by Carole Martin
http://tinyurl.com/2kd3xm
- The Interview Coach
© 2007
Too many job seekers stumble through interviews
as if the
questions are coming out of left field. But many interview
questions are to be expected. Study this list and plan your
answers ahead of time so you'll be ready to deliver them
with confidence.
What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle
it by
minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths.
Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on
professional traits: "I am always working on improving my
communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I
recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."
Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize your experiences: "With five years'
experience
working in the financial industry and my proven record of
saving the company money, I could make a big difference in
your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to
your team."
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that
indicates
you've given this some thought and are not sending out
resumes just because there is an opening. For example,
"I've selected key companies whose mission statements are
in line with my values, where I know I could be excited
about what the company does, and this company is very high
on my list of desirable choices."
What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term
and
intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the
distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get
a
job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will
depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow
into a position of responsibility."
Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your
Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving
in a
positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of
corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent
reduction in the workforce, which included me."
If you are employed, focus on what you want in
your next
job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a
company that is team-focused, where I can add my
experience."
When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates
you. If you
can relate an example of a job or project when you were
excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your
preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because
I worked directly with the customers and their problems;
that is an important part of the job for me."
What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates
Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment
of your
experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I
have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and
the ability to build strong customer relationships. This
allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to
be more user-friendly."
What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss
Would Say
About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals
and
boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself
through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I
am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely
on me, and he likes my sense of humor."
What Salary Are You Seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells
you the range
first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and
your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer
would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on
a
reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay
someone with my background?"
If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want
to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question
to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny,"
you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a
lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality
would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want
to make?
