Question:
You have stayed in your past companies for a long time. Any reason why?
Comments and Suggested Responses:
Someone who has held jobs for long periods are usually viewed as reliable. The prospective employer just wants to understand your motivations for staying long in previous position and employers.
Giving a positive response to this question should be straightforward.
Question:
Why are you currently unemployed?
Comments and Suggested Responses:
Answer the question in a positive manner and state the reason why you are looking for work. It is common to have companies downsizing and having staff layoffs. Focus your replies on how productive you have been with your previous company and how productive you can be.
DO NOT criticize the previous employer or management.
Question:
How is your present/last company like?
Comments and Suggested Responses:
Do answer this talking about positive aspects of your previous company. Avoid saying anything negative. Do not criticize your colleagues or your management as this may indicate to the interviewer that you are unable to work as a team.
Question
Can I contact your current employer for a reference?
Comments and Suggested Responses
Most people apply for another position without informing the current
employer in order not to jeopardize their current job prospects. Make
it clear to the interviewer that your current manager does not know
you are looking for a new job.
Question:
Looking at your resume, you have been with the same organization/company for a long time. Would you have difficulty getting used to another organization/company?
Comments and Suggested Responses:
This is a common question if you have been in the same organization/company for a long time. The purpose of this question is to understand your ability to adapt.
Suggested responses include:
1) In your company, you would have worked with different managers and you would have to adapt to their differing working styles
2) You may have also supervised and managed different people in your time and have certainly work with different coworkers
3) Most companies would reinvent and change themselves over a period of time to remain relevant. Mention this is also strength as you adapt to new environment with the company.
All these factors point that you are flexible and adaptable while remaining loyal.