INTERVIEW TIPS VOL 7

18. Tell me about a situation where something went very wrong and how you handled the situation.

Tip: Employers want to see that you can take a bad situation and turn it around into a positive situation. (Ex. When I was a server at Red Lobster, a customer became very angry when the I served him the wrong item. I had keyed in the wrong item on the computer so my ticket was wrong. I quickly apologized and took the item back and put in a rush order for the proper item. Then I asked ray manager if I could offer this couple either free drinks or desert. My manager said this would be okay, so I went back to the table with his new order and told them because of my mistake, I would like to offer them either a free after dinner drink or free dessert. They were very pleased with this service and have returned to the restaurant quite often this situation.)

19. What do you see yourself working at three to five years from now?

This really means: "If we hire you, are you likely to stay for a while?" You can crowd considerable reassurance for the interviewer into this question. Although questions about marriage, babies, child care are illegal, if you have completed you family or do not expect to start one for some time or have good child-care arrangements, strengthen your appeal by volunteering the information. You reply that you know you'll stay and grow with the job because…

Most career experts warn against naming a specific future job you plan to hold lest it mark you as too narrow or inflexible. Rather, indicate that you are mature and realistic in your thinking by discussing areas within government where you can grow based on your expertise and contributions.

20. What led you to choose your field of study?

Have your answer demonstrate the thought put into the decision-making process. Stay away from answers that revolve around monetary compensation or convenience.

21. What courses did you like best? Least? Why?

Stay away from blaming professors for your dislike of the course -this shows immaturity and a lack of shouldering responsibility. Emphasize those activities where you gained transferable skills, such as communication and organizational skills. Employers like well-rounded candidates.

22. What extracurricular activities did you enjoy the most and why?

This is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership abilities and your involvement in outside activities. Emphasize those activities where you gained transferable skills, such as leadership and time management skills.

23. How do you work under pressure?

Make sure that you can demonstrate your ability to "get the job done" by using past experiences as examples.

24. What three things are most important to you in a job?

Hopefully the job you are interviewing for offers these things, so try to relate them to why you choose this company over any other (e.g. good working conditions, a growing company, excellent staff, etc.) Do not mention money.

25. What would your references say about you?

Try to think of qualities in yourself that you know would apply to the position for which you are interviewing.