IT面试十个常见问题的对答艺术

IT面试十个常见问题的对答艺术

相信大家一定在MONSTER上都做过这个测试，我觉的细读每个问题的解释还是很有帮助。把这些常见问题搬过来，再次和大家仔细咀嚼一下。

1.Tell me about yourself and your past experience.

I was born and grew up in Seattle, Washington. I got married, started a family, and moved to California. My degree is in computer science. I've worked eight years for the same company and have been promoted twice. I'm now looking for something challenging.

This answer is not the best answer.

Too much personal information is given. Your marital status and the fact that you have children, are considered off-limits or illegal to ask in an interview, so there is no need to volunteer the information. Be careful of giving information that is unnecessary or irrelevant to the question.

I've always been good at, and liked, working with computers. I didn't finish my degree, but I've worked in different companies in a variety of situations and have received excellent performance reviews. I am a high-energy person. I work independently, and I like a fast-paced environment.

This is not the best answer.

Many of the comments are vague and general. Don't volunteer negative information, and if asked about your degree, present it in a positive light. With more specifics this answer could reveal a lot more experience, skills and personal traits. Try to speak the language of the industry. What requirements are they seeking? Look at job listings on Monster.com for examples.

I have four years experience working in the high tech industry. For the past two years, I have been working as a Web developer. I have experience with most of the software programs on the server side: Javascript, ASP, VB, HTML and SQL Server. I am very organized and able to do multiple projects at once. I want to work in a cutting-edge company where I can add my experience to the mix and be a part of a growing team.

This is the best answer.

By emphasizing specific examples of knowledge-based skills, transferable skills, and personal traits, you give the interviewer a summary or snapshot of yourself. Speak the jargon of the industry.

2.Why did you leave your last position?

The company went through a reorganization, and I was one of 50 people who was let go. We could see the handwriting on the wall beforehand. There were some poor management decisions, and things had started to deteriorate. They even began cutting out some of our perks. I probably would have left eventually anyway

This is not the best answer.

Being laid off is not the problem. It is common for companies to go through reorganization or mergers. The problem is the attitude behind the answer. Bad-mouthing your former employer and complaining about the way things were handled is not appropriate in an interview.

I'm not finding the job as interesting or challenging as I used to. I've been dealing with the same issues and problems for a long time. I want to find a job that is stimulating, where I can grow and learn. I'm looking for job satisfaction. I want to have more balance in my life.

This is not the best answer.

This answer is somewhat negative. Not finding the work interesting may be a reflection of your ability to advance or move out before it became boring. The answer focuses on your vision of the perfect job: to grow, and be challenged, have job satisfaction and balance. The answer would be stronger if it focused on your goals and what you had to offer to the employer.

I've set some goals for myself and my career, and unfortunately, I'm at a standstill in my current situation. I have begun to explore options available before I spend too much time in a job where I cannot advance. My goal is to continue to improve myself so that I can eventually be a project manager.

This is the best answer.

This answer indicates planning and thinking proactively. Sometimes things happen in careers that are out of your control, but at other times, planning gives you more power over your future.

3.What are your strengths and weaknesses?

My strength is that I am a hardworker. My weakness is that I get impatient when systems don't work.

This is not the best answer.

The answer is flat and unimaginative. Almost everyone thinks they work hard. Think about your strengths before the interview. Weaknesses are very difficult to admit in an interview. It is best to have an answer ready, just in case. By not coming up with an answer, you demonstrate a lack of self-knowledge.

I don't really have any weakness that I can think of. Maybe I could use more technical training. My strengths are probably in my ability to deal with technical problems. I usually don't get upset easily, even when I've had to handle some difficult situations. I am fairly easygoing.

This is not the best answer.

This answer leads with the weakness and then dodges the issue. The strengths are good qualities, but stated in a vague way: maybe, probably, usually, and fairly. Make your quality statement firm and believable. The words you choose to describe yourself can make a difference.

My strengths are in my ability to learn quickly. I've seen a lot of changes in the technical industry. I've had to adjust and learn new programs several times. As far as weaknesses, I really enjoy my work, and sometimes I put in too much time. But by being aware of my tendency to overwork, I have learned to pace myself more and work smarter.

This is the best answer.

This answer gives specific examples of strengths, not just the skill. One of the most important traits employers are looking for is the ability to be flexible and learn new things as changes arise. The weakness question is handled best by leading with a positive statement, slipping in a negative and ending on a positive note.

4.What are your salary expectations?

I was making $75,000 at my last job. I was due for a raise, so I would expect at least that and a 20 to 30 percent increase.

This answer is not the best.

By being the first one to mention a figure, you have set the stage. It would be better to find out the company's range before stating a number. You may have just talked yourself out of a job, depending on the amount allocated for this position.

I really need more information about the job before we start to discuss salary. I'd like to postpone that discussion until later. Could you tell me what is budgeted for the position?

This is the best answer.

Postpone the discussion about salary until you have all the facts. You need all the information possible before making a decision. Not only the base salary, but other factors that would be important to you: stock options, 401k matching, benefits, salary review schedules, etc.

I'm sure whatever you offer will be a fair amount for a person with my qualifications. Salary is not the most important factor to me. I'm looking for opportunity.

This is the not the best answer.

This answer gives all the power to the employer. It is important that you research the worth of a similar position before going to the interview. Check out Monster.com's Salary Center for information. You must also know your bottom line or walk-away point.

5.When have you been most motivated?

During my first job at a startup company I had to undergo some rigorous training to understand the product and customer. At the same time, we were actually working with the customer. It required a lot of self-direction and motivation. I thrived on the whole experience -- the discipline, the planning and the deadlines. It was a pressure cooker, but I got through it.

This is the best answer.

It has energy and enthusiasm. Companies are looking for high-energy people who are able to be in the moment. This answer demonstrates self-motivation, passion, energy and ability to cope under pressure. It also provides a specific example of a time when you were highly motivated.

When I have had a specific project to complete. I like to know the specifics of a project from beginning to end. I like definite deadlines, and I like to meet those deadlines. I expect some deviation from the original plan, but I try to stay focused and not let myself drift too far. I have a great attention to detail and like to take my time and do it right the first time.

This is not the best answer.

It is an OK answer, depending on the position description. This answer indicates a need for order and not a lot of flexibility. If perfection and attention to detail were required, this answer would be appropriate. If the position description were about flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, this would not be a good fit. This answer does not provide an example to support your assertions.

When I'm working with people and helping them solve problems. That's what I like about this industry: You are able to advise and assist customers. My strength is communicating and problem solving. I have had several commendations for my customer service work. That's when I'm at my best and most motivated.

This is not the best answer.

The answer is vague. It could be the answer to almost any job that includes customer contact. If you were applying for a position in the technical industry, it would be best to give examples that involve user and technical problems. Customer service is a worthwhile skill, but this answer needs more specifics.

6.What experience have you had that qualifies you for this position?

My background and experience is in working on a variety of projects and jobs in the high tech industry. Most of my experience has been working with Cobra. I want to learn more about the server side of Java and work for a company that's focused on e-commerce. I want to work with clients and continue to grow and be challenged.

This is not the best answer.

This answer focuses on your needs and what you want from the position rather than on what you can bring to the company or what qualifies you for the position. The bottom line of the interview for the employer is, "What can you bring to this company?"

For the past four years, I have been working in the e-commerce industry. I am proficient working with Java and possess a strong working knowledge of HTML. I have great communication and teamwork skills and feel I have a lot to offer as a part of a team.

This is the best answer.

This answer provides the interviewer with a good idea of the experiences and skills you will bring to the position. In addition to technical knowledge, communication and teamwork skills can be critical to most jobs.

Since I'm not sure what this job involves, I'm not sure what part of my background applies. I have worked with computers for the past 10 years or so. I like working with programs and solving problems. I have been successful in all the jobs I've held. I haven't really found a job that has held my interest, and I know your job would be a challenge and opportunity for me to develop.

This is not the best answer.

You should know about the job and what the employer is looking for before going to the interview. If you are in doubt, look through other job positions and note the words used. Each industry has its own vocabulary and jargon. Doing some research and homework ahead of time will make a big difference in the interview.

7. Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new program or system.

I've taken a lot of courses: Windows, Novell NetWare, Unix and OS/400 are just a few. You name it, and I've taken it. I learn very quickly and have always liked learning new things.

This is the not the best answer.

This is not a bad answer, because it indicates continual training, which is important. The question, however, asked for a specific. Make sure the answer is relevant to the question.

I've taken a lot of courses: Windows, Novell NetWare, Unix and OS/400 are just a few. You name it, and I've taken it. I learn very quickly and have always liked learning new things.

This is not the best answer.

Vocabulary is the main problem here. It pays to speak the language of the industry. Look through some Monster.com job descriptions and familiarize yourself with the technical jargon.

When I was working toward my BA, I was holding down a 30-hour a week job, and carrying 19 units. The company I was working for changed from C to C++, and I didn't have time to attend the training program. I learned it through an online program, working a lot of late hours. By staying focused, I was able to get through it and continue my education goal.

This is the best answer.

This answer demonstrates motivation, determination and flexibility, which are important traits in almost any job. Being able to handle five things at once is almost a prerequisite in this field.

8. How would your boss describe you and your work style?

He'd say I am a hard-worker, good with technology and a real team player.

This is not the best answer.

A very large percentage of people answer this question by saying "hard-worker." What does hard work mean to you? Give some thought to some words your boss would use to describe you. What did he or she say on your last performance appraisal?

She'd say I have a lot of initiative. I see the big picture and do what has to be done. And that I always meet deadlines, and if I say I'm going to do something, I do. And, third, I have the ability to focus on what I'm working on -- I am not easily distracted.

This is the best answer.

Not only did the answer give three positives, but it also gave reasons for the answers. By giving more detail, you give the interviewer a better look at how you think others see you and what you think is positive about your work style.

That is very difficult for me to say. I really don't know what he'd say. I guess he would say that I get along with everyone and that I'm good at what I do, but that's expected. I think he'd say I have good attention to detail. I don't think he'd say anything negative, and if he did, it would probably be that I don't say "no" enough.

This is not the best answer.

It is very difficult for some people to "brag" about themselves. This is where a little preparation can make a difference. What are your skills -- what are you good at doing? Try the exercises in Richard Bolles's book What Color Is Your Parachute? if you're unsure about what you have to offer.

9.Give me an example of a project you handled from start to finish.

As a customer research analyst, I developed a database for the collection of customer data. After collecting the data, I did an analysis using Excel and wrote a summary and evaluation. I worked with the customer's marketing department so the information could be used to monitor and focus on customer behavior for future planning.

This is the best answer.

The answer gives a specific example of how you handled the project through the problem to the result. Communication, analytical skills, organizational and coordination skills are all demonstrated by this answer.

Whenever I'm given a project, I make sure I handle all the details from start to finish. I use a variety of software tool sets to solve problems. I am really good at staying focused and organized, and I work until the project is complete. I've had some projects that have been exceptional.

This is not the best answer.

The answer is too general. It talks of good qualities: "focus, organization and problem solving," but it does not give specific examples of those qualities.

At my current job, we work as a team on projects. We always have meetings and break up the work. We each do our part and make sure we're on target. We primarily work with C++ on a Unix platform. We're a great team, and we've had some significant successes.

This is not the best answer.

The pronoun "we" is the culprit here. What part of we is you? Even if you work as a team, you play a role. What was your role? What was the process of communication between team members? They're not going to hire the team, just you. This is a vague example of the way you work.

10. Do you have any questions? (Usually asked by the interviewer at the end of the interview.)

No, not really. You seemed to have covered all the basics and I have done some research on the company on my own, so I don't have any at this time.

This is not the best answer.

However, it is the answer most commonly given by interviewees. Many people say "no" when asked if they have any questions. Don't you want to know a few things about the company before you commit yourself to working there? Be prepared by thinking of some questions to ask before you go to the interview.

I was wondering about benefits and when they would go into effect. What about stock options? Also, what is the yearly vacation allowance? Does the company match in employees' 401k plans? Do you have a flexible spending plan?

This is not the best answer; in fact, it is the wrong answer.

Depending on where you are in the interviewing cycle, the discussion of salary and benefits comes towards the end of the process. It could be interpreted that you are only interested in what's in it for you. You definitely need to find out this information before accepting an offer, but you still have a lot of information to find out about the company before you, or they, commit.

Yes, I do. What would you say is the best thing about working for this company? How are the technical people viewed in this company? What would a typical week look like for a person in my position?

This is the best answer.

It's important that you ask questions. In fact, in some cases they are listening to what you ask or don't ask. This is your chance to find out what they have to say about the company. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Is this the best place for you? Listen to what they ask you and formulate some questions of your own based on what they are asking.