Smart Response Interviewing Answers That Work!
Sprint employees provide "real life" examples of successful Interviews. This Is YOUR chance to see what hiring Managers really think...
1. Tell me about yourself
Good Answer:
I'm a Dallas native. I moved away only to complete my education. I'm the oldest of 3 children. I'm very athletic, I like to play tennis and run.
Better Answer:
In my spare time I participate In community services activities. I think It's really Important to give back to the community and this helps me meet people from all walks of life, thereby helping to develop my interpersonal skills. Also, I like to paint. After staying in class all day, this gives me a creative outlet and creates a diversion for me, so that I'm have a fresh perspective the next day.
2. Why do you want to work for Sprint?
Good Answer:
I've done the research, so I know that Sprint is a "good' company and that the Telecommunications industry is really growing. I have a Marketing degree, and I know there is a demand for my skills in this industry.
Better Answer:
After looking at all the companies I could target for employment, I believe Sprint is one of the best fits for me. After reading an article in Fortune magazine, I'm familiar with the work atmosphere and company culture, and I think I would fit in really well. I am interested in a dynamic and challenging environment, and I think Sprint fits that description. (maybe even mention that you checked out the web site to find out about the jobs.)
Also, I've been watching the Telecom industry for a while, and I think it's interesting that Sprint has not yet partnered with anyone. I'm excited to know what the future holds for this company.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Good Answer:
Well, I see myself in a related position that is continuing to give me opportunities to grow and excel, while challenging me in new ways. (maybe kinda laugh and then say) I might even have your job In 5 years!
Better Answer:
I hope to be in a position that shows I have successfully progressed in my career, have received increased responsibilities, developed additional skills, and proven that I am able to perform. Also, within the next 3-5 years I plan to pursue an MBA. I believe this position fits well with these plans.
4. What is your greatest strength?
Good Answer:
I'm detail-oriented, and a self-starter. I work well on a team and have great leadership skills.
Better Answer:
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to be a problem solver. I approach any task or assignment as if it were a challenge not giving up until I've found the solution. Another strength that I have developed here at college is my ability to multi-task -- I've had to balance coursework, student organizations, and a part-time job while not compromising my standards of excellence. That has really been a challenge.
5. What Is your biggest weakness?
Good Answer:
I'm definitely too much of a Perfectionist.
Better Answer:
I think sometimes I tend to over-commit, BUT, I am able to balance this by making sure I employ the proper time management skills along with the prioritization of my work to make sure I complete all my projects on deadline.
6. What 3 accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
Good Answer:
Well, I was elected President of our campus honor society. I've been able to maintain a 3.89 GPA and I helped to start a campus community service project that helped provide textbooks to area school children. I'm really proud of these accomplishments because I learned a lot from them.
Better Answer:
I'm very honored to have been elected President of our campus honor society. This experience helped me to develop my leadership skills, my public speaking abilities and organization skills. It just really tested my ability to manage. I'm also very proud that I was able to maintain a 3.89 GPA. My last semester I took 22 hours, my largest courseload ever, and I was able to make all A's. I was determined to do my best in these courses, and I met the challenge. Finally, I'm very glad that I helped to start a campus-wide community service project that helped to provide textbooks to area school children. This project made me aware of how easy it is to got caught up in my own projects and forget that there are those less fortunate around us. It really helps to put things in perspective.
7. Describe a difficult decision you had to make and how you handled it.
Good Answer:
I think I make decisions really well, so none of them stand out as being especially difficult.
Better Answer:
Probably the hardest decision I've had to make is deciding which school to attend. When I began looking at colleges, I had to decide if I wanted to stay close to home and go with the less challenging school or move away and take advantage of the more challenging curriculum. Consequently, I chose the latter, and I'm really glad that I did. I've gained so much from my coursework and the great professors.
8. Give me an example of an instance in which you exercised your leadership abilities and what you learned from the experience.
Good Answer:
Well, as I mentioned before, I was elected President of my honor society. That experience really taught me a lot about myself as a leader.
Better Answer:
As President of my honor society, I was given the task of organizing a university-sponsored quiz bowl for high school students. This was a very challenging project, and I learned the importance of planning and organization as we took care of the event details. Also, I learned a great deal about being a motivator as I need to get the group enthused about the project.
9. How would your friends describe you?
Good Answer:
I think they would say that I'm definitely a people person and very friendly. They would say that I like to have fun and laugh.
Better Answer:
(key here Is to be honest) They would say that I'm determined, focused, and goal oriented. I'm very excited about my future, and I talk to them about my career plans so they would probably say that I'm interested in a job in this industry. They would also say that I'm easy-going, and like to laugh -and I think those are traits that will help me be successful in whatever I do.
10. What questions do you have for me?
Good Answer:
I think you've answered all of my questions. I'm very excited about the possibility of working with your great organization.
Better Answer:
We touched on the general responsibilities of the job, but what would a typical day be like? Also, what other groups within the organization would I work with on a regular basis?
Disclaimer: We are not experts. The ideas expressed during this program represent the opinions and experiences of the presenters. They are not in any way associated with Sprint Corporation. Students should always explore all comprehensive sources of information on career planning as the presenters are providing a "Snapshot" of their experiences.
