Guide to Interview Questions｜Example questions for each interviewer and how to answer them

Types of Interviews and Preparation Basics

The interview is typically attended by an HR representative, a future supervisor (Line Manager), and an executive.

The order of interviews may change, but every interview always asks, “Do you have any questions?” so prepare four to five questions in advance. Some questions may be resolved during the interview, so we recommend that you prepare well in advance.

HR interview: compatibility with the company and future prospects

During the HR interview, your personality, compatibility with the company, and potential for building a long-term career will be evaluated. Below are examples of frequently asked questions and counter-questions.

<Example of frequently asked questions

Q. Who do you consider yourself to be?

Q. From what perspective do you choose the companies you want to work for?

Q. What are your career plans for the next 10 years?

Q. Please tell us your career story.

Q. Please tell us about your personality as seen by your boss and colleagues.

<Example of a counter-question

Q. What is your evaluation system and timing of promotions?

Q. What are the common characteristics of employees who are active in your company?

Q. Please tell us about the corporate culture and horizontal connections with other departments.

Q. What are the characteristics of your mid-career employees?

Q. How would you describe the balance of discretionary authority with the global headquarters?

Note: Refrain from asking questions about benefits and check with your agent.

Interview with hiring manager (Line Manager): confirm skills and aptitude

Interviews with department hiring managers focus on the skills andexperiencerequired for the job, personality andteam fit.

<Example of frequently asked questions

Q. In your current position, what are your responsibilities?

Q. What is your policy on training your subordinates?

Q. What do you think is the best way to improve teamwork?

Q. What difficulties have you faced and how did you solve them?

Q. What challenges do you face in your current workplace?

Q. Please tell us about an episode in which you worked as a team.

Q. Do you work best as an individual or in a team?

Q. Based on your accomplishments, please tell us about your contributions to our company.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish in your work after joining our company?

Q. Please tell us about the difficulties you face in communicating with the global headquarters and what you are aware of.

<Example of a counter-question

Q. What are your team’s goals and issues you would like to improve?

Q. What are your team’s goals and issues you would like to improve?

Q. Are there any concerns about my experience or skills?

Q. What is the atmosphere of your team and workplace?

Q. What are your expectations for this position?

Q. What do you like about the company and why did you decide to join?

Note: Interviews with department managers should not include questions about salary, promotion systems, or other personnel matters.

Executive interviews: demonstrate contribution to the company

Interviews with executives are evaluated on their benefits to the company as a whole andtheir contribution to its growth. Below are examples of frequently asked questions and counter-questions.

＜Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What aspect of our company interests you?

Q. What is your impression of our company?

Q. How do you think you can apply your experience and skills to your work?

Q. Please tell us why you are interested in our company and not other companies in the same industry.

Q. What do you know about current trends in the automotive industry?

<Example of a counter-question

Q. What are the key points you would like to strengthen to realize your company’s medium- to long-term plan?

Q. What is the background of your focus on advanced technology?

Q. What kind of human resources are you looking for to achieve your goals in the Japanese market?

Note: Even when interviewing with executives and management-level personnel, questions about salary, promotion systems, and other personnel matters are not acceptable.

Prepare your answers

Utilization of the STAR Method

To be effective in your interview, we recommend that you frame your responses based on the STAR Method.

STAR Method

• Situation
  e.g. “At my last job, I faced a problem where my orders from a major customer dropped by half.”
• Task (Issue)
  e.g. “We were asked to determine the cause and restore the order to its original level.”
• Action
  Example: “I met with the customer and identified quality dissatisfaction. We worked with the quality control department to identify the problem and improve the manufacturing process. We then explained the improvements to the customer and provided new sample products.”
• Result
  e.g. “After three months, orders recovered, and we used this experience to help other customers, resulting in a 15% increase in overall sales.”

Use this framework to prepare 3-4 specific experiences.

The Importance and Caution of Reverse Questions

Reverse questions are a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm to the interviewer. Keep the following points in mind

• Prepare questions for the purpose of each interview.
• Avoid salary and promotion questions outside of HR interviews
• Keep in mind questions about the company’s future and challenges.

Recommended Articles

The “The Basic Interview Preparation for a Successful Job Interview The day before the interview, the preparation for the interview, the flow of the interview, and points to keep in mind during the interview are summarized. By reading this together, you will greatly increase your chances of getting through the interview process.

The “The Interview Preparation for the Automotive Industry The “Interviewing for the Automotive and Mobility Industry” is a manual for the automotive and mobility industry that provides useful information by company sector (complete vehicle manufacturers/suppliers/mobility service companies/semiconductor and software tool companies).

◇Finally.

During the interview, you will be evaluated on your actions, efforts, and ideas that you have made in the real world during your working experience. Please keep the following points in mind:

• Understand the purpose of each interview and prepare appropriately
• Prepare specific episodes using the STAR method.
• Use reverse questions effectively to show enthusiasm and interest
• Confidently showcase your experience and skills

By preparing yourself for these events, you will make a good impression on the interviewer and take a big step toward a successful career change.

Working together with an agent who knows the company well will increase your chances of success and lead you to your ideal career. Turnpoint Consulting Turnpoint Consulting is an agency specializing in the automotive industry, and our consultants are well versed in market trends and companies, and have supported many registered candidates in their job search activities.