Questions to Expect: Accountability

Interviewers, inevitably, seek the ideal candidate. To become this perfect hire, put yourself in the mind of the interviewer. Take a good look at yourself. What does this person look like? How does this person dress, and carry him or herself? Which qualities does this interviewee demonstrate in his or her answers? Increasingly, interviewers will ask behavioral questions -- questions that seek to understand you through the prism of your past behavior and accomplishments. Here's a look at some questions you might receive. These questions are designed to understand your sense of responsibility.

You will be held accountable

Your interviewer is also going to be looking for a sense of accountability, a willingness to shoulder the burdens of the job. They will also be especially alert to any signs that you might not stay in the position long enough to make it worth hiring and training you.

A corollary to this sense of responsibility is whether or not you can be a self-starter. Employers are looking for self-sufficient workers -- people who can produce for them from the word go. In the past, companies were interested in a worker for life. They welcomed people into the fold, trained them, nurtured them, and made lifelong projects out of them. In today's climate of short-term and shifting positions, employees at every level are expected to produce, to think creatively, and to make decisions about the organization's direction. Here's how your interviewer will try to determine if you have the right attitude.

1. Describe some ways in which you've been a leader.

2. What criteria do you use to make important personal decisions? Professional decisions?

3. Under what circumstances have people depended on you?

4. Describe the biggest setback you've dealt with. What was your response?

5. What, so far in your life, has given you the greatest satisfaction?

6. Do you prefer to have a lot of supervision or do you work well on your own?