| A fairly common job interview question is, "Who is | | | | because of his total commitment to success and |
| your hero, and why?" | | | | amazing ability to overcome challenges and obstacles. |
| The intent of this question is to find out more about | | | | Most people would have no problem with that. But |
| you -- your character, personality, and values. If you | | | | what if the person interviewing you is a woman who |
| anticipate this question and prepare your answer in a | | | | thinks Lance is a total jerk for putting his career ahead |
| way that shows the traits you most admire in others -- | | | | of his family and leaving his wife for a rock star? It |
| and more importantly, that you have in common with | | | | might not be fair, but this interviewer may think you are |
| them -- you'll turn this question into another great | | | | a jerk for admiring Lance! Do you think she's going to |
| opportunity to blast your competition out of the water! | | | | hire a jerk? |
| But there's a right way, AND a wrong way to answer | | | | People have opinions about people they think they |
| this question. | | | | know. You won't know what those opinions are. So |
| Here's the best way to develop your answer. | | | | the safest bet is to name a hero they can't possibly |
| First, decide which personal traits would be best to | | | | know or object to. |
| highlight for the position. For example, if you're applying | | | | Sample Answer: |
| for a job as a firefighter or police officer, you'd want to | | | | "My hero is my father. He taught me to always do the |
| highlight traits such as courage and integrity. | | | | right thing; to value others and help them whenever I |
| Here are some other traits that employers are looking | | | | can; to plan ahead, work hard and do my best in any |
| for: leadership, honesty, creativity, dedication, generosity. | | | | situation; to be a lifelong learner; to smile and keep a |
| Next, craft your answer to include the traits you want | | | | sense of humor even when things get tough; and to |
| to highlight. | | | | love, support and protect my family." |
| Be careful about naming a celebrity, sports star or | | | | Remember, all interview questions can provide an |
| politician! Why? Because interviewers are people, and | | | | opportunity to highlight not only your qualifications, but |
| people have attitudes and biases that you'll be | | | | also your character and values. Plan ahead, give great |
| unaware of. | | | | answers, and win your dream job! |
| Suppose you named Lance Armstrong as your hero | | | | |