Personal Interview Questions

Of all the questions you'll be asked, personal and family ones appear to be the most statistical. For this reason, most job- seekers answer them in a static way, with name, rank, and serial number.

They're also often emotionally charged because interviewers ask about personal perils, family feuds, and status symbols. Therefore, rehearsing your lines is particularly important because what you say is as important as what you convey.

While most of the questions in this area have only marginal value in determining your qualifications to perform a specific job, you must get past them so you can get down to business with the interviewer. That's why they're called "KO" factors. Wrong answers mean knock out in Round 1; right answers will keep you in the ring for a while.

Personal and family items are invariably at the top of resumes, on the front of application forms, and at the beginning of interview checklists. Because these documents are the cue cards used in the actual interview, expect the questions in Act 1, Round 1.

If first impressions really count (and they really do to overworked people who are interviewing), then now is your chance to shine. Most film critics will tell you they lock into a review within five minutes. If they watch longer, it's either to enjoy the show or to justify their negative rating. That's why lawyers often see judges writing their decisions from the bench soon after the opening statements. Yours will, too. Your judge is overworked.

Greet the interviewer with the Magic Four Hello:

1. A smile. If you can't fake it, just think about how lucky the interviewer is to be meeting you.
2. Direct eye contact. If it's too much for you, look at the bridge of the interviewer's nose.
3. Introduce yourself. Say, "Hi, I'm (first name) (last name). It's a pleasure meeting you."
4. A firm but gentle handshake. Rehearse. No live shark; no dead flounder.

Then, once you're on the set (the interviewer's office):

1. Head for the chair on your favored side (right if you are right-handed, left if you are left-handed). If you're ambidextrous, you can take center stage. Just be sure there's a chair behind you.
2. Stand there until you're asked to be seated. (If you're not asked, it's probably because you've already drawn an SRO audience!)

Here is the list of persoal interview questions which can be asked:

1. Interview Questions about Personal Facts
2. Interview Questions about Relationship and Home Life
3. Interview Questions about Personal Management