Thursday, November 12, 2009
Purpose for blog
Interview Questions Designed to Destroy #1 of 5
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS DESIGNED TO DESTROY YOU!
Just as there is an endless variety of interview styles, so is there an endless number of questions that you may be asked during an interview. There is absolutely no way to know what questions you will be asked on any given interview. You should have a number of answers developed in advance. You would then use the answers that best fit the situation.
Several days before every press conference, President Bush’s staff compiles a list of every conceivable question that might be asked. They then formulate a well-worded response to each one. The President studies the answers carefully, committing the content and sometimes the exact language to memory. He knows that he must not be caught by surprise. He must appear knowledgeable and concerned about all issues. He must disarm hostile reporters with his confidence and preparation. He knows that the second he starts to answer questions off the top of his head, he is in big trouble.
Most job seekers make two devastating mistakes when they are being questioned in an interview. First, they fail to listen to the question. They proceed to annoy the interviewer either by answering a question that was not asked, or by giving out a lot of superfluous information.
Secondly, and more important, they attempt to answer questions with virtually no preparation. The glibbest person on earth, even the most skilled debater, cannot answer questions off the cuff, without damaging his or her chances of success. ITT’s Harold Geneen tells job hunters, “I’m not asking questions, I’m waiting for answers”. You can have these answers if you take the time to anticipate the questions and prepare your responses.
Styles change and the interview questions may change for each candidate for the same job. To be best prepared for an interview, learn as much as you can about the company, the open position and most important, know yourself.
Do not be afraid to say that you have never been asked a question like that before. Ask if you can think about it for a minute or so, in order to organize your thoughts. The interviewer will respect your honesty and your habit of thinking before you speak.
Remember that surprise questions have no one “right” answer. These questions are open-ended and are designed to show how fast you think, how well you handle pressure, and how concise and articulate you are.
A technique interviewers also use is silence. To elaborate, you have finished your answer and are awaiting the next question and suddenly find that instead of another question, there is silence. You may start to feel uncomfortable. The interviewer must want you to elaborate. To fill the void, you begin babbling an unprepared spiel. Although it may seem difficult, you should simply smile and remain silent yourself. Answer a question to the best of your ability and then relax. Interviewers often use this silence to see if you can handle stress and still maintain poise.
What follows is a number of questions that various surveys have indicated are asked most often, regardless of the job classification. Study them carefully, develop strong responses, and your candidacy will receive prime consideration.
Interview Questions Designed to Destroy #2
“WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESSES?”
Do not be intimidated by such a question. The interviewer probably wants reassurance that hiring you will not be a mistake.
A flip answer, a joke, or the assertion that you have no weaknesses may demonstrate that you also have no real insight into yourself. On the other hand, this is not the time to confess all your imperfections.
To cast a more flattering light, present personal weaknesses as professional strengths. Always think in terms of the work situation when addressing this question, remaining as positive as possible.
When you are asked for your major weakness, you must also appear mortal. The idea is to give a weakness that from the interviewer’s viewpoint, is not much of a weakness.
“Well, I really do not feel I have a weakness that significantly affects my working ability. I guess at times I have a tendency to be impatient and occasionally push people too hard to get a job done. Patience is not my strongest virtue.”
If, for example, you are aiming for a public relations spot that requires heavy interaction, say, “My biggest weakness is that I need to be around people. I do not function well in solitude”.
“WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST STRENGTHS?”
Accept this invitation to sell yourself by citing specific assets you know the employer desires. Interviewers like to hear abstract qualities – loyalty, willingness to work hard, politeness, and promptness, expressed in concrete terms.
If you are good at putting people at ease, say so – then illustrate by adding, for example, “Last year, my supervisor asked me to be the resource person for all new employees in our division because, he said, so many of them had commented on my eagerness to help”.
Avoid the simple generalizations. “I like people.” This is a response the pros call hackneyed. Additionally, be a bit pensive before answering. You do not want to sound as if you are spewing out a programmed list.
“WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR PREVIOUS JOB?”
An employer can evaluate the type of worker you will be by the items you choose to discuss when answering such a question. It is recommended that you cite specifics.
“I like organizing things” is vague, ineffective. Far better is “I enjoyed reorganizing the department’s filing system. My new plan resulted in increased efficiency in finding information and fewer misplaced data”.
“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR PRESENT EMPLOYER?”
The experts agree on one point: Never badmouth a former employer!
Even if you were fired, you might say, “My immediate supervisor and I had a difference of opinion on how to handle a major account, but I learned many positive things from him that I can use effectively in another position”.
Another example might be as follows: “I really do not feel there is anything wrong with the firm. I have enjoyed working there very much and think that there are some really top people in management. I feel it would be a good company for the long haul, but I am ready to handle additional responsibility right now. Unfortunately, my own short-term growth prospects are limited because of the lack of promotion opportunities.”
Above all, be honest. Information about your last job, and why you left, can be, and often is, easily checked. Any discrepancies will make the rest of your answers highly suspect.
“HAVE YOU EVER HIRED OR FIRED ANYONE?”
You are being asked this question for two important reasons. First, to determine whether you are capable of performing these duties. Secondly, to determine if the previous experience you have described was at a high enough level to include hiring/firing responsibility. If you have had no experience in these areas, you must have a considerable effort to convince the interviewer that you are capable of performing in this area.
“WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR BOSS’ JOB?”
By all means, “yes”. Ambitious, hungry people are always preferred over those willing to settle for a safe routine. If you sense this answer threatens your interviewer’s security, you might add, “When I am judged qualified”, or “Should an opening develop in several years”.
“WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BOSS?”
“He is an outstanding man. I have a great deal of respect for him and have enjoyed working with him very much.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR EMPLOYER’S OBLIGATIONS ARE TO YOU?”
While you expect to be able to go to your boss for support or guidance, you will not depend upon your boss to get the job done. That balance between being able to take direction and being able to work independently is crucial.
Commonly, interviewers also keep an ear cocked for the employee who wants a positive, enthusiastic company atmosphere and the opportunity to advance. Such a candidate, they surmise, has both motivation and staying power.
Interview Questions Designed to Destroy #3
“WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR COMPANY? WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?”
Because you have done your homework on the company, you know exactly why you want to work there. All you must do is organize your reasons into several short, hard-hitting sentences. Using facts, not puffery, tell him why his company is your number one choice. For example, “You make the best product on the market today”. “Your management is farsighted enough to reinvest the company’s profits so that soon you will be the leader in the category.”
“HOW LONG WOULD YOU STAY WITH US?”
“As I mentioned to you, I am looking for a career opportunity. I am, however, a realist. Obviously, if I do not do the job, you will not want me around. If there is no opportunity for me, it will not be the type of environment I would enjoy.”
Another reasonable response might be, “as long as I continue to learn and grow in my field.”
“ARE YOU WILLING TO GO WHERE THE COMPANY SENDS YOU?”
Obviously, this is being asked because they have every intention of shipping you off. If you answer no, you will probably not be hired. If you answer yes, understand that once you are a trusted employee, you may be able to exert the necessary leverage to avoid the less desirable out-of-town assignments.
“HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE YOU TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO OUR FIRM?”
“Well, I hope to be able to make a contribution in a very short time. Obviously, it will take some time to get my feet wet and to get used to certain operating procedures. There are a number of things which I have accomplished before that I may be able to institute once I gain a better understanding of your organization.”
“ARE YOU APPLYING FOR ANY OTHER JOBS?”
This is not a tricky question. In today’s tight job market, no one expects you to apply to only one company. (In fact, if you do, the interviewer may figure you are either an innocent in the business world or not very serious about your job search.) In your answer, show that your talents are applicable to several types of jobs and that you have fully explored ways to maximize your potential.
“WHAT INTERESTS YOU MOST ABOUT THIS POSITION?”
Give the interviewer a truthful one or two word answer, such as “the future”. “The challenge.” “The competitiveness.” “The environment.”
This response will force the employer to ask you to explain, giving you yet another opportunity to demonstrate your profound knowledge of the company.
“WHAT TRAINING/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR A JOB LIKE THIS? WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS JOB?”
Summarize four or five key areas of experience which you can bring to your new job. Demonstrate to the interviewer specifically, how each one helps to solve problems. For example, “My experience in new product introductions will be very helpful to your entire marketing effort.” “My industrial design background will strengthen your sales force capability in dealing with large clients.”
Another approach would be to deliver a short, fact-filled summary of the two or three most important qualifications you have. “I have a background in accounting. I have demonstrated proven selling skills. I am capable of handling several projects simultaneously.”
“DOES YOUR PRESENT EMPLOYER KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOOKING?”
Tell the truth, but understand beforehand that your candidacy will receive more serious attention if your interviewer thinks he has to lure you away.
“WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?”
This one can really catch you off guard! Certainly you have no way of knowing if other candidates for this particular job are as qualified as you, but you must have the self confidence to believe that you have the attitude, ability, desire to learn and grow that it will take to be successful in this situation.
The interviewer asking this question does not want a lengthy regurgitation of your resume. The interviewer is not asking for a barrage of facts and figures. The only interest is in testing your poise and confidence. Give a short, generalized summary. “I have the qualifications to do the job that has to be done and my track record proves it”, or, “I know that this is the job for me and I will be successful.”
DOES YOUR SUPERIOR DISCUSS YOUR JOB PERFORMANCE WITH YOU? WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL RATING? WHAT WAS HE PARTICULARLY PLEASED WITH, AND WHAT DID HE FEEL YOU COULD IMPROVE UPON?”
“My boss was pleased with my overall performance, particularly with the way I tackled every objective with all my talents.” Any weaknesses should be presented as a professional strength. For example, “The only thing cited for improvement involves my tendency to be impatient and occasionally push too hard for information to get the job done”.
“WHAT IF YOUR COMPANY GIVES YOU A COUNTER OFFER?”
This question must not come as a surprise. You must have an answer. If a prospective new employer senses that you are playing the leverage game for a higher salary with your present employer, they will resent the fact. It is generally best that you reassure the interviewer. Put him at rest with something like, “I have thought about that, but I do not believe in leverage interviews. The reasons I have decided to leave XYZ Company go beyond what the company can give me at this time.”
“WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE IN FIVE YEARS?”
This is a common question that is difficult to answer. Make sure you know exactly what can and cannot be achieved by the ideal candidate in your shoes. Too many job hunters butcher this question because they have not done their homework and have no idea where their career will lead them.
Be careful not to be too ambitious or too inflexible in your career interests. You may want to suggest that this first question be considered after you have had the opportunity of a year’s experience with that particular company.
Do not say you want to be president of the company. This tells the interviewer that you are unrealistic and have not really studied the firm. Instead, take the time to learn about the company structure, and then select several company positions you might plausibly achieve in five years.
Because employers like goal-oriented workers, saying you have no idea what you will want in five years may score negative points.
“WHY ARE YOU NOT EARNING MORE AT YOUR AGE?”
This question, a current favorite, can frighten the wits out of an unsuspecting applicant. One of the following suggested responses should cover your situation.
“I have been willing to sacrifice short term earnings because I felt that I was gaining valuable experience.”
“I have received (been promised) company stock (or other benefits) in lieu of an increase in salary.”
“I have been reluctant to gain a reputation as a job-hopper, preferring instead to build my career on a solid, long-term achievement.”
“HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR PROGRESS TO DATE?”
Never apologize for yourself. “I think I have done well, but I need new challenges and opportunities.” This is a good time to convey your stories. “No one in my company had advanced as fast as I have.” “I think you will agree, I have accomplished quite a bit in the last five years.”
Interview Questions Designed to Destroy #4
“WHAT ARE YOUR LONG RANGE CAREER GOALS? YOUR SHORT RANGE CAREER GOALS? WHEN AND WHY DID YOU ESTABLISH THESE GOALS? HOW ARE YOU PREPARING TO ACHIEVE THEM?
This refers to career planning. What are your long range career goals, when and why did you make this choice, what are you doing for yourself to help prepare for this career, and how does the job for which you are interviewing (short range career goal) fit into your broader career plans?
“WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO IN YOUR LIFETIME?”
This is another career goal question that may be difficult to answer in terms of a specific job or career position. If you do not yet know the answer as it relates to a career, indicate that you are flexible and adaptable with an open attitude for your future; that you want the security of knowing that you are doing a productive job, happy in your environment, and properly challenged.
“WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU, MONEY OR THE JOB? WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT REWARDS YOU EXPECT TO RECEIVE FROM YOUR CAREER?”
Both money and the job should be important to you, but one should not expect payment of money if the job is not done well. The feeling of accomplishment for doing a job well, helping a company achieve planned goals, and attaining desires career status are important rewards to consider.
“WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR YOUR SUCCESS? WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?”
It is best to keep this answer very general, permitting your interviewer to probe more deeply if it becomes necessary. Offer a short list of positive character traits that describe you. “I like to work hard”, or “I get along with all kinds of people and I know how to listen.” Or, “I pay close attention to details; I know how to watch costs and I can keep difficult customers smiling”.
Look up the definition of “success” in the dictionary. Think about it in your terms. Decide what you feel your definition of “success” and “successful” should be, based upon what you want out of your career.
“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE IN THE PAST THAT SHOWS INITIATIVE AND A WILLINGNESS TO WORK?”
This question is looking for attitude, accomplishments, the initiative to perform above and beyond the basic description of your job, for the sake of meeting a challenge or achieving a goal.
“HAVE YOU DONE THE BEST WORK OF WHICH YOU ARE CAPABLE?”
This is the best answered with some degree of self-effacement. “I would be lying to you if I told you I was perfect, but I have tackled every assignment with all my talents.” Or, “I am sure there were times when I could have worked harder or longer, but over the years, I have tried to do my best and I believe I have succeeded.”
“WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? (NOBODY EVER SAYS “MONEY”)
Everyone has a difficult time discussing money issues. One works for money to begin with, but not for long. After that, you work for pride. One corporate chairperson was one of the very few to ever publicly admit that “the best man is the bought man”.
Most job seekers in most businesses should approach the salary issue with extreme caution. On one hand, they must not appear over-motivated by the almighty greenback. This is considered bad business etiquette. On the other hand, they must move carefully less they sell themselves too cheaply or overprice their skills for a position they want.
“WHY WERE YOU FIRED?”
If you want to be successful, you must also be able to profit from failure. If you have never had a temporary failure, then you have not set your goal high enough.
Being fired is not a sin, a crime, nor an embarrassment. It is an opportunity. The person who is concerned about a dismissal on his record had one important job to do for himself and his employer. He must turn this experience into an attribute, not a liability.
Admit that you were fired if asked by the interviewer. Applicants who hide the fact always get caught and compound any possible damage that might have resulted. Virtually all interviewers agree that complete candor on this subject not only helps exonerate you, it often makes you a more interesting candidate.
The moment the subject of your dismissal comes up, you should be prepared to offer your interviewer a well-organized and candid description of the events which led up to the action. Urge the interviewer to call a good reference from your previous employer. This quick demonstration of confidence will effectively terminate a negative discussion and move the interview onto more positive points.
While a previous dismissal is not a disaster, it is also not something to brag about. Do not introduce your dismissal until asked.
“WHY DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE JOBS? WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR PRESENT POSITION?”
This is one of the first questions interviewers ask. Be sure you are ready to answer it satisfactorily. If you are currently in a dead end position, locked out of advancement opportunities, explain this. The interviewer will understand your job has become routine, void of learning experiences. It will be accepted if you feel your present employer is losing ground to competitors through no fault of your own. If you say, however, that your salary is too low, then suspicion will arise. If you say that you hate your boss, the question then arises as to whether you will hate your new employer, too. If you say that you are bored, suspicion will arise as to your being a job-hopper.
Another answer, if appropriate, may include the following example.
“I am anxious to earn more money and take an added responsibility. In addition to enjoying my work, I would like to expand my knowledge. Quite frankly, there is not much opportunity in my present position.”
“WHY HAVE YOU CHANGED JOBS SO FREQUENTLY?"
This question if crucial. In fact, an unsatisfactory answer to this one is among the top reasons why applicants fail to get the jobs they want. You must convince your interviewer that your job-hopping days are over. If you feel you made a mistake leaving previous jobs, tell the interviewer while at the same time reminding the interviewer that your job performance was never in question. Your candor will be appreciated. If something in your personal or business life has recently changed and would affect your stability in the future, come right out with the facts. The interviewer will be anxious to hear.
“WHY WERE YOU OUT OF WORK SO LONG?”
If there is a gap in your resume, you must be prepared to explain what you were doing in that period. Until you have satisfied your interviewer’s curiosity, you will not get hired. If you were fired and have spent the last year looking for a job without success, you will understand an employer’s reluctance to hire you. If, on the other hand, you explain what you have learned or accomplished during this hiatus, your candidacy will be warmly received. For example, “I have taken several courses to strengthen my skills in…”. Or, “I used this period to re-examine my goals and have reached this conclusion:…”. The interviewer must have a positive explanation.
Interview Questions Designed to Destroy #5
“WHY DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR FIELD OF WORK?”
Before your interview, spend one hour and organize these reasons into written statement. Memorize this explanation and be prepared to deliver it because you will certainly be asked. Your explanation should include:
a) How your previous work experience will contribute to your new career.
b) What excites you most about this new field.
c) How you came to make this career change decision.
“HOW HAVE YOU HELPED SALES/PROFITS/COST REDUCTIONS?”
Have your hero stories ready and be willing to prove that you have made significant contributions in one or more of these basic areas. Again, keep your explanations short and try to include specific dollar amounts.
“WHAT CAUSES YOU TO LOSE YOUR TEMPER?”
Everyone has a low boiling point on some particular issue. Pick one of yours, something relatively safe, reasonable, and unconsequential. “People who are late to meetings.” “Obvious lying.” “Lazy colleagues.” Do not try out for sainthood by saying you never fly off the handle. You will lose.
“WHAT KIND OF DECISIONS ARE MOST DIFFICULT FOR YOU?”
Be human and admit that not everything comes easily. But be careful what you do admit. “I find it difficult to decide whom of two good people must be let go.” “It is difficult for me to tell a client that the business is being run badly.”
If you share decisions with a spouse or parents, you are concerned about others in your life and respectful of the experiences and knowledge of those you know and trust. That is not a sign of weakness. If someone else makes your decisions for you, it can be considered a sign of weakness. Be honest with your answer, being careful to communicate clearly.
“TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF”
This request is innocuous but daunting – you do not know what or how much to say. Realize that interviewers use this question not only for the actual information you will supply, but as a means of assessing your style and poise.
What would they like to hear?
Applicants should use this opportunity to tell about their skills. The interviewer is not interested in hearing a lot of details about one’s childhood days.
“WHAT ELSE CAN YOU OFFER ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WOULD HELP ME MAKE A FAVORABLE DECISION?”
This is another question that can catch you off guard. You must concentrate and listen during every interview. Be aware of what has been covered during the interview and what has not. When this question is asked, it is your cue to sell yourself, offering anything positive about yourself that has not yet been covered in the interview.
“DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION?”
Even if you do not have specific plans to continue your education in the near future, you should not rule out the possibility. One can rarely get too much education, but you should be honest if your plans are on hold right now.
“IN COLLEGE, DO YOU THINK YOUR GRADES WERE A GOOD INDICATION OF YOUR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND ABILITIES?"
Most people quickly answer “no”, and they may be completely correct. Achieving good grades is a very important aspect of education, but there is often more to workplace success than jus good grades. Give serious thought to the benefits you derived from your education, in and out of the classroom, and be prepared to discuss your thoughts in a mature fashion.
“WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?”
Workaholics are not always the best employees, so this question is asked in the hope of hiring “well-rounded” individuals.
Highlight pastimes that would be an asset to the job you seek. For example, if you like to play bridge, the interviewer might surmise that you enjoy other analytical activities. One applicant for an advertising-art position mentioned that she was taking creative writing classes in her spare time. A would-be reporter told a city editor he was a crossword puzzle fanatic. He enjoyed works, and liked using clues to solve problems.
“WHAT TYPE OF SALARY DID YOU HAVE IN MIND?”
When an interviewer asks this question, they are wondering if they can afford you, not aiming to put you on the spot.
Try to deal with this question at the end of the interview instead of the beginning. Let the employer decide that he wants you first. If this is one of his first questions, try to stall by suggesting you would like to discuss the job itself first.
Remember to suggest a salary range rather than a specific figure.