INTERVIEW TIPS VOL 5

Make sure that you practice answers to the following sample questions. Be sure to provide specific examples and to focus on the positive at all times. Remember that your answers should not sound memorized, but rather organized and well thought out. Experienced interviewers can tell the difference between sincere answers and those read out of a book. Keep in mind that for all questions the best answers are honest answers.

1. "Tell me About Yourself"
(Here the interviewer is really asking you about yourself as a person, not about job skills.)

A common opener, this broad question can "throw" many interviewees. It is in fact a "sell-me" invitation. Develop a brief summation of your background leading into your interest and desire to work for the organization as well as your qualifications for the position.

This is the opportunity to sell yourself and bring to light your distinguishing attributes. An example: I thrive on challenges and change, and consider myself to be very flexible. Tell the employer something not found in your resume that you would like him or her to know, such as your abilities or accomplishments. Do not talk about family, hobbies etc…, unless they directly relate to the position.

2. What is your greatest strength?

This is a great question to show your employability skills. Talk about being a team member, being able to use various computer software etc. This question really means: "Tell me how your abilities fit what's needed for this job". Suppose the position you're applying for requires initiative. (You figured this out before hand by analyzing characteristics needed for this type of work and by analyzing their job descriptions.) Instead of simply stating, "I'm definitely a self-starter", be prepared with examples. To illustrate your initiative you might be able to say: "My present boss travels almost 40 percent of the time. I have to deal on my own with problems in customer service scheduling, expending numerous day-to-day plans".

Attempt to turn your weaknesses into strengths and explain what steps you have taken to do so. You also can use weaknesses that can be categorized or an overachiever. Try to have your requirements relate directly to the requirements of the position for which you are interviewing.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

Always choose a weakness that you are striving to improve or a weakness that can also be strength. (Ex I am still reaming various computer software since it is constantly changing. Or, I am a perfectionist, which at times may bother people who work for me but I feel nothing should leave this office until it is perfect since it is a direct reflection of the quality of our work.)

Everyone has a weakness but remember not to answer in a negative way. Turn your weakness into a positive (for example) "Because I tend to procrastinate, I have learned to work well under pressure and to always get work done on time".

If you insist you have none, you'll lose out as having no insight into yourself. Instead, choose an appropriate strength and be prepared to report it as a "weakness".

Perhaps for this job, system is essential. You might confess you can't stand work done on a piece-meal, what's today's-crisis basis. You like to plan ahead, to foresee and prevent problems. Just the "weakness" needed for the position.

Or, perhaps there is a weakness in your experience, knowledge or skills - something that is needed for the job, something you know you need to work on. Admit you weak area and state how you plan to improve in that area; i.e. course you have enrolled in, volunteer work you are doing, etc…

4. "Tell me about your Schooling"

The key to this question is to keep your reply positive. Speak well of your alma mater. You are a product of your school's educational programs. Be prepared to address questions about low grades, major changes etc…

5. Why are you leaving your current position?

Stay positive, even if you're leaving a negative situation. Employers are looking for employees with good attitudes even when working in bad situations. Complaining about your past employer will not win over a new employer. (Ex. "I am looking for a company that will give me the opportunity for better personal growth". This is much better then saying "My current employer does not know how to properly treat people, he is unfair and terrible to work with".)

Here the interviewer is trying to determine whether you had difficulties at your previous workplace which may re-occur.

Difficulty at one job, with circumstances unique to that situation, is not likely to occur again. Be honest, but do not elaborate unnecessarily. Point out the unlikelihood of similar circumstances. Point out any positive ways in which you handled the situation.

There are many legitimate reasons for leaving a job, i.e.: only a term position, promotional opportunities, change in location, change in careers, looking for more challenge, experience, lay-off, job cutbacks, etc…

6. Why should I hire you instead of another Candidate?

The employer wants proof that you are the best potential employee. (Ex. I know how an organization such as your works. I understand the right procedures and paths to follow to get the work accomplished efficiently and professionally. I am also a team player who can work well with all personalities and use these unique personalities to get the best results.)

Focus on the qualifications for which the employer is looking and the responsibilities of the position; stress how you fit these qualifications.

Here is your chance to really help the interviewer make a decision in your favour. Sell yourself. Quickly respond with your specific top job related skills and positive characteristics. Some ideas might be: conscientious, dependable, enthusiastic, interested in this area, strong desire to do this type of work, willing to give extra effort, can work on my own, am responsible, like to be held accountable, get along well with others, see a job through to the finish, etc…

From your research, you should have gathered information on entry level opportunities within the organization and the necessary qualifications for those positions. From your own self-analysis you will have gained insight into your strengths and accomplishments. Mention key functions of the job and discuss your skills in relation to these functions. Use experiences from previous jobs, internships, and activities as examples to support you answer.

7. How would your skills benefit this organization?

Briefly focus on the needs of the company as they pertain to the position for which you are applying. State why you believe you are qualified for the position and be confident that you are the person for the job - try to state facts and figures. For example: I have been named employee of the month three times in the past year, and I am sure that I can make the same kind of contribution here.