| Finding a job can be intensely stressful. As Harry | | | | Be careful not to give a distracting answer here by |
| Truman once said, "It's a recession when your neighbor | | | | talking about returning to school or starting a family |
| loses his job; it's a depression when you lose yours." | | | | because such goals are not relevant to your future |
| Well, as with most things in life, good preparation can | | | | job. Your answer should be related to the specific |
| remove much of the stress. | | | | position and company that you are interviewing with. |
| Facing the job interview is no different. One of the | | | | Think about this question carefully before going to the |
| good things about a job interview is that many of the | | | | interview. You can talk about the specific level in the |
| questions that will be asked can be anticipated ahead | | | | company that you want to achieve. You might mention |
| of time. That means that you have the opportunity to | | | | specific departments that you want to work in. You'll |
| be well prepared, and being well prepared will not only | | | | want to use phrases like "career path" and "additional |
| make you feel more secure but will likely impress your | | | | responsibilities." |
| employer. Here are some interview questions that you | | | | "So why did you leave your last job?" Or, "Why were |
| are wise to carefully consider. | | | | you fired?" Yikes! You may have been hoping the |
| "What is your greatest strength?" You should hope | | | | interviewer wouldn't ask that question, but he probably |
| that the interviewer asks you this question because it | | | | will. Caution: don't speak badly of your last employer |
| is one of the easier questions and one which you can | | | | because the implication is that someday you may |
| answer with pride and confidence. You'll want to pick | | | | speak badly of this one. You've got to sound positive |
| out one or more strengths that match the job for | | | | and clear when you make your response. For |
| which you are being interviewed. Describe the skills | | | | example, "I was becoming bored with the work and |
| and experience that directly relate. For example, "I | | | | am looking for more challenges. There wasn't room for |
| have constantly exceeded my sales goals and I've | | | | growth there, and I'm ready to move on to bigger |
| earned a bonus every year." Also, "I have great pride | | | | challenges." Or also, "I am interested in a job with more |
| in my customer service abilities, and I'm able to resolve | | | | responsibility, and I'm ready for a new challenge." Also, |
| situations that could be difficult." Or, "I'm great with | | | | "I was laid off when my department was eliminated |
| deadlines. I don't just meet deadlines; I prefer to | | | | and I'm looking for a growing, stable company." Or, "I |
| complete the project ahead of the deadline." | | | | wasn't considering a change but I saw this job posting |
| Here's a more difficult question, "What do people most | | | | and loved the exciting opportunity. It's a perfect match |
| often criticize about you?" Hopefully you've thought | | | | with my experience and qualifications." Or, "I was |
| about this in the past and have addressed those | | | | released because I should have done some things |
| concerns so that you can answer, "There are no | | | | differently. I learned a lot from that and now I'm a |
| ongoing criticisms. I'm always open and always | | | | better employee than I've ever been. I'm ready to |
| growing personally and professionally." If you choose | | | | prove myself." |
| to address a particular criticism be sure you stress that | | | | You know that your employer is going to expect you |
| you have overcome the issue and that you are a | | | | to be as well prepared for your interview as you are |
| better employee now than you have ever been in | | | | for the job, so get seriously prepared. After all, good |
| your life. Practice these responses so that you don't | | | | luck is little more than good preparation. |
| stumble over the question when it is asked. | | | | For more good information about the interview |
| The interviewer may want to see how you will fit in | | | | process please read and listen to "Twenty Something |
| with the company's long range future goals and may | | | | Style" about this related subject. It's a lively interview |
| ask, "What are your goals for the next 5 to 10 years?" | | | | and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. |