Interview Questions - From an actual interview
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desi in ottawa
Senior Desi Member since: May 04


Posts: 1627
Location:
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Quote: Originally posted by BlueLobster
Joining another thread here that has some really good interview questions and pointers...my plan is to then make this thread a sticky with a whole lot of interview related information...
http://www.canadiandesi.com/read.php?TID=7620&page=1#42541
Thx BlueLobster. Sounds like a plan. Please include this one also. This situation based qn was frequently asked in the interviews:
Someone from a university send you a request for information on some xxxx issues. How would you handle this request in regards to the approach?
The person is very annoyed since he/she had to find the most appropriate person to answer this request and had to contact for many weeks, various different divisions before getting a hold on you.
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08-05-06 13:45:25 |
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morning_rain
Global Moderator Member since: Feb 05


Posts: 1920
Location: British Columbia
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Quote: Originally posted by l5a
11. Don't forget that an interview is a two way information exchange, so don't be afraid to ask a couple of questions yourself.
my 2 cents 
Prepare a list of 4-5 questions ahead of time and bring in a professional portfolio or notebook with the questions written neatly (so youcan see them clearly and ask smoothly rather than trying to decipher ur own handwriting)

This shows an employer you are interested in learning more about their company and the environment.
good thread!!
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----------------------------------------------------------------- ~ Morning rain
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08-05-06 14:11:50 |
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BlueLobster
Admin :Moderator: Member since: Oct 02


Posts: 3409
Location: Mississauga
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Quote: Originally posted by l5a
4. If you don't know an answer to a question say so. Don't pretend. Experienced interviewers will see straight through it.
One suggestion on this (and some may disagree). When you don't know the answer to a question, try not to make your response simply "I don't know".
Instead admit that you don't know, but offer an alternative. That way you're being honest, but you're conveying to the interviewer that that if you are ever faced with a situation you don't know much about, you're not going to sit with your hands folded. Your brain will start thinking through the problem regardless and coming up with possible solutions.
Another suggestion, try to make small talk with the interviewer at the start of the interview. i.e. about the weather, the commute, the office etc etc .It does two wonderful things
1) Relax your jittery brain. You're in a much more relaxed state of mind and you've already established a comfort level prior to the interview.
2) Convey confidence to the interviewer. It gives an impression of someone who's self-assured .
Of course, none of these tips work all the time, so the most important thing to do is to study the situation and add a health dose of discretion.
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----------------------------------------------------------------- Are you there? Last edited by: BlueLobster on 08-05-06 14:27:57 |
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08-05-06 14:27:25 |
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jake3d
Senior Desi Member since: Sep 03


Posts: 2962
Location: Montreal
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Quote: Originally posted by BlueLobster
One suggestion on this (and some may disagree). When you don't know the answer to a question, try not to make your response simply "I don't know".
I agree, try not to end any sentence with a -ve slant...such as above. Almost every negative sentence can be rephrased in a +ve way. Another example is
I have not had the opportunity to work on/with XXXsoftware yet but I am aware of its potential and look forward to applying it... vs No, I have never worked with that software!
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08-05-06 14:42:47 |
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dimple2001
Senior Desi Member since: Apr 04


Posts: 2873
Location: Western Hemisphere
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The following was my experience interviewing for an automotive supplier about 4 years ago for a mfg engr position. The interviewer basically took me into the mfg plant floor, showed the equipment and asked me what they were, how they worked, how the equipment is useful in terms of reducing cycle time, increasing efficiency, etc.
Then he showed me another equipment and asked what error-proofing is in that equipment and what features/dimensions of the product did the equipment error-proof, etc.
Then he made me operate an equipment and asked how the equip was designed for manufacturability.
All the equipment I am talking about are pick and place stations in an assembly line that have PLC controls and sensors, along with bowl feeders and extrusion presses.
That's it. Then he asked me come over for another interview with VPs since he was "impressed" and eventually I got an offer. But the most intriguing part of it was the type of interview with this guy.
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----------------------------------------------------------------- Dimple2001
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08-05-06 18:00:10 |
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dimple2001
Senior Desi Member since: Apr 04


Posts: 2873
Location: Western Hemisphere
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How would you handle internal job interviews where you interview with people that you already know and worked for and work with?
Would you still go dressed up in a suit or would you be attired in a semi-formal business casual of sorts?
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----------------------------------------------------------------- Dimple2001
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08-05-06 18:02:41 |
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morning_rain
Global Moderator Member since: Feb 05


Posts: 1920
Location: British Columbia
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Quote: Originally posted by dimple2001
How would you handle internal job interviews where you interview with people that you already know and worked for and work with?
Would you still go dressed up in a suit or would you be attired in a semi-formal business casual of sorts?
Unless asked to come to interview 'as you are' (probably very rare), I would recommend still "dress to impress". Another way to look at it is - dress for the position you are applying for.
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----------------------------------------------------------------- ~ Morning rain
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08-05-06 19:12:28 |
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BlueLobster
Admin :Moderator: Member since: Oct 02


Posts: 3409
Location: Mississauga
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Some more pointers. In an interview, never ever project yourself in a desperate position, no matter how desperate you are for the job.
DON'T ever say "I'll do this job for free, or I don't care what you pay etc etc". No sane employer will hire you on sympathy, it just does not happen! If you project yourself as desperate, someone may infer that you probably made up half of your resume and experience just to get the job.
Always be self-assured. Convey maturity and self-respect (without sounding arrogant, its a delicate balance), they matter as much as your job-related skill. Employers generally like to hire people (especially at higher positions) who can handle tense situations calmly and confidently. They want to see that same demeanour in the interview...
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08-05-06 23:39:42 |
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BlueLobster
Admin :Moderator: Member since: Oct 02


Posts: 3409
Location: Mississauga
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Quote: Originally posted by morning_rain
Quote: Originally posted by dimple2001
How would you handle internal job interviews where you interview with people that you already know and worked for and work with?
Would you still go dressed up in a suit or would you be attired in a semi-formal business casual of sorts?
Unless asked to come to interview 'as you are' (probably very rare), I would recommend still "dress to impress". Another way to look at it is - dress for the position you are applying for.
I would go as formal as the dress code allows/tolerates/requires. Unless it was the dress code, I'd feel awkward wearing a suit and tie with people I know. For example, if I knew someone in a diff. dept. at my Org. and then if I had to hire him under me and he/she suddenly appeared in a suit and tie, I would find it funny.
But if I was intervewing with someone I didn't know, I'd probably wear at least a tie.
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08-05-06 23:43:38 |
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jake3d
Senior Desi Member since: Sep 03


Posts: 2962
Location: Montreal
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During an interview, ask for atleast 5-10 k more than you think you can settle for. If the employer really wants you...he/she will negotiate you down...and even feel they got you for a bargain. Remember that good negotiating skills can be viewed as an asset to the organisation/position. Short Changing yourself may actually work against you...especially amongst the better employers.
Try to settle at least half way, and/or negotiate room for a salary appraisal in the short term(3-6 months).
One thing that worked for both me and my spouse is that we mostly say we will consider the offer and get back to them, even if we are happy with it. We then go back and try to squeeze in extra perks.
Also note that for smaller employers it may make sense to keep you under a certain salary bracket( to limit taxes and insurance payments). However, they WILL be open to periodic cash bonuses thus meeting your price point. NOTE: Have the bonuses written into your contract.
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09-05-06 08:34:28 |
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Contributors: anand_va(1) BlueLobster(5) Blue_Peafowl(1) booradleysmart(1) Charlie(2) desi in ottawa(5) dimple2001(8) Fido(1) happywoman36(2) jake3d(4) l5a(1) Maharaj(1) morning_rain(2) tamilkuravan(4)
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