So I have an interview in 2 days. I wrote out my answers to some question which I might get asked during the interview, but I'm only posting 3 of them. I've read quite a few articles on the subject online. I would like to know if my answers are on the right track or if I need to spend a bit more time preparing.

Tell me a bit about yourself: I'm currently a junior in college working on my Batchelor's degree in computer science with a minor in management. My real strength is my background. I have worked in the IT department of a call center for the past 4 years where I gained a lot of experience not only with the different technologies we use, but I learned how to deal with different vendors, service providers and people in general. I also had the opportunity to work for a consulting firm where I learned to work with various clients. I am highly motivated to succeed and when I commit to something I make sure that it gets done right and it gets done on time.

What are your weaknesses: One of my weaknesses is communicating. Sometimes the right words don't come to my mind right away so I do a fair amount of reading beside textbooks in order to enhance my vocabulary. I also pay special attention to others when they are speaking hoping to learn from them

Why do you want this job? Based on research that I've done, this company is one of the best in the xxxxxxx business. I know this company operates at least one major call center in addition to their business telephony systems, and my background and experience seems to be a perfect match for this internship position.

Questions to ask:

Could you tell me a bit about the culture at the company?

How long has your company been using the current telephone system?

How many employees work in the IT department of the company?

What do you think the company's biggest weakness is?

 

One more question. If the interviewer asks something stupid that I have no what the right is, what do I do? Let's say I get asked "Why does a tennis ball have fuzz"? Do I BS or admit that I don't know

 

When you talk about your work at a consulting firm, focus more on what you did with those clients. Dealing with various clients is the highest level of job description for a consultant, so just saying that has little value.

As far as the tennis balls go, say that the fuzz keeps them warm in cold weather tennis. (I hope they don't ask you something eccentric like that!)

 

If they were to ask the tennis ball question, or one similar, totally unrelated to the business, they are looking for creativity or your ability to think quickly on the run. They clearly don't expect you to know why, unless, of course, it's a tennis ball company.

 

I kind of figured that they're testing creativity and speed, but still is it better to BS or simply admit that you don't know the answer?

 

If you BS it make sure it's clever.

 

For most interview questions, it's ok to say you'd like to think about that one and answer later, but I think for those tennis ball type questions, they want you to think fast and be creative.

I had a "If you were any part of a pizza, what part would you be?"

And no, I wasn't interviewing at Pizza Hut.

 

Based on my answers to the three questions, do I seem to be on the right track overall, or do I need to work on my answers a bit more?

 

I like how you note your research in the last question about why you want the job. It shows genuine interest and that you've done your homework.

 

Certainly enter the interview prepared.. Its good practice to know answers to typical questions that might be asked, but you don't want to have something specific memorized, or at least, don't make it sound as if you do. I have had interviews that were filled with BS questions, and others that didn't bother.. straight to the point with specific questions relevant to the position, industry, etc. Bullshit questions get bullshit answers.

Why are manhole covers circular?