ONE FEAR EMBEDDED IN THE MIND OF EVERY INTERVIEWEE — AND RIGHTFULLY so — is the thought of being asked a question you don't know the answer to. The key to rising above these types of questions is to remain calm, cool, and confident in your answer. Be diplomatic and positive, no matter what you are asked.
Different questions will be asked of students and recent graduates as opposed to people who have been in the workforce for several years. Different responses will be anticipated from job applicants who are re-entering the market after a break or candidates who have been laid off. You may be asked to discuss your experience working with a difficult boss or explain why there are gaps in your resume. This chapter will help you be prepared for any question, no matter what your situation.
Q: Tell me about a project in which you were a bit disappointed in your own performance.
How to answer it: In my last job with a manufacturing company, I had to analyze all the supplier bids and present recommendations to the vice president of logistics. Because the supplier bids weren't in a consistent format, my analysis often consisted of comparing dissimilar items. This caused some confusion in my final report, and by the time I'd reworked it and presented it to the vice president, we'd lost the critical time we'd needed to improve our approval process for these bids. In hindsight, I should have set the bid format so that we could assess similar items. Ever since, I've used a request for proposal process consistent with the results we are looking to achieve.
Describe the barriers you've come across in past experiences and how you've worked around them. How have your skills come into play? In hindsight, what could you have done differently? Most importantly, turn this roadblock into a lesson and tell the interviewer what you learned from having gone through the experience.
Q: Which aspects of your work are most often criticized?
How to answer it: In my first job as marketing assistant, I spent endless hours analyzing a particular problem for which I knew there was abetter solution. I came up with a revised marketing plan that was extremely well received by my coworkers. Unfortunately, when it came time to present the plan to the top-level management, I wasn't well versed in PowerPoint. My presentation was dull, and the proposal was turned down. I'd failed to effectively market and showcase the real benefits of my plan, such as the savings that would result from implementing it. I spent the next two weeks working on a presentation with a bit more sizzle, and on my second try, management approved it; my recommendations were carried out to everyone's satisfaction. I was very grateful to have been given that second chance. Since then, I certainly make sure that all the details have been taken care of when I am proposing something new to a group so that there are no questions left unanswered.
Though the answer given here seems to skirt the issue a bit, that's okay. The best way to answer this question is to give an example of something you overlooked — or a mistake that you made — earlier in your career. Discuss the ways in which you worked to overcome the situation and to improve your work. Talk about how the failure has changed the way you work now, or how it has caused you to pay more careful attention to detail in all your work.
Q: Tell me about a situation that frustrated you at work.
How to answer it: I was frustrated once when a client who had insisted on purchasing a high-growth stock called in a panic because the stock had dropped more than twenty points in one day. I had a hard time convincing her to ride it out rather than cut her losses. I think what frustrated me most was that this happened despite my attempts from the beginning to explain the short-term volatility of that stock.
This is another question designed to probe the candidate's professional personality. The interviewer will want reassurance that you are able to withstand pressure on the job. Describe how you've remained diplomatic, objective, or professional in a difficult situation. Pick a situation in which, again, you will not raise any major doubts or concerns in the mind of the interviewer. Depict yourself as able to work through the problems that arise in any job with tact and no hard feelings.
Q: Tell me about a time when your employer wasn't happy with your work performance.
How to answer it: When I first began working as a paralegal, I handed in two letters with typos in them during my first week on the job. Perhaps my nervousness at beginning anew career contributed to my carelessness, but I soon learned to be an excellent proofreader. After that first week, my boss told me regularly how happy he was with my work.
Talking about your role in causing a company to go bankrupt certainly will not win you any points here. Instead, try to think of a relatively minor incident in which you made a mistake but were able to learn from it. Also, show your willingness to accept responsibility for the problem; don't blame others or make excuses. Simply describe what happened and what you did to successfully resolve the situation. In the time since that incident, how have you redeemed yourself or improved upon your past mistakes?
Q: Give me an example of a time when you were asked to complete a task but weren't given enough information to get it done.
How to answer it: At my first job as a publicity assistant, I was given the task of assembling 500 press kits for immediate mailing. The work had already been done, but I was unsure of whether or not there was a specific order in which each of the pages needed to be arranged. My supervisor had already left for a meeting, but I was able to track her down in her car. She explained to me the order in which the kits needed to be assembled, and the work was completed fairly quickly. In the end, I managed to prevent a problem that would have cost several hours of time to rectify, not to mention a bunch of headaches.
In answering this question, you want to reassure the interviewer that you are mature and responsible enough to handle problems that are likely to occur. Think of a situation in which you were able to think quickly enough to prevent a problem. Talk about your own resourcefulness and initiative in getting the job done in a timely and professional manner.
Q: Tell me about a time when you failed to resolve a conflict that had arisen.
How to answer it: I wasn't able to keep a good employee who had been working in one of my company's manufacturing facilities for more than twenty years. As part of the company's modernization policy, all job descriptions were rewritten to require some sort of computer skills. Though I offered to pay the cost of classes so that he could gain these skills, he refused. Unfortunately, I had no other option than to replace him, as the new technology we were using required these skills. When I look back on the experience, I really wish I had been more vocal to him and the other employees about acquiring new training periodically. That way, when new techniques were introduced, he may not have been so overwhelmed. Now I am vigilant about encouraging those in my work group to attend seminars and training classes to enhance their job skills. I have even had various professionals come into the office and teach some classes on-site.
The best way to answer this question is to discuss a difficult situation but one that was not really yours to solve in the first place. Briefly introduce the problem, but focus more on the steps you took to solve the problem. What was the result of your work? What did you learn from the experience? How has that experience changed your professional behavior today?
Q: How do you feel when things go wrong on a project? How do you handle it?
How to answer it: Though I would obviously prefer that all of the projects I work on run smoothly, I am realistic enough to know that this cannot happen. This is especially true in the case of the biotechnology industry, in which changes can and will happen to any plan at any time. I try to realize from the outset of any project that the plan we come up with is only the best-case scenario plan and that it may need to be changed at any given moment. When plans begin to unravel, my approach is just to cross each bridge when I come to it and not obsess about it beforehand. One of the ways in which I try to prepare for complications is to come up with some alternative plans. Though this does work in some cases, it doesn't help in all; sometimes you can't prepare for a problem until it's right there in front of you. My basic attitude is to take it all in stride.
This is a very tricky question. As the interviewee, you should understand that from the outset. What the interviewer is really trying to get at here is whether you have the ability to work under pressure. Without going into too much detail about all the projects that have somehow gone wrong in your professional history, reassure the interviewer that you can and do handle pressure with ease and professionalism.
Q: Have you ever been passed up for a promotion you thought you deserved?
How to answer it: A couple times in my early career, I thought I was unfairly passed up for a promotion. However, in retrospect, I now realize that I probably wasn't ready to perform those jobs. In fact, the additional training I received remaining where I was proved invaluable in the last few years, as I've made significant progress moving up the corporate ladder. I've also learned to appreciate that being ready for a promotion doesn't necessarily mean it will happen. There are many external factors aside from a person's performance and capabilities that need to be taken into consideration.
The interviewer wants to gauge the candidate's self-confidence and objectivity about personal or professional limitations. Be sure to give evidence here that you have enough patience to learn what is important before you get bored in one position or frustrated because you have not been promoted. After you've mastered your own job, would you stay motivated long enough to be productive? If you've never been passed up for a promotion — or if you've never been up for a promotion at all — it's okay to say so. Perhaps you've only been in the work force for a short period of time and don't think you've acquired strong enough skills to be promoted. Whatever the case, be honest.
Q: Tell me about your least favorite manager or professor.
How to answer it: Well, I've been pretty fortunate as far as managers go, and I didn't have any problems with my professors. In my first job out of college, I worked with a manager who was pretty inaccessible. If you walked into her office to ask a question, you got the sense that you were bothering her, so my coworkers and I just learned to get help from each other instead. She was good in alot of ways, but I would have preferred that she'd been more available to us and given us more direction.
Answering this question will be a little bit like walking across a minefield, so be careful! Keep in mind that the interviewer doesn't really want to learn about your former supervisors but about the way you speak of them. Though the interviewer may bait you to make a negative statement about your former employer, doing so can create a host of problems. Even if your claim is completely true and entirely justified, the recruiter may conclude either that you don't get along well with people in general (or specifically with those in authority positions) or that you often shift blame to others. The best way around this dilemma is to choose an example that's not too negative, touch upon it briefly, then focus the rest of your answer on what you learned from the experience.
Q: Who's the toughest employer you've ever had to work for and why?
How to answer it: The most difficult employer I've ever had would definitely have to be Mr. Rogers at the Brady Project. He would push people to their limits when things got busy, and he was a stickler for detail. But he was always fair, and he always rewarded people when they worked hard and did a good job. I'd definitely call him a tough boss, but I'd also call him a good boss.
This question is another in which the interviewer is sort of daring you to make negative statements about a previous employer. Just remember that even the most difficult of bosses has taught you something new, so focus on that part of the experience. Turn the question around with a positive, upbeat response. Be sure to mention the positive aspects of this boss in addition to the qualities that made her so tough.
Q: Have you ever had to work with a manager who you thought was unfair to you or who was just plain difficult to get along with?
How to answer it: Fortunately, I've never really run into that problem. Of course, my current boss has to work under time constraints — just like everyone else — and she sometimes has a tendency to answer things rather bluntly to push our department to meet its goals. But I've never considered that unfair or hard to handle; it's just part of the job. My supervisors and I have always gotten along quite well.
Again, no matter how many times an interviewer gives you the opportunity to do so, never criticize a current or former employer! The interviewer is not really interested in finding out whether or not you have worked for difficult people in the past; we all have. What he is trying to discover is whether or not (and how easily) you are willing to badmouth these people.
Q: What are some of the things your supervisor has done that you disliked?
How to answer it: The only thing I really don't like is to get feedback in front of others. I want to hear good or bad feedback in private so that I have time to think and react to the issue without other distractions. I believe that's the fair way to improve learning or to change future behavior.
Again, avoid being overly negative about your ex-boss or manager. Discuss a relatively minor example of one with which the interviewer is likely to empathize. Put a positive spin on your answer by describing what you learned from this difficult situation.
Q: Tell me about two or three aspects of your last job that you never want to repeat.
How to answer it: One of the skills that I am most proud of is my fairly extensive background in credit collections; it has enabled me to make better risk assessments in my everyday job. Though I really enjoyed the experience I received from having worked in collections, it was not a job that I particularly enjoyed, and it isn't something that I would want to do again.
In a completely constructive way, describe one or two things you've done that you didn't especially enjoy or that didn't play upon your greatest strengths. Though this question specifically targets a negative topic, it's easy to turn this around: After talking about why you didn't like a particular job or task, describe your strengths and their relevance to the job you're applying for.
Q: You were at your last job for only six months. Why so short a time?
How to answer it: Unfortunately, the job turned out to be much different than what I thought it would be. Fortunately though, I found this out early on — before the employer invested more time in me and I invested more time in the company. I know I could put my editing skills to much better use in this position.
Notice the interviewer places no blame on either herself or the employer. She doesn't say that the employer didn't tell her the truth about the job or that she misunderstood what she'd be doing. She also shows how she looked out for both her employer and herself by leaving before more time was invested.
Q: I see from your resume that you've had five jobs in five years. Why have you moved around so much?
How to answer it: When I first graduated from college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Five years later I'm committed to working in this field. I even took some courses to enhance my skills. I know I can do a good job here.
This is an honest answer. The candidate states that she is now committed to the field and proves it by talking about classes she has taken.
Q: Why did you stay in your last job for such a long time?
How to answer it: I was in my last job for more than seven years. During that time, I completed an advanced technical degree at an evening university and also had two six-month assignments in which I was loaned out to different departments. As a result, I acquired some additional skills that normally aren't associated with that job. Therefore, I think I've made good progress and am ready to accept the next challenge.
An interviewer may also be curious as to why you would stay in one particular position for too long. If you've been with the same company for an extended time, the interviewer may be curious about your interest in personal improvement, tackling new assignments, and so on. He may also be concerned about whether you have a tendency to get too comfortable with the status quo. Demonstrate how you've developed job responsibilities in meaningful new ways in your many years on the job and that you are expecting to do the same with this company.
Q: Why do you want to leave your current position?
How to answer it: My current position has allowed me to learn a great deal about the plastics industry, and I am very glad to have had that opportunity. However, I've also found that my interests really lie in research and development, which my company has recently decided to phase out over the next two years. That is why I am so interested in your organization. As I understand, your company places a great deal of importance on research and development and is also a highly respected leader in the industry.
The interviewer's foremost concern with career changers will always be why they want to switch careers. But people do it every day, so don't think you will not get the job just because you don't have any hands-on experience in the field. Show the interviewer that your decision to switch careers has been based on careful consideration. Explain why you decided on this particular position and how the position will allow you to further your skills and interests.
Q: Why would you want to leave an established career at an employment agency for what is essentially an entry-level marketing job?
How to answer it: During my many years at the agency, I have acquired many valuable skills. At the same time, I feel as if I've stopped growing. There's only so far you can go in such a career, and I am nearing the end of the career path. I am no longer challenged by my work, and being challenged is what keeps me motivated. I've thought about this for along time, as switching careers is not an easy decision to make. Still, I am confident that I am doing the right thing by looking for a job within another industry, even if it means starting over.
My interest in marketing arose last year when a local family lost their home to afire. A group of people from my community decided to pitch in and help this family raise enough money to rebuild their home. I helped by designing and distributing posters, placing advertisements in local newspapers, and selling T-shirts outside grocery stores and shopping malls. When I began to see the result of what my work was doing, I became very excited about this task. I learned that you can have a great product and a great cause but that if nobody knows about it, you are dead in the water. I felt as if the work I was doing was making a difference, and I was good at it, too.
Since then, I have taken two introductory marketing courses and am planning to enroll in apart-time degree program this fall. Also, I'll be able to use many of the skills I've acquired working at an employment agency to benefit me in a marketing career as well. After all, working in an employment agency is marketing — that is, marketing the agency to corporate clients and job seekers, and marketing the job seekers to corporate clients.
The interviewer wants to determine two things: the candidate's motivation for choosing a new career and the likelihood that the candidate will be comfortable in a position in which she will probably have less power and responsibility than in previous jobs. To dispel the interviewer's fears, discuss your reasons for switching careers and be sure to show that you have a solid understanding of the position and the industry in general. Many candidates expect to start their new careers in jobs comparable to the one they held previously. The truth is that most career changers must start in a lower, if not entry-level, position in their new companies to gain basic experience and knowledge in the field.
Q: According to your resume, you were a manager at Crane Computer Store from 1990 through 1995 and then assistant manager at a different branch of the store starting in 1995. Were you demoted?
How to answer it: This wasn't a demotion. I was originally manager of the Paper Products Department. It was a very small section. When an opening came up for an assistant manager in the Home PC Department at another store, I jumped at the chance. It was a much better opportunity because it was a much larger department, and I knew I would have greater responsibilities.
Although the candidate's job title would indicate that she had been demoted, she explains why this wasn't actually the case. She was willing to trade the “manager” title for a job with more responsibility. If she had been demoted, however, she would need to explain why.
Q: Your resume says that you are an administrative assistant, yet you're applying for a job that has much more responsibility. What makes you think you can handle it?
How to answer it: Even though my job title is administrative assistant, I have many more responsibilities than that title usually implies. I train all new support staff and supervise junior clerks.
This answer explains how this candidate's responsibilities differed from what one might assume from her job title. She chooses to discuss the aspects of her current job that are related to the job she is interviewing for.
Q: Have you ever been fired?
How to answer it: When I was in college, I was fired from a summer internship. I was working for a software consulting company, and midway through the summer anew president was appointed because of some financial difficulties. As one of his first orders of business, he requested the resignation of my entire work group. I was unexpectedly swept out with everyone else, though my work performance had never been criticized.
If you've never been fired, this should be an easy question to answer. If you have been fired, you'll need to be prepared to discuss the situation in detail and possibly answer a series of specific follow-up questions. If the termination was the result of a situation beyond your control, such as corporate downsizing, most interviewers will be understanding. If you were fired due to poor performance or some other personal problem, you'll need to admit your fault and convince the interviewer that you've corrected the problem. Although this may be a difficult question to answer (and one that makes you — ultimately — nervous about the overall impression you will leave behind), you should be completely honest. If you aren't honest and the recruiter finds out as much from your references, you will definitely not be offered the job; if you have been made an offer or have already accepted one, it may be revoked or you may be subject to an immediate dismissal.
Q: Your resume states that you were fired from your last job. I admire your honesty, but can you explain why this happened?
How to answer it: Anew manager came in. I liked him, and I thought we worked well together. But a month after he arrived, he fired me. I heard afterward that many of the people I'd worked with were fired also, and he'd filled the empty slots with people from his previous job.
Understanding why you were fired is the first important step to take if you want an employer to hire you. Any employer would be nervous and, in fact, foolish to hire someone who doesn't have a clue as to why she was fired. Own up to your mistakes; you'll stand a better chance of being hired.
Q: In checking your resume we found that you were fired — and for a serious offense. Can you explain what happened?
How to answer it: It happened about five years ago. I got in with the wrong crowd; they would go out for drinks every night, and I wound up joining them. They were a rowdy bunch, not the kind of friends I would have picked if I could, but they were my colleagues, and I didn't have the courage to refuse them. But one night we stayed too late at a club and drank too much, and a fight started. One woman got hurt, and they had to rush her to the hospital. I didn't have anything to do with it, but the cops took us all in. I spent the night in jail, got bailed out in the morning, and when I went into work later that day, I got a pink slip. It was a hard lesson for me, but it changed my life. Since then, I've had two jobs, and though I'm always friendly with all my colleagues, when I walk out the door at night I don't socialize with them. I head home.
Both situations are difficult for a prospective employer to accept. However, when a job hunter admits her mistake and has changed her ways, she stands a much better chance than someone who refuses to admit she might have been responsible for a serious offense.
Q: Would you be able to work extended hours if the job needed you to?
How to answer it: I'm accustomed to working long hours during the week. I usually work until at least 6:30 because I get alot done after the office closes at five. I can make arrangements to be available on weekends if necessary, though I do prefer to have at least twenty-four hours' notice.
Your response should match closely the position you are applying for and should reflect a realistic understanding of the work and time required. Ask about seasonality of your work if you're unsure, and show a willingness to work occasional extended hours. If you are completely unwilling to work any overtime, it's not likely that many companies will consider you a very valuable asset. Recent studies have shown that a large majority of Americans are working, on average, closer to fifty hours per week than to forty.
Q: What are your salary requirements?
How to answer it: If hired, I would expect to earn a salary that is comparable to the going rate for someone in my field, with my same skills, amount of experience, and expertise. However, the salary of the job is not my only consideration. The opportunity, as you have presented it, is much more important to me. I really believe that this job is exactly in line with what I hope to accomplish, and that is the most important thing to me. What kind of range do you have in mind?
Recruiters weed out people whose financial goals are unrealistic or not in line with what the position is offering. This question is a direct hit, and both the interviewer and the candidate know that. It forces you to respond — directly — to a question relating to a very touchy subject. On the one hand, you may cite a salary that is too low. As a result, you will seem uninformed or (even worse) desperate. On the other hand, if you throw out a salary amount that is too high, you may eliminate yourself from any further consideration. The best way to handle the salary question is to turn the question back on the recruiter. Mention that the salary isn't your primary consideration, and ask what the salary range for the position is. Next, ask the recruiter to consider how your qualifications compare to the average requirements for the position and go from there.
Q: What is your current salary?
How to answer it: I currently earn an annual salary of $45,000 per year with comprehensive company paid benefits.
If you're asked a question this direct, consider yourself lucky. Telling the recruiter how much money you make now is a heck of a lot easier than trying to negotiate a salary with absolutely no information to go on (as in the previous question). Be sure not to embellish your salary, as this information can be very easy for an employer to find out. More and more companies are starting to verify applicants' pay history, some even demanding to see W-2 forms from job seekers. If you get the job, a falsehood discovered even years later may be grounds for immediate dismissal. Don't leave yourself open to this kind of trouble.
Q: Would you be willing to relocate to another city?
How to answer it: Though I would prefer to remain here, it's certainly a possibility I'd be willing to consider based on the scope of the opportunity.
Just because you're asked this question does not mean that the interviewer wants to fly you off to the other side of the country for a job. You may, even in some first interviews, be asked questions that seem to elicit a tremendous commitment on your behalf, such as this one. Although such questions may be unfair during an initial job interview, you may well conclude that you have nothing to gain and everything to lose with a negative response. If you are asked such a question unexpectedly during an initial job interview, simply say something like “That's certainly a possibility” or “I'm willing to consider that.” If and when the interviewer says something along the lines of “Well, we have nothing for you in our Anchorage office, but our outfit in Mobile would certainly benefit from someone with your experience!” then you can begin to panic.
If you do receive an offer, you can find out the specific work conditions as far as relocation goes and then decide whether you wish to accept the position. Remember, at the job-offer stage, you have the most negotiating power, and the employer may be willing to accommodate your needs. If that isn't the case, you explain that upon reflection, you've decided you can't relocate but you'd like to be considered for other positions that might open up in the future.
Q: Does the frequent travel that is required for this job fit in with your lifestyle?
How to answer it: The frequent travel in this consulting position is no problem for either me or my family. I was recently married, but my wife is an airline flight attendant, so neither of us follows the typical routine.
If you feel comfortable enough to divulge information about your family situation, now is the time to do so. The interviewer's main concern here is that the candidate may not be able to travel as much as the job requires. To alleviate this concern, emphasize your flexibility or explain why travel wouldn't be a problem. Remember to be honest. If you were unaware that the job required any sort of travel — and if it would most likely be a problem — say so.
Q: Sell me this stapler.
How to answer it: This professional quality stapler is both functional and attractive. It will help you reduce clutter on your desk by enabling you to fasten pages together. Since papers relating to the same subject will now be attached, you'll be more efficient, and you will spend less time searching for papers. Finally, its sleek shape and black color are coordinated to match the rest of your office furniture.
The interviewer is curious as to how quickly you can react to a situation. Do you have the ability to think on your feet? Do you know how to communicate effectively and succinctly? This is one question that you're likely to be asked if you're applying for a sales or marketing position in particular. If you want to get into either of those industries, be prepared to give a thirty-second sales pitch on the benefits and advantages of any common office staple, from a paper clip to a BlackBerry.
Q: Prove to me that your interest in this job and company is sincere.
How to answer it: I know that many people would like to work in television because of large income potential or the opportunity to be on camera, but my reasons go far beyond that. To me, communication is an art form, and the television industry is the ultimate test of how well one communicates. Working in television isn't like working for a newspaper, where, if a reader misses a fact, he can just go back and reread it. A television news story can go by in a flash, and the challenge is to make sure the audience understands it, learns from it, and, in a broader sense, can use the information to better their lives or their situations. It's the way television can evoke action that's always made me want to be apart of the industry. I'm particularly interested in this station because I like your focus on the community. Though the on-air products have a great look, the station seems to remain focused on the tradition of local news and what matters to its audience. The special reports that emphasize town politics and explain the big issues facing a community make the viewer feel that the station is apart of the community. In my opinion, this is a great way to maintain a loyal audience.
Being unprepared to answer this question can eliminate you from further consideration. On the other hand, if you are able to demonstrate a strong interest in the company and the position, you'll have an advantage over the competition. Be sure to talk about the specific position and give the details of the company that make you want to become an employee.
Let's say you are faced with this statement: “You have seven minutes to convince me you're the best candidate for the job. Go.”How would you react? The question is essentially the question that can determine whether you're paying attention to the material in this book. This is the question that only the most prepared of all job interviewees will survive, and that's exactly what the recruiter is looking for. In answering this question, you should refer back to everything this book has taught you. Review your personal themes and touch upon each and every one of them. Assure the interviewer that you know all there is to know about the job, the company, and the industry. Essentially, you are trying to be every recruiter's dream candidate. It's not an easy thing to pull off, but have faith, you can do it. You can win that job!
Q: You've been working outside the banking industry for the past year. Can you explain why you want to return now?
How to answer it: Yes, Ican. The job market, as you know, has been bad for the past year and a half. It's been impossible for someone with my qualifications to find a job in the banking industry. To support my family, I had to take jobs in retail sales. I was happy to see your ad for a banking job that needs someone with my skills in branch management.
This candidate's only choice is to be honest. He is not to blame for the bad job market, so he makes no excuses for working outside his field for a year.
Q: Your resume states that when you got caught up in the burst of the tech bubble you decided not to look for a job but to freelance as a consultant. How did that work out for you, and why are you back in the job market?
How to answer it: I enjoyed consulting. It worked out well for almost two years. But I found it hard to do everything — to keep looking for clients and at the same time service the ones I had. I also missed the collegial atmosphere of working with a team. I'm eager to return to that atmosphere. I don't regret the two years I spent consulting, however. I learned alot during those years, and I'm bringing with me the valuable lessons I learned.
No one likes to feel second-best. Why should an employer hire anyone who isn't fully committed to the company and his job? Most employers, however, would be intrigued by a prospective employee who is bringing new skills and ideas to the job.
Q: I see from your resume you were laid off from your job six months ago. Why haven't you taken another job?
How to answer it: I decided I needed to brush up on some skills that might have prevented my being laid off. Also, I thought these skills would help me in my job search and, ultimately, prove an asset in my career.
Six months is a long hiatus between jobs. Your prospective employer is right to be curious about what you were doing during that time. He's not interested in the time you spent on the beach. He wants to know what skills you learned that might help him in his business. Also, he might see behind that Mexican trip and decide that you're having trouble finding a new job. If so, this makes one more reason you won't be hired.
Q: Your resume indicates that you have not worked for several years. Would you mind explaining this absence?
How to answer it: I have spent the past five years raising my son, Liam, who's now in kindergarten. Leaving the workplace was a very difficult decision for me, but as this was our first child, I didn't think I would be able to commit to my career 100 percent, knowing the responsibilities I had at home. Since I didn't think it would be fair to my employer to give any less than 100 percent, I believe it was the right decision for me at the time. Now that my son is old enough to be in school, I feel refreshed and am completely ready to devote myself to a full-time career.
Whatever the reason for your hiatus, be honest. The interviewer has the right to know why you have not worked in so long, as it could relate to the job you are being considered for. Discuss the decisions behind your absence, whether they were to stay at home and raise a family or recuperate from a debilitating injury. Be sure to emphasize the reasons why you want to return to work and why you think you are ready. Most importantly, stress your eagerness to resume your career.
Q: What made you decide that you were now ready to pursue full-time employment again?
How to answer it: I took a leave of absence to care for my elderly father. This was prior to our family making arrangements for his transfer to an adult home. It took some time to find the appropriate residence and get him settled in comfortably, but now I am confident he is getting good care and that I can focus on work and not be distracted by personal issues.
While you don't have to defend your absence, your response should make good sense to the interviewer so that you can dispel any fear of an inability to commit to the job at hand. Sometimes candidates are uncomfortable giving up too much information about their personal lives, but providing a few sentences on this absence justifies the time frame and offers a “that was then, this is now” validation.
Q: Have you kept current with what is going on in the field?
How to answer it: Absolutely. Even though I have been out of the industry for several years, I continue to read all the trade journals and subscribe to current Internet newsletters on emerging trends and new case studies. I'm very eager to put some of these ideas into practice now and can see how they would be very applicable to your company's growth mission. I've also maintained my membership status in the professional association for my skill area, so I still have networking access as well.
Employers want to know you have something to contribute from day one. A returnee who needs time to get up to speed will not appear as desirable as one who has done her homework. Additionally, if your time off has been of a significant length, you need to project flexibility. Nothing scares an employer more than thinking you might be stuck in old ways of doing things or have difficulty adapting to new processes.
Q: I see you were manager at Wanda's Whispers. What type of business is that and what did you do there?
How to answer it: Wanda's Whispers is a retail store that sells women's lingerie. I was the store manager. I interviewed, hired, and trained the store's sales team.
Although the candidate may be embarrassed to discuss the nature of the business, she proudly discusses her responsibilities there.
Q: I see you have a GED. Why did you drop out of high school?
How to answer it: I guess I was young and foolish then. It was along time ago. I thought I didn't need school anymore, but I was sadly mistaken. I got my GED three years later and then went on to college. I'm looking forward to applying my training as a registered nurse to this position.
Youthful indiscretions can be forgiven. Although this candidate dropped out of high school, he did continue his education and is planning to move forward with his career.
Q: Why are you applying for a job outside your major?
How to answer it: I know I can use the skills I developed as a psychology major to succeed in marketing research. I have taken courses in consumer behavior, statistics, and research design, which I know will be useful in this field.
This candidate shows how her skills are transferable to this field. She makes no mention of what her future plans are for staying in this field or going back to psychology.
Q: You didn't start working until two years after you got your degree. What were you doing?
How to answer it: I traveled extensively the year after I graduated from college. I backpacked across Europe for three months, and then I spent four months in Australia. After that, I traveled throughout the United States.
Had this candidate said that she sat at home watching television for a year after graduating, the interviewer would have assumed she was a little low on motivation. However, she explored the world, which was an admirable use of her time and broadened her experience.
Q: Your resume doesn't show any formal training in this field. What do you think qualifies you for this job?
How to answer it: While I don't have formal training in this field, I do have alot of practical experience. As you can see from my resume, on my last job I spent at remendous amount of time doing research. I plan to begin taking some courses so I can get my degree in this field.
This interviewee explains how her experience has given her the skills she needs to do this job. She also talks about her intention to get some formal training.
Q: You're so young. What makes you think you can do a good job?
How to answer it: I have alot of experience in retail. I started working as are tail clerk straight out of high school, and over the past three years I worked my way up to assistant manager.
Rather than letting the interviewer lead her into a discussion about her age, this candidate leads him into a discussion about her experience.
Q: How old are you?
How to answer it: I prefer to think of myself in terms of experience and not age. I have worked in this industry for quite some time. I have seen it go from a small playing field to what it is today. Fortunately I have kept up with all the changes by taking classes and constantly updating my skills.
Rather than address the issue of age, or the inappropriateness of this question, this candidate has instead decided to address some positive things about himself. He has a lot of experience, and he strives to keep himself abreast of changes in the industry by taking classes.
Q: How much do you weigh?
How to answer it: My weight isn't an issue. I have never had a problem performing my job duties.
This question is not only rude, it may be illegal as well. This candidate explains how her weight doesn't affect her ability to do her job.
Q: What is your race?
How to answer it: I'm African American and Asian.
If an employer asks a question about race, his intentions are usually not good, so make a mental note that you were asked. If the employer discriminates against you based on your race, the information you provided in this answer can be used as evidence against him if you file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Q: Were you born in the United States?
How to answer it: I'm not sure why you're asking me that. Can you explain?
This question is inappropriate, and the employer probably knows that. The candidate gives him a chance to correct himself. Perhaps all the employer needs to know is that the candidate is eligible to work in the United States.
Q: Where were your parents born?
How to answer it: My parents came to this country thirty years ago. They worked very hard to put me through school and are very proud of my successful career. They passed their work ethic down to me.
This candidate chooses not to reveal his national origin and instead manages to talk about his own qualities. There is nothing that says a candidate shouldn't reveal his national origin, just that he doesn't have to.
Q: Your last name sounds Spanish. Is it?
How to answer it: Yes, it is.
The applicant has a choice to make. She can refuse to answer, or she can just give a simple answer. If this was the only question of this type, the interviewer may have just been trying to make conversation.
Q: What is your sexual orientation?
How to answer it: Idon't think that has anything to do with this job.
Sexual orientation isn't something that should be discussed on a job interview.
Q: What is your religious background?
How to answer it: I consider religion a very personal thing, so I would rather not discuss it.
The applicant can always choose to politely refuse to answer a question she considers improper. That is what she decides to do.
Q: Do you have any children?
How to answer it: I understand that you may be concerned that having a family might get in the way of someone's career. However, that has never been the case with me. I'm very dedicated to my career.
Without giving a direct answer to this question, the candidate has chosen to reassure the employer that having a family, or not having one, will not influence her career.
Q: Are you planning to have children?
How to answer it: I am very committed to my career. Whether or not I have children will not affect that.
This interviewee tells the employer the only thing he has the right to know — that she is dedicated to her career.
Q: Are you married?
How to answer it: No, I'm not.
Although this question is inappropriate and may be illegal, depending on where you live, the candidate sees no harm in answering it.
Q: Do you belong to a union?
How to answer it: Will I be required to join a union?
The National Labor Relations Act prohibits employers from questioning applicants about their union sympathies. This candidate chooses to avoid the question by asking her own.
Q: Are you a Democrat or Republican?
How to answer it: I've always felt that it's a bad idea to discuss religion or politics with anyone. Therefore, I'm going to refrain from answering that question.
The candidate has given a polite answer, but has refused to provide the information the interviewer improperly requested.
Q: Will your religion keep you from working on Saturday or Sunday?
How to answer it: Perhaps we can discuss the details of my schedule after we both confirm that I'm the right candidate for this position.
This candidate knows Title VII of the Civil Rights Act requires that an employer reasonably accommodate the religious practices of an employee or applicant as long as doing so doesn't pose a hardship. He also knows that an employer cannot decide to reject a candidate based on the knowledge that this accommodation will be necessary. However, he chooses to wait until he receives an offer before discussing this.
Q: Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
How to answer it: No. I have never been convicted of a crime.
An employer may not ask you if you have ever been arrested, but you can be legally asked if you've been convicted of a crime. Notice how this candidate avoids the arrest question. She doesn't want to lie or discuss an arrest that she was not convicted for.
Q: Have you ever committed a crime?
How to answer it: If you're asking if I've ever been convicted of a crime, no, I haven't.
An employer may ask if an applicant has been convicted of a crime, but he may not ask if he has committed one or if he has been arrested.
Q: I see you're limping. Did you hurt yourself?
How to answer it: I'm fine, thank you.
The employer, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, cannot inquire about an applicant's injury, and the candidate is under no obligation to reveal it.
Q: Do you have a heart condition?
How to answer it: With all due respect, I don't have to answer that question.
The applicant has a right to refuse to answer this question. The ADA makes questions about one's health illegal.
Q: Will you need us to make any accommodations for you to do your job?
How to answer it: I am able to perform all functions of the job as you described it.
ADA prohibits the employer from asking this question, even if she asks it of all applicants. The only reason an employer may ask this question is if the applicant's disability is obvious and the employer has good reason to believe she will need accommodation.
Q: Have you ever been treated for mental health problems?
How to answer it: I have, but everything is under control now. I have always performed well at work, and I know I will continue to do so.
Although the candidate is under no obligation to reveal this information at any time, he knows he may need reasonable accommodation in the future.
Q: Have you ever been treated for drug addiction?
How to answer it: That was some time ago, and I prefer not to discuss it.
This candidate is within her rights not to discuss this. People who have been treated for drug addiction are covered by the ADA, and a hiring decision cannot be based upon this.
Q: Travel is a big part of this job. Will your family be okay with that?
How to answer it: I can assure you that traveling will not be a problem. I traveled extensively on my previous job.
This candidate has chosen to let the employer know that her family status will not affect her job. She mentions the fact that her previous job had similar requirements, and it wasn't a problem.
Q: You're a young single guy living in the city. How do you handle having women chase after you?
How to answer it: Work has always been my priority.
It is inappropriate for the employer to ask a question regarding the applicant's sex life. The candidate chooses to evade the question by talking about work.
Analyze
Recommend
In hindsight
Consistent with results
Come up with a revised plan
Real benefits
More sizzle
Take care of all the details
Excellent proofreader
Accept responsibility
Don't make excuses
Improve on my past mistakes
Prevent a problem
Vigilant
Encouraging
Cross each bridge when I come to it
Take it all in stride
Alternate plans
Changing plans
Additional training
Stickler for detail
Feedback
Extensive background
I'm committed to working in this field.
I know I can do a good job here.
I'm interested in your organization.
Make a difference
Better opportunity
Greater responsibilities
I'm accustomed to working long hours.
Salary that's comparable to the going rate
Salary is not my only consideration.
Scope of opportunity
Collegial atmosphere
Brush up on my skills
Not distracted by personal issues
Membership status in professional organizations
I have taken courses.