Well first of all, congratulations - you just got an interview. Problem is now you’re in a panic because you have no idea how to interview – successfully that is. You are wondering what questions the interviewer will ask. Chances are you’re wondering about perfect interview answers and how to best answer each question.

And, you’re thinking it would really be nice to get your hands of some great sample interview questions and answers. Here are just a couple of sample interview questions and answers – these should help you in your upcoming interview.

Q: Why don’t you tell me about yourself?

A: I am an accomplished customer service manager with experience in the telecommunications industry. I have successfully led teams of upward of 100. In each of the customer service management positions I have been in, I have spearheaded planning and managed successful initiatives that significantly increased call response times as well as customer satisfaction.

Note: Develop a 30 second to 2 minute (no more) response that shows your level of expertise and how you will be able to positively contribute to the company in this role.

Q: What brings you here – why are you applying for the customer service position?

A: After researching your organization I discovered it has a remarkable reputation internationally. I also read about your organization’s plans for growth going in the short-term. I have experience leading change in growth organizations and offer expertise leading teams, gaining employee buy in and implementing highly successful initiatives.

I was successful in improving call response rates and increasing customer satisfaction by at least 15% in each position in which I worked. Given my level of experience and demonstrated success, I am certain I will make a great contribution to your organization in the customer service manager role.

Note: Don’t say that you’re desperate to get a job or that you had to apply for six different jobs to get unemployment. Be sure to give good examples that show how you far exceed your competition and demonstrate how you will be even more effective in the role. Talk about your ability to lead, plan, implement, and get positive results.

Q: Why would you want to leave the company you work for now?

A: It is unfortunate really; the company that I have worked for the past three and a half years has decided to take a different business approach. They are going in a new direction and in the process of outsourcing and off shoring all customer service operations. In fact, it is only a matter of time before my department’s services will be completely eliminated. I am leaving on excellent terms, and my general manager has provided me with a letter of recommendation.

Q: Tell me about a time that one of your initiatives failed. Describe the problem. What did you learn and what were your mistakes?

A: I did have an initiative that caused problems at the very beginning. I was charged with a new program to expand customer service hours from Monday through Friday 8: 00 am to 5:00 pm to Monday through Sunday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. I asked my team to bring on temporary employees to start. Unfortunately temporary staff turnover was high using this model, and my team was frequently hiring and training.

After a short period of time, I modified the model and switched to a temporary to permanent hire structure. In addition, I provided employees with an incentive for working evening and weekend hours, which generated great success. The results were excellent – making this change led to an immediate improvement and turnover rates decreased by nearly 50%.

Note: Don’t tell a hiring manager that you have “never failed at any initiative.” Have a good example ready for discussion at your interview. Give an example of something you were able to resolve. Explain what your objective was, how you managed the process and describe how you were able to resolve the issue. Be sure to end on a positive note explaining how you resolved the issue.

Remember, there are no perfect answers for interviews. However, know that there are ways to effectively answer even the toughest interview questions. Use the above sample interview questions and answers as a guideline for interview success and job winning results.

Making a career move can be intimidating. Patricia Erickson discusses the ins and outs of career change at length in her new book entitled Career Management Guide: A Practical Approach To Career Change In Any Economy.