How To Answer Tough Interview Questions

Last week while on a trip, I was contacted by a local TV reporter to help with some questions he wanted to address in the Sunday paper. Here are the questions and the answers I provided. You can also see the article published by the Charlotte Observer

Question 1: Tell me about yourself This is probably the most important question in your interview, and you must have your answer well-prepared in advance. This is often the first question you will be asked, and will make or break the interview for you. The interviewer will expect you to have developed an answer for this question, and if you have not, you will appear ill-prepared, and the interview will be off to a very poor start. This is your opportunity to sell yourself." Tell the interviewer what you want him to remember about you. You can refer to information you may want to bring up later in the interview. As author Dan Miller says, "An interviewer can quickly determine if you are knowledgeable and prepared or just another wandering generality hoping to land any job. " Remember, your answer to any question should be no more than two minutes in length. On this particular one, you might spend 15 seconds on your personal background, one minute on your career highlights, a few seconds on your strongest professional achievement, and then conclude by explaining why you are looking for a new opportunity. In a sense, this answer is your "elevator speech" that you should have ready at all times. Ask yourself, "What can I contribute to this company?" and let that guide your response. Outline the answer to this question on paper then practice it many times until you can repeat it clearly without error.

Question 2: Why did you leave your last job? Having multiple jobs is no longer a negative. The average job now lasts 3.2 years. Be positive in any answer you give, and make sure you do not denigrate or complain about your former employer. If you have been laid off, explain that business conditions caused a reduction in staff. Do not show any resentment about your situation. Explain to the interviewer that this has created new opportunities that has allowed you to be in a position to interview for the job you are looking for.

Question 3: Where do you see yourself in five years? Talk about personal goals as well as business goals. Companies today are looking for balanced individuals who are interested in things other than work. Feel free to share these goals. Talk about opportunity to move up in the company if that is your true desire, but dont say you want the hiring manager's job.

Question 4: What are your weaknesses? Be prepared to talk about something you struggle with. At the same time, stay positive in regard to what you have done to improve. Dont play ignorant or modestly claim perfection.

Question 5: Why were you laid off? If you have been laid off, explain that business conditions caused a reduction in staff. Do not show any resentment about your situation. Explain to the interviewer that this has created new opportunities that has allowed you to be in a position to interview for the job you are looking for.

Question 6: Tell me about the worst boss you ever had? Answering this question wrong can, and probably will, cost you the interview. Do not be lulled into the trap of bad-mouthing your former boss, even if he made the news as being the worst boss ever. If you worked for this person, and left, explain in positive terms why you moved on. If you left because the position did not align with your skills, abilities, values, dreams, and passions, say so. However, ensure that you explain how your skills, abilities, values, dreams, and passions align with the position you are interviewing for.

Question 7: how would others describe you? Get honest feedback from peers and managers you have worked with. Incorporate this feedback into highlighting your strengths, and how these strengths make you the best qualified person for the job. If the job requires you to be a good team player, make sure you convey that others think of you that way

Question 8: What can you offer me that another person cannot? You need to stand out from the rest of the crowd, especially in these current times of stronger competition. Use this time to convey your skills, abilities, and passions, and how they fit into the job you are looking for.

Question 9: Would you be willing to take a salary cut? Avoid talking about salaries until a job offer is made. Defer this question by stating that you will be happy to discuss salary once an offer is made. Talking money too soon will place you at a disadvantage, and may even cost you the job offer.