Typical Questions Asked During an Interview

Overall Sense of You

•         Tell me about yourself.

•         What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

•         Why should I hire you?

•         Why do you want to work here?

•         Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her.

•         What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?

•         What two or three things are most important to you in your work?

•         What do you do in your spare time?

•         How long do you plan to stay with us if you get this position?

•         Would you be willing to travel/relocate?

•         Why are you reentering the workforce at this time?

•         Will you be available during the hours required of this job?

Knowledge

•         What do you know about this field?

•         What do you think are the most pressing issues in this field?

•         What challenges does this position present?

•         What do you think it takes to be successful in this organization?

•         Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?

•         What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?

•         What do you know about our company?

•         What do you think is the most critical public issue of our time?

•         After a graduation: How will your degree benefit the organization?

Readiness/Experience (transferable skills)

•         Discuss your strengths and weaknesses.

•         What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with them?

•         What have you learned from your mistakes?

•         How do you react to pressure?

•         What types of decisions are most difficult for you?

•         How have your prior experiences and education prepared you for this job?

•         What has been your biggest frustration to date? How did you handle the situation?

•         Have you ever supervised anyone in a work setting? Have you ever hired or fired anyone?

•         What experience do you have in this field? How have you prepared yourself to switch fields?

•         How have you influenced productivity and results in your previous work experiences?

•         How have you prepared yourself to assume the challenges of this position?

•         How do your current skills apply to this position?

•         In what ways do you expect your relationships with current peers to change? How will you manage this shift?

Goals & Motivation (reasons for change)

•         Why are you leaving your current position/company?

•         What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

•         Why are you leaving your current field? What did you like about it? What didn’t you like? Why do you think you will like this field?

•         Why are you reentering the workforce at this time?

•         In what area(s) will significant learning or training be required?

Questions to Consider Asking

The interview is a two-way exchange. Just as the employer is evaluating your qualifications and fit for the position, you are evaluating the employer and assessing if the position meets your needs. Ask questions as appropriate, particularly to clarify information related to the job. Avoid asking questions that are answered in the company’s written material or that you could easily find online. Be sure that your questions demonstrate a basic knowledge of both the position and the organization. Ask questions out of genuine interest, rather than because you think it is expected.

•         What organizational goals are being supported by this position?

•         What would my initial assignments be?

•         How would you describe your company culture? management style?

•         What do you most enjoy about working for this company?

•         What characteristics do successful people in this organization possess?

•         What qualities do you seek in new employees?

•         How would you describe the work environment in this organization?

•         How would you describe the professional environment here?

•         What do you offer for professional development?

•         How does the department in which I would be working relate to other departments within the organization? Would I have contact with outside organizations?

•         What are the plans for the future of my potential department and XYZ Corporation?

•         To whom would I report? Where would I fit in the organization?

•         How much travel might there be in the job?

•         What is the typical career path in your company for someone with my background?

Appropriate Questions to Ask in a Second Interview

•         What type of training program or on-the-job mentoring is provided?

•         Does the company have a policy of promoting from within? Would I need a further degree to be promoted?

•         What department/functional area has been the major supplier of top management people? Why?

•         How will my performance be evaluated? On what will my evaluation be based?

•         Are salary reviews incorporated into each performance evaluation? On what are salary reviews based (e.g., performance, experience, cost of living)?

•         When do performance evaluations/salary reviews occur?

Further topics to explore:

    * Behavior-based Questions

    * Handling Illegal or Inappropriate Questions

Behavior-based interview questions will ask you to focus on specific examples that will target behaviors the interviewer believes are needed for success in the position. Sample questions might include:

·         “Tell me about a situation in which you solved a problem as a member of a group or team. What was your role?”

·         “Describe a major problem you have faced and how you dealt with it.”

·         “This position requires meeting frequent deadlines. Please give me an example of a time you had to work under time pressure.”

·         “Tell me about a time you had to handle a difficult person. How did you handle the situation and what happened?”

There will often be follow-up questions to explore further your behavior and work style, and probe for consistency, such as:

·         “Can you give me an example?”

·         “What did you do? What was your role?”

·         “How did you feel in that situation?”

·         “What were you thinking when that happened?”

·         “What was the end result?”

Source:

Wellesley College. (Aug. 31, 2008).  Career Essentials: Interviewing. Center for Work & Service. Retrieved on November 2, 2008 from http://www.wellesley.edu/CWS

Resumes versus Curriculum Vitas (CVs)

Resumes versus Curriculum Vitas (CVs)

Resumes

• Used for applying for positions in business and industry (e.g. outside academia)
• Strategically tailor for each position
• Purpose is to provide a compelling introduction of your experience and skills
• Focus on providing a concise summary
• Use the position for which you are applying to guide the format of your resume, putting the most relevant information first
• 1-2 pages in length, depending on experience and relevance of experience
• References on separate page

CVs

• Used for applying for positions in academia (faculty and administration)
• Fairly standard – make few adjustments for each position
• Purpose is to provide academic credentials and accomplishments in detail
• Focus on providing a detailed list of credentials and experience
• State education first, followed by your experience: research, teaching, professional (in any order)
• Approximately 2-10 pages in length based on number of credentials
• References listed at the end

Cover Letters

Cover Letters and Other Job Search Correspondence

Guidelines for a Cover Letter
Date
Company contact
Title
Firm name
Street address
City, State, Zip code
Dear Mr./Ms.:
First paragraph
In your initial paragraph, state the reason for the letter, the specific position or type of work for which
you are applying and indicate from which resource (GSD Career Services, professor, alumnus/a) you
learned of the opening. Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application that summarizes your
qualifications, training, experiences or whatever media you may be utilizing to present yourself.
Second paragraph
Indicate why you are interested in the position, the firm, the services they provide and, above all, what
you can do for the employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background
makes you a qualified candidate for the position. If you had some practical work experience, point out the
specific achievements or unique qualifications. Try not to repeat the same information the reader will find
in the resume. Instead, highlight specific points related to that employer’s needs.
Final paragraph
In the closing paragraph, indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to the time
and place. Repeat your phone number in the letter and offer to aid in a speedy response. Finally, close
your letter with a statement or question that will encourage a response. For example, state that you
will be in the city where the firm is located on a certain date to set up an interview. You can also ask if
they desire additional information or references.
Sincerely yours,
Anna P. Student
[Don’t forget to sign the letter and enclose your resume.]

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Sample Cover Letter (1)
These documents are to be used as examples only. It is recommended that you write a resume and cover
letter in your own words as fit your specific circumstances.
August 2, 2006
Mr. Recruiter
Director of Design
ABC Architectural Firm
One Boston Street
Boston, MA 02110
Dear Mr. Recruiter:
I will be graduating in June from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design with a
Post-Professional Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture. Your firm came to my attention through
Architecture Magazine’s profile of your most recent award for best low-income housing design. Enclosed
please find a copy of my resume for your review.
Professionally, I have been involved as a project assistant for the planning and implementation of largescale
community developments throughout the Denver region. As a project manager I was responsible for
several community projects including Green Valley Ranch and Blue Rock Ranch. While in Dubai, UAE, I
worked on the design development for EI Basra Hotel and Resort Community, as well as for several other
resort projects.
Academically, I have focused on large-scale community projects as they relate to the issue of
sustainability. Currently, my work is focused on the Stapleton Redevelopment Project with Mark Johnson
of Civitas. In the studio, I have focused on how physical design can alter social behavior in differing
neighborhood block patterns. I have also explored alternative mixed-use patterns that further advance
sustainability on a social and economic level. In my previous semester, I was involved with a project
concerning regional issues of the Upper, Galilee, with Professor Carl Steinitz. The environmental,
economic, and cultural implications that a range of population and industrial growth trends could cause to
the region were the object of study in his studio class.
During the week of May 26th I will be visiting San Diego for a number of interviews. If possible, it would
be wonderful to meet with you to discuss job opportunities at your firm. I will call you during the week of
May 1st to inquire about your interest and to set up a convenient meeting time. Please let me know if you
would like to receive additional work samples prior to my stay in San Diego. I can be reached at (617)
555-yyyy or at me@gsd.harvard.edu.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Hannah P. Student

======================================
Sample Cover Letter (2)
March 1, 2006
William H. Roberts
Wallace, Roberts & Todd
260 South Broad Street, 8th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dear Mr. Roberts:
Michael Van Valkenburgh is a critic for one of my landscape studios at the Harvard Graduate School of
Design. Through him, I learned that you are seeking a landscape designer with experience and interest in
urban design. I would very much like to be considered for this position. While at the GSD, I have taken
the opportunity to study some of your projects in greater detail. WRT's high standards in the design of
environmentally-sensitive projects that define and create our world are very impressive and inspire my
deep respect.
Enclosed you will find my resume and design sheets for your review. As you will see, after graduating
from Carnegie-Mellon in May of 2000, I spent one year as an intern at the Olmsted Center for Landscape
Preservation in Boston where I drew plans and perspective illustrations. My career at the GSD has
provided outstanding training in the large-scale planning of urban settings and has provided an integrative
approach to design as well. My capabilities with CAD design include 3D Studio Max, AutoCAD and
FormZ. Studio work has included a corporate-sponsored regional plan in the Upper Galilee in Israel with
Carl Steinitz and the Jersey City waterfront development proposal with Art Wrubell.
I look forward to the opportunity of meeting with you in person to review my portfolio and discuss how my
skills and experiences would be of interest your firm. During the week of March 20-25, I will be in
Philadelphia. I will telephone you to see if we might arrange for a meeting during that time. Please do not
hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Harvey J. Student

===================================
Sample Thank You Letter
March 1, 2006
William H. Roberts
Wallace, Roberts & Todd
260 South Broad Street, 8th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dear Mr. Roberts:
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss your opening for the position
of landscape designer. Our meeting confirmed both my interest in your firm and my impression of WRT's
commitment to high standards and quality design.
Your explanation about the office culture and management was particularly helpful. I am excited about the
firm’s commitment to an interdisciplinary approach. My diverse experience working in teams at the GSD
while interning at the Olmstead Center have provided me with ample experience for this type of work
environment. I am confident that I could easily meet your expectations regarding new employees and look
forward to becoming a productive member of your team.
It was a pleasure interviewing with you. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please contact me if
there is any additional information you may need. I can be reached at 617-495-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Jacob J. Student

======================================
Sample Acceptance Letter
May 12, 2006
Ms. Jane Smith
SOM
14 Wall Street, 25th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Dear Ms. Smith:
I am very pleased to accept your offer of a position as an Intern Architect at the annual salary of $xx,000.
I am very impressed with everyone I met during the interview process and I look forward to joining your
staff.
As we discussed, I will report for work on August 1st. During the next month, I will complete my move to
New York City and I hope to have some time to join my family for a vacation on the Cape. If you need to
contact me prior to August 1st, please contact me at (508) 222-xxxx.
Thank you for all of your effort to make the interviewing process such a pleasant experience. I am very
excited to have the opportunity to become a part of SOM.
Sincerely yours,
Jane M. Student

==============================
Sample Declining Letter
June 27, 2006
Mr. John Fulton
Gensler
1 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 500
New York, NY 10020
Dear Mr. Fulton:
I was pleased that I was able to reach you by telephone this morning. Although I have declined your job
offer, I am grateful that you understand my decision and honored by the thought that I will always be
welcome at Gensler.
Everyone that I met at your firm was wonderful, which made this decision a very difficult one. As I stated
on the phone, I have accepted a position as an Intern Architect with SOM in New York.
I want to thank you again for all your help and support during my job search.
Best regards,
Jared T. Student

Guest speaker

Karan Mahajan

karan mahajan he is the one of the interesting person, is meat lot of successful social entrepreneurs and collecting lot information for them. His main goal is to talk with successful people and get there experience, knowledge about their expertise areas. His project one unique thing is he collects more about entrepreneur’s personal life story. This types of story gives their life style, how they came out of their problems, how they coup up with family life and business life this things really helps to new entrepreneurs.

He is very young and energetic person his speech helps to us. Finally he told he find out some of the unique things in all and he share some of the comment things there are all successful persons came out of their comfort zone and achieved their goal helping people, they are well hearted people, they physically and mentally sound, this are the main common thing he find out this things helped us lot.   

5K challenge

One of the module called 5K means foundation gave 5000 rupees for each team, within six days they soled what they want but goods and service should be comes under legal boundary, that was condition. one main thing was no charity business we can invest 5000 and whatever profit comes that thing we can use our business this the the condition for the 5K.
before starting 5K.  i plan to selling vegetables so i bought 200kg onion and potato and sit in whole day in (sante) market sold every thing and get some profit. finally i sold coconut, Ghee, tea, and get 2500 profit this the thing i achieved in during 5K.
apart from that i came to know some of the important things like when we sold some thing we need to focus on place, product, price, target group, in my marketing time my product was good but some time i fail to find the good place. but this marketing teaches me simplicity, charring capacity, remove shyness, approaching customer, this are the things i came to know during my 5 K challenge it was good experiences for me.

RTI

RTI rally it was great experience for me in my life because earlier i used to attend the rally but in this time I involved in the arranging the rally, so it was one of the great learning for me. After that i motivated that RTI session and rally I applied RTI application in HDMC with related to drainage cleaning. Near Panjurly hotel besides closed drainage was not closed so many people problem for that, i wrote one application under RTI act.

One week later one person came and gives phone number to me but that time I was not in that place, our security took that number. DFP busy schedule i didn’t call him next day five members came and badly scolding on me unfortunately I was not there security get scolding by them, after late night I went to hostel suddenly security scolding like anything I was shocked and simply stand because I didn’t understand anything she keep on scolding five minute after that I came to know HDMC fellows came to scolding security, they told to security we are file case on him he didn’t receive our call and he didn’t reply also. This was the there compliant.

Unfortunately next day also I dint call immediately one person came and request to security because i was not in the hostel in day time after i call them and explained all those things they convinced and he told within 15 days we will send mentioned certificate.

After 15 days postman gave small piece of paper to security after that i went and collect letter. This letter has all the details about cleaning, and who is the responsible person all deletes about closed drainage.

Recently somebody came and clean the close drainage but them arranging the stones, and all those things clean and tidily. I was very happy and more existed about RTI.

I was very happy because within 30day I got result through Right to Information Act, 2005. I learned this is a great power for every Indian citizen to know information related to government work I want to use Right to Information power in my life to contribute society betterment .

Teacher foundation

It teaches learning schools, and its run by Sharadha trust. They are conducting Teachers training sessions, group discussion, time management and discipline, and this training is going on three month. They are visiting schools and observe the schools. They teach to the students, they make students groups in class, black board activity based teaches and to empower teachers. Totally they are indirectly train students through the teachers.