One Snarky Chica with Issues

I have been going on a lot of job interviews lately. I really hate job interviews because you never know what to expect.

Sometimes you do not even know how many people will be interviewing you or how long the interview will take. You might not know what they are really looking for or what kinds of questions they are going to ask you. You might not even be sure that you want a job with them.

Regardless, going to job interviews can be pretty stressful. Having to think up a brilliant answer on the spot can be more than nerve wracking. Sure, you can probably spout off a few typical job interview questions and know how you will answer them. Some common questions might be

• Can you tell me your weaknesses
• Can you tell me your strengths
• Can you tell me about a time when…
• Why do you want to work here
• What did you love/hate about your most recent job

And so on.

Before I go to a job interview I like to rehearse what I will be saying in response to these types of questions. Of course, sometimes they throw something new at you that you are not prepared for. So, you still have to be ready to think on your feet. I have a list below of some of the more common questions you might hear in a job interview that can give you some stress. Before going to an interview you should rehearse answers to the questions below that way you will look super confident in your interview, even if you are a nervous wreck!

Some common questions you might hear in an interview are:

1. What are your short-range objectives? Long-range objectives?
2. What do you look for in a job?
3. What is the difference between a good position and an excellent one?
4. Why are you leaving? Why did your business fail?
5. Why did you select my organization to interview with?
6. What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?
7. Why should we hire you?
8. Do you work well under pressure, deadlines, etc.?
9. What is your philosophy of management?
10. How are you best managed?
11. How has your early career or background influenced your progression and current management style?
12. How has your management style changed over the years?
13. What kind of salary are you seeking and why?
14. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
15. What are your five biggest accomplishments in your present or last job? Your career?
16. What is your biggest strength? Weakness?
17. What business, credit or character references can you give us?
18. What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful in this business?
19. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our firm?
20. How long would it take you to make a contribution to our firm?
21. How long would you stay with us?
22. If you could start again, what would you do differently?
23. How do you rate yourself as a professional? As an executive?
24. What new goals or objectives have you established recently? Why?
25. How have you changed the nature of your job?
26. What qualities have you liked or disliked in your boss?
27. What was the most difficult ethical decision you have had to make? What was the result?
28. Why have you not obtained a job so far?
29. What features of your previous jobs have you disliked?
30. Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized?
31. How would you evaluate your present firm?
32. Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you?
33. How would you describe the essence of success?
34. How successful have you been?
35. What is the worst situation you have faced in your professional life? How did you deal with it? What happened?
36. What interests you most about the position we have? The least?
37. Do you feel that you might be better off with a different size firm than ours?
38. Are you a leader? A good manager? Analytical? Give an example.
39. How do you build a team under you?
40. How would you describe your own personality?
41. Have you helped increase sales? Profits? Reduced costs?
42. Where do you relate best - up one level, down one level, or with your peers?
43. What do your subordinates think of you?
44. How do you evaluate your subordinates?
45. Have you had to let people go? Lay off? Terminate? When and why?

If you are not sure how to answer these questions here are a few examples for you to get you started. But feel free to say whatever is comfortable for you to say. Remember - you are selling yourself here!

Some examples:

What is wrong with your present firm?

I really do not feel there is anything wrong with the firm. I have enjoyed working there and think they have some good people in management. It is a good company, but I am ready to handle additional responsibilities now, and the opportunities do not exist in my present position.

How long would it take you to make a contribution to our firm?

I would want to be sure that I understood the operating environment and the personnel, but I feel that I have the skills and experience to make a contribution in a very short time. What do you feel will be the main focus of the position for the first six months?

Why are you leaving your present position?

I enjoy my work, but I am anxious to expand my knowledge and take on more responsibility. Frankly, these opportunities do not exist in my present position.

*** If you are interested in the position, ask for it, or ask for the next interview. If you want this job, say this: “I am very interested in your company. I am confident I can do an excellent job for you. What is the next step in your hiring process?” ***