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A: Start with the present and tell why you are well-qualified for the position. Use the key parts of your Elevator Speech to present your background, connect your qualifications to the specifications of the position.
Steps to take to prepare for this question include:
Asking questions may be a bit uncomfortable, but getting the wants and needs fully understood enables you to present your background most effectively. Once you know what the employer is looking for, connect your accomplishments to their goals. Provide specific examples of your responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are geared to present yourself as a perfect match for the needs he has just described.
A: Be ready to discuss your goals for each major area of your life: career, personal development and learning, family, physical (health), community service and maybe generally allude to your spiritual goals. Be prepared to describe each goal in terms of specific milestones you wish to accomplish along the way, time periods you’re allotting for accomplishment, why the goal is important to you, and the specific steps you’re taking to bring it about.
A: This is an easy question if you’re prepared. Have a recent example ready that demonstrates either:
A: Review the qualifications that only you offer.
"In general, I think it’s a good policy to promote from within when possible. But the very fact that you decided to look outside probably means you’re not completely comfortable choosing someone from inside.
"Naturally, you want this department to be as strong as it possibly can be, so you want the strongest candidate. I feel that I can fill that bill because… (then recap your strongest qualifications that match up with his greatest needs)."
A: Since you know the needs of the employer, this question enables you to contrast yourself with other candidates by providing more reasons for hiring you… reasons tied directly to the needs of the employer. Recap three or four "matches" (need matched by your qualifications).
A: If you have done your research, this should be easy.
"On the basis of your company success in… And… And… I really welcome the opportunity to join the company as…"
A: Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was difficult… the process you followed in reaching it… the effective way you carried it out… and the beneficial results.
A: If you are fully prepared for the interview, then you probably already identified this as an issue.
To address the question most effectively, uncover the wants and needs for the position and then match them with your strengths. More specifically when the interviewer poses an objection like this, you should:
Review the areas of your greatest strengths that match up most favorably with the company’s most urgently felt wants and needs.
Handling the question this way gets two things done:
A: Deal with your extensive experience as an asset for the long-term, and convince the person you would make the personal commitment to getting the job done and make a positive contribution.
"The job market is very tight right now and I understand and accept that. You are correct that I am looking at opportunities like yours because the market has changed so much and positions like my former job seem to be dropping in number. So I am adapting my thinking about myself, what I can do for my next employer and next steps.
"But I also believe that there could be very positive benefits for both of us in this match.
"I have had extensive training and years of experience that will allow me to be an immediate contributor in…
"I could also help you in a few other areas of concern to you. For example…
"Right now, I’m unemployed. I want to work, very much, and the position you have here is exactly what I love to do and am best at. I’ll be happy doing this work and that’s what matters most to me, a lot more than money or title.
"Most important, I’m looking to make a long-term commitment in my career now. I’ve had enough of job hunting and want a permanent spot at this point in my career. I also know that if I perform this job with excellence, other opportunities are bound to open up for me right here. In time, I’ll find many other ways to help this company and in so doing, help myself."
A: When it comes to faults and weaknesses, never confess a regret. But respond to the question asked.
"You know, I really can’t thing of anything." (Pause again, then add): "But I have also found that the best way to avoid regrets is to avoid causing them in the first place. One habit I try to practice is to review the day’s events and conversations and think about the people and the work we are getting done together. How are they likely to be feeling? Sometimes I’ll see things that do need more follow-up, whether a pat on the back, or maybe a five-minute chat in someone’s office to make sure we’re clear on things… whatever. I’ve found that if you let each team member know you expect excellence in their performance… if you work hard to set an example yourself… and if you let people know you appreciate and respect their feelings, you wind up with a highly motivated group, a team that’s actually having fun at work because they’re striving for excellence rather than brooding over slights or regrets."
A: If you have done your research and asked good questions, you should have some insights into the requirements for the position. Shape your responses in terms of the requirements. For each strength, have one or two specific examples.
Generally, the 10 most desirable traits that all employers look for are:
A: An interviewer really doesn’t expect much good information from this question and rightly so. The canned answer won’t work. Try changing the subject to what you like most and least.
Examples:
A: Emphasize an area where you want to grow.
"Over the next few years, I would like to… (select an area that is new and innovative, not related to the job) and maybe get into a position where I could use the new skill as well."
A: Don’t explain or apologize for your career.
"I’m OK with my overall career progress. Maybe, if I had known something earlier in the industry such as (positive, negative) I would have done…
"But all things considered, I am responsible for where I am now, how I got here, and where I’m going… and I have no regrets."
A: Select a "challenge" that everyone faces in your field in which you excel. Describe the process you follow that enables you to get great results.
"I think every … manager finds it challenging to lead and motivate the team when business slows down. But that’s probably the strongest test of a good… manager. That’s the time to take care of the customers so I work hard at keeping the team focused on sales and service by…" (describe the steps you take to meet the challenge, results).
A: Focus on what you have accomplished.
"Over the past few years I have had assignments that really allowed me to do good work. I was able to apply my skills and expand on what I was able to do by learning more about…"
A: Keep your response focused on what you can do.
"I can’t think of anything that was really difficult for me to do in my most recent job." If there’s a follow up question, switch to talking about what you found most challenging, and the satisfaction of getting something done.
A: If you prepared for the interview, then you have a list of your greatest and most recent achievements. Use the list to present any of your achievements in terms that connect with the questions of the interviewer. Use the specifics of the question to develop your answer.
A: Emphasize the positive feedback you’ve gotten throughout your career and (if it’s true) that your performance reviews have been uniformly excellent. Then select some feedback on your work early in your career that is not essential to job performance.
"My focus has always been on improving my performance, so I have always been open to suggestions on how to improve. Early in my career, I…" (share an example of a not-too-damaging learning experience from early in your career and relate the ways this lesson has since helped you).
Demonstrate that you learned from the experience and the lesson is now part of your performance.
A: Since you "don’t know what you don’t know," the best option is to talk about what you will do the first few months on the job.
"If you hire me, as I hope you will, I’d want to take a good hard look at everything you’re doing and understand why it ’s being done that way. I’d like to regular meetings with you and the other key people to get a deeper grasp of what you feel you’re doing right and what could be improved.
"From what you’ve told me so far, the areas of greatest concern to you are…"
Then do two things.
A: Give an answer that’s suited to both your personality and the management style of the firm. Here, the research you’ve done about the company and its style can help in your choice of words.
A: A job requires commitment and gets boring if a person stops putting himself/herself into it.
"I’ve never found myself bored with any job I’ve ever held. I’ve always enjoyed hard work and believe that in every company or department there are exciting challenges and problems crying out for energetic and enthusiastic solutions."
A: Sales is a needs driven process. The steps are:
Ask questions and explain how you would "sell" the product at each step of the process above. If the "sales prospect" cooperates and goes along with the role-play, then complete the process. If he/she resists, back off and try another product or conclude the process by stating that a good Sales Rep. focuses on customers who are "ready to buy."
A: Integrity is the primary issue.
"I would gather all the facts and information about the issue and bring out the problems as well as the positives. If I have reservations, I certainly want to point them out, as specifically, objectively and factually as I can. In the final analysis, I owe my boss honesty. In this case I would work to make his idea stronger, perhaps addressing some of the concerns so that it effectively overcomes any initial reservations that I or others may have about it. If he says, ‘no, let’s do it my way,’ then I owe him my full and enthusiastic support to make it work as best it can."
A: Share you own ideas, but include the three most important criteria for any position:
A: Focus on problem-solving and accountability.
"My first step would be to gather information and examples of the performance issues affecting me and my department. I would ask for a meeting, explain the situation, to try to enlist his/her help in developing a solution. I would go over the benefits we can gain from working together, and the problems we (company, team, customers) will experience if we don’t. I would try hard to solve the issues between us and only involve other areas as needed, maybe above and below the person and my own boss if necessary. Solving the performance problem must be the final result."
A: Summarize how you address and solve a problem.
"I would… (describe steps to lay out your process in analyzing this problem, whom you would consult with, generating possible solutions, choosing the best course of action, and monitoring the results)." Don’t try to solve the problem since the process is the issue.
A: If you have read a good book lately, then recap the basics. If you have not had time, recap one of the articles or other materials you have read about career management, job search, etc.
"I recently read (title) and really enjoyed it. The author did a good job of…"
OR:
"I haven’t had as much time as I would like to enjoy a good book. But I have done a lot of readings of articles and on-line information about careers as well as a few on my profession and management." (comment on one or two articles, or profession related information).
A: Life is filled with regrets, disappointments or problems, but the job interview is not the place to talk about them. Don’t give the interviewer any information that would reduce your chances for an offer.
"I’ve had a good life, I’ve learned a lot and the best is yet to come. Every experience in life is a lesson in its own way. I wouldn’t change a thing."
A: A valued, productive employee always has options.
A: If you have done your research, then you have some insights about the corporate culture and whether it is hierarchical and structured or entrepreneurial and supportive of new ventures.
In both cases, no matter what the corporate culture, be sure to indicate that any desires about your own business are part of your past, not your present or future.
The last thing you want to project is an image of either the dreamer who failed and is now settling for the corporate cocoon… or the restless maverick who will fly out the door with key accounts, contacts and trade secrets under his arm just as soon as his bankroll has gotten rebuilt.
Always remember: Match what you want with what the position offers. The more information you’ve uncovered about the position, the more believable you can make your case.
A: Give a well-accepted definition of success that leads right into your own list of achievements.
"The best definition I’ve come across is that success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal. As to how I would measure up to that definition, I would consider myself both successful and fortunate…" (Then summarize your career goals and how your achievements have indeed represented a progressive path toward realization of your goals.)
A: Respond with statements that reflect what this company is offering, using specific reasons to show why this opportunity is attractive to you.
"I have been looking for a company that (insert specifics like employer) in (location) where I could make a real contribution as (describe duties that match up well with position)." Be positive and enthusiastic.
A: Show your stuff.
If you’re over 50, describe activities that demonstrate physical stamina (home repair, workout at club). If you’re young, mention an activity that shows responsibility or trust, such as serving on the board of a popular local charity. Keep in mind that your next employer is hiring you for what you can do for the company, not your family, yourself or outside organizations.
A: First, present your background correctly on the resume. Short-term positions may be explainable for reasons such as reductions, change in company plans, etc., that have little to do with you and your performance.
"My choices and decisions about jobs has been good, but my choices of companies has not always worked out." (Describe each position as part of an overall pattern of growth in skills and career plan, taking responsibility for changes in career or companies and comment on any situations (RIFs) that were beyond your control.)
"At this point, I bring (x, y z) to you in skills and experience and I am very interested in a long-term opportunity."
A: Point to the many ways you have grown and adapted to changing conditions at your present company. Highlight the different responsibilities you’ve held, the wide array of new situations you’ve faced and conquered.
"If you look at how much my company has changed over the years, we were often in the lead in our industry. I had to learn and adapt quickly to whatever was required and, most of the time, I enjoyed the stimulation of new challenges." (Discuss one or two similarities between the new position and your prior one, make it clear you are comfortable with the position since their needs and your skills make are a good match.)
A: If you are a workaholic and you know enough about the role that long hours will be essential, then talk about working nights and weekends and doing whatever it takes to meet goals.
If you are much more interested in a balance between working hard and having a life outside work, then talk about your successes in getting things done while also meeting responsibilities outside work.
A: If you have had no problem, emphasize your excellent and consistent attendance record throughout your career.
A: Focus on getting both the job and the schedule you want. Options:
"What’s the norm for your best people here?"
If the hours still sound unrealistic for you, ask, "Do you have any top people who perform exceptionally for you, but who also have families and like to get home in time to see them at night?" Chances are the company does, and this associates you with this other, "top-performers-who-leave-no-later-than-six" group.
If a lot of extra hours make you uncomfortable, say so, but phrase your response positively.
"I really enjoy my work and I am very good at what I do. My results that we discussed, especially in… (comment on two or three qualifications of greatest interest to the employer to reinforce your credentials.) I have built my whole career on working not just hard, but smart. I think you’ll find me one of the most productive people here.
"I do have a family who like to see me after work and on weekends. They add balance and richness to my life, which in turn helps me be happy and productive at work. If I could handle some of that extra work at home in the evenings or on weekends, that would be ideal. You’d be getting a person of exceptional productivity who meets your needs with very strong credentials. And I’d be able to handle some of the heavy workload at home where I can be under the same roof as my family. Everybody would win."
A: Emphasize factors that have prolonged your search by your own choice.
"After my job was terminated, I made a conscious decision not to jump on the first opportunities to come along. In my life, I’ve found that you can always turn a negative into a positive IF you try hard enough. This is what I determined to do. I decided to take whatever time I needed to think through what I do best, what I most want to do, where I’d like to do it… and then identify those companies that could offer such an opportunity.
"Also, in all honesty, you have to factor in the recession (consolidation, stabilization, etc.) in the (banking, financial services, manufacturing, advertising, etc.) industry.
"So between my being selective and the companies in our industry downsizing, the process has taken time. But in the end, I’m convinced that when I do find the right match, all that careful evaluation from both sides of the desk will have been well worthwhile for both the company that hires me and myself."
A: If you are employed and not fully committed to a change, say so. Since you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. Be honest about what you are looking for in your next assignment. Hopefully you have already uncovered the key elements of the position and have matched your background to the specifications…
Here’s an option to deal with your firing:
Describe it honestly without anger or bitterness. As difficult as it may be, take the company’s point-of-view, indicating that you could understand why it happened and you might have made the same decision. The message is that you have dealt with this issue and are healed from the pain inflicted by the firing. This will enhance your image compared to other people who have been fired and may be defensive or display their anger/bitterness about the unfairness of it all.
For all prior positions:
Make sure you’ve prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: more money, opportunity, responsibility or growth.
A: Reassure your interviewer that you’re looking to make a long-term commitment… that this position entails exactly what you want to do and what you do extremely well. As for the future, your record of doing a good job will create future opportunities.
"I am definitely interested in making a long-term commitment to my next position. Based on what you’ve told me about this position, it’s exactly what I’m looking for and what I am very well qualified to do. In terms of my future, I’m confident that if I do my best work, opportunities will open up for me. It’s always been that way in my career, and I’m confident I’ll have similar opportunities here."
A: Express your concern that you’d like to keep your job search private, but that in time, it will be perfectly okay.
"I hope you can understand my position. My employer is not aware of my job search and I’d prefer to keep it that way. I’d like to keep our discussions confidential right now. Of course, when we both agree the time is right, then I will give you contacts for references."
A: Ask questions to determine what is required for relocation or travel before attempting to answer. If you will not travel or relocate, it’s best to end the conversation. If you will (relocate, travel), say so enthusiastically. Or, if you have reservations, there are two options:
A. If this question is asked, be sincere and believable in your answer.
A: For maximum salary negotiating power, remember these five guidelines:
A: Money matters, but other factors are even more important.
"Making money is very important to me, and one reason I’m here is because I’m looking to make more. Throughout my career, what’s been even more important to me is doing work I really like to do at the kind of company I like and respect." (Then be prepared to be specific about what your ideal position and company would be like, matching them as closely as possible to the opportunity at hand.)
A: Nothing. If there have been any negative news published, then asking a question about the issues is appropriate.
A: A very small percentage of interviewers use a technique of silence after a candidate finishes a statement, usually to see how a job seeker responds under stress. For example:
You answer an interviewer’s question and then, instead of asking another, he just stares at you in a deafening silence.
As you wait, growing a bit uneasy, the silence continues. Instead of allowing it to intimidate you, ask:
"Is there anything I can add or expand on regarding your question?" Don’t let the silent treatment intimidate you into talking a blue streak, because you could easily talk yourself out of the position.
A: Avoid choosing between two values of telling the truth versus deception. Example: "I would never do anything to hurt the company."
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.
A: Never reveal any information that is proprietary and confidential. "I hope you can understand my position. I certainly want to be as open as I can about.. But I also wish to respect the rights of those who have trusted me with their most sensitive information, just as you would hope to be able to trust any of your key people when talking with a competitor…"
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