The Interviewing Process

The interview process can be a stressful situation. It can also be an informative and rewarding experience. The purpose of the following material is to acquaint (or re-acquaint) you with some successful ingredients which will assist you in being a 'cut above' your competition.

What can you offer us?
Be sure you know about the position they have in mind before you try to answer. Then you can relate some of your past experiences where you have succeeded in solving problems that appear similar to those of your prospective employer.

What are your strengths?
By now you should be able to tick off 3 or 4 key strengths that are relevant to their needs. Have them written out on a cheat sheet.

What have you accomplished in your career?
Try to pick out accomplishments that bear on the challenges you have been discussing. Stay away from ancient times.

In your recent position, what were some of your most significant accomplishments (or what have you done that you're most proud of)?
Be ready to describe three or four of them in detail. Where possible, try to relate to the nature of the new challenges you might be facing.

What have you done that helped increase sales or profit? How did you go about it?
This is your chance to describe in some detail a business accomplishment that is relevant to the proposed new job. Feel free to dwell on this.

What has been your supervisory experience?
Be specific -- and feel free to refer to those over which you had influence, such as a task force or a matrix organization.

Which do you like better -- working with figures or words?
Answer honestly.

How do you hold up under pressure or deadlines?
I can handle it. Is it a way of life in the business world.

In your most recent position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?
Keep your answer brief and don't brag unduly.

THE TOUGH QUESTIONS AND POSSIBLE RESPONSES
(Not in order of importance / priority)

Tell me about yourself?
To get off on the right foot, don't get caught in the "tell me something about yourself question." If you're asked that question, set yourself up so you can answer with your qualifications for the position by asking..."I understand you're wanting a _____________. but in order to make sure we are both on the same wavelength what are the primary duties and responsibilities of this position?" The key here is to get the hiring authority to describe the job in detail, then you'll know how to answer questions about the position with your qualification that will fit his need.

What are your limitations and weaknesses?
Respond with a strength which, if over-done, can get in your way and become a weakness. For example, you might say, "My ambitions to get the job done sometimes causes me to press a little too hard on my organization. But I am aware of this problem and believe that I have it under control". Or deal with your need for further training in some aspect of your profession. Do not claim to be faultless.

What are your ambitions for the future?
Indicate your desire to concentrate on doing the immediate job well -- and your confidence that the future will then take care of itself. You do not want to convey the idea that you have no desire to progress, but you need to avoid statements that are unrealistic -- or that might threaten some of the-present incumbents.

What do you know about our company? (VERY IMPORTANT)
If you have done your homework, you can honestly state that you have studied the information that is publicly available about the company and are thus aware of the published facts. However, you might also state that you would like to know more. Be prepared to ask some intelligent questions. Don't try to be a show-off and recite all the things you have learned, but merely let your knowledge show gracefully through the informed way in which you handle the interview.

Why do you want to work for us?
Indicate that, from your study of the company, many of the activities and problems are the sort that would give you a clear chance to contribute to the company -- through your past experience and skills. If you can honestly say so, explain your admiration for the company and what it is that appeals to you.

What do you find most attractive about the position we are discussing? What is least attractive?
Mention three or more attractive factors, but hold the unattractive factors down to one or two minor ones.

What do you look for in this job?
Keep your answer opportunity-oriented. Talk about the chance to make a contribution.

Why are you leaving your present job?
This is one of those sensitive questions that must be handled crisply and briefly. If it was a forced reduction due to economic circumstances, make that clear. If possible, explain how your termination was part of a larger movement. When you have finished answering, let it go. Do not criticize your former employer. (Don't burn bridges).

Describe what you feel would be an ideal working environment.
This is a place where you can bring in some of the "satisfiers" and "ideal job preferences" -- but don't make it sound too sublime or impractical.

Looking back, how do you perceive your past employer?
It is an excellent company which has given me a lot of good experience and opportunities to perform.

In your last position, what were the things that you liked most; and liked least?
Be careful on this one. Emphasize the positive and don't carry on at length about the negatives.

CLOSE

All things being equal, people hire people who want to work for them. You should close (at the end of the interview) with:

"Mr./Mrs. ______________, I want to thank you for the time you have spent with me. I know I can handle the job and make a contribution to your company. I'm very excited about this opportunity. Do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to do this job?" At this point if they do have doubts, this will allow you the opportunity to alleviate any concerns, just or unjust, that they may have. Then, "What is the next step?" Show enthusiasm and genuine interest.

Management Recruiters of Anderson
P.O. Box 2874 Anderson, S.C. 29622

Email: mrand@career-hunter.com
Fax: 864.225.2332

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