First impressions
Responses to Employment Interviewer Questions

Vital to any employment quest is the initial interview, which of course means being interrogated by the client, human resources person, company owner, or a prospective lead.  Often people become nervous with the thought of being interviewed.  However, this is often due to a lack of preparation or the fear of not being able to answer a question presented by the interviewer.

One of the best methods to resolve any apprehensions is to practice the fear away.  After all, many interviewers often have a list of preplanned questions they want answered, so, why not have a list of prepared responses.  Be just as prepared as they are 'plus' be ready to search inside yourself to develop the answer for their zinger questions.

Now then, the best way to be prepared to answer a question is prepare yourself to answer questions you don't know the answer to, or, be ready for questions there is no real answer for.  Sure, call them whatever you want, curveballs, brain teasers, hurtles, zingers, whatever.

Everyone gets stumped or they flub up in interviews.  It is how you handle yourself after that initial mistake to determine if the interview is salvageable.  With practice and review of previous mistakes one can learn ways to turn around and walk right back into that new office versus closing the file on the prospect.  Often the best way to resolve or answer a question that you are not prepared for is not instantly admit you do not have the answer, but, that you will be glad to obtain it and have it readily available for the next meeting.

Another valid approach to the situation of lack of preparedness or knowledge, is to, request a moment to consider the question and re-compose yourself.  It is better to take a moment and speak educated, than, to spew out some off the cuff answer.  Weak impromptu responses will make the interviewer realize the attempt to fake them out, and, no one likes to think that someone is pulling the wool over their eyes.  Of course if you say you are going to follow up on something, then make sure you have their contact information so you can forward the information to them.  Often a follow up can lead to secondary communications as well.

Make sure you understand whatever question is presented.  It would be a hideous mistake to lose the prospect because you misunderstood their statement.  So it is never out of the ordinary to rephrase and re-present the question to the interviewer to make sure communications are flowing properly.

Keep in mind ... before you get to the interview.

If you are not prepared, than you are not prepared.  Expect to be nervous, because you were not prepared.  No shortcuts.

Time allowing, research the company, show that you have initiative.  Get there ahead of time.  Saves stress.  Dress your best attire for the position.  Cooks typically don't show up in suits, and executives typically don't show up in tennis shoes.  Bring tools or additional items as required.  For resume carriers, have more than two (2) extra copies of your resume.  What if you are interviewed by a panel and need (1) for yourself?  Right!  Make it minimum three (3), yes three copies.

Consider your interview as a performance, and even the best performers get on stage and shine when they are prepared.  Proper preparation prevents poor performance.  So, confidently shake your interviewers hand while smiling.  It may sound crazy, but, smiling while talking causes a more positive tone in your voice.  While making eye contact, remember, it is good to be attentive, but please, respect your interviewer.  They are listening to what you are saying and studying your facial expressions for your emotions.  You don't want them perceiving you as a wide eyed, smiling, crazy person who never blinks.  Relax!  When speaking, don't interrupt, listen, speak clearly, and breathe.  Jokes are jokes, beware.  Same with finite, or, Yes/No questions.  Determine if elaboration is required before responding.

Don't forget!  You will get your chance to ask the interviewer questions (?'s) too!  See how prepared they are for you.

Thank the interviewer.  (Surprised that has to be stated)  Since stamps aren't cheap in bulk, I don't recommend sending 'Thank You' notes to each prospective employer.  Thank You notes function as a way to 1) get your name back in front of the employers you are highly interested in, 2) recap the interview, and 3) respond to any questions you didn't have the answer for.  See, I told you I would find a way to relieve the nervousness of not knowing an answer.  So don't forget to get your interviewers business card.

Before proceeding to the pre-planned answers to employment application interviewer questions - always consider, if you are being stumped, tricked, or thrown off guard by the interviewer, client, or prospect.  And, is the position or contract applied for, the position or contract for you.  If you have to be told to shower, not-smoke or chew, including gum, and, tell the truth.  Not much can help.

So, with all that behind us,
let's get to the list of questions.

Here is a compilation of questions often presented by interviewers
so you can consider answers in advance.
(Some examples provided)

What are your strengths?

Explain what you do well and provide specifics on how you do it.

What are you weaknesses?

Note: This is one of those questions requiring you to provide a positive answer for a negative stated question.

As such stated in the note, there are two possible paths that can be chosen when answering this question.

1. Provide a weakness but rebound by indicating how you strive to keep improving yourself whether through self education and/or effort, mentoring, networking, teamwork, or degree programs.
2. Provide a positive characteristic as the response and emphasize how your weakness is getting too focused on a particular aspect of the positive response. 

What is the worst part of your current job?

Note: This is a trick question as well.  It can easily disclose if the interviewee is negative.  If making an internal company move do your best not to mention any other employees, supervisors, or colleagues, unless you can put them in a positive light, unless of course, there is warranted reason to put a negative spotlight on them in the first place.

A safe nice response could easily be worded to reflect how you wish there was more 'time' to tackle issues the company currently faces.

Why did you choose your current occupation?

Admit what about the field or occupation is your passion, this is a time to shine.  When you shine your expressions should be positive as well - bright open eyes, cheer in your voice.  Remember the interview is not only the responses, but, it is how the responses are performed.  Of course, after explaining your desire to strive to perfect the field, a mention of a desire for financial stability makes for a wonderful segue letting the interviewer know a discussion about finances are to ensue. 

Tell me something about yourself.

Interviewers really don't want to know your life story, they want to know how you can benefit the company or project.  Express your experiences and attributes which make you the best candidate for the situation and how they will benefit from such.

What is the best part of your current job?

Express the interactions with the people you work with and the customers.  Mention the value of the work you perform and how it benefits others, team members, and of course the customers.

Why should we hire you?

Again, this is your time to shine.  Express your strengths and your passion, while of course re-iterating your accomplishments and willingness to learn.

Do you have any questions for me?

Of course have the company, prospect, or lead research completed ahead of time, but we also suggest our other reference page for a list of Applicant Questions ?'s.

Keep in mind the old statement, there are two sides to each story.  Likewise there are always multiple ways to answer any one given question.

Here are some other frequently asked questions you should consider answers for
prior to attending your next interview.

• Tell me about yourself?
  
• Do you have any team-player qualities?
• What experiences do you consider your most valuable?
• What characteristics do you think are important for this position?
• Name two/three management skills you believe you have.
• What skills do you have as a manager that make you a good manager?
• How did you arrive at the decision to choose college/military?
• What factors did you consider in choosing your major/field of study?
• Did you participate in any campus involvements or special military training?
• Since college/military, what are you most proud of?
• How have you changed most since pre-college/pre-military?
• Where do you see yourself in five? ten years?
• How are you planning on achieving your goals?
• What has been your greatest challenge?
• What makes you think this is the position for you?
• What is your most successful achievement?
• What do you owe your present success?
• Why should I hire you?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why are you interested in our organization?
  
• Why have you chosen this profession?
• What type of position are you interested in?
• What interests you about this job?
• What challenges are you seeking?
• What motivates/de-motivates you?
• Why do you feel that this company will be a career rather than a job?
• Are there any other industries or fields your are looking into?
• Where do you think your interest in this industry stems from?
• What can you contribute to this company?
• Describe a leadership role you have committed yourself to.
• Describe a leadership role that has challenged you.
• Provide an example of an idea you received and how you handled it.
• Provide an example of a process used to solve a problem.
• Provide an example of the most creativity fostered in a project.
• Describe a project that best demonstrates your analytical abilities.
• Describe a difficult situation through resolution.
• What type of work environment do you prefer?
• When you start a project do you attack it individually or assemble a team?
• Tell me about a team project you were involved in.
• Have you ever resolved a situation with a co-worker who was difficult?  How?
• What is the highest level of responsibility you have achieved?
  
• When under pressure, how do you tend to handle it?
• If someone else described you, what three words would they use?
• Are there any reasons why anyone would say not to hire you?
• Describe the type of manager you prefer.
• With which other companies are you interviewing?
• Describe failure and how to recover.
• If you could change a decision or answer to a question, what would you change and why?
• If you had to do it all over again, what would your career choice be and why?
• Do you believe in cross training?  Have you ever been cross trained in a field?
• Rate this job in terms of your ideal position.
• Describe your leadership philosophy and style.
• How do you think your subordinates view you.
• Why did you leave your last position?
• What is the biggest misperception people have about you?
• What gets you up in the morning?
• What did your parents do?  Were your parents considered successful?
• What can you do that other candidates can't?
• If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be?

One last piece of advice.  Do not be so concerned with the ways many people will inform you what not to do in an interview.  There is tons of literature explaining how if someone asks you, "if you want a glass of water?" whether you should accept it or not.  Or, if the interview is over a meal, whether you should eat a particular type of meal.  Be yourself.  Odds are if some advice someone expresses to you sounds flaky or corny it is.  People are people and so is the interviewer.  They understand that you are an individual as well.  If the position or client is observing you, as to mannerisms that are not who you are, then the outcome is not likely one you will be satisfied with.

Best wishes in your future endeavors!

For questions to ask the interviewer, maybe you should consider our handy list of questions to pose your interviewer!  See them here at Applicant Questions.

Finish what you started,
everyone has 24 hours each day.

Home | Section Main | Purchase / Pay | Contact Us | Consulting | Seminars | FREE Reference! | FREE Photos! | FREE Fun! | Policies/TOS/Legal

Confident Consulting site use subject to compliance with Privacy Policy/TOS/Legal agreement(s). Inbox@ConfidentConsulting.com, Copyright © 2000-2008,   10202 Douglas Oaks Cir #304, Tampa, FL 33610 USA   813-391-7379