These days, it's getting more and more crowded on the interview path. How can you make sure you stand out and are the one the hiring managers remember at the end of the process? Easy, BE PREPARED. Anticipate the type of questions they may ask and work on your answers (both for clarity and content.)
To help you along, here are some of the most frequently asked interview questions (and why they are asked.)
Describe the toughest assignment/part of your current position so far.
This gives the prospective boss an immediate feel for what you perceive as a weakness. This one tells a lot about you and how you overcome professional challenges.
Share a conversation you have had with your supervisor where you were given feedback that was less than positive.
This little gem tells much about your character and how you handle criticism/feedback. This question gets sticky because it forces you to show yourself in an unflattering light. The best way to deflect it is to tell the story and emphasize what you did to improve/overcome.
What will you do if you don’t get this job?
Now is not the time to say something snarky. This question tells the hiring manager how serious you are. If you are prepared and have a solid answer, it shows you’re really thinking this through. If you don’t have a solid answer, you end up looking like this isn’t something you take seriously. Plus, if you mention that you’re interviewing at other places, it tends to light the proverbial fire under their rear ends. My favorite answer is, “I’ll work for your competitor.” If you can sound confident (but not cocky or arrogant), it just bolsters your value to the firm.
Why should I hire you?
This question shows how much you want this position. Your answer tells if this is something about which you are passionate.
Have you ever had to fire someone?
Your response tells how well you work with others, whether you are willing to help subordinates get up to par, and how well you handle tough career decisions.
What are your long-term goals?
This shows your initiative and vision. Best answer? Easy… tell them you want THEIR job. It lets the hiring managers know you’re prepared to work hard and that you value and appreciate what they’ve done to progress their own careers.
What book is currently on your night stand?
This tells a lot about you as a person. Most managers just want to hear that you are reading something, as many equate reading with a thirst for learning. Just be honest about what you’re actually reading. If you say that you’re reading the IRS tax code changes for the upcoming year. You’re more likely to have someone roll their eyes at you for this blatant suck-up than if you were to say that you’re pretty busy and only have time to read whatever magazine came in that day’s mail.
- Comments welcome.
Mary Stewart McGovern
President
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/
*****Check out Mary's new ebook, I've Graduated from College. Now What? Or, How to Go About Starting Your Career and Not Finding Just Another JOB. Now available for purchase on our website, http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/!
