One of the most difficult tasks you will ever face while interviewing people is asking the right kind of questions. It is only through the right sort of questions that you are able to analyze the capacity, the potential and the personality of the individual. The most basic questions you should remember to ask during an interview are somewhat related to interpersonal skills. No matter what kind of job it is, interpersonal skills always matter. As a manager you want to be sure that the person you are about to select has all the qualifications you are looking for. They should be able to communicate with their colleagues, co workers, clients and supervisor like a professional does. The following questions will give you a basic idea on questions that should definitely be asked during an interview. And if you are someone who is about to sit for a test, this should be helpful too. The answers have been enlisted along with the questions in order to make this task easy for you.
1. Do you like people?
Answer: You should never begin your answer by saying “no”. When you are working in an environment full of people, always remember that it is important for you to like those who are around you. It might not be possible to admire every single person that you meet but you should definitely try your level best to get along with all. So when you answer this question, make sure you portray yourself as someone who has genuine understanding towards those you are surrounded with. Also try to speak about your communication skills and how easily you can develop a rapport with your clients and co workers. Make sure to display your friendly and social attitude while trying to answer this question. It should help you create a fine impression.
2. Imagine there is a conflict at your workplace? How would you try to solve it?
Answer: If you would like to be selected as a manager or an advisor of a company, it is important to have an idea on how to solve conflicts. Conflicts are an inevitable and ubiquitous part of society. One can never stop them from occurring. However, you can prevent them from causing further damage. The first step to this is communication. Clear and accurate communication of information will not only reduce the burden of your clients but also pull you out of this dreadful situation. Conflicts happen when the information is misinterpreted. You can always control that by connecting to your workers on a regular basis. Secondly, it is your emotions that need to be controlled. Most co workers make final decisions on the basis of their emotions and it literally ruins their impression. The smartest thing to do is to be and act like a professional. Before you finalize something, make sure it is your mind who decides everything and not your emotion.
3. How will you erect a strong team once you hold office?
Answer: This question should be of vital importance to anyone who is keen on getting the job. It will certainly help your interviewer to get a grasp on how your mind works. Here are a few things you should speak about: First of all, speak about establishing ground rules for all. Here you should give your team an idea on the sort of person you are and that you are always willing to listen to new ideas. Their contributions are important to you and that you like to find a resolution to the problem instead of just ignoring it. Secondly, try to give them an impression that they have your back. The team should be aware of your warm personality and that you are always willing to support them no matter what the situation is. When your co-workers are conscious about your unconditional support, they show a sense of confidence. Finally, come up with an incentive. This depends on the preferences of your team members. Some would like a day off while others would prefer dinner at a good restaurant. Some could also use extra cash. Everyone is different and you should be understand that.
4. What do you think makes you an admirable person?
Answer: To answer this question, you must portray yourself as someone who doesn’t believe in favouritism. A biased or prejudiced individual can never be appreciated at work. So it’s best to give the interviewer an idea than you are a firm believer in equality and that you respect everyone’s sentiments, regardless of whether they are religious or political. Also touch upon the fact that you are a good listener and like to keep in touch with your clients on a regular basis. Finally, mention how keen you are on getting to know your co workers and how keen you are on growing your internal network. You could always portray yourself a genuine, non-judgemental and positive individual with the way you speak. Never try to show that you are competitive by nature. Instead, give them a feeling that you like to make others feel liked and respected.
5. How will you start a new relationship with a recent client? Do you think it is a necessity?
Answer: While answering this question, try to show that you are an ardent lover of conversations and that meetings with new clients come easy to you. Speak about how comfortable you are while meeting new people and that you are always eager to establish new relationships. On the other hand, you are also someone who is cautious about every move. You don’t trust easily and that you will always be aware of the best interest of the company while trying to erect new relationships with clients.
6. How do you usually handle disagreements at work?
Answer: In order to handle disagreements at work, you should first choose your battles carefully. If you are someone who disagrees with almost everything, your co workers will think you are argumentative. So before that happens, pick and choose the areas you would like to focus on. Secondly, don’t hold on to any argument when you are upset or emotional. There is no way you want your emotions to tarnish your relationships with others. So make sure you are calm and composed during an argument. Even when you disagree with something, remember to stay relaxed. Finally, maintain your professionalism and don’t take things personally. When you disagree with someone make sure the argument is based on facts, successes and failures. Also remember to keep miles away from manipulating the situation. Be respectful as much as you can and maintain your dignity.
7. How do you handle criticism?
Answer: To handle criticism like a professional, you should be one. It might not be the easiest thing in the world but once you are able to do so, there is nothing like it. To tackle criticism at work, you need to stay calm at first. Never make the mistake of losing your cool. This could act against you in several ways. Secondly, don’t get defensive no matter what. When you get defensive, you tend to display your weaker side to others. Refrain from doing so. Instead, collect your thoughts together and leave to give your opponent a proper feedback. Also remember to ask questions. Try to understand why the person has criticized you and whether he/ she are actually right in doing so. If you see the atmosphere becoming too tense, try to be positive about the situation and approach the person in a decent manner. Clarify things so that both of you can learn something vital out of this.
8. How frequently do you add more contacts to your phone/address book?
Answer: Here you should always try to show how keen you are when it comes to developing relationships with co workers. Mention that you would always want to meet new people and make new contacts. Also try to explain to the interviewer that having more contacts helps the company in several ways. You can reach the target quicker when you have more people to help and support you. This will definitely help you create a positive impression in front of others, including subordinates.
People skills interview questions can help you understand a lot about your co-workers and employees. Not just that, you will learn a lot about work relationships. The questions enlisted above are certainly going to make your task easy during an interview. If you are a job seeker, the answers will undoubtedly help you prepare for the selection test. You should actually rehearse them properly before attending one. It will help you regain lost confidence and sit for the interview like a professional. On that note, good luck and have a great interview.
