When being interviewed, there are a few different questions that come your way. Of course, the standard “How do you work with others?” or “Why did you leave your last job?” comes up. Those are pretty easy to answer, although it is best to think of something like a good example of why you answered the questions the way you did. I like to give them a reason to trust the things I say about myself. There are also non-standard questions that are used to find out a little bit more about the way you work and think. These are the ones on which you really want to “wow” your potentially future employers.
What do you think is the best way to answer each of these types of questions? Why?
Not all interviews are in person, either. Some employers do not have time to sit down with you and conduct the interview over the phone. How would you deal with that situation? Another type of interview is a panel interview, where you are being asked questions by a whole panel of people. What then? Also, the time always comes when you want to find out how much money you are going to be making with this company. When is an appropriate time to ask that seemingly uncomfortable question? A lot of times it’s the interviewee who has to ask, not the interviewer simply offering up the information.
We want to know how you will deal/have dealt with your interviews. It’s something everyone has to go through, so what are your strategies?
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A lot of the questions you brought up are questions that I have had myself. I really wouldn't know what to do in a situation where I had a whole panel interviewing me... that's pretty intimidating. And I never know when to ask about money. Luckily, with all my jobs so far, they have always just come out and told me in the interview how much I will be making.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to answering questions, I think the best way to wow the interviewer is to just be completely confident in everything you say. Try not to give simple answers, but go into detail and explain why you think the way you do. I have always been very optimistic going into an interview, and I am usually smiling the whole time. I can tell many times that they are very happy to see how positive and "bubbly" I am.
I recently went to a casting call for models for a local talent agency. When I walked in I was smiling and immediately introduced myself and shook hands when the President of the company (not knowing he was the president... lol) I then filled out the paper work and he proceeded to interview me. I was very honest with him and told him that I was really up for anything. I was constantly smiling (which was good too because it was for a modeling job). I could tell that he and the other lady there really liked me. Unfortunately, I didn't get picked because I just simply am not tall enough. :( But they told me they loved how confident I was with myself, and I had a great personality. And that is what I always try to show the person interviewing me; my personality. Because I have nothing else going for me (experience, skills, height lol, etc.) at least I have my personality. :)
Kassi,
ReplyDeleteI have also found that being confident is the most important thing. I don't know how accurate America's Next Top Model is, but according to that show, confidence and showing your personality are both insanely important and will get you one step above the others. It sounds like you have that part down, and that all you need is a little more experience with which to give examples. It'll come. I have personally never been interviewed by a whole panel of people, but I am assuming that your confidence will shine and help you through whenever need be.
So as far as the money question; when and how do you ask? Have you ever been in the situation where you have to ask?
ReplyDeleteBusiness is business so you have to ask, but do it in a professional manner of course. They have an understanding to pay you for your services, and they understand your interest in being compensated. This way they will understand you are a business woman, but you also have business tact. And like you mentioned earier personality is key, remain likable and I'm sure you will receive a paycheck you like or at the most you'll have or keep the job.
ReplyDeleteOkay... Another question. I had trouble with some of the questions on the practice interview from last week. When they ask you things that will most likely have a negative answer (what did you dislike about your last boss, what did you dislike about your last job, etc.) how do you answer those without sounding bitter? And what if you didn't really have any dislikes, is it okay to say you didn't have any?
ReplyDeleteI've only had one interview before in my life, so I am not very experienced in this area. I went in confident I could the job well and with knowledge of the business and the position. I think it is very important to research the position before the interview and come with questions to the interview.
ReplyDeleteFor non-standard questions I would aim to just answer the question honestly. Whether it's hobbies, work preferences, interests, etc., I would answer honestly. I like to work alone, so if asked I will say that's my preference. The important thing I think would be to emphasize that I am able and willing to work in groups. That's just one example.
Now that I'm thinking about it, perhaps those non-standard questions aren't very far in nature from standard questions. They are more closely related than they seem on the surface...which is probably why employers ask them.
As regards the money question, I think I would prefer to let them tell me how much the salary is, although if the interview is ending and they haven't mentioned it, I would bring it up. At some point it needs to be stated, but since it's the employer's prerogative to establish the salary (in normal cases), I would want to leave it to them to state to me the salary for the position.
ReplyDeleteKassi in life you ALWAYS want to stay on the positive side of everything. Even if you have a negative connotation with a certain boss or job situation, take the positive spin. Positive people reap positive benefits, it's a law of attraction.(see)Coach Vince Lombardi ;)
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