Interview Tools!
Are you unsure how to handle
those tough job interview questions? Here are some great,
free tips and tools to help you with those great answers and have a knockout interview!
Also, check out the Job Resources and "301 Smart Answers"
book in the left sidebar for more help with interview
questions and answers!
Thoughts
for the Interview
The Boy Scout
motto "be prepared" is so true in the job interview. You must invest time and energy into this part of the employment
process. You only get one "first impression" at the interview.
[On to the Interview Thoughts] Top Interview
Questions[General]
[Experience/Management] [Industry Trends]
[Leaving a Job]
[Quantify Your Experience] [Job Search] [Work
Habits/Style]
[Salary] [Personality] [Career Goals]
Interview Door Openers/Probing
Extenders
A
good interviewer will use these techniques when interviewing you. Practice
your interview with these in mind.
[On
to the Door Openers]
Interview
Bloopers These are from actual job interviews!!
[Stories]
[Questions]
Interview
Strike-outs! Don't get
caught by these interview snafus when you're "at bat!!"
[On
to the Strikeouts]
Thoughts
for the Interview
Think "Strategic"
Contributing to an organization is more
than just "working". Everything you do has to fit into a
business strategy. To make what you do fit, you must first
know what the strategy is. You must project this image in the
interview.
Think "Solutions"
Every problem or challenge has a solution.
Every time you encounter a problem, you must think about a solution.
If you, personally, don't know the solution, you need to find
someone who does and ask them. Be known as someone who can get
the answers. Make sure that the interviewer thinks of you in
this way as well.
[back
to top]
Think "Planning"
Everything you do must have a plan behind
it. Planning is a pain, but is necessary to demonstrate that
you are organized and in-charge. It also helps to ensure that
projects are properly carried out. In the interview, make sure
you are thought of as one who plans.
Think "Attitude"
This is the time to be the most positive,
upbeat, and enthusiastic person you can be! Do it even if you
don't feel like it. Think of something to say good about the
weather or your trip to the interview (don't say things like, "I had
trouble finding your company"). Compliment the facility, the
people, the company's location. Express appreciation that the
interviewer has taken the time to talk to you!
Think "Appearance"
As much as we don't like to admit it,
people make value judgments based upon how you present yourself.
Be sure you're dressed appropriately for the interview. You
can rarely be over-dressed, but certainly can be under-dressed.
Get the book called "Dress for Success" by John T. Malloy and apply
what you learn! Be sure that you are neatly groomed from head
to toe, your clothes are clean, and your shoes are polished.
If you are going to an afternoon interview, watch what you have for
lunch. Things like indigestion, garlic breath, or a yawn (due
to a big lunch) don't go over very well in an interview.
[back
to top]
Think "Preparation"
Before the interview, practice answering
"mock" questions with a friend as your interviewer. If you
have the tools and the time, audio or video-tape your practice
session. You will be amazed at what you see and hear about
YOU! Practice, practice, practice!
If the interview
location is not too far away, drive to the interview location the
evening before and familiarize yourself with the travel route,
parking location, entry door, etc. This will take the "where
am I going" element out of the process and minimize the chance that
you will get lost and be late for the interview.
Give yourself plenty
of time to get to the interview. A good rule of thumb is to
double the normal drive time, in case you run into unexpected
traffic problems, detours, etc. If you arrive early, you can
use it as extra interview prep time!
When you meet your interviewer, give them a
firm (not "killer") handshake. Look them "square in the eye"
when talking to them, not away from them or at the floor.
At the interview, be prepared to talk 80%
of the time.
Know who you are. In one sentence, be
able to describe yourself. FacilitatorGuy's one-sentence
description is that he "takes pieces-parts that don't make any sense
and puts them all together". What is your
"one liner?"
Be familiar with any formulas that back up
claims of cost or time savings. This will help you feel more
confident with how you helped your present or previous employers and
the interviewer will pick up on it.
Never speak poorly about prior employers or
people. Never say you didn't get the advancement you
were looking for. Rather, say you are looking for greater
advancement opportunities. Even better, say you are looking
for an organization where you can contribute to their success and
that you know your advancement will follow.
Research the company you will be
interviewing with prior to the interview. Get answers to
questions like:
What is their principal
product(s)?
Who are the executives of the company?
What is the company's annual revenue?
How many locations do they have? Are they an
International company?
What is their most recent stock price (if traded
publicly)?
Where is the company based?
How old is the company?
What is the company's growth rate?
What is the company's business philosophy?
Use the questions above to help you
generate 3 business-related questions to ask the interviewer. If you don't have questions to ask of
them or their company, they may conclude that you aren't interested!
[back
to top]
1) Tell me about you!
* Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble.
* Use your "positioning statement" (resume summary) as a base to start.
2) What do you know about our company?
* Know products, size, income, reputation, image, goals, problems, management
talent, management style, people, skills, history, and philosophy.
* Project an informed interest, let the interviewer tell you about the company, let them
define their business in their terms.
3) Why do you want to work for us?
* Don't talk about what you want; first talk about their needs.
* You wish to be part of a company project.
* You would like to solve a company problem.
* You can make a definite contribution to specific company goals: identify its
management talent, etc.
4) What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
* Relate past experiences which represent success in solving previous employer
problem(s) which may be similar to those of the prospective employer.
5) What about our position do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
* List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor.
6) Why should we hire you?
* Because of knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills.
7) What do you look for in a job?
* An opportunity to use skills, to perform and be recognized.
8) Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you
are being interviewed).
* Keep it brief...actions and results-oriented.
9) How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
* Very quickly after a little orientation and a brief period of adjustment on the
learning curve.
10) How long would you stay with us?
* As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing etc.
[back
to top]
11) You may be overqualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer.
* Strong companies need strong people.
* Experienced executives are at a premium today.
* Emphasize your interest in a long-term association.
* The employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more
experience than required.
* A growing, energetic company is rarely unable to use its people talents.
12) What is your management style?
(If you've never thought about this, it's high time you did.) Open door is best....
but you get the job done on time or inform your management.
13) Are you a good manager? Give an example.
Why do you feel you have top managerial potential?
* Keep your answer achievement and task oriented, emphasize management skills--
planning, organizing, controlling, interpersonal, etc.
14) What did you look for when you hired people?
* Skills, initiative, adaptability.
15) Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you
handle it?
* You have had experience with this and it worked out well.
16) What do you see as the most difficult task in being a manager?
* Getting things planned and done on time within the budget.
17) What do your subordinates think of you?
* Be honest and positive...they can check your responses easily.
18) What is your biggest weakness as a manager?
* Be honest, use positive words to describe your weaknesses, and end on a
positive note, e.g. "I have a problem reprimanding people so I always begin
with something positive first."
[back
to top]
19) What important trends do you see in our industry?
* Keep your answer to two or three trends.
20) Why are you leaving your present job?
* Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty.
* Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated
or eliminated.
21) How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?
* Concerned but not panicked.
22) Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.
* Where people are treated a s fairly as possible.
23) How would you evaluate your present firm?
* An excellent company which afforded me many fine experiences.
[back
to top]
24) Have you helped increase sales? Profits? How?
* Describe in some detail.
25) Have you helped reduce costs? How?
* Same as above.
26) How much money did you ever account for?
* Be specific.
27) How many people did you supervise on your last job?
* Be specific.
28) Do you like working with figures more than words?
* Be honest but positive.
29) In your current or last position, what features did you like the most?
Least?
* Same as above
30) In your current or last position, what are or were your five most
significant accomplishments?
* You could refer to the key accomplishments already identified on resume.
[back
to top]
31) Why haven't you found a new position before now?
* Finding a job is easy but finding the right job is more difficult. (You are being
"selective" and won't settle for the first thing that comes along.)
32) Had you thought of leaving your present position before?
If yes, what do you think held you there?
* Yes, but always weigh my options carefully before acting. Challenge,
but it's gone now.
33) What do you think of your boss?
* Be as positive as you can. Mention all of your bosses strengths. If asked about
boss-negatives, minimize them (e.g.,
34) Would you describe a situation in which your work was criticized?
35) What other types of jobs or companies are you considering?
* Keep your answer related to this company's field
[back
to top]
36) If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your
greatest strengths and weaknesses?
* Emphasize skills -- don't be overly negative about your weaknesses; it's always
safe to identify a lack of a skill or experience as a shortcoming rather than
a personal characteristic.
37) Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.?
* Yes. Quite simply, it is a way of life in business.
38) How have you changed the nature of your job?
* Improved it...of course.
39) Do you prefer staff or line work? Why?
* Depends on the job and its challenges.
40) In your present position, what problems have you identified that had
previously been overlooked?
* Keep it brief and don't brag.
41) Don't you feel you might be better off in a different size company?
Different type company?
* Depends on the job -- elaborate slightly.
42) How do you resolve conflict on a project team?
* First discuss issues privately.
43) What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
* Attempt to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.
[back
to top]
44) How much are you looking for?
* Answer with a question, i.e., "What is the salary range for similar jobs in
your company?"
* If they don't answer, then give a range of what you understand you are
worth in the marketplace.
45) How much do you expect, if we offer this position to you?
* Be careful; the market value of the job may be the key answer (e.g.,
"My understanding is that a job like the one you're describing may be
in the range of $______.") Don't undersell yourself, in any case.
46) What kind of salary are you worth?
* Have a specific figure in mind...don't be hesitant.
[back
to top]
47) Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you?
* Depends on the circumstances.
48) What was the last book you read? Movie you saw?
Sporting event you attended?
* Talk about books, sports or films to represent balance in you life.
49) What is the toughest part of a job for you?
* Be honest, remember not everyone can do everything.
50) Are you creative?
* Yes. Give examples.
51) How would you describe your own personality?
* Balanced.
52) Are you a leader?
* Yes. Give examples.
53) What are your future goals?
* Avoid, "I would like the job you advertised." Instead, give long-range goals.
54) What are your strong points?
* Present at least three and relate them to the interviewing company and job opening.
55) What are your weak points?
* Don't say you have none.
* Try not to cite a personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have
one if interviewer presses.
* Turn a negative into a positive answer: "I am sometimes intent on completing an
assignment and get too deeply involved when we are late."
[back
to top]
56) If you could start your career again, what would you do differently?
* Nothing....I am happy today so I don't want to change my past. I look at everything
as a positive, learning experience.
57) What career options do you have at the moment?
* "I see three areas of interest..." Relate those to the position and industry.
58) How would you describe the essence of success? According to your
definition of success, how successful have you been so far?
[back
to top]
-- Source: Don Monaco of The Strickland Group. Enhancements by FacilitatorGuy.
Interview Door
Openers
Uh, huh.
I see.
Tell me more.
Tell me
about...
I do not
understand...
What makes
you think...
I'd like to
hear more about...
I'd be
interested in your point of view about...
How do you
feel about...
What do you
mean by...
In what
way...
How would you
describe...
It would be
helpful if you could tell me more about...
Have you had
the opportunity to...
What made you
decide to...
How did you
happen to...
Why do you
suppose that...
How would you
explain...
What didn't
you like about...
When did
you...
How did
you... [back
to top]
Interview
Bloopers -
Stories
We've
all been interviewed for jobs. And, we've all spent most of those
interviews thinking about what not to do. Don't bite your
nails. Don't fidget. Don't interrupt. Don't
belch. If we did any of the don'ts, we knew we'd disqualify
ourselves instantly. But some job applicants go light years beyond
this. A survey of top personnel executives of 100 major American
corporations turned up these stories of unusual behavior by job
applicants.
The
lowlights:
1. "... stretched out on the floor to fill out the job
application."
2. "She wore a Walkman and said she could listen to me and the
music at the same time."
3. " A balding candidate abruptly excused himself. Returned to
office a few minutes later, wearing a hairpiece."
4. "... asked to see interviewer's resume to see if the personnel
executive was qualified to judge the candidate."
5. "... announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a
hamburger and french fries in the interviewer's office - wiping the
ketchup on her sleeve"
6. "Stated that, if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty
by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm."
7. "Interrupted to phone his therapist for advice on answering
specific interview questions."
8. "When I asked him about his hobbies, he stood up and started tap
dancing around my office."
9 . "At the end of the interview, while I stood there dumbstruck,
went through my purse, took out a brush, brushed his hair, and
left."
10. "... pulled out a Polaroid camera and snapped a flash picture
of me. Said he collected photos of everyone who interviewed
him."
11. "Said he wasn't interested because the position paid too
much."
12. "While I was on a long-distance phone call, the applicant took
out a copy of Penthouse, and looked through the photos only, stopping
longest at the centerfold."
13. "During the interview, an alarm clock went off from the
candidate's brief case. He took it out, shut it off, apologized and said
he had to leave for another interview."
14. "A telephone call came in for the job applicant. It was
from his wife. His side of the conversation went like this: "Which
company? When do I start? What's the
salary?" I said, "I assume you're not interested in
conducting the interview any further." He promptly responded,
"I am as long as you'll pay me more. "I didn't hire him,
but later found out there was no other job offer. It was a scam to get a
higher offer."
15. "His attaché [case] opened when he picked it up and the
contents spilled, revealing ladies' undergarments and assorted makeup
and perfume."
16. "Candidate said he really didn't want to get a job, but the
unemployment office needed proof that he was looking for one."
17. "... asked who the lovely babe was, pointing to the picture on
my desk. When I said it was my wife, he asked if she was
home now and wanted my phone number. I called security."
18. "Pointing to a black case he carried into my office, he said
that if he was not hired, the bomb would go off. Disbelieving, I
began to state why he would never be hired and that I was going to call
the police. He then reached down to the case, flipped a switch and ran.
No one was injured, but I did need to get a new desk."
[back
to top]
Interview Bloopers - The
Questions
(How *not* to answer!)
Barry
Shamis of Selecting Winners, Inc. has compiled a list of really bad
answers to interview questions. Here they are:
Q. Why
should I hire you?
A. Because they say you should always hire people who are better
than you.
Q. Why
do you want this job?
A. So I can have a front for my more lucrative activities.
Q.
What do you remember about your life as a child?
A. The courts promised to suppress all that after I turned
18. Why do you want to know?
Q. Who
do you admire most in history?
A. The Three Stooges.
Q. Why?
A. Because when someone asked them a stupid question, they smacked
the idiot in the face.
Q.
What five or six adjectives best describe you?
A. Really, really, really, really, really cool.
Q.
What can you tell me about your creative ability?
A. I think my answers to most of your questions are pretty good
indicators.
Q.
Tell me about you as a team player?
A. Teamwork is OK, as long as other people don't get in the way.
Q. Are
you willing to take a drug test as part of your employment?
A. Sure. What kind of drugs do I get to test?
Q. Did
your grade-point average reflect your work ability?
A. Absolutely. Maximum results for minimum effort has always
been my goal.
Q. Do
you consider yourself to be a smart person?
A. No. But I'm the only person in the world with that
opinion.
Q.
What is your greatest weakness?
A. Three-foot putts for par.
Q. How
do you handle change?
A. I usually put it in a jar in my sock drawer.
Q. Can
you supervise people?
A. Sure. Tell people what to do, then kick their butts if
they don't do it.
Q.
Describe your management style.
A. Don't do anything you can make someone else do for you.
Q. How
do you go about setting an example?
A. I never let anyone catch me sleeping in my office.
Q. How
would your subordinates describe your management style?
A. Who cares.
Q. How
do you define a "problem person"?
A. Anyone who disagrees with me.
Q. Are
you a good communicator?
A. Huh? [back
to top]
The
Strikeouts
A survey was conducted to
determine why candidates who are capable of doing a job are not hired.
These responses all relate
to the interview process. Avoid these at all costs!
- Poor personal
appearance. A company will be more likely to hire someone
who is well groomed and will represent their company in a good
light.
- Lack of interest and/or
enthusiasm. A passive and indifferent attitude
is instantly recognized as "I don't care if I get this job."
- Too much emphasis on
money. Your interviewing goal is to sell yourself to the
interviewer and to get an offer of employment. Salary
discussion is secondary.
- Condemnation of past
employer. Present facts only surrounding the
termination of past positions. Interviewers will be
sensitive to comments about past employers. Too much
information may come across as gossip.
- Talking too much.
Answer questions as asked, without being abrupt; expound only to the
point that the interviewer has a clear understanding of what you
mean. Unnecessary conversation wastes time.
- Weak handshake.
The interviewer's first impressions are lasting impressions! A
firm handshake shows confidence in yourself and your abilities.
- Refusal to travel
and/or relocate. Always be open for discussion concerning
travel and relocation. The employer may be talking
future plans, not present.
- Being late for the
interview. Tardiness is a sign of
irresponsibility. This demonstrates a lack of interest, and
what the employer can expect in the future.
- Failure to seem
interested about the position. An interviewer will be
impressed by an eager and inquisitive mind. Don't hesitate to
ask questions concerning the company or the position you are
interviewing for.
- . No definitive career
objectives. Don't be caught off guard!
Try to anticipate questions you will be asked and have answers
prepared in advance. Uncertainty and disorganization show the
interviewer that you don't know what your goals are.
[back
to top]
- Overbearing,
conceited, know-it-all attitude. An upfront,
confident discussion of talents and achievements is more likely to
work in your favor than incessant bragging about yourself.
- Inability to express yourself
clearly. Don't let your mouth get ahead of your mind.
Take a moment to think and construct your answers to questions
before rushing into a vague and senseless reply. Interviewers
will carefully watch and listen to your communication skills.
- Lack of confidence and
poise. Everyone will be somewhat nervous during the
interview; this is to be expected. However, preparation
to handle the interview will come across as confidence in your
ability to handle the job.
- Too much concern
about rapid advancement. Few people are able to jump
automatically to the top of the ladder. Let the
interviewer know that you are willing to learn the business from the
ground up.
- Lack of long-term commitment.
An employer will not waste his time with you unless you convince him
that the position in question is THE ONE that you want to make was
your career. A "merely shopping around" attitude on your part
displays lack of interest.
- Lack of interest in the company
or products. It will be obvious to the interviewer
that you will not be able to effectively contribute to the company
or industry if you have no real interest in its products and/or
services.
- Intolerant prejudices.
They tend to narrow your perspective and could easily keep you from
performing to your fullest potential in the position.
- Inability to take
criticism. Take it without flinching and in a
constructive manner. Agree that you need to work on whatever
is being criticized and promise to improve in that area!
- Second-guessing the
interviewer. Let the questions be fully asked
before you answer. Do not volunteer irrelevant information.
Overaggressiveness in this way does not gain favor with the
interviewer.
- Low moral standards.
Personal ethics parallel business ethics. If your personal
morals are questionable, your business ethics will be viewed in a
similar manner. Although you only work 8 hours a day, you
represent your employer 24 hours a day.
- Displays laziness.
No one wants an employee who is afraid of hard work. Show a
desire to earn your salary.
- Lack of eye contact.
Failure to look at the interviewer when conversing will cause the
interviewer to doubt your sincerity. Direct eye contact will
assist in supporting your statements.
[back
to top]
Our Philosophy...
We exist to help you develop a better resume versus doing it
for you (you don't learn anything that way). You need
to "own" your resume so you can feel empowered to improve it
throughout your career. We have free samples and examples,
tips and advice and we will help you write the best, personalized
resume possible. That is our commitment to you!
-Bill Golden,
FacilitatorGuy
|
