YOUR INTERVIEW

Prospective employers want to know three things about you:

1. Do you have the skills and abilities to perform the job?

2. Do you have the work ethic and enthusiasm to perform the job?

3. Do you have the ability to be a team player and fit in with the company’s other staff?

While your resume and testing will reveal your skill level, the interview is designed to determine if you have the right character and attitude necessary to be a good fit with their company. The more you can express these traits in your manner and in your responses to the interviewer’s questions, the closer you will come to matching their criteria for a perfect fit.

Don’t just “wing it” by showing up at an interview unprepared. Any job that will be a large part of your life for years is worth some up-front effort to obtain. Give some thought to your career path, your accomplishments, and how your goals mesh with the job you seek. Be prepared to say how your getting the job will further the goals of the company.

Types Of Interviews

There are two types of interviews: The “traditional” interview and the “behavioral” interview.

The traditional interview is the most common interview for office support staff, and you’ll be asked broad-based questions such as, “Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses,” “Why should I hire you?” “Why do you want this particular job?” etc. Your success in this type of interview depends on how clearly, directly and succinctly you can communicate your responses to these questions.

The behavioral interview is designed to determine your past performances in various situations, which are thought to be accurate indicators of how you’ll perform in similar situations in the future. You’ll need specific examples when responding to requests such as, “Give me an example of an instance when you disagreed with your boss but knew your decision was the correct one,” or “Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a goal and what actions you took to meet that goal.” Interviewers often go into detail with follow-up questions, so take a moment to think before responding (even pausing for five to ten seconds is fine). Your success in this type of interview depends on how well you can 1) describe the situation, 2) discuss the actions you took—not the actions you would have taken 3) relate the result of those actions and 4) identify what you learned from it.

Here are some commonly asked questions for each type of interview that you should be prepared to answer in concise, well thought out responses. Practice with another person at least once so that you’re “polished” and poised in the interview situation.

Questions Commonly Asked In A Traditional Interview

1. Tell me about yourself. This simple question can leave you either speechless or rambling if you have not given it some advanced thought. Practice recounting a few concise sentences on some the following topics: Talents and abilities of yours that you would like to apply in a job setting, skills you would like to develop or improve, kinds of people and environments you prefer, your current career and/or educational goals, past experiences that had an impact on you which you would like to highlight, long-standing and/or new hobbies you are pursuing. The employer is looking for how these traits tie in with the goals of the company.

2. Why do you want to work for this company? Here’s where a little homework comes in handy. Your interviewer wants to know how much you know about the firm, so set aside a few minutes to research the firm on the web and know a little bit about its goals and accomplishments.

3. Why did you leave your last company? If you left because the job was boring or your boss was difficult, be honest, but don’t trash your former job or employer! Briefly explain, as objectively as possible, any problems you had and then quickly move on to explain how that was a learning experience for you, so your interviewer knows it will not affect your future job performance. Resist the temptation to turn the interview into a gripe session. Remember that your interviewer is an employer, too, and most likely has sympathies along those lines. You gain nothing with negative comments and you could lose the job because of them.

4. Tell me about a time when you confronted an unexpected problem. What steps did you take to deal with that problem and what was the final outcome? What would you have done differently? Be sure to use specifics, even if it involves a job you did years ago, or a volunteer position or any other relevant experience. Focus on what you did, even if you were part of a group effort.

5. What would you consider your best assets? In your company research, you’ll see catch words that let you know what type of skills this firm values. For instance, their literature might tout their “forward-thinking approach to business” or their “solid reputation in the community.” Use those clues to select which strengths you want to mention, such as your ability to be innovative (“forward thinking”) in solving problems or your reliability (“solid reputation”) for getting work done within deadlines. Be prepared to give examples for each asset you mention.

6. Name a weakness that you have and what you’ve done to overcome it. Don’t say you don’t have any weaknesses; everybody has them. Be honest in your self appraisal but be prepared to show how you compensate for the weakness so that it doesn’t impair your work. Don’t mention any more weaknesses unless you have to!

7. Do you work best independently or within a group situation? The best answer is “both,” but your interviewer is looking for honesty and self-evaluation, so answer truthfully but describe how you have worked successfully in both situations, when necessary.

8. What are your hobbies? Do you play any sports? Your choice of hobby can often indicate if you have an analytical personality, such as with chess players, or a creative mind, as you’ll find with painters and musicians. These questions are designed to determine if you’re a loner-type (who might prefer long-distance running, for example) or are literally a team-player (such as a baseball player). Sometimes the interviewer just wants to see if you’re a well-rounded person, because some studies have shown that those workers who have creative and athletic outlets are often happier, healthier and more productive.

9. What are your salary requirements? You know what you need to meet your expenses and you know what you’d like to make, but it’s also important to know what your contributions would be worth on the open market. Research salary surveys on the Internet and through the classifieds ads to get a realistic idea of what to expect for your situation. Then try not to be the first one to state a figure in the interview. It’s best to ask what salary range they’ve budgeted for the position. If you’re forced to name your price, you can also give them a range from the lowest you can go without underselling your skills and up to 15% above your last salary. You can mention that your flexibility on the pay rate depends on the benefits package offered and the requirements of the job. To find out if your salary is in keeping with the marketplace, log onto an Internet reference site such as www.salary.com, www.homefair.com/calc/salcalc.html or www.salaryexpert.com.

10. Is there anything you’d like to ask? This is your opportunity to sell yourself one last time. Say something like, “As I see it, you’re seeking . . .” and sum up what type of person you think your interviewer seeks. Then say something like, “Then I think I understand your needs at this time and see how I fit in with them.” Take a moment to summarize in one or two sentences your suitability and enthusiasm for the job. You need to convince the interviewer that you’re ready to succeed in that position, if only given the chance to do so. You’ll also want to ask as to when they expect to have made their choice of candidate and/or when you might best follow up with a phone call.

Questions Commonly Asked In A Behavioral Interview

Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.

Give me an example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.

Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty to get a job done.

Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.

Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that person may not have liked you (or vice versa).

Describe a situation in which you were able to persuade someone to see things your way.

Describe a stressful time when you were successfully able to use your coping skills.

Give me an example of an instance when you set a goal and were able to achieve it.

Give me an example of an instance when you set a goal and failed to achieve it.

Give me an example of a difficult decision you had to make in the past year.

Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.

Tell me about an instance when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.

Additional Interview Questions You May Be Asked (So Be Ready!)

Think about the following questions and ask yourself if you would be able to offer a good answer to each. Many of us never ask ourselves these questions and have no answer if asked in an interview situation. Take a moment to think of at least a quick answer to each. They will help you focus on your strengths and abilities and you may attain a better understanding of yourself, too!

How do you resolve conflicts?

What are your team-player attributes?

How do you handle leadership?

How do you deal with interpersonal conflict?

What’s the toughest problem you’ve ever solved?

What challenges have you faced in a leadership position?

What was a team project that you helped complete?

What techniques do you use to motivate people?

What pressure situations have you been involved in, and how do you deal with them?

What difficult decisions have you made?

How do you persuade people to adopt your point of view?

What is your biggest professional challenge?

How do you deal with failure?

What do you find frustrating?

How do you react when your honesty is questioned?

How do you plan to correct your weaknesses?

What skills do you most need to develop?

Are you willing to take risks?

How effective are you under pressure?

How well do you cooperate?

Do you have attention to detail?

Have you had problems getting along with people?

Have you successfully dealt with difficult people?

How do you deal with people at different levels?

How do you prepare for major projects?

How do you handle directions?

How do you handle change?

What decisions are difficult for you?

What have you learned from your jobs?

How do you feel you’ve improved in your work in the last few years?

What are some examples of important recommendations or decisions you’ve made recently?

How would you handle a decision for which no procedure existed?

Are you a very organized person?

Do you manage your time well?

Your supervisor tells you to do something in a way you know is ineffective. What would you do?

Your supervisor left an assignment in your “in” box and left town for a week and can’t be reached. You don’t understand the assignment. What would you do?

How have your disappointments helped you improve yourself?

Do you consider yourself creative?

Do you consider yourself analytical?

How would you handle an angry supervisor?

How do you keep track of projects?

What would you do if some coworkers weren’t doing their share of the work?

How would you deal with a coworker who violated a company policy?

What skills do you think the ideal candidate for this position should have?

What organizational techniques do you use to manage your workload?

What do you do when you know you are right and others don’t agree with you?

Finish this sentence: Successful bosses are the ones who ….

What is most important to you in a job?

What single aspect of our firm interests you the most?

What concerns you most about this company?

Why should I hire you?

What can you do for us that no one else can?

What kind of responsibilities would you like to see added to those you had in your previous job?

Which do you want more now, career growth or change of pace?

Which of the following matters most in deciding to take the job: money, recognition, challenge or responsibility.

What is the greatest influence on your career plans?

What aspects of this line of work do you enjoy the most?

What criticism has helped you the most? Who was it from?

Why did you leave your last job?

What’s your idea of the ultimate job?

How do you feel about your career progress?

What would your references say about you?

If you could start your career over, what would do you differently?

Have you had other interviews?

Tell me about the worst boss you’ve ever had. Is there anything you could’ve done to improve your relationship with that boss?

What is the biggest professional mistake you can recall making?

Was there anything your former employer could have done to be more successful?

Have you ever been turned down for a promotion?

Why is there a gap in your employment history? What did you do during that time?

How do you think others view you as a coworker?

How are your present goals different from those of ten years ago?

Are you a happy person?

How do you deal with tension?

What kinds of people do you like working with?

Do you generally think of yourself as a risk-taker or someone who plays it safe?

If you could change one thing about your personality what would it be? Why?

What’s the last book you read?

How are you improving yourself?

When It’s Your Turn To Ask Questions

Usually, you are given the opportunity at the end of an interview to ask questions. This is your chance to learn more about your potential employer (and also for the interviewer to learn more about you), so do some advance preparation for this. Some points to remember:

1. Try to prepare five good questions. Even though you may not be able to ask them all, think of questions about the job, the industry, or the company. Your questions indicate your interest in the subject and that you have given it some thought, such as “I read in the Transcript that your firm … and I was wondering how that might impact this position.”

2. Don’t ask questions that raise warning flags. Questions like, “Will I have to work overtime?” can indicate that you’re not available for OT. If you are available, be sure to ask in such a way that you don’t appear negative. (Better to say, “Are there opportunities for overtime work with this position?”) You should avoid questions about compensation (vacation, pay, benefits, etc.) until you are offered the job. Then you can negotiate your package from a stronger position, knowing that they want you.

3. Don’t dwell on one topic for all your questions. You’ll appear one-dimensional if you focus on just one thing, such as overtime, so show an interest in other aspects of the job/firm.

4. Clarify any issues that confuse you. Be careful, though, to ask for clarification on a specific point, rather than asking the interviewer to explain an entire subject all over again. You can preface your question by saying, “You said that I would be responsible for . . .. Would that also include . . .?”

Here are some commonly asked questions you might consider asking in your first interview:

Can you describe a typical workday in this department?

What do your employees seem to like best about your firm?

What are the most important traits you are seeking for the candidate for this job?

What traits do you feel are the least successful?

What are some of the more difficult challenges one would face in this position?

With whom would I be working most closely?

What significant changes are planned for this firm in the near future?

Why is this position open?

How often has this position been filled in the past five years? What was the main reason?

What is the next step in your search process?

If you are asked back for second or third interviews, you might ask these questions:

To whom would I report?

What sort of training will I have?

How often are performance reviews given?

How will my work be evaluated for this job?

What is your firm’s promotional policy?

Remember:

The more you’ve thought about these questions and your answers to them, the more relaxed you can be in the interview and the more confidence and competence you will project with your interviewers. So quiz yourself by asking: “What would I say if they asked me …?”

It’ll be time well spent.

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