Katie Weiser
We are going to cover three topics: How to view the interview as an opportunity to gain more clarity about the company and the job. How to do company research in advance so you can be better prepared when you walk in the door. Understanding the different kinds of interviews, the methods used to conduct the interview, and the types of question formats you may encounter. We don't want any surprises! (Location 137)
There are three basic question formats: job skill related, situational and behavioral. Let's review each one. (Location 224)
Know What You Offer Being able to articulate who you are through your experience begins with knowing what you offer the employer. What is your value? How do you hook them from the beginning, so they stay engaged in the conversation? (Location 250)
Let's take a two prong approach to identifying your strengths: (Location 256)
If you are struggling with identifying your strengths, I suggest you purchase an excellent, yet inexpensive book on Amazon: StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. (Location 260)
and memorable. Let's briefly describe each of the four personal branding boxes: (Location 272)
Differentiators. How are you different from other candidates? Do you speak a foreign language, have you played competitive sports that taught you the importance of teamwork, are you the eldest of six children who learned early on how to manage others? (Location 280)
will keep emphasizing one thing—be sure to know the role, responsibilities and what they are looking for—scour that job description. Your strengths and your overall brand story must be tied to the employer's need. (Location 286)
I want you to think in four distinct chunks: Who, What, Why, and then end with a Question. (Location 305)
Experienced Hire: I am a human resource professional with 15 years of experience specializing in training and development. (Location 339)
(Always mention something that you have researched about the company). (Location 402)
stories are up to 22 times more memorable than facts alone. (Location 475)
By using success stories during your interview, the interviewer will remember your stories before facts, figures, or data. It also gives them an easy way to describe you to others in the organization. (Location 476)
Experienced Hire: If you were applying for a job where you were going to be a graphics design project manager (Location 549)
I have been told that three of my strengths are my communication skills, creativity, and passion for leading teams. (Location 551)
Notice that I did not use the words, "I believe my strengths are"... that could be interpreted as bragging. Instead, I started off my response with, "I have been told"... (Location 556)
Can you articulate how you learned from it or overcame it? This kind of self reflection has to be done in advance so that you are prepared to answer the weakness question often disguised as, "If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?" (Location 587)
Here are a few tips for you: (Location 593)
Start your answer with a short description of the weakness and then discuss what you did or currently do to neutralize it. (Location 598)
Experienced: In the past, I have taken on everything that has been given to me without question, and this has resulted in my being stretched too thin. (Location 604)
If you were to ask my colleagues, I believe they'd describe me as caring, understanding, and a great listener and mentor. (Location 703)
My boss would describe me as the total package, a detailed project manager who can turn a theme into reality. (Location 713)
Companies that work under tight deadlines often ask their applicants to describe a situation where they had a challenging deadline. They do this for two reasons: To (Location 745)
Focus on an accomplishment that is transferable to the job you are applying for. This makes you seem more qualified—a better fit. Things like process improvement, understanding of people issues, innovation or creativity, brainpower, or the ability to be strategic. (Location 964)
What the interviewer is looking for is someone who learns from their mistakes. (Location 1027)
Select a story where you failed and learned from it, resulting in modified behavior. (Location 1031)
For example: I think of failure as not meeting a goal, or I view failure as a communication breakdown, or I think of failure whenever I impact another person in a negative way. (Location 1036)
If you have ever been a manager or supervisor, then this question should be an easy one as you will have a number of examples—some of them on your resume that you can expand upon. (Location 1079)
The focus of your answer should be on personal development. Talk about the skills you will be using or learning on the job and the responsibilities you would like to take on. (Location 1140)
Experienced hire: I relish having a reputation as an expert in xyz. I want to work where I'll have opportunities to further develop my knowledge, skills and talent, take on challenging projects, and work with great people who always push me to be better. This company has one of the best reputations in the industry and this is why I would love to build a career here. (Location 1151)
This question can be answered as a summary statement that combines your qualifications, the research you have done on the company, and what you have heard during the interview relative to the job and their needs. Think of it as closing the sale. What are the features and the benefits you can offer; what are your differentiators? It must be strong and convincing and all about the company's needs—not yours. (Location 1183)
Dazzle the interviewer with three messages in under two minutes: You can do the work (based upon your skill set) and deliver excellent results You fit into their culture You are unique (Location 1190)
End with a question: do you think the qualities and skills I have are what you are looking for? At this point, they may ask you some more questions or merely answer yes. You want to leave them with no questions about your capabilities. (Location 1198)
Experienced hire. (Location 1211)
Be armed with your information on the company and the industry. What are the two-three reasons you want to work for them? (Location 1246)
statement; do you believe in their products; are they (Location 1247)
Based on research I've done, your company is an industry leader with an excellent reputation. (Location 1251)
Honors: Based on my research, I am impressed that over the last five years, (Location 1254)
I know that I would be an asset and make a contribution immediately. (Location 1256)
Find something that has impressed you about the company, identify the source, and tell them why you want to work for them in under one minute. Show your enthusiasm about the prospect of working for this company. You aren't just another job applicant willing to take any job! (Location 1266)
If you are overpaid: (Location 1304)
The reason behind the question is: interviewers want to know if you are going to be bored and leave when a better opportunity arises or they may assume they won't be able to afford you. (Location 1345)
Highlight your experience and how it will benefit the company. Put your commitment and dedication to the company on the line. Be sure to state that you want to stay with the company for a long time. (Location 1352)
Two strengths you can focus on because they come with experience are that you are proficient at what you do and are a great mentor to other employees. (Location 1355)
Mentor: While my qualifications are extensive, every company has different processes. I am a continuous learner eager to understand different approaches, and I enjoy working with new people. My broad experience makes me an ideal mentor for younger workers. (Location 1358)
However, I've decided that my sweet spot of experience is developing brands and being on the creative side. That is exactly what this job offers. (Location 1371)
EXAMPLES Job or role: (Location 1403)
Why did you choose to work here, and what keeps you here? (Location 1421)
What are the next steps/timeframes? (Location 1425)