what the result was.
11. Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
12. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
13. What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
14. Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally like you (or vice versa).
15. Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
16. Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
17. Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
18. Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.
19. Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
20. Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
21. Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
22. Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
23. Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventative measures.
24. Tell about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
25. Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).

Sample questions to ask at an employment interview:

These questions should be asked, if not previously raised in the interview.

• I'd be interested in learning more about (some aspect of the company's operations).
• What are the main duties of the position?
• What characteristics do you look for in people doing this job?
• Is this a new position? (If it is not, perhaps ask why the other person left.)
• Who are the personnel I would be dealing with in this position?
• What opportunities are there for advancement?
• Does your company have branches elsewhere?
• Do you have any plan for expansion?
• What area does your market cover?
• What kind of training does the company offer to new employees?
• What are the workplace expectations? i.e. work habits, dress code, uniforms, work hours, shift work, overtime, etc.
• How many workers does the company have?
• Can you give me some examples of the best results previous workers in this position have achieved?
• Does the company have an organizational chart? And where does this position fit?
• Will I be working independently or as part of a team?
• How much travel is required?
• When can I contact you/expect to hear from you about the interview results? OR When do you plan to make your hiring decision?

What about salary?

 

Don't bring up salary if at all possible but make sure you have done your industry research in case the interviewer brings it up. Usually salary is discussed after the employer has decided that they want to hire you. It is to your advantage to discuss salary when you get an offer. By avoiding salary discussion until an offer is made you minimize the risk of eliminating yourself from the running, and now that they have decided they want to hire, you have more room for negotiation.

 

 

OCCUPATIONS  -  WHAT DO YOU DO? CLIC ON TEXT

ENGLISH VOCABULARY AND EXERCISES / CLIC ON TEXT

100 Potential Interview Questions 

While there are as many different possible interview questions as there are interviewers, it always helps to be ready for anything. So we've prepared a list of 100 potential interview questions. Will you face them all? We pray no interviewer would be that cruel. Will you face a few? Probably. Will you be well-served by being ready even if you're not asked these exact questions? Absolutely.    

 

Basic Interview Questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Why do you want this job?
• Where would you like to be in your career five years from now?
• What's your ideal company?
• What attracted you to this company?
• Why should we hire you?
• What did you like least about your last job?
• When were you most satisfied in your job?
• What can you do for us that other candidates can't? 
• What were the responsibilities of your last position?  
• Why are you leaving your present job?
• What do you know about this industry?  
• What do you know about our company? 
• Are you willing to relocate?  
• Do you have any questions for me?

  

Behavioral Interview Questions:

• What was the last project you headed up, and what was its outcome? 
• Give me an example of a time that you felt you went above and beyond the call of duty at work. 
• Can you describe a time when your work was criticized? 
• Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle it? 
• Tell me about a time when you had to give someone difficult feedback. How did you handle it? 
• What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it? 
• What irritates you about other people, and how do you deal with it? 
• If I were your supervisor and asked you to do something that you disagreed with, what would you do?
• What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it? 
• Give me an example of a time you did something wrong. How did you handle it? 
• What irritates you about other people, and how do you deal with it? 
• Tell me about a time where you had to deal with conflict on the job. 
• If you were at a business lunch and you ordered a rare steak and they brought it to you well done, what would you do? 
• If you found out your company was doing something against the law, like fraud, what would you do? 
• What assignment was too difficult for you, and how did you resolve the issue? 
• What's the most difficult decision you've made in the last two years and how did you come to that decision?
• Describe how you would handle a situation if you were required to finish multiple tasks by the end of the day, and there was no conceivable way that you could finish them. 

 

Salary Questions:

• What salary are you seeking?
• What's your salary history?
• If I were to give you this salary you requested but let you write your job description for the next year, what would it say?

Career Development Questions:

• What are you looking for in terms of career development? 
• How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?
• What kind of goals would you have in mind if you got this job? 
• If I were to ask your last supervisor to provide you additional training or exposure, what would she suggest?

 

Getting Started Questions:

• How would you go about establishing your credibility quickly with the team?
• How long will it take for you to make a significant contribution?
• What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days of this job?
• If selected for this position, can you describe your strategy for the first 90 days?

 

More About You: 

• How would you describe your work style? 
• What would be your ideal working environment? 
• What do you look for in terms of culture -- structured or entrepreneurial? 
• Give examples of ideas you've had or implemented.
• What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized?   
• If you had to choose one, would you consider yourself a big-picture person or a detail-oriented person?  
• Tell me about your proudest achievement.  
• Who was your favorite manager and why?  
• What do you think of your previous boss? 
• Was there a person in your career who really made a difference? 
• What kind of personality do you work best with and why?  
• What are you most proud of? 
• What do you like to do?  
• What are your lifelong dreams?  
• What do you ultimately want to become? 
• What is your personal mission statement?   
• What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?  
• What negative thing would your last boss say about you? 
• What three character traits would your friends use to describe you? 
• What are three positive character traits you don't have?  
• If you were interviewing someone for this position, what traits would you look for?  
• List five words that describe your character.   
• Who has impacted you most in your career and how? 
• What is your greatest fear? 
• What is your biggest regret and why?   
• What's the most important thing you learned in school? 
• Why did you choose your major?  
• What will you miss about your present/last job?  
• What is your greatest achievement outside of work?  
• What are the qualities of a good leader? A bad leader?  
• Do you think a leader should be feared or liked?     
• How do you feel about taking no for an answer?  
• How would you feel about working for someone who knows less than you? 
• How do you think I rate as an interviewer? 
• Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn't want me to know.  
• Tell me the difference between good and exceptional.  
• What kind of car do you drive? 
• There's no right or wrong answer, but if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? 
• What's the last book you read?  
• What magazines do you subscribe to? 
• What's the best movie you've seen in the last year?  
• What would you do if you won the lottery? 
• Who are your heroes?
• What do you like to do for fun? 
• What do you do in your spare time? 
• What is your favorite memory from childhood? 

 

  Brainteaser Questions:

• How many times do a clock's hands overlap in a day?
• How would you weigh a plane without scales?
• Tell me 10 ways to use a pencil other than writing.
• Sell me this pencil.
• If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
• Why is there fuzz on a tennis ball?
• If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why? 
• If you could get rid of any one of the US states, which one would you get rid of and why? 
• With your eyes closed, tell me step-by-step how to tie my shoes.