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Make
Your First Impression Count - Part II
Volume
II, Issue III
CIn the
last issue of the Candidate Chronicles, we provided suggestions
to help you prepare for your next interview. The following
continues our discussion of making your first impression count
by examining some of the most common and challenging interview
questions.
When
a prospective employer conducts an interview, not only are
they looking for a particular skill(s) and cultural match,
they also are interested in how you think, make decisions
and solve problems. The interviewer also wants to learn about
your accomplishments and leadership skills. Before your next
interview, take a few minutes to write down your answers to
the following questions. You will be better prepared to make
the most of your interview.
1.
Tell me about yourself.
This question inevitably comes up during the interview, although
the wording may be different. Knowing this, you should prepare
a 30-60 second 'elevator-pitch' about your work and career
accomplishments. Stay away from descriptions that are not
work related. An employment interview is not the time to tell
a prospective employer you have three cats, a frog and play
competitive ping-pong on the weekends.
2.
Why are you looking to move from your current position?
If you are working with a search consultant, your answer may
be that you weren't looking to move, but the opportunity sounded
interesting and you would be regretful if you didn't investigate
it further.
3.
In what areas do you feel you need improvement?
This is the alternative question to, “What are your weaknesses?”
We all have areas in which we could use improvement and this
question tests your self-insight. Be honest, but don't feel
you need to expose all of your imperfections. Refer to the
'action items' section in your last performance review to
provide 'safe' answers to that question. That way, if the
interviewer speaks with your supervisor he will hear congruent
information.
4.
Tell me about yourself part 2.
Make sure you are able to justify the information on your
resume. Practice by constructing a story about who, what,
where, how, when and why for each accomplishment you list.
Good interviewers will judge your accomplishments by the details
you provide.
5.
What do you expect out of this position and your association
with our company?
If you have properly researched the position and the company,
you should be prepared to give a strong response. Be able
to discuss how your background can solve the company's business
need(s) and by helping the company, how you will be furthering
your career goals.
6.
If I were to contact your previous boss, what would he or
she say about you?
If the relationship with your boss was a good one, you can
be reasonably assured the comments will be positive. If the
relationship was less than stellar, this is your time to explain
your side of the story. Not every workplace relationship is
perfect, however boss bashing is never appropriate. Think
about your answer in advance so you won't be caught off guard.
7.
Tell me about the people you hired in your last job. How long
did they stay with you and how did they work out?
The hiring manager is trying to understand your hiring capabilities
as well as management style. If you have hired and managed
in the past, be prepared to discuss your failures as well
as successes.
8.
What do you think about in your job? Where do you spend your
time?
This question is actually asking how strategic is your thinking
and how well do you utilize time during the day. Be prepared
to answer the question with real examples.
9.
Why should we hire you over someone else?
If you don't have a reason why you should be hired, then the
employer probably won't see a reason either. Be prepared to
explain how your background and skills will contribute to
the company's success.
10.
What do you think are the misconceptions about you?
The interviewer wants to see not only how you view yourself
but also how you believe others view you. Be careful; this
is a tricky question.
11.
What do you think of your former boss?
This question offers you an opportunity to discuss your boss's
best attributes - even if you didn't always see eye to eye.
The interviewer will be watching to understand how you deal
with and respect authority. If you provide a negative report
of your last boss, the interviewer will quickly wonder what
you might say about them should they hire you.
If you
are properly prepared, an employment interview can be a wonderful
opportunity to showcase your skills and accomplishments.Before
the interview, make sure you research the company and think
about potential interview questions and answers in advance.
In doing so, you will be one step closer to getting the offer!
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