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INTERVIEW PRACTICE

SIX Important Facts to Remember in an Interview:

  1. You got the interview based upon your resume. Now back up what you stated in your resume with examples from your experience.

  2. Present how you can sole the company's problems or meet their needs.  Not what they can do for you.

  3. Be confident but not aggressive.

  4. Display energy. People hire people they like.

  5. Sell yourself.  This is the main objective of the interview.  Everything you say and do must focus on how you are the best candidate for the job.

  6. During the interview is not the time to decide if you want the job.  The goal of the interview is to receive an offer so you can make a decision.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. "Tell us a little about yourself."

   This is almost always the first question you will get over the phone.  Your answer should be entirely about your professional career and just shy of two minutes long.

2. "What's making you look for a change of employment at this time?"

   It's okay to say that you are looking for someplace closer to home, a chance to grow professionally or your company is closing down.  It is NEVER okay to say you don't like anything           about your current job.

     

3. "Can you tell us a little about your current position and responsibilities?"  

    Having researched the position you're interviewing for, try to include as many overlaping responsibilities as possible.

4. "What are you looking for in a new position?"

   Companies want someone who is interested in growing their skill-set and career with them.  Your answer should not sound as though you can't wait for your new (potential) boss to         retire, but rather you are looking forward to working with high caliber professionals at their organization where you expect you will continue to polish your professional expertise while     challenging yourself to help the company in any way possible.         

5. "Tell me about your experience doing X, Y & Z." 

   Remember, they have asked this question to other candidates and everyone's generic answers begin to sound the same. Give specific, short stories to humanize your reply and make it     memorable.

6. "Tell us about a time that ______ did not go the way you wanted."

   This question is basically asking you to talk about a mistake you have made.  It's okay to have made mistakes.  No one will believe you if you say you have never made mistakes.  The         important point of this answer is that you do NOT blame other people for the problem (even if it was their fault) and that you turn the answer to a positive. 

7. "Tell us about a challenge you had with a co-worker, boss, client, etc."

   These are trap questions.  Right along with the questions like "Tell us what you look like on your bad days."  It's a trap.  Don't fall for it.  I assumes that you have problems with other       people or that you are a grump at work on your bad days.  Instead, pause thoughtfully for about three seconds (even if you have the answer immediately), and struggle to think of a         time you didn't get along with everyone.  Then, explain how you really enjoy the people you've worked with and while you may have had differences of opinion on various projects in       the past - you have made a personal point of never letting business get personal.  Instead, you like to chat face to face (instead of emailing), any time your thought process seems             different from another person's.  By doing so, you build comradery with your teammates and a better product for the company - by using ideas from everyone.  Oh, and having a bad       day at work?  that really doesn't happen very often, but if it ever did, you would probably just be a little extra quiet and focused on your work until you solved whatever puzzle was on       your plate.  (Do NOT suggest that you be grumpy or even entertain the idea that you would let your personal life carry over into the work environment.)

8. "Where do you see yourself in X years?"

   With this company of course.  You would love to find a place just like this that offers long term growth opportunities. Oh, and you would love to continue your professional growth in         this area that just so happens to benefit the company while you're at it.  That reminds you of course, could they please discuss their mentorship or professional development                   programs?  Are there any areas they would really like to see their employees trained in to meet current future goals?  

     

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