Part 1

Tips for Interviewees:
*Ask HARD questions!*
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TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.
Purpose of Question: Will show whether applicant has self-awareness and confidence, and if they are properly PREPARED, as this is a basic question. Most people only talk about their SOFT skills.

Ideal Answer: You must rehearse this one, and have ready a description of yourself. Don’t just spout a lot of standard adjectives. Don’t ramble on. Make a few clear statements and then STOP. Try to spend about 2 minutes on this answer. It will set the tone for the entire interview.
Touch on Education: make 2 Points
Experience: make 2 Points
Enthusiasm: make 2 Points

WHAT DID YOU ACHIEVE IN YOUR LAST JOB?

Purpose of Question: Looking for Record of Success: what you achieved in your LAST job is carried forward to your NEW job. This will expose a lack of preparation or relevant experience. The question and answer show whether any achievements have been made, and what values are placed on work. Shows understanding of cause and effect, pro-active vs passive.

Ideal Answer: Prepare a number of relevant examples and explain one (two or three if they’re punchy and going down well). Make sure you feature as the instigator, or the factor that made the difference. Examples must lead to significant organizational benefits; making money, saving money/time, improving quality, anticipating or creatively solving problems, winning/keeping customers, improving efficiency.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FIRED / DOWN-SIZED / LAID OFF? WHY?
Purpose of Question: Exposes past history, which is the best indicator of future events.

Ideal Answer: You can NOT lie! If you were “fired”, use a softer word, like down-sized, and figure out a positive spin. They may call your past employer, so be honest. Find a way to make the truth sound GREAT! TIP: Any time you need to say something NEGATIVE, always quickly get off it and on to something positive.

HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK DO YOU WANT TO WORK?
Purpose of Question: Exposes the clock-watchers and those who attach some misplaced pride in burning the candle at both ends. Look for a sense of balance, with flexibility to go beyond the call of duty on occasions when really required. Answer should focus on the work achieved / completed, and not the time you are being paid. Remember to focus on what you are GIVING during those hours of work. It’s not about the number of hours – it’s the quality of the work, and how productive you are.

Ideal Answer: Touch on these topics:
Time-Management: You will find that I am a hard worker, and I will get the job done in the time allotted, if not earlier!
Prioritizing: I plan and organize well, striving to get the job accomplished ahead of schedule. If it is due on Friday, I try to be ready on Wednesday.
Flexibility: My top priority is my job, so I am flexible to work evenings and weekends. (you can’t say this if it isn’t true) When the pressure is on, I’m happy to work as long as it takes to get the job done.
Balance: When I am at work, I work! I don’t take personal phone calls, or play on the internet. Then when I’m at home, I enjoy time with family and friends. So I have a good balance in my life.
Health: It’s important to maintain a good lifestyle. I get the sleep I need, I eat properly, and I exercise regularly (employers want to know you won’t overuse a benefits package)
Attitude: I am a positive person, who knows that complaining about a task doesn’t get it started or done.

WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR LAST EMPLOYER?
Purpose of Question: It’s a potential trap for interviewees who would be negative and critical and place blame. It invites comments from the interviewee about management style, and again is a trap for negative respondents who criticize their past boss rather than accentuate the positives in negative situations, which is a highly desirable trait.

Ideal Answer: If you had a GOOD past experience: explain how and why in terms that the interviewee is likely to identify with, for example: “The environment encouraged me to develop, grow, and take responsibility. People were coached and mentored towards quality and productive effort. All of this helped me a great deal because I identify with these values, and respond to these opportunities.” Show how what you LEARNED is now carried FORWARD to your next job.
If you had a BAD past experience: express whatever positive aspects you can – lots of freedom to take initiative, find new ways to contribute, friendly working relationships.

WHAT IS A BIG CHALLENGE YOU RECENTLY FACED IN YOUR LIFE, AND HOW DID YOU HANDLE IT?
Purpose of Question: This is an emotional stability question: It can expose emotional raw nerves or sensitivities. Opportunity to show proof of being able to achieve results in the face of difficulty. This question also tests your priorities: so be sure to answer about a WORK related challenge, not a HOME related situation (like family cancer or illness).Avoid anything deeply personal or seriously emotional unless you are in complete control of your feelings about it. Try to prepare an example that’s work-related and relevant to the role.

Ideal Answer: going back to school is the BEST answer for students just graduating and especially for adult students! It shows commitment and dedication to improving. Also, it is a financial challenge, emotional challenge, intellectual challenge, and social challenge. The BEST part of it is that you are answering the question in an INTERVIEW, which means that you succeeded in this challenge, and are ready to face the next one!