c
 


  
 

Find Jobs
Keywords: eg: Registered Nurse or Sales
Location: Los Angeles, CA or 90001
Job Category:
Advanced Search >>
There's no worse feeling than when you're in an interview and
the interviewer asks you a question to which you don't know the
answer. The best way to handle this dreaded debacle is to go
into the interview prepared. Familiarize yourself with a few
common difficult questions and arm yourself with answers
prepared ahead of time.
Check out these tough interview questions and some suggested
responses in order to avoid an interview disaster:
       
This is usually the opening question in an interview and it's the
perfect moment for you to toot your own horn -- not to tell your
life history. Your answers should be a quick rundown of your
qualifications and experience. Talk about your education, work
history, recent career experience and future goals.
 
 "I graduated from University X and since
then, I have been working in public relations with an agency
where I have generated millions of PR hits for my clients. While
 I've enjoyed working on the agency side, I'm looking to expand
my horizons and start doing PR for corporate companies such as
this one."
     !  " #
This is your chance to talk about your experience and your
career goals, not to badmouth a former boss or give a laundry
list of reasons for your exit. Instead, focus on what you learned
in your previous position and how you are ready to use those
skills in a new position.
 
 "The company just wasn't a good fit for my
creativity, but I learned that organizations have distinct
personalities just like people do. Now I know where I'll be a
better fit."
    $!   
#
Let the employer know that you're stable and you want to be
with this company for the long haul. Keep your aspirations to
take over the firm with which you are interviewing, own your
own company, retire at 40 or be married with five children to
yourself.
 
 "I want to secure a civil engineering
position with a national firm that concentrates on retail
development. Ideally, I would like to work for a young
company, such as this one, so I can get in on the ground floor
and take advantage of all the opportunities a growing firm has to
offer."
    %! 
&#
The key to answering this age-old question is not to respond
literally. Your future employer most likely won't care if your
weak spot is that you can't cook, nor do they want to hear the
generic responses, like you're "too detail oriented" or "work too
 hard." Respond to this query by identifying areas in your work
where you can improve and figure out how they can be assets to
a future employer. If you didn't have the opportunity to develop
certain skills at your previous job, explain how eager you are to
gain that skill in a new position.
 
 "In my last position, I wasn't able to
develop my public-speaking skills. I'd really like to be able to
work in a place that will help me get better at giving
presentations and talking in front of others."
    '!
  #
This question will become more common as the economy
continues to slow down. It's a tough question, however,
especially because many workers aren't told exactly why they
were laid off. The best way to tackle this question is to answer
as honestly as possible.
 
"As I'm sure you're aware, the economy is
tough right now and my company felt the effects of it. I was part
of a large staff reduction and that's really all I know. I am
confident, however, that it had nothing to do with my job
performance, as exemplified by my accomplishments. For
example..."
    ( 
  

Never, ever talk badly about your past bosses. A potential boss
will anticipate that you'll talk about him or her in the same
manner somewhere down the line.
 
 "While none of my past bosses were awful,
there are some who taught me more than others did. I've
definitely learned what types of management styles I work with
the best."

     )c

 * #
You should always be asking for feedback from your colleagues
and supervisors in order to gauge your performance; this way,
you can honestly answer the question based on their comments.
Keep track of the feedback to be able to give to an employer, if
asked. Doing so will also help you identify strengths and
weaknesses.
 
 "My former colleagues have said that I'm
easy to do business with and that I always hit the ground
running with new projects. I have more specific feedback with
me, if you'd like to take a look at it."
    +!*   
, *-#
This is when you talk about your record of getting things done.
Go into specifics from your résumé and portfolio; show an
employer your value and how you'd be an asset.
 
"I'm the best person for the job. I know
there are other candidates who could fill this position, but my
passion for excellence sets me apart from the pack. I am
committed to always producing the best results. For example..."
    . * * * , 

& /

  #
Never say that you would choose any company other than the
one where you are interviewing. Talk about the job and the
company for which you are being interviewed.
 
"I wouldn't have applied for this position if
I didn't sincerely want to work with your organization."
Continue with specific examples of why you respect the
company with which you are interviewing and why you'll be a
good fit.
Ê
     
!  
  &
*#
Salary is a delicate topic. In today's tough economy though, how
much a company can afford to pay you might be the deal
breaker in whether or not you are offered a position.
 
"I'm making $X now. I understand that the
salary range for this position is $XX - $XX. Like most people, I
would like to improve on my salary, but I'm more interested in
the job itself than the money. I would be open to negotiating a
lower starting salary but would hope that we can revisit the
subject in a few months after I've proved myself to you."
@
ÊÊ
Ê Ê Ê ÊÊÊ  
Ê
Ê
 

Ê Ê 
Ê  ÊÊ
 
Ê
 Ê
Ê
   Ê  Ê 
Ê Ê
Ê


Ê

Pasted from <http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1778-