Interview Questions
INTERVIEW FOR THE ZOO- Tell me about yourself:
A: I'm 32 years old, and I live in Redwood City. I used to be a banker and my favorite show is Judge Judy.
B: I used to work with animals as a kid on my dad's farm! I just finished school and hope to build a career around that passion.
B: I used to work with animals as a kid on my dad's farm! I just finished school and hope to build a career around that passion.
What you describe about yourself should show:
Interest, passion and relevance to the position!
How are accidents and doing something on purpose different?
Accident:
- You didn't want it to happen
- You had no choice
- It's a surprise
On purpose:
- You wanted it to happen
- You made a choice!
Why is good communication at work important?
What does good communication look like?
- Ask clarification questions
- Be specific
- Use professional language and volume.
What does "Draw the Line" mean?
Respect people's boundaries in the work environment and uphold professional etiquette.
What is a conflict?
- a disagreement between two parties
- can happen from a mistake, misunderstanding or difference in values
INTERVIEW AT A PIZZERIA- Tell me about yourself:
A: I enjoy tennis. I have a lot of friends and this can be a fun job. I like pizza- who doesn't?
B: I've never worked in a pizzeria, but I am taking cooking classes on the weekends and I experiment with different pizza toppings at home. My favorite is pineapple and jalapenõs!
B: I've never worked in a pizzeria, but I am taking cooking classes on the weekends and I experiment with different pizza toppings at home. My favorite is pineapple and jalapenõs!
The answer should be relevant to both the job AND the job requirements.
Ex) Macys: I have a lot of clothes VS I organize my closet by season so I can style my outfits better.
James slips his hand and drops food as we was taking it to the customer.
What it on accident or on purpose?
Accident! His hand slipped.
What should James do?
A delivery man comes up to you at work with a clipboard. What's the best description?
A: A package is here.
B: A man wants me to sign something.
C: A man is here.
D: A deliveryman is here and needs me to sign something.
D: A deliveryman is here and needs me to sign something.
Be specific when describing a situation!
HOLDING HANDS - Can you do this with:
A: Significant Others
B: Friends
C: Coworkers
D: Strangers
A: Significant Others
B: Friends
Why wouldn't you hold hands with your coworker? With a stranger?
What are some good ways to address and/or solve a conflict with someone at work?
- walk away
- ask to talk to the person 1 on 1
- explain your conflict/discomfort/disagreeing feelings to the other person calmly
- try coming to a compromise or solution
- involve management
Tell me about a time you solved a problem at work:
A: I'm always solving problems!
B: My boss thought the drill was broken, but I fixed it just by adjusting the batteries. He almost bought a new drill!
C: I make sure people are safe by telling them the rules.
B: My boss thought the drill was broken, but I fixed it just by adjusting the batteries. He almost bought a new drill!
For these questions remember to include the:
Problem, solution(s), and outcome/effect.
Tom misses the bus to work because he is busy watching his favorite T.V. show.
Did Tom miss the bus on accident or on purpose?
On purpose! Tom made the choice to watch the T.V. show instead of being ready for the bus to work.
What should Tom do?
What is taking initiative?
Doing something WITHOUT being told because you know it's a good idea!
What are some ways you take initiative at home?
USE A NICKNAME: You can do this with...
A: Special Friends
B: Friends
C: Coworkers
D: Strangers
A: Special Friends
B: Friends
*When can you use a nickname for a coworker?
Zach's coworkers keep calling him by a nickname he doesn't like. What should he do?
A: Ask politely-"Could you please call me Zach?"
B: Tell his supervisor that his coworkers are mean to him.
C: Shout- "DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
A: Ask politely-"Could you please call me Zach?"
However, if his coworkers continue to use a nickname, disregarding Zach's request OR if Zach's coworkers are unapproachable for any reason:
B: Tell his supervisor that his coworkers are mean to him.
Is a good option too. But being specific with your manager is important.
Tell me about a time you solved a problem at work:
A: I once helped a woman find the most beautiful flowers.
B: A man said his flowers kept dying. Turns out he was using the wrong soil! I found him the right kind and his flowers stayed healthy.
C: Everyone knows I'm the best flower store worker. I grow great flowers, the best flowers!
B: A man said his flowers kept dying. Turns out he was using the wrong soil! I found him the right kind and his flowers stayed healthy.
Include: Problem, solution and outcome!
William hides the mess he made at work.
Is this on accident or on purpose?
What should William do instead?
Who is showing initiative:
A: Roy sees boxes everywhere in the fridge. Instead of cleaning it, he leaves it for the next person. It's not HIS problem.
B: Jessica notices the pantry is a little disorganized. She doesn't have anything else to do, so she cleans it.
B: Jessica notices the pantry is a little disorganized. She doesn't have anything else to do, so she cleans it.
What are some other ways you can take initiative at work?
Your coworker gets a new haircut- What is an appropriate compliment?
A: Your new hair looks great!
B: Wow, you're so pretty!
C: You're super hot.
D: Will you go on a date with me?
A: Your new hair looks great!
Remember to be respectful, professional and mindful of boundaries at work.
Derik's coworker is mad and shouting. What should Derik do?
A: Walk away
B: Say "Stop shouting you crazy animal!"
C: Say "It makes me uncomfortable when you shout, please don't."
D: Tell the boss.
C: Say "It makes me uncomfortable when you shout, please don't."
Explain your discomfort and give the coworker to change his behavior. If he instead channels that anger towards you, then
D: Tell the boss.
would be appropriate.