| Behind every interview question there is a concern or | | | | Q#6 - What kinds of people do you have difficulties |
| another question. Your job is to process the question | | | | working with? (Concern - ability to be flexible and work |
| thinking about what the interviewer's concern might be. | | | | in a diverse environment?) |
| In other words, why is the interviewer asking you this | | | | A#6 - "In my last three jobs I have worked with men |
| question? | | | | and women from very diverse backgrounds and |
| Q#1 - How long have you been looking for a job? | | | | cultures. The only time I had difficulty was with people |
| (Concern - is there something wrong with you that | | | | who were dishonest about work issues. I worked with |
| other employers have picked up?) | | | | one woman who was taking credit for work that her |
| A#1 - "After I was laid off from my last job, I took the | | | | team accomplished. I had an opportunity to talk with |
| opportunity to take some time out to examine my | | | | her one day and explained how she was affecting the |
| career goals and where I was going with my life. I | | | | morale. She became very upset that others saw her |
| have just begun my search in the last few weeks. I | | | | that way, and said she was unaware of her behavior |
| have a definite goal in mind and have been selective | | | | or the reactions of others. Her behavior changed after |
| about the positions I consider. Your company and this | | | | our talk. What I learned from that experience is that |
| position are of great interest to me." | | | | sometimes what we perceive about others is not |
| Q#2 - How did you prepare for this interview? | | | | always the case if we check it out." |
| (Concern - are you interested enough to do some | | | | Q#7 - We expect managers to work more than 8 |
| research, or are you going to "wing it"?) | | | | hours a day. Do you have a problem with that? |
| A#2 - "When I found this position posted on the | | | | (Concern - are you a work-aholic or a person who |
| internet (monster.com) I was immediately interested. I | | | | requires balance?) |
| checked out the company website and mission | | | | A#7 - "I have no problem working long hours. I have |
| statement, looked at the bios of company founders | | | | worked 12 or 14 hour days. What I have found works |
| and executives, and was impressed. Once I had the | | | | for me is to work smarter, not necessarily longer. My |
| interview appointment, I talked with friends and | | | | goal is to get the job done, whatever that takes, in the |
| acquaintances in the industry. And, I'm sure I'll find out a | | | | most efficient manner." |
| lot more in today's meetings." | | | | Q#8 - When have you been most satisfied in your |
| Q#3 - What is your salary expectation for this job? | | | | career? (Concern - what motivates you? Or |
| (Concern - Can we afford you? Can we get you for | | | | demotivates you?) |
| less than budgeted?) | | | | A#8 - "The job before the one I am currently at, was |
| A#3 - "I'll need more information about the job and the | | | | my most rewarding experience for me. I worked in a |
| responsibilities involved before we can begin to discuss | | | | wonderful team environment. There was a lot of |
| salary. Can you give me an idea of the range | | | | camaraderie. I worked with a team of four people and |
| budgeted for this position?" | | | | we did some really original thinking. It is that kind of |
| Q#4 - How do you keep current and informed about | | | | environment I want to be involved in again." |
| your job and the industries that you have worked in? | | | | Q#9 - Why do you want this job? (Concern - are you |
| (Concern - Once you get the job do you continue to | | | | using the shot-gun approach to job search or do you |
| learn and grow - stay challenged and motivated?) | | | | really know what you want?) |
| A#4 - "I pride myself on my ability to stay on top of | | | | A#9 - "I've been very careful about the companies |
| what is happening in my industry. I do a lot of reading - | | | | where I have applied. When I saw the ad for this |
| the business section of the newspapers and | | | | position, I knew I found what I was looking for. What I |
| magazines. I belong to a couple of professional | | | | can bring to this job is my seven years of experience, |
| organizations and network with colleagues at the | | | | and knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to |
| meetings. I take classes and seminars whenever they | | | | communicate and build customer relationships. That, |
| are of interest, or offer new information or technology." | | | | along with my flexibility and organizational skills, makes |
| Q#5 - Tell me about a time when you had to plan and | | | | me a perfect match for this position. I see some |
| coordinate a project from start to finish. (Concern - | | | | challenges ahead of me here, and that's what I thrive |
| behavioral questions - seeking an example of specific | | | | on. I have what you need, and you have what I want." |
| past behavior) | | | | Q#10 - We are ready to make an offer. Are you |
| A#5 - " I headed up a project which involved customer | | | | ready to accept today? (Concern - we don't want you |
| service personnel and technicians. I organized a | | | | to go away and think about it and change your mind - |
| meeting to get everyone together to brainstorm and | | | | we want you.) |
| get his or her input. From this meeting I drew up a plan, | | | | A#10 - "Based on my research and the information I |
| taking the best of the ideas. I organized teams, | | | | have gathered during the interview process, I feel I am |
| balancing the mixture of technical and non-technical | | | | in a position to consider an offer. I do, however, have a |
| people. We had a deadline to meet, so I did periodic | | | | personal policy that I give myself at least 24 hours to |
| checks with the teams. After three weeks, we were | | | | make major life decisions. I could let you know by |
| exceeding expectations, and were able to begin | | | | tomorrow." |
| implementation of the plan. It was a great team effort, | | | | There is no way you can accurately predict the |
| and a big success. I was commended by | | | | questions that will be asked in an interview, but you |
| management for my leadership, but I was most proud | | | | can be ready and prepared by thinking about the |
| of the team spirit and cooperation which it took to pull | | | | factors that might concern an interviewer or employer |
| it off." | | | | before the interview. |