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Article #109: Job Interview Basics: Personal Questions

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Of all the questions you'll be asked, bills every month?
personal and family ones appear to be the 20.) Have you ever been refused a bond?
most "statistical." For this reason, most 21.) Do you have a valid driver's license
jobseekers answer them in a "static" way, 22.) Have you ever had a driver's license
with "name, rank, and serial number." revoked? Why?
They're also often emotionally charged, 23.) Are you a Team Player?
since interviewers ask about personal 24.) You look like a person on the ball"
perils, family feuds, and status symbols. Where do you see yourself in time period
Therefore, rehearsing your lines is - 1 year, 2 years etc?
particularly important, since what you 25) How do you see yourself fitting in
say is as important as what you convey. our organization?
While most of the questions in this area As previously mentioned most interviewers
have only marginal value in determining have little or no originality in their
your qualifications to perform a specific Interview skills and procedures.
job, you must get past them so you can All they generally do is copy the
get down to business with the standard questions that have been
interviewer. That's why they're called KO commonly asked.
factors. Wrong answers will knock you out Little originality if at all.
in Round 1; right ones will keep you in The trick is to plan and anticipate your
the ring for a while. Personal and family answers to the se "vital" questions in
items are invariably at the top of order that you past muster in order to
resumes, on the front of application get the job and income involved.
forms, and at the beginning of interview Standard practice is to have 3 interviews
checklists. Since these are the "cue 1) Interview one is the first step -
cards" used in the actual interview, basic screening
expect the questions in Act 1, Round 1. 2) Interview 2 is a bit more serious
"First impressions really count" (and - You have passed step one
they really do to overworked people who - If they are thorough they may have
are interviewing), this is your chance to called your references
shine. Most film critics will tell you 3) Interview 3 is usually by a team or
they lock into a review within five another member of the team"
minutes. If they watch longer, it's A more senior person or even just another
either to enjoy the show or to justify person in the organization will interview
their negative rating. That's why lawyers you.
often see judges writing their decisions Although the reason for this will be
from the bench soon after the opening claimed to be to add in additional
statements. Yours will, too. Your judge expertise and experience into this vital
is overworked. Then greet the interviewer hiring procedure the real reason is to
with the Magic Four Hellos: spread the responsibility so that no one
1.) Smile. If you can't fake it, just person can be blamed if you don't work
think about how lucky the interviewer is out ".
to be meeting you. Remember none of these questions need be
2.) Direct eye contact. If it's too much answered by you. However you take the
for you, look at the bridge of the risk of offending the interviewer (and
interviewer's nose. their interview skills and thus ending
3.) Introduce yourself. Say, "Hi, I'm your chances for employment and income
(first name) (last name). It's a pleasure from that firm). Note that a number of
meeting you." the questions may be totally incongruous
4)A firm but gentle handshake. Rehearse. , that is inconsistent and incompatible.
No live shark; no dead flounder. Then, Best not to laugh.
once you're on the road". For example the interviewer may ask if
Head for the chair on your favored side you are a self starter, take
(right if you are right-handed, etc.) If responsibility and make your own
you're ambidextrous, you can take center decisions and then ask leading questions
stage. Just be sure there's a chair To ask if find out if you are the type
behind you. that always follows company procedure
Stand there until you're asked to be without question.
seated. Basically most managers copy Or they may ask questions to verify that
their bosses training, style and you always consider the company's needs
procedures (or lack thereof). There is and wants as most important and then ask
little originality in interview questions to verify that That a customer
questions. The same questions are should never question the company's
repeated in interviews ad infinitum. The policy on returns or extended
problem is that once you are hired all warranties".
your wonderful traits are forgotten. It When the interviewer goes to great length
simply becomes You had better work your to explain that the company has a great
ass off or you will lose your job." focus for team players it is not a good
Standard Interview Questions on Personal idea to point out that being a team
and Family: player is not always a good thing. That
1.) What are your parents' occupations? the interview questions have focused on
2.) Do you live with your parents? identifying you as a self starter who
3.) Do you own or rent your home? takes charge. And besides that it is true
4.) How far do you live from this that the Sept 11 hijackers were good
company? Team Players.
5.) Do you speak a foreign language Lastly two points
especially French or Spanish? - One very intelligent manager's hiring
6.) How much time do you spend with your guideline was that when he took out a
family ? serious candidate to lunch he watched if
7.) In your opinion, what makes a happy? the candidate salted his soup before
marriage tasting it.
8.) Who is the boss in your family? The manager wanted people in his
9.) Is your spouse employed? Will there organization who checked things out
be aconflict? before jumping to act.
10.) What contributed to your divorce? If you get an interviewer who asks
What have you learned from this original thought provoking questions in
experience? your interview take quick note.
11.) Describe your relationship with your For example if the manager asks a
children. question such as It is 4:55 pm. A
12.) What child care arrangements have customer is considering buying an
been made for your children? expensive item which the store has had on
13.) Do you keep and follow a personal hand for some time and has not sold. The
budget? customer is very interested in this item.
14.) Do you balance your chequebook on a Has phoned their spouse for their ok. The
regular basis? phone call is going to be returned for
15.) Do you own a life insurance policy? approval at 5:15. What do you do?
16.) Do you have a savings plan? Take note - this is a very smart person
17.) Are you in debt? in an organization which may well be very
18.) How large is your visa bill? good to work for.
19.) Do you pay off your charge card






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