Submitted by: Interview Coach

Behind every job interview question there is a concern or an additional question. Your job is to process the inquiry thinking about what the interviewer’s point might be. In other words, why is the interviewer asking you this question?

Q1 – How long have you been looking for employment? (Concern – is there something wrong with you that other employers have picked up?)

A1 – “After I was laid off from my last job, I took the break to spend some time to consider my professional targets and where I was going with my life. I have just begun my quest in the previous few weeks. I have a well-defined goal in mind and have been selective concerning the positions I consider. Your company as well as this situation are of great appeal to me.”

Q2 – How did you practice for this employment job interview? (Concern – are you attracted enough to complete a little exploration, or are you going to “wing it”?)

A2 – “When I found this opportunity posted on the internet (monster.com) I was instantly attracted. I checked out the company website and the mission statement, looked at the bios of corporation founders and executives, and was impressed. Once I had the interview appointment, I talked with contacts and acquaintances in the industry. And, I’m positive I am going to find a lot more in today’s meetings.”

Q3 – What is your salary expectation for this job? (Concern – Can we afford you? Can we get you for less than budgeted?)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU1LHeim_hA[/youtube]

A3 – “I’ll need more information about the job as well as the duties involved before discussing salary. Can you provide me an idea of the range budgeted meant for this position?”

Q4 – How do you stay up to date and knowledgeable with reference to your job and the industries that you have worked in? (Concern – When you get the position do you continue to study and expand – stay challenged and motivated?)

A4 – “I pride myself on my skill to stay on top of what is happening in my business. I do a lot of reading – the business section of the newspapers and magazines. I belong to a couple of professional organizations as well as network among colleagues at the conferences. I take classes and seminars when they are of importance, or offer new information or technology.”

Q5 – Tell me about a time when you had to arrange and coordinate a project from start to finish. (Concern – behavioral questions – seeking an example of particular past behavior)

A5 – ” I headed up a project which involved client service personnel and technicians. I planned a meeting to get everyone together to brainstorm and get his or her input. As a result of this meeting I drew up a strategy, taking the best of the ideas. I organized teams, balancing the mixture of technical and non-technical people. We had a deadline to meet, so I did periodic checks with the groups. After three weeks, we were exceeding expectations, and were able to begin implementation of the proposal. It was a vast team effort, and a big achievement. I was commended by management on behalf of my leadership, but I was most proud of the group character and cooperation which it took to pull it off.”

Q6 – What types of people do you have difficulties working with? (Concern – skill to be accommodating and work in a diverse setting?)

A6 – “In my last three positions I have worked with men and women from vastly different backgrounds and cultures. The single time I had problems was in the company of people who were being dishonest regarding job matters. I worked with one woman who was taking recognition for work that her team completed. I had an opportunity to talk with her one day and explained how she was affecting the morale. She started to be extremely upset that some others saw her that way, and thought she was unaware of her behavior or the reactions of other people. Her behavior changed following our discussion. What I learned as a result of that occurrence is that every so often what we perceive about others is not always the situation if we check it out.”

Q7 – We expect managers to work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have a problem with that? (Concern – are you a work-aholic or a person who requires balance?)

A7 – “I have no trouble working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour days. What I have found works for me is to work smarter, not necessarily longer. My goal is to get the work completed, whatever that takes, in the most proficient manner.”

Q8 – When have you been most satisfied in your career? (Concern – what motivates you? Or demotivates you?)

A8 – “The job previous to the one I am presently at, was my most gratifying experience for me. I worked in a superb group environment. There was a lot of companionship. I worked with a team of four people and we did some genuinely creative thinking. It is that kind of setting I desire to be involved in again.”

Q9 – Why do you desire this job? (Concern – are you using the shot-gun approach to job hunt or do you really know what you want?)

A9 – “I’ve been very careful regarding the businesses where I have applied. When I saw the want ad for this position, I recognized I found what I was looking for. What I can bring to this position is my seven years of skill, and understanding of the industry, plus my capability to connect and create client relationships. That, along with my flexibility and managerial proficiency, makes me a perfect match for this opportunity. I see some challenges ahead of me here, and that’s what I thrive on. I have what you require, and you have what I desire.”

Q10 – We are ready to put together an offer. Are you ready to accept today? (Concern – we don’t want you to go away and think about it and change your mind – we desire you.)

A10 – “Based on my research and the information I have gathered during the job interview process, I believe I am in a place to consider an offer. I do, however, have a personal policy that I give myself at least 24 hours to make main life decisions. I could let you know by tomorrow.”

There is no way you are able to accurately predict the questions that will be asked in a job interview, but you can be ready and prepared by thinking about the components that might concern an interviewer or employer prior to the job interview.

About the Author: Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and counselor. Carole can provide you interviewing suggestions like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE trial of Interview Questions and Answers by going to Carole on the web

interviewcoach.com/answer-guide/

Source:

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