Generic Interview Preparation

Workshop

Date : 7 October 2011 (FRI)

Time : 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Venue : LE1

Speaker: Ms. Jacqueline Lloyd,

Student Advisor (Careers)

H:\1112\CE\WS\Others\GIPW\111007.pptx
Outline
What are the employers looking
for?
Employer: Assessment Criteria
All employers look for 3 things

 Attitude – Do I like the person? Can

the person fit into our
culture?

 Quantitative – Technical understanding

 Qualitative – soft skills (interpersonal,

analytical…judgment, etc)
General Advice for Interview
Before: 4 main types of interview
questions to prepare
 Know yourself better – CV questions, career objectives,
your contribution, skills…
 Understand what the job/duties is about and why you are
attracted to it
 Research the company & business
 Keep yourself updated on business/current affairs
related to the company & business – Company
Annual Report/Newsletter
 Banking & Finance - FT, WSJ, Economist, Bloomberg,
Websites of US Federal Reserve: Research and
Publications)
 Situational/ Behavioural
 Prepare 5-10 questions to ask at the end of the interview
Before: Make sure you
 know yourself & organise good 2-3 minutes answer on:
 Career goals, accomplishments, ECAs, strengths,
weaknesses etc
 Why should you be hired?
 Why this job/company?
 website, products and services, annual report . .
 Situational/Behavioral examples
 Projects, ECAs, Internship, Exchange…

 support your answers by concrete examples

 get interview skill ready, polished – get mock practice
During: Be prepared to…

 display behaviours/attitudes that

are expected by employers

 discuss relevant achievements,

experiences & insights mentioned
in the resume
During: In front of a smart and
pressing interviewer

 Don’t let your discouragement show.

 Even if you get the impression that interview

did not go well.

 Once in a while, interviewers with genuine

interest in you may show the opposite in
order to test your reaction.
During: When you answer questions

 Always match what you have to offer with the

needs of the job
 Ask what value you can add to the prospective
employer
 Average time span for each answer: 2-3 minutes
 Avoid answering merely “Yes” or “No”
 You are expected to demonstrate your
understanding and awareness on how good
communication and interpersonal skills are
critical to customer relation success in the real
world, not just technical excellence
During: Quick Note on Your Answer

 Quote from actual experience. Don’t create.

 Experienced managers can trace and sense make
up stories
 They have substantial real life experiences and
common sense to gauge your missing parts if you
create
 Don’t memorise model answer in detail
 Mental attempts to recall missing points of a
model answer could hamper free flow of
expression during interview (you are not
spontaneous)
 Use only key points to structure your answer
During: Body Language…

 What to do with Your Hands

 What is a good hand-shake?
 Interviewers should see always your hands - use small
hand gestures to compliment the answers you give.
Keep your motions within the frame of your body
 How You Sit in Your Chair
 Sit up straight in your chair + appear natural and not
nervous or uptight + lean forward a little bit in your
chair – to demonstrate involvement.
X When you lean back, you convey that you aren't
very interested or engaged in the conversation
X Slouch - unprofessional and conveys that you
aren't very interested
X Sitting up so straight - appear stiff
During: Body Language

 Matters of the Face

 Eye contact
 don't lock in but try to look your
interviewer in the eye for the majority of
the conversation
 A person's nose
 gazing at someone in a way that resembles
eye contact instead of zoning out
 Avoid touching your face
 look strange and may indicate that you are
lying
During: The DO’s

1. Look smart and professional

2. Show your enthusiasm
3. Listen (understand) to the questions before
answering
4. Relax and structure your thoughts on the
anticipated questions - concise, organized
5. Tell the truth
6. When in doubt, clarify questions before answering
7. Thank the interviewer for taking time to see you
8. Ask when you will hear from them again
During: The DON’TS

1. Bad mouth your professors, previous

employer/colleagues…
2. Lie
3. Panic - it is not the end of the world. It
is only an experience
4. Discuss salary at the first interview
5. Ask for benefit plans
6. Be long-winded
Dress & Grooming…

 Tips for Ladies  Tips for Men

 Suit - navy, grey, beige, cocoa  Suit - dark, charcoal, navy
 Blouses - matching  Shirt - white, long-sleeve
 Shoes - simple style, leather,  Shoes - black, leather
solid color  Tie - classic patterned, solid
 black, brown - sleek, clean
colored tie,
 Stockings - thin skin-coloured  avoid bright color or large
 bring an extra pair pattern
 Handbag - matching leather,  length should reach belt
solid color, not too big buckle and very close to
 Make-up - simple collar when tied
 Jewellery, perfume - avoid  Belt - black, leather
 Watch – elegant (No plastic  Socks - black, dark grey, navy,
Hello Kitty) long
 Watch - turn off the alarm of
your watch, (if you have one)
Dress & Grooming

 Dress and groom like those who are already

in the job (observe via RTs)
 Hair style - tidy and clean
 Dandruff checked
 Keep nails clean
 Be careful with bad breath and body odor
During & After: Final Useful Tips

 Be punctual. Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early. Call

beforehand if you must be late.
 Call even if you decide not to attend the
interview
 Send “thank you” note to interviewers/HR
 Learn from the interviews
 Look for a career instead of merely a job
 Be committed if you are given the chance
General Advice for
Phone Interview
 Telephone Interview Tips:
The 1st Hurdle after On-line Application
 As important as face-to-face interview (Tips from HSBC)

 Preparation
 Remember which telephone number you
gave as contact number
 Fixed line (preferred for clearer and stable
voice).
 Mobile (Remember to turn your mobile on).
 Watch out for voice quality and reception
 Stay in a quiet place and not be disturbed
 Quiet place (not in canteen)
 Avoid using keyboards
Telephone Interview Tips ...

 Approach of Interviewers
 Interviews are mostly structured with
questions prepared and time for each one.
 Most questions are capability based.
 Search, test and verify of your ability and
capability via
 Behavioural Questions
 Situational Questions
 You will be asked to give:
 Specific examples you have experienced and
demonstrated certain skill and capability.
Telephone Interview Tips ...

 Technique
 Your oral communication skill is most crucial.
 clear
 logical, organised
 fluent flow
 No visual clue received from interviewer. Interviewer build
up a picture of you through voice (organised? relevant? fast
thinker? courteous?)
 Clarify questions if you do not understand - use paraphrasing
technique.
 Do not over prepared with model answers and detailed
script. Interviewer could sense if you read from script. You
are unnatural!
 Prepare key points, mental and actual rehearse your answer.
Natural response is always less than perfect.
Telephone Interview Tips ...

 Process : critical point to watch out : Interruption &

follow up question
 If your answer is not up to the point, interviewer
interrupts and ask for more or another question.
 If you have already given enough answer, the
interviewer interrupts & changes topic.
 Be alert to differentiate which is which.
 Early interruption (with 1st minute) is not a good
sign.
Telephone Interview Tips ...

 Interviewers
 Usually HR staff trained in this behavioural interview
technique.
 They have practised many times.
 They are trained listeners with structured questions well
prepared and tested.
 Some are line managers. (with technical market questions)
 Some are staff of outsourced interviewing firm assigned to
help the bank conduct first initial phone screening (e.g.
Barclays, RBS).
 They are trained interviewers
 Take notes during interview (or recorded), if possible
Examples:
Goldman Sachs–Phone Interview
 Securities (30 min, Jan 2011)
Gap-year Internship-Global Investment Research (30min, Apr 2010)

Market/Technical & You

1. Tell me something about the market.
2. Tell me about the loan issue (ICBC).
3. What econ models have you learnt?
4. Will RMB appreciate?
5. Talk about one of your favourite models.
6. How can you find out China’s true mortgage rate?
7. What determines the inflation rate?
8. How do you predict US inflation rate?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Tell me about the competition you took part in before.
2. Why do you think you are suitable for this position?
3. What do you do in your spare time?
Examples:
HSBC – Phone Interview
 IM (30 min, Nov 2010)
Global Transaction Banking (30 min, Nov 2010)

Behavioural
1. Experience of leading a team to accomplish a difficult task
2. Experience of failing to meet your objectives
3. How do you prioritise things and manage time
4. Tell me an incident which you fail to provide good customers services
5. Tell me your experience leading a team. What have you done as a
leader
6. Tell me a situation when you failed to achieve personal goal
7. Tell me your experience of working under pressure.
8. Tell me your experience of taking your initiative to solve a problem
9. Tell me your experience of speaking up
10. Tell me your experience of managing your time to accomplish several
tasks
11. Tell me your experience of having presentation
General Advice for
Situational/Behavioral Interview
What are Behavioural / Situational
Interview Question Techniques

 Ask questions on past behaviour in managing

/ reacting to a real experience and situation
(e.g. team, crisis, project)
 Identify from answers & relevant behavioural
traits in managing the situation
 Match behavioural traits with required
graduate trainee performance competency
profile or model
 Interview result could be used to
match/verify result of personality test
Behavioural Interview :
Hidden Sub-Questions

 Purpose
 Asked by interviewers to probe further to reveal
your thinking / action / behaviour
 Asked to complete your picture (if you missed
important information) or to validate your points
(if interviewer doubted about your fact /
scenario present)
 Worse case : your answer deviates too far from
what they expect (digress or not relevant).
Follow up sub questions bring you back to the
focus they want.
Behavioural Question Format

1. Tell me about a time...

2. Describe a situation...
3. Give me an example…
Examples - Behavioural / Situational
Questions
 Describe a situation that you have to solve a
problem alone for a group (or team)
 Describe a successful team work experience
(or a team failure)
 Give example of a situation that you failed to
accomplish a task / meet deadline
 Name a successful leadership experience?
 Describe a situation you have to handle a
difficult client (or staff)
 Describe a time that you have to accept
others idea that you disagreed with.
 STAR Formula:
3-Minutes Timeline
WHAT

S : Situation T : Task
HOW Background of situation: Specify your responsibility, e.g.
When, What (project member of a project team
title/objective), Where (how many members), or
leader of a project

WHY
3- Minutes
STAR
RESULTS &
BENEFIT R : Result A : Action
Describe outcome of actions, Describe what you did:
what you have learnt from e.g. I plan, coordinate, design
this experience & execute
Typical Example : Main Question & sub-
Questions (Hidden or follow up)

Please give your best example of taking initiative to complete some

task that needed to be done but was not your area of responsibility.

 Proper answer structure : The interviewer has all

these sub-questions in mind :
1. What was the situation (when, what project, assignment?)
2. Who were in the team? What’s your role? Who’s
responsible for the task? Why not done?
3. Why you have to complete it? (Critical part. Seeing the
consequence & need to get things under control/deliver
solution time/important part of assignment output)
4. What did you do? Actions & Steps. (Critical part)
5. What obstacles (to give some weight to 3 & 4)
6. What outcome and learning ?
Example - Hidden Questions

1. Do you have any great disaster in your life?

OR
How did you manage a major change in life?
 The hidden question is : How did you manage and
recover?

2. How did you deal with situation with diverse

opinion?
 The real questions are :
 What is your negotiation compromising skill?
 How do you manage conflict?
 A test on your skill when to push ahead and
when to pull back.
Example:
Answer Techniques:key action words..

 Example on Team Work

 able to communicate effectively
 resolve differences and come to consensus
 coordinate well
 good share of task and responsibility
 members motivated by common objective
 help out each other
 stick together in difficult time
Example:
Answer Techniques:key action words

 Integrate key action behaviour words into your

answer
 Example on Leadership (attributes)
 able to clarify situation and define problem
quickly
 able to motivate the group in down / difficult
time
 delegate and able to manage delegation
 take initiative to coordinate and support weak
members
 able to lead planning
Example:STAR formula:your work
experience
Q : In your CV you mention you have worked in ABC
Company. What are your responsibilities there?

 Situation : ABC is a small PR firm with about ____

staff. Its business focuses on ____. I was chosen from
among ___ applicants to be the (position).
 Task : My main responsibility is to ___. Give 1
example of major assignment. The challenges are (1)
…(2)…
 Action : How you perform your duties
 I proactively seek advice…
 I research & find a lot of useful information, etc
 Result : I completed project on time / The
response was good / I learnt a lot about…try to list
the skills you learnt from this job and match them
with the co’s need
Example: STAR formula:
Can you tell me one situation that you
encountered a difficulty and how did you
solve it?
 Public speaking – even though I have had speech
classes and extra training in presentation techniques,
I used to be nervous about speaking in front of
groups.
 Yet I found that preparation, practice, and knowing
my subject well helped me overcome this. So I spend
a lot of hours preparing and practicing each time I
have to speak publicly.
 Now, within the first few minutes, I am consistently
able to develop rapport with my audience, and it is
no different from talking to you like I am doing now. I
know my materials and present it in a logical,
organized, and interesting manner…
Example: STAR formula:
Describe a time when you worked in a
team. What role did you play? (short version)
 S&T: Last semester, I was part of a team of five people for group
project in my Introduction of Marketing class where we were
given an assignment to develop a marketing strategy for a new
line of toys for Mattel. As part of the group project, we were
required to create a 15 page marketing plan by the end of the
last day of class.
 A: I was the team leader and was in charge of coordinating all of
the group meetings and delegating tasks. I took the initiative to
create a meeting schedule so that our group met every
Wednesday afternoon, emailed the agenda to each group
member prior to our meetings, and kept an Excel spreadsheet of
all of the tasks. I also worked on making sure that the team was
cohesive and supportive of each other by mediating conflicts by
facilitating discussion, listening to each member, and helping
them to work towards a compromise.
 R: As a result of my efforts as team leader, we were able to
finish the group project one week ahead of schedule and also
were chosen as the group with the “most innovative” marketing
plan. Also, the number of conflicts between the group members
significantly decreased and we were able to agree upon a
marketing plan that satisfied everyone.
Example: STAR formula:
Give me an example showing how you deal
with your busiest times during your study (long
version)…
(Template for reference, NOT model answer)
 A : I have an example that I could share Showing your
with you. versatility
and active
 During my university life, apart from participation
handling my academic study, I have also in activities
actively participated in different aspects
of student activities to widen my
exposure. I have an exciting hall life and
also have regular basketball practice with
the university team. In addition, I am
also the (position) of the (society) which
… (describe briefly the society showing
its scale, international perspectives,
variety of jobs, and other interesting
fact).
Example: STAR formula:…

 Every year during the Christmas

time, the society organises a large- A clear
scale annual function aiming to example of a
widen the exposure of our club piece of
work that
members and help them build the demands a
network with the external lot of
companies. Last year, I was the Organisation
al ability
Project-In-Charge and my key role is with a
to be the main coordinator for this breakdown
event. Therefore, I have to oversee of different
tasks
the arrangements regarding the
venue, invitation lists, catering,
reception, and programme
rundown.
Example: STAR formula:…

 This is a challenging task to me in terms of

three aspects:
Point out
1. The scale of the function, which involves the
around 30 companies and over 200 challenging
members. aspects of
your task
2. The complexity of the logistic
arrangements, which should be very
detailed.
3. The tight working schedule with all the
practical sides to be confirmed in two
weeks during my peak period for
submission of assignments and
preparation for mid-term exam.
Example: STAR formula:…
 Therefore, to organise my work, I
always work to a checklist where I Demonstrate
have to plan my time, set my how you
priorities, and anticipate last- organise well,
minute hitches. With an making lists,
planning
understanding that my teammates ahead, and
are also busy during this period, I communicating
set up the working committee so with the team
that jobs were assigned in advance
and were taken up by different
members. The working progress
was reported weekly and we
handled the unexpected cases
promptly together.
Example: STAR formula:…

 Despite all the long hours

and great effort, that Demonstrate
event was finally a success the success and
your enjoyment
and the whole team during your
finally went for a big busy time
celebration!
Example: STAR formula:…

 From this experience, I acquired Sum up your

an invaluable experience in… (list learning points
out the key learning points…. ) (showing that
1. organising my time by setting the you have all
those key
right priority and making the competencies)
realistic estimation of effort
required
2. handling multi-tasks successfully
under a very tight and
demanding situation
3. appreciating the power of
teamwork with good planning
and effective communication
 Example: STAR formula:…

 I am sure I could put these

experience and skills Relate back
acquired to good use your ability to
the position and
when working with your how you can
company at this position. contribute

PAGE 46 OF 72
Interviewer’s Favourite
Questions
 A. Background information -
Academic, ECA experience, You
1. Please use one minute to introduce yourself. (What they're really
asking: What makes you special? Why should we hire you?)
 Note: Before the interview, scrutinise the job description and your
experience. What experiences have you had that are most relevant
to the position you are applying for?
 Other acceptable method : key point, of your academic success,
interest, internship, exchange, ECA, all reflect & condense into what
type of person you are.

2. Can you share your internship / exchange / ECA / working

experience? The most difficult thing you have done. Quote a
conflict situation and how you handled it
 Note : How to organise, present and highlight on learning are critical

3. Why do you choose this ECA?

 Note : Give reasons relate to personal objective development or
career related development, eg., I would like to improve my public
speaking skill, so I join the Toastmaster…

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 A. Background information - Academic,
ECA experience, You … (Cont’d)

4. How do you spend your leisure time? (with hidden

question)
 Note: A reflection if you are extrovert / introvert, mind
work (chess, bridge), interpersonal activities (community
work)

5. Why did you choose the career for which you are
preparing?
 Note: Match your background and passion with what they
are looking for.

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 B. Experiences and Career goals

1. What are your long- and short-range goals and

objectives?
 Note: ST - getting hired into the right position with the
right company. LT - where you want to go in your
profession or relate your goals to the company you are
interviewing
 Your view & expectation in XXX industry
 What success you want to build up
 Why this is satisfying
2. Why apply for a position in our Company, not
Education?
 Note: Ask your relative comparison of 2 professions. It is a
matter of choice & priority. Not mutually exclusive. Apply
skills acquired from Education to XXX - transferable skills
3. What two or three accomplishments have given you
the most satisfaction? Why?
 For example, (1) providing service & support to
others (2) getting a project done with excellent
50 OF 79 result
 B. (Cont’d)

4. What do you consider to be your greatest

strengths and weaknesses? (What they're
really asking: How honest are you being
about yourself with us? How realistic are
you?
 Note: Weakness - mention one not central to
the job & fairly easily remedied & what you did
to fix it
5. What’s your greatest strength? (What
they're really asking: How do you perceive
your talents and abilities as a professional?
Will you be an asset to us?)
 Note: Answer honestly and be confidently
humble. Find a way to relate your strength to
the job you are seeking
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 C. Career Knowledge -
Company/Industry
1. Why do you choose our Company? (What they're really
asking: How dedicated are you? Do you have a passion for
this type of work?)
 Note : Corporate value, team-work environment, quality of
graduate training development (Very Important: in addition to
good corporate environment & image, add your own interest in
the company & career aspiration. Don’t just mention the good
points of co. without aspiration)
 Stay away from such responses as, “Many of my friends have
worked here.” This response isn’t very impressive.

2. How much do you know about this Company?

 Note: “In my job search, I’ve investigated a number of
companies. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these
reasons, (1), (2)...” Discuss values, products or services,
revenues, reputation, strengths, management style, people, etc.

3. Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced

degree?
 Note: Keep learning and improving attitude. Get further training
52 OF 83
in the area or more professional qualifications
 C. (Cont’d)

4. What two or three things are most important to you in

your job?
 Note: Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this
company.
 Talk about your desire to perform and be recognised for your
contributions…e.g., “One that can incorporate both my
education and skills to be the best I can be…combining my
education in management and my working knowledge of (e.g.,
customer service operations, computer and administrative
skills). I want to utilise my analytical expertise to help people
meet their goals. This is exactly why I am convinced that I would
be a very valuable member of the XXX team.”
 Environment to learn & develop
 To contribute, solve problems & penetrate growth & success
in company
 Good satisfaction in job & a balanced life

5. What other jobs have you applied for?

 Note: Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep
the focus on this job and what you can do for this organisation.
53 OF 79
D. Suitability

1. Why should I hire you? (What they're really asking: Can you
convince us you're "the one?" Can you sell your "product?“)
 Note: Match your competency (knowledge, skills, abilities) with the
company’s needs

2. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our

company?
 Be careful with this question. Most graduates do not have much
working experience.
 The interviewer expects you to talk about things you have done which
show responsibility and initiative.
 If you lack working experience, talk about the training and skills you have
received, and connect them to the job you apply for.
 Emphasise that you are quick to learn and enthusiastic.

3. How long would you stay with us?

 Note: Say that you are interested in a career with the organisation,
but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to
remain with any organisation…”As long as I continue to learn and
develop my capabilities…perform well and make contribution…”
 E. Situational / behavioural Questions

1. Tell me about a time when you recognised a potential

problem as an opportunity. What did you do?
 This is designed to determine whether you’re willing and able
to take initiative on the job.

2. Give me an example of a situation in which your ethics were

challenged. How did you handle it?
 Make sure your answer shows both your understanding of
right and wrong, and your ability to use tact and discretion.

3. Tell me about a time when you were participating in a team

project and somebody dropped the ball. What did you do to
help the team finish the project on time?
 This question gives you an opportunity to highlight a number
of skills, including time management, leadership, and
commitment to a task.
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 E. Situational / behavioural Questions…
(Cont’d)

4. Describe a specific problem you solved for an employer or

professor. How did you approach the problem? What role
did others play? What was the outcome?
 Make sure you give credit to other team members while highlighting
your own part in solving the problem. This question gives you the
opportunity to show you can make decisions and solve problems.

5. Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline.

What things did you fail to do? What were the
repercussions? What did you learn?
 Your answer helps the interviewer learn more about your time-
management skills. Be sure to focus on the steps you now take to
avoid such a situation.

6. Describe a situation in which you got people who don’t like

each other to work together. How did you do it? What was
the outcome?
 Highlight your teamwork and relationship-building skills

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 F. Is there anything you would like to ask
me?...

 (What they're really asking: Are you

prepared to ask questions? How interested
are you in this position?)
 Prepare 5 to 6 questions. Ask at least one
question, even if all of your prepared
questions have been answered. Do not say,
"No, you've answered all of my questions.
 Ask questions related to the job/company
 Training support in induction to the
industry
 Further support on career & professional
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development
 F. Is there anything you would like to ask
me?...Samples

1. I understand that there will be on the job

rotation, if so, how often does each
rotation last?
2. What is a typical day like of a Trainee?
3. What makes a successful graduate
trainee?
4. After finishing the internship, what
criteria will be used for assigning a full-
time posting?
5. If sales/marketing : Territory, market and
customer segment assignment
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Sample Interview Questions &
Answer Templates
 1. Why are you interested in our
company?
Example - [ what attracted you - company and job duties]
 I am applying to … because … is one of the largest XXX organisations
in HK. I believe it will be an exciting and challenging job as I will work
with professionals and face significant challenges. With a diverse
workforce of over ### employees, I would get valuable and exciting
learning opportunities by working with professionals from different
backgrounds.

 I am impressed by …co’s (culture, products & services,) , eg.,

innovative, high quality standards …). Besides, this (MT programme)
will provide me with a lot of opportunities to learn. I am impressed by
it as there will be …(what learning opportunities the company will
provide for the programme)…which will be very beneficial for me.

 What I particularly like most about (company name) is the

commitment it places on helping its employees to identify their
personal strengths and fulfil their own potential. Its appreciation on
individually makes it a very desirable place for fresh graduates to work
for and grow with.
60 OF 79
2. Why are you applying for this
position?

 Reasons for applying for the position:

 State 2/3 key skills and experience which will match the
requirements of the programme
(any preparation you have done for this career?)

 Example
 I am a person interested in a job with good future
opportunities, I am highly motivated and able to work under
stress. I have held certain positions… in different companies
that have developed my skills… in order to work ... I consider
that I do fit the job description and due to my skills and past
experience… I could get such a job. I think that a corporation
such as ... can offer me the possibility for building myself a
successful career and could offer me the career challenge,
which I am seeking.
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Past interview questions (Questions by
Specific Company/Industry)
 P&G Past Interview Questions

 Self Introduction briefly in 2 minutes

 What is your favourite brand of P&G?
 Note: Support your answer with good rationale
 An example when you have to reach out of your comfort zone and do
something difficult to achieve a goal.
 An example of when you sense the change or need to change in an
organisation and you take initiative to adapt or make the change?
 Why do you want to switch from engineering to marketing? Will it be a
waste of time in HKU?
 What is your strength and weaknesses?
 Note : Weakness - mention one not central to the job & fairly easily
remedied & what you did to fix it. For example, you don’t speak fluent
Putonghua but are taking an intensive 12-week class
 Good/Bad example – what is the difference?
 “I'm a perfectionist and don't believe anyone can do the job as well as I can, so I
sometimes have a hard time delegating.”
 “I tend to be a perfectionist who has had trouble delegating tasks to others, but
I've come to see that teamwork and capitalizing on everyone's strengths is a
much more effective way to get the job done than trying to do it all myself.”

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Ogilvy MT Past Interview Questions

 Many candidates mentioned common

aspects of Ogilvy, like the largest 4A
firm, MNC, good training, what is
special of Ogilvy to you?
 Why do you think you are suitable for
this job?
 If you are given a chance to redo a
thing, what thing would you choose and
why? (What is the hidden question?)

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 L'Oreal MT Past Interview Questions

English
 Self introduction (without time limit)
 Why did you choose L'Oreal?
 What do you know about the culture of
L'Oreal?
Cantonese (quote concrete examples)
 Why are you suitable for this position, any
previous experience?
 Give an example that you work without any
guidelines.
 Give an example that shows your creativity.
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 Standard Chartered Bank past
interview questions…
 Why are you choosing SCB and its International
Graduate Program?
 List 3 qualities that you regard as essential in the
view of the contribution to SCB.
 How can you contribute to the company while you
are still being a junior staff?
 What do you mean by successful? Describe any
previous successful experience.
 Do you think SCB’s products are competitive?
 Which product (s) can be improved?
 What advantages do SCB has over other banks?

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Big 4 Past Interview Questions

1. Describe your personality

2. What is your prospect for 3-5 years form
now on? What is your career goal?
3. How do you know about the culture of
us?

4. What is the job of an auditor?

5. Your major & internship are not
accounting related, why are you
interested in this field?
6. How do you achieve work-life balance?
7. Questions test your ethics and integrity
CX ET
Past Interview Questions
 Why aviation industry? Do you think it is
a “narrow” field?
 ECA experience
 Do you know the flying principle of an
aircraft? How an aircraft works?
 Tell me 2 recent aviation news or about
CX.
 Any improvement for CX's movie
system?
 If your boss ban your idea, what will you
do?
Interview Preparation

 Recommended Websites :
 Monster.com (http://www.monster.com.hk)
 Vault (http://www.vault.com)
 Job Choices 2011 (
http://www.jobchoicesonline.com)

 How we can help?

- Past interview questions
- One on One coaching
 Mock interview
 Application writing