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.

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

Why should we hire you? 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 do you want to work here? 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.

What are your greatest weaknesses? 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.

Character Questions 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. EXAMPLES How would you describe yourself? What rewards do you look for in your career? Of what accomplishment are you most proud, particularly as it relates to your field? Do you work well under pressure?

Behavioral Interview Questions based on the belief that past performance is the best way to predict future behavior AND probes specific past performance and behaviors.

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. A Model for Your Answers Describe the situation. Explain actions you took (performance). Describe the outcomes. Summarize what you learned.

Stress Questions Are Used To… Determine how you perform under pressure. 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.

Remaining Cool under Stress Prepare/practice answers. Always keep your cool, breathe deeply, use positive self-talk. Think before answering! Demonstrate stress skills--thinking and maintaining composure.

Stress Questions 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?

Asking questions shows interest & preparation--ask about the job: Your Questions Count! Asking questions shows interest & preparation--ask about the job: Questions should focus on… Job duties/scope, training, career path Work team, supervisor NOTE: Don’t ask about salary until job offer is made.

Good Questions to Ask 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?

Don’t 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?

Best Bets for Q & A Success 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.

Checklist for Question & Answer 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.