Part 2 Translations
In this part, we translate questions that you could be asked in your interviews. For each question, we’ll state a typical version of the question and then provide a “translation” to help you understand what the question really means (i.e., the “question behind the question”). We’ll explain why the interviewer is asking it and what they’re looking for in answers. We’ll highlight some things to say and some things you should avoid because they could be interpreted negatively by the interviewer.
We include chapters on the most commonly asked questions and special situation questions such as those directed to unemployed or career-changing candidates.
Also, in this part we provide translations of interview questions that are designed to gather information about how you behave in different situations. These are also known as behavioral competencies. Each chapter covers a question about a different set of competencies. As you review these questions, consider to what extent they pertain to the kind of job you’re applying for. This will help you determine how prepared you should be for those questions. For example, if your job involves interacting with others, you’ll want to make sure you spend time on chapter 3.
Everyone should be prepared to answer questions about negative situations, overcoming obstacles, and difficult situations (chapter 4), since they can be asked of all interviewees (and are quite common).