Interview Questions and Answers for Job Seekers
Dear Deb,
Q. I am preparing for a meeting next week and was wondering if you could help me with some information about interview questions and answers. I submitted the résumé you wrote for me to the CEO of a company and he called yesterday to arrange an interview. Any career advice you can provide is appreciated.
M.J., Staten Island, NY
A. I am so happy to hear that you have an interview next week. That is great news! Thank you for your question. Here are a few suggestions that will help you prepare for interview questions and answers.
- Address general questions with finesse. “Tell me about yourself” should not lead into a long monologue that includes details about your pet dog Lucky.
- Instead, provide a brief synopsis of the value you bring to the table and your general career goals. Brief is the operative word here.
- Expect questions about your strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to prepare specific examples that are well rehearsed and to the point.
- Regarding your weaknesses, don’t give contrived answers that are disingenuous. People can spot the “I am a perfectionist” a mile away. We all have weaknesses. I say man up!
- The key here is to provide something where you have a weakness, but quickly offer information about how you have addressed it through training or other means. You will establish credibility and believability.
- Rehearse answers to questions about where you see yourself in both the short- and long-term. Be honest; if your goals aren’t aligned with the company, it is likely that it would not be a good fit for you anyhow.
- Know every detail on your résumé intimately. Plan to articulate your past accomplishments with specifics that highlight not only what you did, but how those achievements added value to your former employers.
- Why did you leave your last job? Never, ever speak poorly about your former employer NO MATTER WHAT. Your positive and proactive approach will demonstrate commitment and your ability to work well with others. Nobody likes a Negative Nellie.
- Even if the CFO of your former company is in prison for embezzling money (it happens!) you are not there to discuss that.
- You might say something about seeking a more financially stable organization with sound management practices. Mentioning your former CFO was a crook who robbed the company blind will not reflect well on you, even if you had nothing to do with it.
- The point is that the interview is an opportunity for you to share what you offer the company – not speak about what happened to your former employer.
Interview preparation and mock interview sessions are a great way to really get your messaging across in a clear and consistent manner. Delivering the information in a relaxed way will facilitate a comfort level between you and the interviewer. People like to hire people they like!
First impressions are lasting ones. Make sure your first impression leads to the next interview and ultimately the offer.
If you would like more information about mock interviews or any of our other career services, please contact debra@careersdonewrite.com