how to conquer interviews - top 10 questions

How to Conquer Interviews Top 10 questions and how to answer them

By: Keith Fechtman, MBA

Professional Recruiter,

Accounting & Finance

Tell Me!

Have you been terrified and scared to death to go into an interview?!

Have you ever stayed up all night wondering how you are going to do?!

Are you overwhelmed about what type of questions they might ask?!

You’ve Come to the Right Place

If you are wanting to improve your interview skills

If you want to improve your resume to stand out in a crowd

If you have an interview and want to perfect your skills

What Lies Underneath

No one will know unless you tell them.

You are smarter than you realize!

VERY IMPORTANT: Behaviorally or Analytically

Make sure you know when to use both or which time only to use one

NOW LET’S GET TO THOSE QUESTIONS!

#1 What is Your Greatest Strength?

#1 What is Your Greatest Strength?

Answers – Best to use examples

Behaviorally

• Meet Deadlines

• Exceeded My Sales Goals

• Customer Service Skills

• Talent Acquisition

• Strong Work Ethic

Analytically • Strong Writing Skills • Generate Extensive

Reports • Programs and Software

Applications • Publications • Accomplishments

#2 What are Your Weaknesses?

#2 What are Your Weaknesses?

Answers – Identify/Negative to Positive/ Goals (Time)

Behaviorally – Try to avoid

• Deadlines

• Perfectionism

• Standing On Feet All Day

• Time Management

• Fear

Analytically – Stick to these • Programs - Excel • Schooling • Assignments/ Publications • Sweets • Next Level Above You

#3 Tell Me About Yourself?

#3 Tell Me About Yourself?

Answers – Avoid Politics and Controversy

Behaviorally

• Energetic

• Volunteer Work

• Hobbies

• Sports / Clubs

• Family

Analytically • Brian Teasers • Software Experience • Report Generation • Books / Journals /

Online Articles • Other Job Related Items

#4 How Do You Handle Stress and Pressure?

#4 How do you handle stress and pressure?

Answers – Best to use examples

Avoid

• Procrastination

• How It Felt

• How It Bothered You

• How You Don’t Like It

• It Never Happens?

Use • Difficult Task – Rose To

Occasion • How You Dealt With Stress • Created Urgency To

Complete Deadlines • Confident In Handling • Communicated Well

FREE BONUS TIP!

How much of a raise are you getting this year?! ______________________________________________

1% - 2% - 3% - 4% - 5% - 6% - 7%

ANSWER – COMING UP SOON!!

#5 What Are Your Goals for the Future?

Avoid

• Stagnate

• Not Sure

• Haven’t Thought About It

• Ok With OK

• Let Me Get Back To You

#5 What are your goals for the future?

Answers – Best to use examples

Use • Schooling Programs • Certifications • Awards To Win • Climbing The Ladder • Look Up Company

Goals / Vision

#6 Why Are You Leaving or Left Your Job?

#6 Why Are You Leaving or Left Your Job?

Answers

Avoid

• Bad Mouth Old Boss

• Terrible Company

• Didn’t Pay Enough

• Personal Reasons

• Hatred For The Job

Use • Growth And Opportunity • Bigger Challenges • Department Moved • I / Family Moved • This Position Matched

My Skill Set

#7 Why Do You Want This Job?

#7 Why Do You Want This Job?

Answers – Best to use examples

Avoid

• It Looks Neat

• Maybe A Match

• Have A Few Years Left

• Looked Ok To Me

• The Money

Use • Qualifications Make A

Difference • New Company Offerings • New Company Values /

Reputation • Correlates With Short /

Long Goals • Industry Growth Rate

#8 Why Should We Hire You?

#8 Why Should We Hire You?

Answers – Best to use examples

Avoid

• I Fit All The Requirements

• Do You See Any Issues

• What Are My Chances

• Desperate – Need It Now

• If No Smiles / It’s Over

Use • Accomplishments • Skill Set • Personality Traits • Leadership / Team

Assets • Job Description

Characteristics

#9 Describe A Difficult Work Situation?

#9 Describe A Difficult Work Situation?

Answers – Best to use examples

Avoid

• Indecisive

• Uncertain

• Hesitant

• Faltering

• Doubtful

Use – Keep It positive • Confident • Kept It Professional • Use Past Work History • Itemize What And How • Successful Resolution

#10 What Do You Want to Get Paid?

The VALUE I put on myself based on my experiences, accomplishments, past work history, and education (if any) is between $50,000 – $55,000 a year.

How Much of A Raise Are You Getting This Year?

Keep Track Of Your Accomplishments

5% - 7%

$3,000 – $4,200 PAY RAISE INCREASE!

(Ex: Based on $60K salary / year)

Express Employment Professionals

Keith.Fechtman@expresspros.com

ExpressIndySouth.com

317-300-9505

Thank You! THANK YOU!