| Like the fine art of conversation, interviewing is a | | | | There are several reasons a recruiter might ask this |
| two-way street. An interview isn't intended solely to | | | | question. He might want to gauge how serious you are |
| help the employer to find the right person for the job; | | | | about the position, or he may just to want to see how |
| it's also an opportunity for the job seeker to see if the | | | | fast the company needs to move if it decides to hire |
| company and position are a place where she feels | | | | you. The best response is a short response such as, "I |
| she can succeed and grow. These interview tips | | | | am looking for a company with a reputation such as |
| include advice on how to answer questions asked by | | | | yours where I will be a good fit." An answer like this |
| the interviewer and what questions to ask prospective | | | | shows you are in search of the right job, not just any |
| employers during the interview. | | | | position. |
| Interview Tips For Open-ended Questions | | | | "Why did you leave your last job?" |
| "Tell me about yourself." | | | | Don't get tripped up on this question by criticizing your |
| It's an open-ended question that can catch a lot of | | | | former employer or co-workers. Remain positive and |
| executive job seekers off guard. It's also a staple of | | | | provide answers that emphasize the future, such as |
| many human-resources representatives and corporate | | | | "I'm seeking new opportunities or a special line of |
| recruiters conducting job interviews. | | | | work." If you were laid off or fired, be as honest as |
| Open-ended question like "Tell me about yourself" | | | | you can be without presenting yourself in a negative |
| allow an interviewer to learn something about the | | | | light. |
| candidate. The best approach is to be brief but | | | | "What is your philosophy towards work?" |
| specific; don't forget the job at hand when focusing | | | | Just like "Tell me about yourself," be brief but specific, |
| your response. | | | | and only offer information pertinent to the job at hand. |
| Make-or-Break Questions When Interviewing | | | | Provide answers that show a benefit to the |
| "Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a | | | | organization, such as, "I focus on getting the job done |
| dispute between others" Is just another way of asking | | | | right the first time." |
| the same question, but in a way that directs you to | | | | Questions to Ask the Interviewer |
| shed some light on your management style and | | | | A job seeker should always be prepared with |
| interpersonal skills. When you answer a question like | | | | questions to ask the interviewer. It demonstrates an |
| this, it's a good idea to provide specific examples of | | | | interest in the position and allows the job seeker to |
| your problem-solving approaches and people skills. | | | | represent himself as a subject-matter expert. Ask |
| "What have you learned from mistakes on the job? | | | | questions about procedure and processes that highlight |
| What are your weaknesses?" | | | | your mastery of the tasks involved. By contrast, never |
| Always be able to provide a concrete example that is | | | | ask questions that are easily answered with simple |
| neither trivial nor a disaster. The best way to answer | | | | research. It will make you appear unprepared. |
| this question is to discuss positive lessons you learned | | | | Tough interview questions needn't be an obstacle for |
| from a mistake or weakness that demonstrate your | | | | job seekers. With the right preparation, they can offer |
| ability to learn and grow in a position. By identifying the | | | | a chance to shine and demonstrate your |
| solution that helped you overcome a mistake or | | | | professionalism and command of the subject matter. It |
| weakness, you show that you can manage others | | | | could be the challenge that separates you from the |
| and are willing to look for ways to improve yourself. | | | | rest of the pack. |
| "Are you applying for any other jobs?" | | | | |