Learning Objective: This is a reinforcing class. At the end of the session, the students are expected to be more familiar with the questions and the answers given and said during job interviews. At the same time they are expected to practice it more confidently.



Although many candidates dread them, job interview questions are wonderful things! They are your greatest opportunity to prove to the interviewer that you are the best person for the job!

The key is to give better answers than anyone else. To do this, you must:

(1) Anticipate likely questions;
(2) Develop excellent answers;
(3) Practice!


A good technique is to write out your answers to the questions you anticipate, then edit them to make them more concise. Then practice your polished answers out loud, over and over. If you can have someone help you do a "mock interview," that would be the best way to do this.



Most questions will relate either to your ability to do the job or to the type of employee you will be. Here's one that is very commonly used to help the interviewer learn about both:

"Tell me a little about yourself."

"What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"

"What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"

"What is your greatest strength?"

"What is your greatest weakness?"

IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element of the position!

"How do you handle stressful situations?"

"What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?"

"Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle it?"

"Why do you want this position?"

"Why are you the best person for this job?"



QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD AND SHOULDN'T ASK


Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Candidates who do not have questions show a lack of initiative and give the impression that they have minimal interest in the position. Stand out from those lazy job seekers by asking questions!

1. Don't ask any question that shows that you have not done your research about the company.

2. Do not ask questions related to you, such as "When will I be eligible for my first raise?" or "How often will I be subjected to a performance review?" Don't bring up money. (You can do that after you are offered the job.)



In addition to specific questions you develop based on what the company does, here are some sample generic questions:

1. What do you enjoy most about working here?

2. Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job?

3. When do you expect to make your final decision?



Let's Practise!