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Job Interviews. Sticky Situations!. Being Prepared for unexpected questions!. Taken from: Advance for Respiratory Care and Sleep Medicine By Katharine Hansen, PhD & Randall S. Hansen Ph D. “10 Sticky Job Interview Situations”. The Bad Interviewer.
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Job Interviews Sticky Situations!
Being Prepared for unexpected questions! Taken from: Advance for Respiratory Care and Sleep MedicineBy Katharine Hansen, PhD & Randall S. Hansen Ph D
The Bad Interviewer • Might be unfocused, disinterested, or unprepared • May not have read your resume’ – may not be able to find it! • Might dominate the interview by talking • Might ask inappropriate or illegal questions
Your Responses • Be sure to offer a copy of your resume’ while asking: “May I take you through some highlights of my career?” • Don’t show exasperation • Be an attentive listener • Take mental notes (or jot them down) while the interviewer is talking.
Your Responses(The Bad Interviewer cont.) • Try to get a word in – maybe lean slightly forward on your chair • Eventually the interviewer will ask if you have any questions – at this point, you can ask questions or describe your fit with the company and the position (based on the mental notes you’ve been taking).
The “Tell Me About Yourself” Question • Really, a request for a “command performance”! • The most commonly asked interview question
Your Responses • Make your response a succinct summary of information • Specifically targeted to the job you’re interviewing for • Use words like: “My background to date…” “I’ve been preparing myself …” “Let me tell you specifically how I’ve prepared myself …”
The “Weakness” Question • “What are your weaknesses?” • Focus of answer has varied over the years as to what is acceptable. • Current thought: • Talk about an area that was once a weakness but that you have worked to improve • Focus on professional growth
Response: Example • “I tend to be a perfectionist who has had trouble delegating tasks to others, but I’ve come to see that teamwork and capitalizing on everyone’s strengths is a much more effective way to get the job done than trying to do it all myself.”
Try this now! • If you were asked this question, what would be your response? • Identify a weakness • Respond in terms of professional growth
“Why should I hire you?” • The unspoken part of this question is : “above all the other candidates?” • Your chance to shine! • Describe what sets you apart from the other candidates? What will justify this employer’s investment in you? • Your drive for excellence • Your long-term focus • Your human relations skills
Your Response • Example: • “Like the other candidates I have ability. But beyond that ability, I offer additional quality that makes me your best candidate – my __________.” • Then give a little description of how this quality has been to the advantage of other companies you have worked for.
Off the wall. Wild Card. No-Right Answer Questions • “If you were an ice cream cone, what flavor would you be? • “Who is your favorite Beattle?” • Interviewers often ask these oddball questions to see how quickly you can think on your feet and whether you can avoid becoming flustered • Some –amused by the range of answers
Your Response • Don’t let these kind of questions rattle you. • Take a moment to gather your thoughts and respond the best way you can. • Turn the response into an opportunity to impress the employer • Example: “If you were a superhero, what would be your super powers and why?” • Answer: “I think I would prefer to be a superhero like Batman who doesn’t have superpowers, per se, but who relies on his intelligence and use of the right tools to get the job done.”
Illegal Questions • Marriage status, age, children, childcare arrangements, etc. • It’s best to address the concern behind the question rather than the question itself. • Example: “There is nothing about my personal status that would get in the way of my doing a great job for your company.” • Don’t point out the illegality of the questions
Salary Questions • Delay responding to them as long as possible – ideally until after the employer makes an offer • “I applied for this position because I am very interested in the job and your company. I know I can make an immediate impact once on the job, but I’d like to table salary discussions until we are both sure I’m right for the job.”
Questions about Termination • Many times it’s uncomfortable to be asked your reasons for leaving a job from which you were terminated. • Don’t lie • Don’t dwell on it either
Your Responses • “not a good fit, hence, your performance suffered” • You and your supervisor had differing points of view • Emphasize what you learned from the experience that will prevent you from repeating it and will ensure good performance in the future
Questions about Leaving a Current Job • Responses about your fit with the company and differing viewpoints are appropriate • NEVER TRASH A CURRENT EMPLOYER • Always speak positive about past and present employers even if your experience wasn’t positive • You have determined that you had grown as much as you could in that job and are ready for new challenges.
Questions about the Future • “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” • Strike a balance: right mix of honesty, ambition, and your desire to be working at this company long-term. • Focus mainly on professional goals • “I hope to stay at the company and expect that in 5 years, I’ll make a significant advance in the organization.”
Job seekers need to think of each interview question as an opportunity to showcase an accomplishment or strength.
