1

YOUR CAREER:How to Make It Happen

Navigating Interview Questions & Answers

Interviewers want concise, complete answers.

Interviewers want focused, relevant answers.

Interviewers are turned off by rambling, long answers.

2

Why do you want this job? What type of work do you most enjoy? What are your strongest skills?What are your long-range career goals, and how do you plan to achieve them? Are you a team player? Do you have a geographical preference? Are you willing to relocate? Under what management style do you work most efficiently?

3

General Information Questions?

Designed to obtain facts about your skills, education, experience,& your abilities that fit the job.

Here's the chance to really sell yourself. You need to briefly and concisely lay out your

strengths, qualifications and what you can bring to the table.

Be careful not to answer this question too generically, however.

Nearly everyone says they are hardworking and motivated.

Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about qualities that are unique to you.

www.careerbuilder.com SB

Why should we hire you?

This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your homework.

You should never attend an interview unless you know about the company, its direction and the industry in which it plays.

If you have done your research, this question gives you an opportunity to show initiative and demonstrate how your experience and qualifications match the company's needs.

Why do you want to work here?

The secret to answering this question is being honest about a weakness, but demonstrating how you have turned it into a strength.

For example, if you had a problem with organization in the past, demonstrate the steps you took to more effectively keep yourself on track.

This will show that you have the ability to recognize aspects of yourself that need improvement, and the initiative to make yourself better.

What are your greatest weaknesses?

Used to learn about personal attributes, such as integrity, personality, attitudes, and motivation.

Emphasize enthusiasm, dependability, initiative, integrity, etc.

Give specific examples of each quality you claim.

7

Character Questions

EXAMPLESoHow would you describe yourself?oWhat rewards do you look for in your career?oOf what accomplishment are you most proud, particularly as it relates to your field?oDo you work well under pressure?

based on the belief that past performance is the best way to predict future behavior

AND

probes specific past performance and behaviors.

8

Behavioral Interview Questions

EXAMPLES Tell me specifically about a time you worked under

great stress. Describe an experience when you dealt with an

angry customer or co-worker. Give me an example that would demonstrate your

ability to adapt to change.

9

Behavioral Interview Questions

A Model for Your Answers

• Describe the situation.

• Explain actions you took (performance).

• Describe the outcomes.

• Summarize what you learned.

Determine how you perform under pressure.

10

Stress Questions Are Used To…

Learn if you can make solid decisions, solve problems, and think under stress.

Clarify possible problem issues.

Look at stress questions as an opportunity to demonstrate that the issue is not a problem.

Prepare/practice answers.Always keep your cool, breathe deeply, use positive self-talk.

Think before answering!Demonstrate stress skills--thinking and maintaining composure.

11

Remaining Cool under Stress

Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job?

Why do you want to leave your current job? Why have you held so many jobs? What is your weakest point? Have you ever been fired from a job? Does your current employer know you are

planning to leave?

12

Stress Questions

Questions should focus on…

Job duties/scope, training, career path

Work team, supervisor

NOTE: Don’t ask about salary until job offer is made.13

Your Questions Count!

Asking questions shows interest & preparation--ask about the job:

Do you have a training program fro this position, if so, would you describe it to me?

Will you describe the job duties and tasks in a typical workday for this position?

May I have a copy of the written job description?

Could good job performance in this job lead to career growth opportunities with this company?

14

Good Questions to Ask

What does this company do? Do you have openings?How much sick leave/vacation will I

get?Are you hiring? Will I have an office? What time do I have to be at work in

the morning? How long do you give for lunch?

15

Don’t Ask:

Be enthusiastic--employers consider this a priority!

Pause to think when necessary. Be candid and honest. Tailor your responses to the employer. Be concise. Answer in complete sentences; speak

correctly. Be positive-- it improves your performance

and rubs off! Fill in gaps--explain plans to strengthen

skills, knowledge.16

Best Bets for Q & A Success

Give proof of abilities/examples.

Prepare and rehearse responses to typical questions.

Keep cool and think carefully before answering stress questions.

Ask appropriate questions to demonstrate interest, confidence, and intelligence.

Avoid questions that are too direct or that sound uninformed.

17

Checklist for Question & Answer Success