Before you actually settle into the job interview, you'll probably be asked questions about the weather, the commute, and so on. This small talk may seem to you to be unimportant to the interview. These questions and comments are important, however, because they reveal a bit of your attitude and communication style to the interviewer.
Whatever the circumstances, always respond in a positive way. For example, if the interviewer asks if you had trouble finding the location or finding parking, simply say that you had no trouble. You might mention that you had asked the receptionist for directions, you had studied a map, or the cab-driver knew the route.
Once the small talk is over, you can expect to hear some of the following questions (in addition to questions about your strengths and weaknesses).
Tell me about yourself
To prepare for this question, jot down the highlights around these three points:
- Your background (where you grew up, interesting or unusual or relevant facts about your family)
- Your education and training (mention high school only if you are not a college graduate or if some experience there reveals a major strength or direction in your life)
- Your work experience (mention recent experience, titles, job responsibilities, significant accomplishments) Then come up with a transition statement - find a way to link your background and previous experience to your interest in the position you're being interviewed for. For example, "All of this brings me to my strong interest in the position you have available . . . ."
Practice your answer to this kind of interview question to limit your response to two or three minutes.
Why do you want to leave (or why did you leave) your present job?
Your response to this question is important, especially if you have been fired, downsized, or pressured to leave. No matter what your previous situation, never become defensive or speak negatively about your present/previous company or boss. If you're seeking another position as a path to career advancement, you also need to rehearse how you say so.
If you were fired from a previous job, you might say, "The truth is, I was fired. My boss and I had different management styles - she was more authoritarian and I am more collegial in working with colleagues." The interviewer may follow up by asking for an example. Be prepared to give a couple of examples. Practice describing your situation so that what another organization perceived as a weakness will seem like a strength in the company you are interviewing with.
If you were downsized, you might say, "The company was looking for ways to reduce expenses to enhance its bottom line. The entire technical department was let go. Unfortunately, I got caught in that."
If you were pressured to leave, you might say, "When I was transferred to customer service, I was not using my strengths and training in warehouse management, so I want to pursue a career more in line with my experience and training."
If you're interviewing for a position while you're currently employed, speak positively about your current situation and colleagues but emphasize your interest in career development and professional growth in a new situation.
What are your career goals?
The interviewer wants to assess your drive and aspirations and see how they fit with the company's goals. You want to prepare a response to this type of question so that you don't come across as arrogant or uncertain.
For example, you do not want to say that your goal is to become the Chief Technical Officer of the company within five years. But you could say something like, "Within the next two years, I hope I could advance to the level of Product Manager with the assistance of the present Director. Then I could be prepared to be promoted to Executive Director for the product line." Always indicate that your first goal is to learn to do your job well and make a significant contribution to the company's mission.
After you learn more about the industry and company you're Interviewing with, practice describing your hoped-for career growth and advancement within the structure of the specific company.
What contribution can you make to the company?
Employers are always interested in how an employee can contribute to improved customer service, profitability, scheduling, or quality assurance. After you research the company, you can target one of its major points of emphasis and indicate how your skills and experience can impact the company positively Have an example ready from your previous work experience that is comparable to what you've said you can do for the company you're interviewing with. (Chapter 7 addresses other questions you have to answer during the interview.)