Do
not use jargon, slang or profanity, even if the interviewer uses it.
Be
concise. Do not bore the interviewer with details unless specifically
requested.
Do
not use jokes to answer questions. However, if you can demonstrate
a sense of humor during the interview, that will normally work in
your favor.
Do
not overly criticize your former employer, company, or college you
attended.
Do
not presume to be a know-it-all. If you don't know the answer to a
question, admit it. If you try and fool the interviewer, you will
probably get caught. Your honesty is more important and you will be
respected for it. If you make a mistake with an answer, correct it.
Do
not memorize answers. Frequent practice helps you to avoid memorization.
Be
prepared. If you want a guarantee you will be turned down, walk into
your interview without preparation.
Be
alert, use good posture, speak with enthusiasm and keep a smile on
your face.
Relax.
You've done your homework. You are talented, capable and right for
the job. Cool, calm, and steady. Take a deep breath and knock 'em
dead. Be confident. They need you more than you need them.
Tell
stories. The best response to a question is a good story that illustrates
the point of the question. People remember stories as opposed to facts
or numbers.
The following questions
and possible responses are only representative of some of the more difficult
questions you may receive. The best secret to successful responses is
knowledge, preparation and practice. Do not be intimidated. Employers
are simply trying to get to know you better—who you are and what
you have to offer. Be confident and you will do well.
Q:
What were your major courses of
study?
R:
Key in on those relevant to job.
Don't try to list every course you have ever taken. Concentrate on one or
two and why they were important.
Q:
How well did you do academically?
R:
If you graduated with honors or
had a high GPA, this is the easy question. If you had relatively poor grades,
then respond with your strong areas. "I was particularly successful
in marketing related courses and received a commendation from the marketing
department for a research project I designed and tested."
Q:
What was your greatest challenge
in school?
R:
You can respond either with a course
or with a special project/office in which you were involved.
Q:
Did you pick the right school?
R:
Careful. Don't be too negative if
you were dissatisfied. Be upbeat about the positive aspect and then briefly
mention areas where your education could have been stronger. Do not enter
into a debate on why your school is better than everyone else’s.
Q:
Do you plan on getting additional
education?
R:
Caution!! The interviewer may be
trying to find out if you are going to be a short-term employee. If you
do plan to obtain additional education it may be in your favor and the company
may financially support your efforts. "Yes, I plan on attending the
XYZ night graduate program to earn my MBA. Does your organization provide
financial assistance for continued education?"
What did you think of the company
where you last worked?
R:
Be positive. Focus on what you learned
and accomplished.
Q:
Why did you leave your former employer?
R:
Whatever the situation, have a sound
explanation for the circumstances. Indicate that it was best for all those
concerned and that you are now ready for a new challenge. Do not be bitter—it
will not serve you well and will probably be noticed by the interviewer.
Q:
What was your salary?
R:
This question is examined in the
section on salary/wage negotiations.
Q:
What was your former supervisor
like?
R:
Regardless of any negative feeling
you may have, at least indicate that you learned from him/her. If pressed
and the interviewer is aware of problems, indicate areas of misunderstanding,
but do not dwell on difficulties.
Q:
What were your accomplishments in
your former jobs?
R:
This is the question you have been
waiting for and are really prepared for. Don't provide a long list. Concentrate
on a few with specifics and results.
Q:
What is the most difficult aspect
of management?
R:
Attempt to relate to a situation.
One possible response: "To find the most talented personnel possible
and allow them the flexibility to utilize their abilities to the maximum."
Q:
What was your greatest failure?
R:
Carefully prepare this one. Indicate
how the problem became a learning experience that you capitalized on.
Q:
What was your usual daily routine?
R:
Emphasize responsibilities, accomplishments
and results rather than being time-oriented.
Q:
How did you demonstrate creativity
in your last job?
R:
Interviewer is seeking a demonstration
of ability to use your mind without having to be led. What ideas have you
generated (i.e. cost savings, efficiency, new product, product revisions,
programs).
Emphasize ability to use your talents
effectively for the job requirements. They are more interested in what you
can do for them, rather than what the job can do for you.
Q:
What do you know about our company?
R:
This is your opportunity to show
them how much research you conducted. You can set yourself apart from the
competition by demonstrating your knowledge. Most applicants will fall far
short in this area.
Q:
Are you willing to relocate?
R:
If you are not, then say so. Don't
lie just to get the job. You will regret it later. Give careful consideration
to the possibilities of relocating. For career growth it may be necessary.
Q:
While we are currently looking for
an employee in this department, is it your intention to someday compete
for my job?
R:
Tough question. "My immediate
concerns are to excel in this position. But when you are promoted, I would
hope that I will have demonstrated my ability to be considered for the position."
Q:
Do you have strong motivation and
leadership skills?
R:
If you don't, don't try to fool
the interviewer. Indicate your strengths in being a good follower with the
ability to effectively see a job through to completion.
If you are a leader, give one or two results-oriented examples. Follow up
by indicating the quality of leadership and motivation that you believe
are most important.
Q:
The other applicants for this job
have more experience than you do. Why should we hire you?
R:
Another tough question. This is
the opportunity to demonstrate how your personal strengths can overcome
lack of experience. "Because no one, no one, regardless of their experience
or education, will work harder, longer hours or be more dedicated. I have
the ability and skills to do the job and will generate results faster than
anyone else."
Q:
What are your career expectations
in our company?
R:
Careful. "It is most important
that I meet this first challenge. I, of course, want to grow with the company,
but in line with the company's needs and my abilities."
Q:
Are you currently applying for any
other positions?
R:
If you are, don't be shy about telling
them—but don't give out details. "Yes, I am currently looking
at some other opportunities."
Q:
How many hours a week are you willing
to work?
R:
"As many as it takes to get
the job done."
Q:
Don't you believe you are overqualified
for this position?
R:
"My experience would undoubtedly
make me productive sooner than anyone else and it appears there are significant
responsibilities that could use my capabilities."
Aren't you glad you prepared for
this one? Discuss only one or two with emphasis on why it is your greatest
strength. When discussing your weakness, indicate how you manage this weakness
so that it is not a problem.
Q:
Do you perform well under pressure?
R:
Caution. Respond that you are challenged
by unusual situations and work well under severe time constraints. Then
ask what type of pressures are common in the position or try to find out
if there are any atypical pressures that you should be aware of (i.e., such
as an unusually demanding boss that you may not wish to work for).
Q:
Do you have a drug or alcohol problem?
R:
Honesty is the best policy. Depending
on the job, you may be required to submit to a drug test. If you have the
problem under control and are in therapy, admit your difficulty and describe
you program. If you try to hide the problem, it will undoubtedly surface
and you will be right back into a job search.
Q:
Tell me something about yourself.
R:
A wide open question that could
be trouble. Keep your response education and career oriented and move into
accomplishments quickly. Don't give a complete life history with all the
details.
Q:
Are you competitive?
R:
Indicate that you are, but from
the standpoint of the company doing well. De-emphasize your personal ambitions
no matter how strong they may be. An interviewer might perceive an over-ambitious
person as someone that will only stay with the company until something better
comes along.
Q:
Have you been in the job market
long?
R:
If yes, indicate that it is important
you find the right position to utilize your skills and at this point you
are particularly interested in what this company has presented.
Q:
How would you describe yourself?
R:
Utilize your personality profile
emphasizing your strengths and how you can use your strengths to the company's
advantage.
Q:
How old are you?
R:
This question is illegal. However,
you may wish to respond anyway. If they perceive you are too young for the
job, tell them your enthusiasm and dedication will overcome the lack of
experience. If they perceive you are too old, tell them your experience
and wisdom will produce immediate results and provide professional stability.
Q:
How well do you respond to criticism?
R:
Most people do not respond well
to criticism. Diffuse this question with the following response: "I
appreciate the opportunity to learn how to avoid mistakes and improve my
skills. Do you have a performance review program?"
Q:
Is your present company aware that
you are seeking a new position?
R:
"Yes. My immediate supervisor
is Ms.______. If you wish, you are more than welcome to contact her for
a reference."
"No, they are not aware. I trust you will respect the confidentiality
of this interview. If you need any references from my current job, I would
be pleased to provide them to you."
Q:
Are there any questions you would
like to ask?
R:
Do birds fly? Of course you have
questions. So on to the next section.
Could
you describe the job in detail and if possible, could I see a copy
of the job description? or
Specifically, what are results that you expect from me in this position?
What
projects will I be assigned to?
What
are the most important qualifications for this position?
What
is included in the training program? (If that is where you will start.)
How
is the department organized and where would I fit in?
Have
any priorities been established for this position? What are the career
path opportunities?
Why
is the current position vacant?
Why is the person currently in this position being replaced?
Who
will be my immediate supervisor?
What
is his/her background?
What
are my supervisory responsibilities?
Would
it be possible to meet and speak with some of the people I would
be working with?
If
offered a position, but you are uncertain if you should accept it,
ask if you can spend a day or two in the department in order to get
to know the company and the people you would be working with.
Within
24 hours, write a formal "thank you" letter for the interview
with a personal note attached expressing your sincere appreciation
and interest in the job.
Within
five days, call back to express thanks once again and demonstrate
interest. Do not ask if they have made a decision yet. Believe me,
if they have they will tell you.
Or,
go back to company in person without an appointment to personally
express appreciation and demonstrate interest. Ask if they have any
additional questions or require additional information.
Follow-up,
follow-up, follow-up. Call, write or visit once a week until you get
the job or they tell you the position is filled. Just because they
don't make a decision immediately doesn't mean they are not interested
in you. Enthusiasm is infectious and when you demonstrate enthusiasm
for them, they will become enthusiastic for you.
If
you are turned down, write a very cordial thank-you note for the interviewer's
time and consideration. If you're really interested in the position
or company, follow up in one or two months with an inquiry about another
possible opening. Even though you were turned down, if the position
is still open they may give you additional consideration. Perhaps
their first choice declined the job. Whatever happens, don't get discouraged.
Your continued follow-up does nothing but breed good will.
