Interview Tips Interview Tips, Interview Questions and Answers

16Apr/100

.NET interview: What is a CLR (Common Language Runtime)?

Often there is a need for different languages to communicate with each other at run time. For e.g. A class may be written in one language and its derived class may be written in a different language. Common Language Runtime is a run time environment for .NET. These different languages are integrated and can communicate easily because language compilers and tools that target the runtime use a common type system defined by the runtime.

Features or Functionalities offered by CLR:-

  • Garbage collection for managing life of objects.
  • Enables Cross language inheritance as explained in example above.
  • Syntax and keywords similar to C and C++
2Apr/100

3 Ways to Negotiate a Better Job Offer

1. Get a potential employer to "fall in love" with you before you talk about money.
The time to be asking for things is after an employer has decided to hire you. Focus on what is important to the employer and what you can do for them. In tough times, making or saving money is always important. So is your ability to make your prospective boss look good.

Employers want to hire people who bring value, and they are willing to pay what is necessary to hire them. Once the employer has decided to make you an offer, then, and only then, should you start discussing the terms of employment. Until that time, whenever the subject of money comes up, talk about the job. Be enthusiastic about wanting the job. Show that you really want to work there. Ask for the job. No one wants to hire a person who is only looking for a paycheck.

If asked what you are looking for in terms of compensation, say something like "I am sure that if I am the right person for the job and the job is right for me, something that is fair will be readily worked out." Then ask some questions about the job. You will look good to the employer and defer the conversation until a time that is more appropriate.

2. The only difference between being employed and being unemployed is your self-confidence. 
You are same person when you are unemployed as you were when you were working. You have the same skills and same experience. The value you can bring to an employer doesn't change just because you don't have a job. The only difference is your confidence. If you exhibit confidence you not only can negotiate effectively, you probably can land the job you want.

Competition for your services will also make you seem more valuable in the eyes of a prospective employer. Talking with several prospective employers at the same time will not only increase your confidence but will enhance your bargaining leverage.

3. Don't act like you are negotiating.
While you want to arrange the best possible deal, you should do so in a way that doesn't look like you are negotiating. Remember, once the employer has decided to offer you a job, they are trying to recruit you. Let them. Tell them what your concerns are. Ask for the things you want without ever suggesting that you won't accept the job if you don't get them. "Would it be possible..." or "Could you..." or 'Other companies I have been talking to have offered, is it possible...." are non-threatening ways for you to ask. Don't make "demands." Throughout the process, and especially when you are asking for something, let the employer know how excited you are about the opportunity and how much you want the job.

22Mar/100

Lie in an Interview? Right or Wrong? Part 1

You're not supposed to lie, so how do you explain away all these things and remain in the running for a job? Or, the better question is, can you?

"The honesty police may arrest me, but I'd have to say that everyone has probably shaded the truth in an interview," says Alan Guinn, managing director of The Guinn Consultancy Group. "It's not that as applicants we're inherently dishonest. It's that society places such a critical importance on success achievement that we look for ways to present ourselves in the best light possible."

Guinn says that honesty is generally the best policy when it comes to your interview, but in some cases, it can be hard to explain actions in which you have been peripherally involved or caught up. While you shouldn't flat-out lie about anything, you should position your answers so that you are the responsible party, rather than the one to blame, Guinn says.

Some situations are more tempting to fudge the truth in than others. Here are 10 of those situations and how you can be honest with a potential employer and stay in the running for a job:

What if ...

1. I am one credit short of graduating?
Some employers ask for proof of a diploma -- some don't. It's not worth risking that you won't be asked to show a certificate or diploma and have it blow up in your face.

"Be totally upfront and ask the employer if they have a tuition reimbursement program which would help you finish that last course you need to graduate. I've actually been asked that several times and have gone to the employer to secure assistance for an applicant if a formal policy was not in place," Guinn says. "This makes the employer look good ... they are supporting the personal and professional growth of their employees."

2. I was fired?
Being fired today doesn't hold a lot of the social stigma it once did, Guinn says. If you're asked why you left a previous position, tell the interviewer what really happened.

"Lots of people get fired for lots of reasons. You may be a totally innocent party in a financial scandal. You may be a qualified, competent employee working for a company which must shave head count. There are many reasons you could have been fired, or let go, or made redundant," he says.

3.  I have a misdemeanor or felony on my record from a long time ago?
The employer will most likely do a background check and this will come up on the search. If you're asked to elaborate, be upfront about what happened.

"My guess is that you have more than 'served your time' or 'done your punishment,'" Guinn says. "If the employer asks, be honest, and tell them that it was a long time ago, you made a mistake and you paid the piper." Share what you learned from the situation.

17Feb/100

Top 5 Ways to Wreck Your Job Interview

1. Being rude to the receptionist or assistant
Some candidates don't think it matters if they're dismissive of the hiring manager's assistant when arranging the interview or get upset at the receptionist because he or she mispronounced their name by mistake. After all, this person isn't the one making the hiring decision. But you may be surprised to learn that six out of 10 executives polled by Robert Half said they consider their assistant's opinion important when evaluating potential new hires. So remember to be polite and respectful to everyone you interact with during the hiring process.

2. Acting like you're the only person there

Consider this scenario: After you've checked in for the interview, you make a quick phone call to give your friend a blow-by-blow description of last night's party, speaking so loudly that everyone in the office can't help but hear you. That's the wrong approach. It's better to sit patiently and peruse any company literature in the lobby. Doing so demonstrates common courtesy and can help you learn more about the firm and its needs.

3. Arriving late

Getting to an interview on time or, for that matter, a few minutes early is an easy way to impress a prospective employer. Arriving late is not only unprofessional, it also shows the hiring manager that you have little regard for his or her schedule. It also calls into question your ability to show up to work on time, one of the most basic aspects of any job. Plus, arriving late could cause you to miss the meeting altogether if the interviewer has another appointment.

4. Going into the interview unprepared

Far too many candidates fail to properly prepare for the interview, believing that they can "wing it" and still make a strong impression. The savviest job seekers spend time considering questions the hiring manager will likely ask, so they can answer confidently during the meeting. They also research the employer ahead of time so they can explain how their skills match the open position, and also highlight their true interest in the company and position.

5. Not asking questions
As the interview winds down, the hiring manager will likely ask if you have any questions. Your answer should be yes. But your questions should go beyond "How much does the position pay?" and "How many days of vacation can I expect?" Although compensation and benefits are important components of any job, broach these subjects only if the prospective employer has expressed serious interest in hiring you -- usually not until the second or third interview. More appropriate questions for a first interview include "What will my specific duties be?" "What are your top priorities for this position?" and "What does a typical day in this position look like?"

30Jan/100

First 10 Minutes of an Interview Count

With such a short amount of time to interact with a hiring manager, how can you evoke a positive response?  Projecting confidence and enthusiasm is key, so keep the following advice in mind:

1. Demonstrate your knowledge.
Hiring managers often start interviews by asking job candidates some straightforward questions about their experience, knowledge of the company and ability to excel in the position. For example, "Can you tell me a little about yourself?" "What do you know about our firm?" and "Why do you want to work here?" are three common questions. Research the business beforehand so that when answering these types of queries, you can relate your responses to the firm's needs or priorities.

2. Remain calm.
One of the best ways to make a good first impression is to quell any pre-interview jitters. Plan to arrive at the interview destination 10-15 minutes early. This will give you time to compose yourself and relax a little.

3. Dress to impress.
For better or worse, a good part of the impression an interviewer first forms of you depends on how you're dressed. So wear a nice suit or business-appropriate dress, even if you know the office to be a casual environment.

4. Show some respect.
Many hiring managers ask everyone who has interacted with a candidate -- from administrative staff to members of their department -- for feedback on the prospective employee. So be pleasant toward those you meet and avoid the urge to hold a loud cell phone discussion in the elevator or lobby.

5. Focus on the little things.
The fact that employers form opinions of candidates so quickly places additional importance on the more subtle points of the interview, such as giving a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact and practicing good posture. Your nonverbal cues can say a lot about your personality and interest in the position. Crossing your arms, nodding hurriedly or making tense facial expressions can all send the wrong message.

6. Break the ice.
Small talk plays an important role in the interview by helping to break the ice and put both parties at ease. If the hiring manager asks if traffic was heavy or if you had problems finding your way to the office, offer more than just a "yes" or "no" answer. Just be sure not to prattle on.

25Jan/100

Interview Tips: 3 Job Search Mishaps

Despite your best efforts, there are some mistakes you simply can't recover from, such as submitting a résumé and cover letter addressed to the wrong employer. But other errors do not necessarily spell doom for you.

Following are common mistakes job seekers make and tactics that will give you a fighting chance to recover:

Mishap No. 1: You arrive too early
Though it may not seem like a terrible offense, being very early for an interview can create a poor first impression. If you're camped out in the reception area half an hour before your meeting, the hiring manager may not appreciate the pressure to see you earlier than expected. Wait in your car or outside the building if you arrive more than 15 minutes before an interview and use the time to prepare. Then, head to the restroom to check your appearance one last time. Aim to be in the company's lobby about five minutes early.

Mishap No. 2: You lowball yourself
What happens when a hiring manager requests your salary requirements, and you later find that you asked for too little compensation? Be honest and act quickly. Tell the hiring manager that you've done additional research and feel the figure you quoted falls below market trends. Be sure to reference any supporting documentation, such as salary surveys, that help you make a case for higher starting pay. Employers are often willing to renegotiate salary before an offer is accepted if an error like this is made because they want new employees to feel valued from day one. However, in the future, you should always do your compensation research before you begin the interview process.

Mishap No. 3: You flub an interview question
"Why are manhole covers round?" Even if you're not asked a brainteaser like this, you may stumble when answering a question posed by the hiring manager. In this situation, don't panic. If you find yourself rambling or grasping for words, pause to think more about your answer. The interviewer will understand if you need some time to formulate a response. If you bombed a question earlier in the meeting, only to think of the perfect response later, ask the hiring manager if you can revisit the question. You'll demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and have the opportunity to get your message across.

18Jan/100

How to Answer: ‘Why Should I Hire You?’

Sometimes the most innocent interview question can prove to be the key to the empire for some, while it can be the swan song for others.  timemachine

The next time an employer asks, "Why should I hire you?" see the question in a new light -- as an opportunity to shine and pull ahead of your competitors.

Why is the employer asking why he or she should hire you?  Because there are only five areas of interest he or she is concerned with:

1. Your skills
2. Your knowledge about the company
3. Your manageability
4. Your affordability
5. Whether you can go above and beyond your job description.

Be careful to avoid clever retorts or comedic one-liners here.  Your interview is serious business and a wrong answer will send you packing. This is the one question that interviewers like to ask because the answer can separate the contenders from the also-rans.  Give a wrong answer and the large "game over" sign flashes above your head.

What hiring managers really want to know is, "What's special or different about you?" or "How are you different than all the other candidates who have applied for this position?" With this in mind, a good way to approach your answer here is to launch into your best "story" that answers this question: "Will you go the extra mile?"

Knowing this ahead of time, it's wise to put in the time beforehand to work on your answer to this question.  Pick your best example of how you went above and beyond in your job.  Work on your story to perfect it.  Set the scene, describe the challenge and describe your role and the successful conclusion.  Use this as an example of how you use your particular set of skills in an extraordinary time to "give it your all" and produce a clear benefit to your employer.

Since no other candidate can duplicate your own personal story here, you'll make a memorable impression.  Not only that, but quite possibly you'll pull yourself ahead of that "perfect" candidate who preceded you. 

29Dec/090

Interview, Why did you leave your last job

(This is not an opening to speak badly of your former employer.  There is almost always a way of wording the explanation so that you do not sound like a "problem employee" and  your former employer does not sound like an undesirable company.)  As unfair as it may seem, there is almost no time when you should say something bad about your former employer.  You can talk about the lack of potential for upward mobility, the fact that your job responsibilities changed to the point that it no longer fit into your career plan, your need to move to be closer to your aging parents, the need to reduce travel time, your need for a more challenging job, or anything else that does not get into personalities or other conflicts. If you were fired for cause, you may want to be up front about it, explain the circumstances and accept responsibility for your actions.  Practice your answers to this question with someone who has interview experience. However, don't lie.  If you can't say anything positive about your former employer, don't say anything.  It could come back to haunt you.