|
Behind every interview question there
is a concern or another question. Your job is to process
the question thinking about what the interviewer's
concern might be. In other words, why is the interviewer
asking you this question?
Q#1 - How long have you been looking for a job?
(Concern - Is there something wrong with you that other
employers have picked up?)
A#1 - "After I was laid off
from my last job, I took the opportunity to take some
time out to examine my career goals and where I was
going with my life. I have just begun my search in the
last few weeks. I have a definite goal in mind and have
been selective about the positions I consider. Your
company and this position are of great interest to me."
Q#2 - How did you prepare for
this interview? (Concern - Are you interested enough
to do some research, or are you going to "wing it"?)
A#2 - "When I found this
position posted on the internet (monster.com) I was
immediately interested. I checked out the company
website and mission statement, looked at the bios of
company founders and executives, and was impressed. Once
I had the interview appointment, I talked with friends
and acquaintances in the industry. And, I'm sure I'll
find out a lot more in today's meetings."
Q#3 - What is your salary
expectation for this job? (Concern - Can we afford
you? Can we get you for less than budgeted?)
A#3 - "I'll need more
information about the job and the responsibilities
involved before we can begin to discuss salary. Can you
give me an idea of the range budgeted for this
position?"
Q#4 - How do you keep current
and informed about your job and the industries that you
have worked in? (Concern - Once you get the job do
you continue to learn and grow - stay challenged and
motivated?)
A#4 - "I pride myself on my
ability to stay on top of what is happening in my
industry. I do a lot of reading - the business section
of the newspapers and magazines. I belong to a couple of
professional organizations and network with colleagues
at the meetings. I take classes and seminars whenever
they are of interest, or offer new information or
technology."
Q#5 - Tell me about a time when
you had to plan and coordinate a project from start to
finish. (Concern - Behavioral question; seeking an
example of specific past behavior.)
A#5 - " I headed up a project
which involved customer service personnel and
technicians. I organized a meeting to get everyone
together to brainstorm and get his or her input. From
this meeting I drew up a plan, taking the best of the
ideas. I organized teams, balancing the mixture of
technical and non-technical people. We had a deadline to
meet, so I did periodic checks with the teams. After
three weeks, we were exceeding expectations, and were
able to begin implementation of the plan. It was a great
team effort, and a big success. I was commended by
management for my leadership, but I was most proud of
the team spirit and cooperation which it took to pull it
off."
Q#6 - What kinds of people do
you have difficulties working with? (Concern -
Ability to be flexible and work in a diverse
environment.)
A#6 - "In my last three jobs I
have worked with men and women from very diverse
backgrounds and cultures. The only time I had difficulty
was with people who were dishonest about work issues. I
worked with one woman who was taking credit for work
that her team accomplished. I had an opportunity to talk
with her one day and explained how she was affecting the
morale. She became very upset that others saw her that
way, and said she was unaware of her behavior or the
reactions of others. Her behavior changed after our
talk. What I learned from that experience is that
sometimes what we perceive about others is not always
the case if we check it out."
Q#7 - We expect managers to
work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have a problem with
that? (Concern - Are you a workaholic or a person
who requires balance?)
A#7 - "I have no problem
working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour days.
What I have found works for me is to work smarter, not
necessarily longer. My goal is to get the job done,
whatever that takes, in the most efficient manner."
Q#8 - When have you been most
satisfied in your career? (Concern - What motivates
you? Or demotivates you?)
A#8 - "The job before the one I
am currently at, was my most rewarding experience for
me. I worked in a wonderful team environment. There was
a lot of camaraderie. I worked with a team of four
people and we did some really original thinking. It is
that kind of environment I want to be involved in
again."
Q#9 - Why do you want this job?
(Concern - Are you using the shot-gun approach to
job search or do you really know what you want?)
A#9 - "I've been very careful
about the companies where I have applied. When I saw the
ad for this position, I knew I found what I was looking
for. What I can bring to this job is my seven years of
experience, and knowledge of the industry, plus my
ability to communicate and build customer relationships.
That, along with my flexibility and organizational
skills, makes me a perfect match for this position. I
see some challenges ahead of me here, and that's what I
thrive on. I have what you need, and you have what I
want."
Q#10 - We are ready to make an
offer. Are you ready to accept today? (Concern - We
don't want you to go away and think about it and change
your mind - we want you.)
A#10 - "Based on my research
and the information I have gathered during the interview
process, I feel I am in a position to consider an offer.
I do, however, have a personal policy that I give myself
at least 24 hours to make major life decisions. I could
let you know by tomorrow."
There is no way you can accurately
predict the questions that will be asked in an
interview, but you can be ready and prepared by thinking
about the factors that might concern an interviewer or
employer before the interview.
Copyright 2007 Carole Martin, The
Interview Coach
Carole Martin, America's #1
Interview Coach, is a celebrated author, trainer, and
mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no
one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview
Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at
The Interview
Coach. |
