Hi All..
Am having interview at macdonalds and itz my 1st interview. can any body help me to answer questions 1,2,4,9,11,12,14,22 plz.Some sort of general answers
thnkz
I've botched every question and gotten some right but this is a great guide, I get nervous reading the questions right now.
Good question: would you rather work for a big company or a small one? Favorite answer: I'd treat any company like it was my own regardless. Total ownership of the situation can get you a long way.
I've botched every question and gotten some right but this is a great guide, I get nervous reading the questions right now.
Good question: would you rather work for a big company or a small one? Favorite answer: I'd treat any company like it was my own regardless. Total ownership of the situation can get you a long way.
Where do you want to be in 5 to 10 years? They dont want to hear in the same job you are interviewing for. Ultimately, the HR people are searching for someone who can handle the job now, and has the potential to grow into a high level management job in the future. Do you have those goals too?
In other words....are you looking for a career, or a job? (MakkyD's is hiring).
The only reason why you are asked questions is for them to gage your reaction and to see if you can handle pressure well. Everyone knows you're BSing as much as they are.
The jobs I got are the ones where I walked in with a great attitude, relaxed, and sound useful. Answer what they want, but not necessarily what they ask.
DO NOT answer "21. Are you willing to put the interests of X Company ahead of your own?" like the writer suggests by saying 'yes,' that is not a good response at all. In every single instance, this is pure HR bait to see how spineless you are. Saying yes to this question says two things a) you're spineless b) you're lying, and probably about other answers you've given.
The best bet is to say something like "It would be situational. If you're asking am I willing to work until 3am to get a project out the door, then absolutely, but if you're saying will I come in to work on a project when, for instance, a family member is on their death bed, then absolutely not. I'm ready to work extremely hard for X company, but there are a few things that are more important than work." It shows you have a spine and are at least somewhat honest.
These are all stupid questions that are only asked by idiots in HR. If a company is asking these kinds of questions, they don't really need me. If they really NEED me, then they are going to be in a panic and asking technical questions about how I can bail them out of their predicament.
I talked to several HR employees before I wrote the article, and also based this on my experiences. I found that bringing up disputes with prior bosses never went across very well at all, but when I said "I never really had a problem, nothing worth talking about anyway" I was always greeted with acceptance and the next question. But it's good to know that opinion, thanks so much.
I absolutely agree with Dave @ Major Media Company up above.
I may or may not immediately reject the person as a liar (some people really are laid back and easy to work with). I'd put it together with other clues I have about them. But generally, there are always conflicts with other people, even if it's minor. For someone to say they've never had conflicts with anyone, is suspicious.
When I ask this question of a candidate, I want to see how they resolve interpersonal conflicts. I want to see how they work in a team. I want to see how creatively they make the most of what they have.
Fortunately for me, _I_ can be honest about it. =) I think I've been quite successful at working out more difficult work relationships. An essential part of it is, of course, to actually try to get to the heart of the conflict and do my best to resolve my portion of it.
Companion to that, I crack jokes that deride and make fun of myself first. I will make jokes about the other person too, just much more benign jokes and only after I've gotten to know them.
I think this serves several purposes: 1) laughing makes everyone relax; 2) it's safer to make fun of myself than someone else; 3) I cannot be hurt by negative comments about me because I've already said it; 4) most importantly, I show that I understand their point of view which makes compromising and meeting in the middle easier.
I have never known this approach to fail with reasonable people, which most co-workers are (I'm in IT/Software).
Another take on question #12 is "What was your greatest disappointment?" One answer, "That I haven't had the time to work on completing a PhD in Business (or something related to your work). And, it's not a lie, for me at least. Here, your disappointment should be admired by the interviewer and turns a negative into the opposite.
The answer to 18 is completely wrong. I am a director at a major media company's interactive division. Our company is expanding and I am almost in a constant state of hiring. I ask a variation of this question in every single interview and if a candidate has never had one issue or disagreement with anyone, (I stated a variation: I ask if it has happened with anyone in the workplace) I peg them as a liar and reject them immediately.
I sometimes get stuck on the question, "So what are your short/long term goals?" or "Where do you see yourself 5-10 years down the road?" I always try to say something along the lines of "in a position that is still challenging with room to still grow". What do they want to hear? I stumble on this question time and time again.
I did have one interview that was really terrible in this way. I had real trouble not rolling my eyes. I ended up getting the job. It turned out the people asking the questions also hated them, but they had to ask them because there was an HR spy--ahem--representative in the room.
Oh, thanks for mentioning (or rather reminding me) that the game is free, unless you opt to become a member for $5 per month. I figure if the Wall Street Journal can cover the game and the reach of its parent company (Jagex), so can I.
NOT RUNESCAPE!!! I hope you do know that your reputation just dropped to the negatives.
Runescape is possibly the worst online game experience. The folks there are often from poorer families, as they can't afford pay-to-play games like WoW, so often the morale is low and most people playing are addicts. I've gone through the whole process and I got nothing out of it. You probably just did this out of lack of other ideas, but Runescape is bad for all.
NOT RUNESCAPE!!! I hope you do know that your reputation just dropped to the negatives.
Runescape is possibly the worst online game experience. The folks there are often from poorer families, as they can't afford pay-to-play games like WoW, so often the morale is low and most people playing are addicts. I've gone through the whole process and I got nothing out of it. You probably just did this out of lack of other ideas, but Runescape is bad for all.
This is exactly what I use to do! I say use to because I am starting to do a lot more research on the beauty industry and self-evaluation as well. Thanks for the good laugh. I'll keep this in my pocket.
I don't like to think about how much of my life I've spent waiting to get to the good part. (I was never as bad as some people, but bad enough.)
Here's one more suggestion: Never stop asking yourself "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Ask the other people in your life, too, what they're going to be. Anyone who claims to already be grown up should be treated with pity for the rest of the day.
I'm a staunch supporter against censoring other's opinions. One reply said -paraphrasing- We're all adults let's keep it civil....
Well I say, yes we are all adults(mostly I guess)and should not be offended by opinions even if they're "sharky" whatever that means. I don't even think that's a word. Don't be a hypocrite and say this is a free site for writers to formulate their own opinions for all to read, and then tell repliers that certain tones in their opinions are not wanted. I'd say this is the biggest problem with Americans now days. "You can't take away my freedoms to do what I want to do! Hey man don't say things like that! Don't do that!" I see it all the time. I myself am an everyday Dasani drinker. I'm an American living in Canada. Dasani, which is tap water, is filtered by reverse osmosis and is then remineralized. It also has no fluoride. Regular household Brita and Pur filters are not capable of filtering chlorine and fluoride. Both are extremely toxic, and even worse can be absorbed through the skin when you take your shower or bath. My husband and I did the math we spend about $312 a year on our water. But the Berkey water filter we want is $299. http://www.berkeywater.com/start.main.html
Your points were well taken, but to say it's down right irresponsible to buy bottled water is disobliging to those who do buy water in bottles. Besides tap water is not free. Home owners have to pay for their municipal water. Apartment rent and condo fees include the cost of municipal water.Depending on where you live, like in the south west, water fees can be high.
My husband and I recycle everything we are allowed.
Again, can I vote for a simple IQ test requirement before people can post comments? Wise Bread readers are almost entirely awesome, but every now and then, we get a mouth-breather like Guest, above.
It was nice of you to address his "points", Nora. He didn't deserve it, though. :)
My worst answer was "I don't know." I've since learned that "it depends," with a couple of examples, is perfectly appropriate. And that's how I'd answer this one:
Are you willing to put the interests of X Company ahead of your own? It depends. I would put important interests of the company over minor interests of mine and I would put important interests of mine over minor concerns of the company.
Of course then they will ask what if both are important. Then I hope I'd say that maybe the the job and I aren't a good match. I try not to get into situations where that would happen. And can they give me examples of where this has happened before?
I'm to the point now where I'm always trying to guess what their real goal is. If anyone even asked me illegal questions like "Are you planning to have children?" I'd just say something like, "It sounds like you're worried that an employee might quit just when you finally got them trained. I wouldn't take this job if I didn't think I'd be wanting to stay a while."
And if anyone asks me those evil "worst weakness" types of questions, I ask a similar one right back, like what is the worst weakness of the company or section of the company. Or just give a brief answer: Has anything ever irritated you about people you've worked with? "Of course."
This is the only piece I've read that acknowledges sometimes you're just stuck and have to make the best of it. Sometimes these feelings can dig you in deeper - that's the tragic thing that's happening to me currently. But, this piece is forgiving. It doesn't just shout at the person - "Just pull yourself up by your bootstraps and find your passion!" Thnaks again.
Hi All..
Am having interview at macdonalds and itz my 1st interview. can any body help me to answer questions 1,2,4,9,11,12,14,22 plz.Some sort of general answers
thnkz
I've botched every question and gotten some right but this is a great guide, I get nervous reading the questions right now.
Good question: would you rather work for a big company or a small one? Favorite answer: I'd treat any company like it was my own regardless. Total ownership of the situation can get you a long way.
I've botched every question and gotten some right but this is a great guide, I get nervous reading the questions right now.
Good question: would you rather work for a big company or a small one? Favorite answer: I'd treat any company like it was my own regardless. Total ownership of the situation can get you a long way.
Where do you want to be in 5 to 10 years? They dont want to hear in the same job you are interviewing for. Ultimately, the HR people are searching for someone who can handle the job now, and has the potential to grow into a high level management job in the future. Do you have those goals too?
In other words....are you looking for a career, or a job? (MakkyD's is hiring).
The only reason why you are asked questions is for them to gage your reaction and to see if you can handle pressure well. Everyone knows you're BSing as much as they are.
The jobs I got are the ones where I walked in with a great attitude, relaxed, and sound useful. Answer what they want, but not necessarily what they ask.
DO NOT answer "21. Are you willing to put the interests of X Company ahead of your own?" like the writer suggests by saying 'yes,' that is not a good response at all. In every single instance, this is pure HR bait to see how spineless you are. Saying yes to this question says two things a) you're spineless b) you're lying, and probably about other answers you've given.
The best bet is to say something like "It would be situational. If you're asking am I willing to work until 3am to get a project out the door, then absolutely, but if you're saying will I come in to work on a project when, for instance, a family member is on their death bed, then absolutely not. I'm ready to work extremely hard for X company, but there are a few things that are more important than work." It shows you have a spine and are at least somewhat honest.
Otherwise, a good read! =)
These are all stupid questions that are only asked by idiots in HR. If a company is asking these kinds of questions, they don't really need me. If they really NEED me, then they are going to be in a panic and asking technical questions about how I can bail them out of their predicament.
Also, companies who are desperate pay a lot.
"the morale is low and most people playing are addicts. I've gone through the whole process and I got nothing out of it."
Actually, that probably describes most video games out there.
=)
Will
"What Are Your Major Weaknesses?" is also a very important question. What would you answer?
Omar
I talked to several HR employees before I wrote the article, and also based this on my experiences. I found that bringing up disputes with prior bosses never went across very well at all, but when I said "I never really had a problem, nothing worth talking about anyway" I was always greeted with acceptance and the next question. But it's good to know that opinion, thanks so much.
I absolutely agree with Dave @ Major Media Company up above.
I may or may not immediately reject the person as a liar (some people really are laid back and easy to work with). I'd put it together with other clues I have about them. But generally, there are always conflicts with other people, even if it's minor. For someone to say they've never had conflicts with anyone, is suspicious.
When I ask this question of a candidate, I want to see how they resolve interpersonal conflicts. I want to see how they work in a team. I want to see how creatively they make the most of what they have.
Fortunately for me, _I_ can be honest about it. =) I think I've been quite successful at working out more difficult work relationships. An essential part of it is, of course, to actually try to get to the heart of the conflict and do my best to resolve my portion of it.
Companion to that, I crack jokes that deride and make fun of myself first. I will make jokes about the other person too, just much more benign jokes and only after I've gotten to know them.
I think this serves several purposes: 1) laughing makes everyone relax; 2) it's safer to make fun of myself than someone else; 3) I cannot be hurt by negative comments about me because I've already said it; 4) most importantly, I show that I understand their point of view which makes compromising and meeting in the middle easier.
I have never known this approach to fail with reasonable people, which most co-workers are (I'm in IT/Software).
-- J.
Another take on question #12 is "What was your greatest disappointment?" One answer, "That I haven't had the time to work on completing a PhD in Business (or something related to your work). And, it's not a lie, for me at least. Here, your disappointment should be admired by the interviewer and turns a negative into the opposite.
The answer to 18 is completely wrong. I am a director at a major media company's interactive division. Our company is expanding and I am almost in a constant state of hiring. I ask a variation of this question in every single interview and if a candidate has never had one issue or disagreement with anyone, (I stated a variation: I ask if it has happened with anyone in the workplace) I peg them as a liar and reject them immediately.
I sometimes get stuck on the question, "So what are your short/long term goals?" or "Where do you see yourself 5-10 years down the road?" I always try to say something along the lines of "in a position that is still challenging with room to still grow". What do they want to hear? I stumble on this question time and time again.
I did have one interview that was really terrible in this way. I had real trouble not rolling my eyes. I ended up getting the job. It turned out the people asking the questions also hated them, but they had to ask them because there was an HR spy--ahem--representative in the room.
Oh, thanks for mentioning (or rather reminding me) that the game is free, unless you opt to become a member for $5 per month. I figure if the Wall Street Journal can cover the game and the reach of its parent company (Jagex), so can I.
NOT RUNESCAPE!!! I hope you do know that your reputation just dropped to the negatives.
Runescape is possibly the worst online game experience. The folks there are often from poorer families, as they can't afford pay-to-play games like WoW, so often the morale is low and most people playing are addicts. I've gone through the whole process and I got nothing out of it. You probably just did this out of lack of other ideas, but Runescape is bad for all.
NOT RUNESCAPE!!! I hope you do know that your reputation just dropped to the negatives.
Runescape is possibly the worst online game experience. The folks there are often from poorer families, as they can't afford pay-to-play games like WoW, so often the morale is low and most people playing are addicts. I've gone through the whole process and I got nothing out of it. You probably just did this out of lack of other ideas, but Runescape is bad for all.
This is exactly what I use to do! I say use to because I am starting to do a lot more research on the beauty industry and self-evaluation as well. Thanks for the good laugh. I'll keep this in my pocket.
I don't like to think about how much of my life I've spent waiting to get to the good part. (I was never as bad as some people, but bad enough.)
Here's one more suggestion: Never stop asking yourself "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Ask the other people in your life, too, what they're going to be. Anyone who claims to already be grown up should be treated with pity for the rest of the day.
I'm a staunch supporter against censoring other's opinions. One reply said -paraphrasing- We're all adults let's keep it civil....
Well I say, yes we are all adults(mostly I guess)and should not be offended by opinions even if they're "sharky" whatever that means. I don't even think that's a word. Don't be a hypocrite and say this is a free site for writers to formulate their own opinions for all to read, and then tell repliers that certain tones in their opinions are not wanted. I'd say this is the biggest problem with Americans now days. "You can't take away my freedoms to do what I want to do! Hey man don't say things like that! Don't do that!" I see it all the time. I myself am an everyday Dasani drinker. I'm an American living in Canada. Dasani, which is tap water, is filtered by reverse osmosis and is then remineralized. It also has no fluoride. Regular household Brita and Pur filters are not capable of filtering chlorine and fluoride. Both are extremely toxic, and even worse can be absorbed through the skin when you take your shower or bath. My husband and I did the math we spend about $312 a year on our water. But the Berkey water filter we want is $299. http://www.berkeywater.com/start.main.html
Your points were well taken, but to say it's down right irresponsible to buy bottled water is disobliging to those who do buy water in bottles. Besides tap water is not free. Home owners have to pay for their municipal water. Apartment rent and condo fees include the cost of municipal water.Depending on where you live, like in the south west, water fees can be high.
My husband and I recycle everything we are allowed.
Some good advice there. I have also tried "it depends" but have been asked too many time "yes, but if you HAD to choose" so now I make a firm choice.
Again, can I vote for a simple IQ test requirement before people can post comments? Wise Bread readers are almost entirely awesome, but every now and then, we get a mouth-breather like Guest, above.
It was nice of you to address his "points", Nora. He didn't deserve it, though. :)
My worst answer was "I don't know." I've since learned that "it depends," with a couple of examples, is perfectly appropriate. And that's how I'd answer this one:
Are you willing to put the interests of X Company ahead of your own? It depends. I would put important interests of the company over minor interests of mine and I would put important interests of mine over minor concerns of the company.
Of course then they will ask what if both are important. Then I hope I'd say that maybe the the job and I aren't a good match. I try not to get into situations where that would happen. And can they give me examples of where this has happened before?
I'm to the point now where I'm always trying to guess what their real goal is. If anyone even asked me illegal questions like "Are you planning to have children?" I'd just say something like, "It sounds like you're worried that an employee might quit just when you finally got them trained. I wouldn't take this job if I didn't think I'd be wanting to stay a while."
And if anyone asks me those evil "worst weakness" types of questions, I ask a similar one right back, like what is the worst weakness of the company or section of the company. Or just give a brief answer: Has anything ever irritated you about people you've worked with? "Of course."
This is the only piece I've read that acknowledges sometimes you're just stuck and have to make the best of it. Sometimes these feelings can dig you in deeper - that's the tragic thing that's happening to me currently. But, this piece is forgiving. It doesn't just shout at the person - "Just pull yourself up by your bootstraps and find your passion!" Thnaks again.