For many of us, interviews can be the most difficult (and terrifying) part of acquiring a job, internship, or volunteer position. Beyond the normal nerves and jitters most people experience when going in for an interview, you may have been one of the unfortunate and had to answer difficult interview questions. This may have led to a sort of Interview Panic Syndrome: profuse sweating, shaking, nausea, and muscle spasms from trying to hold it all together. If you’re lucky, you’re able to pull things together and produce an acceptable answer, while others may experience a sudden bout of word vomit. However, with a little planning and practice, situations like this can be avoided (gracefully, even!) and your answers to these more difficult interview questions can be your ticket to your dream job. First, here are some general reminders and tips to think about when going in for an interview.
1. Plan ahead and practice: Brainstorm some general questions you expect to be asked and write down some main talking points for each.
2. Research the position/company: Make sure you know what you’re getting into! You want to appear well versed in what the position entails so that you can tell them why you’d be a good fit.
3. Listen: be sure to answer the question! Don’t be so busy planning your answers or worrying about what they’re thinking that you don’t pay attention to what they’re actually asking you.
4. Be positive: Interviewers want someone who will be pleasant to work with, so keep that in mind.
5. Relate everything back to the position: Don’t go off on a tangent when answering a question; make your answers short and concise… if they want to know more, they’ll ask.
6. Stay calm!
Most interview questions can be broken down into a few categories: questions about you, questions about them, questions about the past and future, salary questions, and off-the-wall questions. Below are some examples of each type and how to answer them.
Questions about You
Do you consider yourself successful?
• Even if you may not, state your setbacks as learning experiences
• Provide an example of a success you’ve had (if it relates to the position, even better!)
What inspires you?
• Be honest; a motivation to be the best? A role model? Interest in your work?
• As long as it does not conflict with the interests of the company, honesty is most genuine.
• DO NOT say money, even if it’s true.
Questions about Them
Please give me a definition of this position.
• Ah, the importance of doing your research!
• State the key things the employer is looking for, which you filtered out of the job description when you applied.
• Use positive terms and show your excitement to fill the position.
Questions about the Past
Have you worked with someone you didn’t like? If so, how did you handle it?
• Remember, DON’T use negative terms. Do not go into a justification of your feelings about them.
• Simply state the disagreement, then go directly into how you resolved/dealt with it.
• This is a question about professionalism, so discuss how you maintained professionalism in the situation.
Questions about the Future
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• Most likely, the employer wants you to say “still working here, and excelling” especially for new graduates.
• The employer wants to know if you’re goal oriented, and if your goals match those of the company.
• It’s okay to be honest, as long as your answer remains professional.
The Salary Question
What do you feel this position should pay?
• Mention/ask about the range for the position.
• Avoid giving a number, unless absolutely necessary.
• Make it clear that you are more focused on the job than the salary.
Unexpected/Off-The-Wall Questions
Convince me to hire you.
• List your qualifications in a way typical to your cover letter, citing your experience.
Why shouldn’t I hire you?
• This is similar to the weakness question; state a small but true weakness but buffer it with strengths.
What is your favorite color?
• Innocent question or in-depth analysis of subconscious? You may come across employers with either intention (which may differ with the industry), but questions like this may simply be a way to lighten the mood.
• Either way, just be honest and don’t stress about it!
Two other pieces of advice that go a long way: don’t lie, and don’t be generic. Being honest and original are two traits that are respected across all industries, so try your best to be so. If faced with a tough question such as the ones above, it’s okay to take a few seconds to think about your answer, or to pull yourself together if the question is a surprise. Hopefully this blog, along with practice and preparation, will help you feel more confident in your interviews to come and land you some great offers. Good luck!
Post by Nicole Brooks, 3rd year Psychology Major.
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Posted by: freshyoung88.dothome.co.kr | September 11, 2013 at 04:59 PM