Questions that demand a negative answer tend to corner interviewees. A least favorite job duty can cover mundane, every-day duties like filing. I recommend mentioning a job skill that will not be required (or on a limited basis) of the position you’re interviewing for. For example, an electrical engineer might say, “I tend to have problems copying because copiers love to jam up on me.” (… let out a little chuckle to show the interviewer you have a sense of humor)
A thank-you letter is just that, a way of thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. A letter is important for all interviews, especially if you met with another interviewer — possibly a panel or lunch interview where several company reps were present. Use different stationery for the second letter.
It’s difficult to speculate on what colleagues would say truthfully, making it challenging to answer this question. Of course, you can answer a number of different ways as long as you answer it honestly and without negativity. Focus on your strong work ethic.
This question is similar to the one about animals (if you were an animal, which one would you be?). The interviewer is simply trying relate your answer to your personality and perspective of yourself. For example, a 23-year-old male might say that he is a black convertible whereas a 55-year-old female might answer this question differently by saying she's probably a pink, 1985 Cadillac. Answers like these could be perceived
as:
Black convertible = Fast, driven, ready to go
Pink Caddy = Classy, quality, persistent and consistent
Asking you to sell something like a pen or briefcase is a common tactic amongst territorial and regional directors. It's one thing to tell the interviewer that you're a great closer, but it's an entirely different matter when put on the spot to sell something you're unfamiliar with. When selling anything, you should focus upon the features of the item and how they will benefit the buyer. For example, a contoured pen can eliminate hand cramps while titanium locks on a briefcase can keep confidential documents safe.
I don't feel asking this question has any hidden agenda.
Of course, it could relay your inexperience with interviewing --- which really isn't bad. Being nervous can keep you on your toes, however, it can also make some of your answers scattered and choppy. Practice interviewing so this question isn't brought up.
This question probably plays a critical role for someone that is being examined to conduct the company's hiring practices. As with any interview, your questions should focus on those approved by the company attorney (commonly seen in businesses that experience huge turnarounds like fast food restaurants) along with any that stay away from personal matters, such as race, religion, family status, and so on.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
Tell me about yourself and your career.
What are some of your career strengths / weaknesses?
Are we the only company you are targeting for a new position?
What have your last three evaluations said about you?
In relation to dealing with customers, what has been your experience?
Are you able to multi-task? Give me some examples.
What areas of your abilities would you like to improve upon?
How would your colleagues would describe you?
What function of your job do you like / dislike most?
Tell me some examples of how you increase your client base?
Have you ever felt guilty once you closed the sale?
Tell me about your character.
Describe your most difficult negotiating hurdle.
Is there a key or map to interviewing? Keep in mind, every hiring manager has different interviewing skills and tactics. You may interview with a highly structured manager that will ask every official question, or you may have someone that just called you in to chat to see if your personality will "click" with the rest of the staff.
When the interviewer says, "Do you have any questions?" Do you automatically say, "No."
Try these:
a) Is there room for advancement?
b) Will I be required to work overtime?
c) Who will be my immediate supervisor and manager?
d) Where do you see the company in the next five (5) years? ten (10) years?
e) After an adjustment period, can I take on additional learning opportunities and/or duties to expand my working knowledge of the business?
PHONE INTERVIEW - - - - -
Partaking in a phone interview seems like it would take some pressure off the entire interviewing process, however, it doesn’t. Phone interviews are perceived as being an informal means of securing a job, and unfortunately, job seekers make some of the most critical mistakes during this type of interview.
It’s important to recognize why phone interviews are becoming popular. Time is one of the biggest factors. As employees are taking on more responsibilities, they’re trying to find timesaving techniques. Fitting into busy schedules, the interviewer can discuss matters with a potential candidate prior to an official meeting; clarify discrepancies or concerns; conduct an informal introduction; discuss the position; and/or, ask for additional career information.
Although a phone interview caters to employers, it sometimes doesn’t have the same affect for interviewees. A phone interview can be impromptu, leaving an interview candidate breathless from trying to catch the phone or caught off guard for even the simplest of questions. Whether the interview was scheduled or not, you should have a “cheat sheet” by your phone to ensure preparedness regardless of which situation you find yourself in.
Without an outline or list of potential answers, these types of discussions (interviews) can get casual. A casual phone interview can provoke unrelated and untargeted answers.
PANEL INTERVIEW:
Much like a phone interview, panel interviews are becoming popular because of the need to stretch time over multiple tasks. Interviewing procedures are being modified so that all those involved in the hiring decision can meet, question, and later discuss each candidate.
Of all interviews, a panel interview can be the most stressful because you find yourself trying to sway several decision makers rather than one or two. Unlike that old bit of advice — try to relate to the interviewer — it can be difficult, if impossible, in a panel interview.
Bring a Cheat Sheet
Doing your best is a great way to approach this type of situation. Much as you’d prepare for any interview, you should bring a list of highlights that you’d like to mention during the interview. Your interviewing “cheat sheet” should focus on key assets you’ll bring to the position. Remember, you’re not writing an essay but an outline of all the key elements that need mentioning.
Take Names and Use Them
Individuals like to hear his or her name during a conversation. It’s important to know who is interviewing you, so ask their names and write them down within your notes — in order of where each is seated. Don’t be afraid to use their names or ask questions throughout the process.
Another great technique to utilize within a panel interview, or within any other group setting, is to cross reference the latest question with a previous one. For example if you answered a question by Jane Doe, and you can incorporate that answer into another question asked by Frank Doe, you’ll start navigating the outcome of the interview. An answer might be:
“I understand why you are asking specific questions about my acquisition skills, Frank. As Jane mentioned a few minutes ago, acquisitions are a vital aspect to businesses your size and without a trained and seasoned acquisition clerk at the helm, it can cost your company money. To answer your question, and expand upon what Jane asked earlier, I …”
Do you see where I’m going with this? This answer is now tending to the concerns of two individuals on the panel, rather than one.
Take Notes
During the process, members of the panel will mention facets that will need remembering. Just as you jotted down the name of each panel member, you can also make small notations of each person’s concerns or specific questions. For example, the department manager may have focused his or her questions on specific administrative portions of the job. Adding important yet little tidbits into your thank-you letter will help set you apart from other candidates and reflect your attentiveness. The key, however, is to mark down items that are relevant to each interviewer. Although they are a team and have one common goal, each has differentiating concerns.
Make Eye Contact
It’s difficult to give enough eye contact to each individual without making your head and neck look like a lawn sprinkler. Try your best to look individuals in the eye and focus on speaking to each person equally, focusing heavily towards the one that asked the question.
Unfortunately, a panel interview can be stressful for jobseekers because they feel outnumbered. It’s important to remember that you are an asset to their business, and they obviously feel you’re a viable candidate, or they wouldn’t have scheduled the interview. Stay positive, remain calm, and answer each question thoroughly and effectively.
