Most of the job interviews involve questions that are used to profile a candidate in order to assess their suitability for the job and the company. Some recruiters will give you a call before they will grant an interview to verify some information, be ready for this. This is done to eliminate some possible candidates. Here is a list of questions you might be asked during such a phone interview:

• What kind of experience do you have?
• Which functions in your current position do you consider most crucial?
• Which of the jobs you have done previously did you enjoy the most?
• Do you consider yourself creative?
• What would you think would be your broad responsibilities if you were to get this job?
• Would you say you have what it takes to do this job?
• What exactly are these traits you say you have?
• How does the role of your current job fit into the overall direction and purpose of the company?

What does the interviewer look for during the interview? Managers conducting the interview will measure the candidate on quite a few different sets of criteria. He will use these criteria as “measurements” to see if a candidate fits the requirements of the position.

Broadly speaking, here are some criteria used by interviewers to measure candidates.

There are 17 personality traits the prudent manager will look for during the interview. On occasion, the type of questions the manager asks might change during the interview to learn more about your different personality traits. Following is a short list of these traits:

Personal profile:

Personal profiling is used to understand your personality, habits and behavior:

• Drive: Goal driven and gets things done without getting bogged in the little things.
• Motivation: Enthusiastic about new challenges and can motivate others.
• Communication: Are able to communicate to the complete spectrum of people.
• Chemistry: Can cause flow in a team without effort, people enjoy their company.
• Energy: Doesn’t overlook the small things and knows which things are important.
• Determination: Can face up to a challenge with authority.
• Confidence: Knows when to speak and when to be silent.

Professional profile:

Professional profiling measures your professional skills, capability and attitude towards work:

• Listening skills: Actually listens to what is being said instead of waiting to speak.
• Pride: Has pride in what they do, will take the extra step to get the job done right.
• Reliability: Are able to manage self and keep all stakeholders informed.
• Analytical skills: Make the best decision based on facts, but don’t waste time.
• Integrity: Takes responsibility for personal actions and choices, good or bad.
• Dedication: Committed to deadlines and does what it takes to finish the project.

Business profile:

Business profiling tends to assess how efficiently you will use, and what addition you will make, to the resources of the company:

• Economy: Will use company resources as if it were your own.
• Efficiency: Able to notice inefficiencies within their sphere of responsibility.
• Procedures: Implement procedures, they are there for a reason.
• Profit: That’s the reason we run this company.

So, the next time you answer those simple sounding questions from the interviewer, just keep these things in mind.