Friday, September 7, 2007

Q&A in Interviews

Tell me about yourself.

I'm an ambitious, self-motivated account executive and I'm very happy in my life right now. I'm looking to change jobs because I feel I've achieved all of the goals I set out for myself when I embarked in my previous role, six years ago. I've still got a strong appetite for success and I'm looking for a job that will provide fresh challenges and rewards.

When would you expect your next promotion?

It's difficult to give an exact time without knowing the personnel structure within XYZ Corp and specifically the line of responsibility associated with this position. However, I'm an ambitious person and through hard work, dedication, and with the guidance of a good manager, I aim to gain my next promotion as soon as possible, ideally ahead of 'normal' timeframes.

What do you know about this industry?

The telecommunications industry is currently going through a period of rapid expansion. The major industry players are positioning themselves for the delivery of the next generation of telecommunication services. New developments in mobile, broadband and satellite communications mean that it's an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry. I've no doubt that the telecommunications industry will be a driving force of the worldwide economy in the 21st century. I know that XYZ Corp intends to be a frontrunner in that expansion. For that reason, this job is highly attractive.

What kind of salary are you seeking?

Answer1: I would expect a salary which reflects the experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What range do you have in mind?
Answer 2: I've got a strong background in this industry and my skills are a perfect match for this role. I would expect my compensation to be at the upper end of the position's salary band. Can you tell me what that salary band is?

Answer 3: Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 28,000-32,000 would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.

What salary do you think you deserve?

Having worked in the advertising industry for seven years, I bring a valuable combination of expertise, experience and dedication to each new job. I expect that a compensation towards the top of the salary range for this position would adequately reflect the value of my skills.

What are your strengths? How do they help you?

I'm well motivated, I've got a strong desire to succeed, and I'm always ready and willing to learn new information and skills.

What makes you think you're qualified for this job?

I studied for a diploma in computers which I enjoyed immensely. In my last job I was able to apply knowledge I'd gained on the course to do my job better. I streamlined many of the department's manual tasks by moving them from paper to a computer-based solution. I've also got an advanced sailing certificate. This has helped me build many team-working skills. When I worked at XYZ Corp I voluntarily attended a series of in-house personal development training programs.

Why should we hire you?

I believe that I've got the skills and enthusiasm required to fulfill the role that's available. I think I'd be a valuable asset to the firm and, from my experience, I'm sure I'd make a positive contribution to the company's ambitions.

Do you expect to work regular hours? / Would working irregular hours cause a problem?

I don't have a problem working overtime. I understand that in today's competitive marketplace there is a need for flexibility in regard to working hours.

Name three adjectives that best describe your ideal work colleague.

It's difficult to think of an 'ideal' work colleague. I'd like to think I work well with most people. If I had to choose three adjectives I'd say: Communicative, intelligent, likeable.

Why would you like to work for me?

I've been aware of your reputation for some time. You're regarded as an innovator within the industry and beyond. I appreciate that your team's success is due to a number of factors, not least of which is hard work. I'm an excellent team player, I'm a very good problem solver, and I work hard to get the job done. For these reasons, I'm confident I'd be an asset to your group. I hope that my experience shows I'm suitably qualified to fulfill the position.
I know that your position within this firm speaks for itself. My ideal manager is someone that fosters excellence, innovation, and success, as well as personal and professional growth. It's widely recognized that XYZ Corp's strongest asset is its staff thanks to its strong belief in training and development. For these reasons, this is a highly desirable role.

What are your weaknesses? How do you overcome them?

I'm always ready to learn new skills and adapt my methods to become better at what I do. If I become aware of a weakness in my knowledge base or in the way I perform my duties, I do my best to fill that gap whether through formal training, informal training, or directly from my colleagues.

You've been out of work for a long time, haven't you?

I chose to spend time evaluating my options before deciding on my next career move. I have been offered jobs since my last employment but I wanted to wait until I found a job that fulfilled my career goals.

What do you know about this organization?

I know that XYZ Corp. has been in existence for four years. It was founded by John Rush in his garage and he has built it into the third largest office supplies firm in the state with aspirations to make it number one within two years. It's renowned as an ambitious and highly progressive company and I believe it has a very bright future. I also like the fact that XYZ Corp isn't a company that rests on its laurels.

What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like this?

I think that determination, a willingness to work hard and a desire to excel in everything you do are key attributes for a successful employee in a company like XYZ Corp. A successful employee would also need to handle pressure well, be a great communicator and an excellent team member. These are attributes that have helped me succeed in my past positions and ones that I would like to apply in XYZ Corp.

Why are you seeking a new job?

I've worked with ABC & Co for three years. During that time I've achieved all of the goals I set myself and I've enjoyed every minute. Now, however, my aspirations extend beyond those of ABC & Co. I would like to tackle a new challenge in a different environment.

What has been you favorite job?

It's hard to pick a single favorite job because there's been aspects of every job that I've enjoyed, each for different reasons. My ideal job would involve working in a challenging environment for an ambitious, forward-moving company. I get most satisfaction from a job well done, and from contributing to the success of a progressive organization.

How do you feel about your current employer?

I very much enjoyed my time at ABC & Co. We parted on very good terms and I still have some great friends there. I learnt a lot during my stay at the company - it was a very rewarding experience. I decided to leave because I wanted to move to a company with greater ambitions where I could continue to fulfill my career goals.

How would your subordinates describe you?

I think they would describe me as being a tough but fair boss who is easy to approach, open to suggestions, and driven to achieving success.

What are your strengths?
I am honest, hardworking and reliable

What makes you think you are honest?
I have never cheated with any person or never have lied to anyone.

If suppose, you have to do a wrong stuff for the good of someone, then would you do it?
If it benefits someone then I won’t mind doing it.

So this means you can break your honesty!
If only it benefits someone. Helping someone is a virtue and not a crime.

Ask Question to HR

Does your company encourage further education?

Do you offer flextime?

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Some fundamental basics in physics

What is Physics?

Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy and how they interact with each other.
This energy can take the form of motion, light, electricity, radiation, gravity . . . just about anything, honestly. Physics deals with matter on scales ranging from sub-atomic particles (i.e. the particles that make up the atom and the particles that make up those particles) to stars and even entire galaxies.

What are Scalars and Vectors?

Scalars are quantities which are fully described by a magnitude alone. eg 5m, 6cm etc.

Vectors are quantities which are fully described by both a magnitude and a direction. eg 5cm to north or 6 cm to south etc.

Distance and Displacement

Distance and displacement are two quantities which may seem to mean the same thing, yet they have distinctly different meanings and definitions.

Distance is a scalar quantity which refers to "how much ground an object has covered" during its motion.

Displacement is a vector quantity which refers to "how far out of place an object is"; it is the object's change in position.

Speed and Velocity

Just as distance and displacement have distinctly different meanings (despite their similarities), so do speed and velocity.

Speed is a scalar quantity which refers to "how fast an object is moving." A fast-moving object has a high speed while a slow-moving object has a low speed. An object with no movement at all has a zero speed.

Velocity is a vector quantity which refers to "the rate at which an object changes its position." Imagine a person moving rapidly - one step forward and one step back - always returning to the original starting position. While this might result in a frenzy of activity, it would also result in a zero velocity. Because the person always returns to the original position, the motion would never result in a change in position. Since velocity is defined as the rate at which the position changes, this motion results in zero velocity. If a person in motion wishes to maximize his/her velocity, then that person must make every effort to maximize the amount that he/she is displaced from his/her original position. Every step must go into moving that person further from where he/she started. For certain, the person should never change directions and begin to return to where he/she started.

Acceleration

The definition of acceleration is: Acceleration is a vector quantity which is defined as "the rate at which an object changes its velocity." An object is accelerating if it is changing its velocity.