JARRING QUESTIONS MOST OFTEN ASKED IN INTERVIEWS, AND TRUTHFUL, EFFECTIVE ANSWERS FOR THEM

1. HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY DISPUTE WITH YOUR SUPERIORS THAT INTERFERED WITH YOUR WORK?
In answering this question, be tactful. You don't want to portray yourself as a malcontent. You don't want to slander anyone. The stronger the terms you use to decry your former colleagues, the more suspicious your interviewer will be Chances are that if he checks up on you, you will be describe in similar terms at the other end. Tell the truth, politely and unspecific ally. If appropriate, describe the disagreement as a policy conflict. Be sure you say nothing that may be seen as bad mouthing. A person who speaks against others speak against himself.

2. WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE YOU?
Accentuate the good, but don't put a halo over your head. Be forceful and clear. Use your reading of the interviewer and the job to give pertinent information that will help your cause. What you want to emphasize is your reputation as a hard worker, as a person who cares about his company's interest, as a willing worker who knows how to follow instructions and give instructions.

3. DO YOU INTEND TO STAY IN THIS JOB IF WE DECIDE TO HIRE YOU?
Say that you have thought firmly about your plans. You want to make your career in the company, and that is why you are applying, As long as your position is fulfilling, you have no intention of changing employment.

4. WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?
This is where your research will pay off. Be honest. Don't be afraid to list income as one factor. But surely there are other good reasons. The company is known as a good place to work. There is opportunity for growth. You have always lived the area and want to remain. You intend to continue your schooling after working hours in subjects that will be useful in the company.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS ON SALARY?
Unless you have a yardstick on which to base your answer and a firm income goal, it doesn't hurt to ask what the job pays. You may also find a helpful response in one or more of the following:
You were paid X dollars in your previous job and hope to better yourself now.
You understand that the job pays a salary between X and Y and would be glad to start in that range.
You look upon the job as a promising opportunity, so starting salary is not important.
You don't know what to expect, since this is your first job.

6. WHY WERE YOUR SCHOOL GRADES SO LOW?
Perhaps you spent all your spare time at college working to support yourself. Maybe you become too absorbed in running your college newspaper. Maybe you were too immature to think about grades. The point is to compensate for gaps or low spots in your record by showing interests, abilities, or newly found maturity that make up for them.
But stay away from lying, no matter how difficult and embarrassing a question may be. If you know and recognize your problems in advance of a job campaign, you, can develop answers for embarrassing questions that are thoughtful enough to turn minuses into plusses.