Chapter 14
SPEAKING WITH
PASSION
… About Your Industry Ambition
If there was ever a good time to map out your career plan, the time is now—before your interview. Employers want to be assured that 1) you’re the kind of person who is responsible enough to have a career plan and 2) your career plan fits within the parameters of the job they want to fill. Your interviewer will also want to gauge your enthusiasm for the job and your motivation to do it well. Using the phrases bolded in this chapter, you can tailor your answers to prove that you are a goal-oriented worker with a clear interest in the company at hand.
Aside from basic skills, you must show that you are enthusiastic—not just about the prospect of employment but about the industry in general and the company in particular. This is where it’s crucial for you to do your research. Find out all you can about a company before you attend the interview. Use your answers to questions about ambition to demonstrate all that you know about the company. It sounds like a cinch, but this chapter will tell you about the potential pitfalls to avoid.
Why You Chose This Industry
Q: What led you to apply for a position in this industry?
How to phrase it: I’ve always wanted to work in an industry that makes tools. I enjoy working on home improvement projects, so I’ve collected a number of saws manufactured by your company. I could be an accountant anywhere, but I’d rather work for a company whose products I trust.
Talk about how you first became interested in this specific industry. Discuss the similarities between your current job and the job you are applying for. Be sure to emphasize that you are looking for a career, not just a job! Make sure that your enthusiasm for the industry—and work in general—comes through in all of your answers (where appropriate, of course).
Q: Why is it that you have decided to make this industry your career?
How to phrase it: The technology in the industry is changing so rapidly that I see lots of room for job enhancement regardless of promotions. I’m particularly interested in the many applications for multimedia as a training tool.
The interviewer wants to make sure that any time and energy spent on training you will be money well spent and that you will remain with the organization for several years to come. Think about why you have chosen this specific industry or job as a career and what it has to offer you in the future. Don’t mention money! You want to assure the interviewer that by selecting you for the job, she is selecting a competent and loyal employee who will look forward to many years of continued growth with the company.
Other key factors to keep in mind when answering this question are what expectations you have for the industry as a whole and what aspects of the business excite you. Though it may seem redundant, the key to a successful interview is to drill your “themes” into the interviewer’s head. If you need to mention on more than one occasion your deep interest in the industry or your membership in a professional society, so be it. Be sure to offer specific proof of your long-held interest in the industry and not just your very recent decision to make it your life’s career. Passion for your work is one thing that should never be taken for granted.
Q: Is there anything you find troubling about this industry?
How to phrase it: Actually, no. I’ve been reading a lot about this industry and everything I’ve seen so far is positive. This industry has made a great recovery after the decline about a decade ago. Since then it has been growing steadily and actually saw record growth last year.
Although this candidate doesn’t have anything negative to say, the candidate takes this opportunity to show that she did her homework.
Q: Since all your experience has been in another industry, you must be a little concerned about making this change. What do you think working in this industry will be like?
How to phrase it: Everything in this industry seems to go at a very fast pace. I think the transition will be an easy one for me because in the magazine industry, I also worked at a fast pace. There were tight deadlines and sudden changes that needed to be dealt with on a moment’s notice. From what I have researched, this industry involves the same things. I think I will be able to make a seamless transition to this industry.
This candidate’s answer conveys that he feels he can adapt to working in this new industry.
Action Speak
| Ascertained | Gained |
| Began | Informed |
| Catalogued | Netted |
| Described | Observed |
| Diverted | Placed |
What You Know about the Company
Q: Tell me what you know about this company.
How to phrase it: I served as an intern to a restaurant analyst last summer, so I followed all the steak-house chains closely. What you’ve done especially well is focus on a limited menu with great consistency among locations; the business traveler trusts your product everywhere in the United States. I’m particularly interested in your real estate finance group and expansion plans.
This is one of those open-ended questions that many interviewees hate. It ranks right up there with “Tell me about yourself.” Still, if you have done your homework
—like you should have—you should have no problem scoring points with this inquiry. Start out by telling the recruiter how you first became aware of the company. Talk about the personal experiences you’ve had with the company’s product or service—whether it be your own experience or someone else’s.
Discuss the many reasons why a job with this particular company (and not a competitor) would be ideal. What is this company offering that its competitors are not? While a general knowledge of the company is imperative, avoid reciting the company’s mission statement. The recruiter is looking for evidence of a genuine interest in the company (not just a general interest in the industry). Make sure you provide him with the insightful information he is looking for.
Q: What particular aspect of the company interests you most?
How to phrase it: I’m particularly interested in your recent joint ventures with two processing companies in Latin America. When my father was an army officer, we lived in Latin America for three years. I am very interested in what happens with these agreements. What are your plans for the next few years?
This is a great way to showcase your special knowledge of the company. If the company has a website, try to gain access to any recent press releases to learn about the latest happenings. If you’ve researched the company properly, you should have no problem answering this question quickly and authoritatively.
Q: What do you think it takes to be successful here?
How to phrase it: I understand that Q & H Corporation introduced five new products to the market in the last year alone. To be a successful employee of such an innovative company, one would have to be very creative. In a competitive industry such as soaps and toiletries, you need employees who can keep up with what consumers want.
This person has obviously done her homework. She not only knows about the company, but she seems to know about the industry as well.
Q: How much do you know about our company’s recent growth?
How to phrase it: I know that XYZ Brands is a multinational company. I was particularly intrigued by your acquisition of ABC Corporation last March. It seems like it’s going to open up a whole new market for this company.
Not only does the interviewee show that she took the time to learn about the company, she also shows she’s kept up with the latest news about it. Notice that the interviewee said “it’s going to open up a whole new market for this company” not “your company,” so as not to create distance between herself and the employer.
Q: What do you know about some of our major clients?
How to phrase it: I know your major clients are all in the canned food industry. BBR represents Heller Foods, Green Products, and Acorn Corp. I read in Advertising Digest just last week that Heans hired you to run their new broadcast campaign.
This candidate has done his homework, even keeping up with the latest industry news.
Q: What interests you about our products and services?
How to phrase it: Turning Corporation provides products and services that help so many people. Just the other day, I was reading about the new motorized scooter Turning developed. Those in health care and advocates for the disabled are very excited about it, according to everything I’ve read.
This candidate has obviously made a point of learning about her prospective employer, including keeping up with news about the latest products.
Q: What is your favorite product made by our company?
How to phrase it: I have been using your model X cellular phone for more than two years now. Although friends and colleagues are constantly having problems with cell phones from other manufacturers, I have never experienced any sort of problems. In fact, whenever I head out to buy a new electronic product, I look for your label ; I know that it is synonymous with “quality.”
Whether the company you’re applying to is product or service based, describe your related personal experiences. If you are interviewing with a restaurant, talk about your favorite thing on the menu. Think about why you use the company’s product/service. If possible, discuss the various other markets that you think the company’s product could succeed in. Employers love to hear new ideas from fresh voices.
Q: If you had the opportunity to develop a new product to add to our line, what would it be?
How to phrase it: Since Perfect Posies currently sells flowers and other gift items, I think a line of chocolate would be a good choice. I recently saw a survey that said that consumers spend $150 billion on chocolate gifts each year, so this would be a great market to enter. And since this company already has a great reputation in the mail-order gift industry and the systems in place to handle the addition of this product, this would be a natural expansion of Perfect Posies’ product line.
This is a well-thought-out answer based on this candidate’s knowledge of the company and the gift industry in general.
Q: Describe our competitors as you see them.
How to phrase it: As far as I can tell, your competitors have tried to branch out too often and too fast. They have tried to improve upon their main product, and with little success. As a result, they have had a lot of difficulty maintaining a consistent quality. I think that the recent bankruptcy of ABC Company only further illustrates this point. Your company has been smart enough to refrain from looking toward this same type of expansion and instead has focused on creating the best possible product. It is this kind of dedication that I am looking for in an employer.
In addition to researching the company extensively, make sure you have a good idea of its competitors and what they do. Know in which areas the competition is beating out this company and in which they are lagging behind. Give evidence that in addition to a vast knowledge of the company, you know a lot about the industry as a whole. Most importantly, discuss how this company’s initiatives are better suited to your personal interests.
Q: What do you think our distinct advantage is over our competitors?
How to phrase it: I think the smartest way to stay ahead of the industry was your choice of headquarters location. By operating in a low-cost area and maintaining a low production cost, you are able to spend aggressively on more important aspects, such as research and development and advertising. Even when the rest of the industry is showing a dip in sales, your company remains profitable.
Again, this is the time to highlight your in-depth knowledge of the company, its products, and its operation in general. What things do you think the company does well, particularly when compared to their competitors? Pick one important aspect you see as a real advantage, and discuss it in an informed and intelligent manner.
Green Light Phrases
Always wanted to work in this industry
Look for your label/brand/logo
Strong grasp of the business
Your company’s mission
Believe in your products
Ready for the next step
Long-term relationship with my employer
Know this business from the ground up
Know the company and its products
Q: What do you think of our newest advertising campaign?
How to phrase it: If you are talking about the one with the family at breakfast time, I think it is great. I know that in the past your company has been criticized for offering foods that are high in fat. This comforting campaign—and the new heart-healthy product—was a great way to step away from that issue. It really shows that you care about your customers and take their comments and concerns seriously.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the company’s latest happenings, including new products, new advertising campaigns, and any recent press (whether bad or good). Know enough about the company’s current state to speak in an informed and intelligent manner. Always offer positive comments and make specific suggestions if you think they apply.
Q: Where do you think we’re the most vulnerable as a business?
How to phrase it: The last company I worked for underwent a merger. Based on your cash position and strong product presence, your company would be an attractive target for a takeover. Though we did experience some difficulties in my last company, I also know I can weather the storm of such an occurrence.
Answering this question requires a relatively strong grasp on the business and a definite knowledge of the firm’s competitors. Figure out what the company does not do well in relation to its competitors, and talk a bit about this. Discuss how you would cope if these vulnerabilities were to be fully realized. As an employee with a passion for the business, you should always be thinking of the future of your job.
Q: If you were allowed to run the company, what would you do differently?
How to phrase it: I might investigate whether to sell off the light-manufacturing businesses and start an aggressive supplier-relations program.
This is another question in which you must avoid stepping on anyone’s toes. For example, if you are being interviewed by the human resources director, you probably wouldn’t want to say, “I would change the overall structure of the human resources department. The way you are structured right now I’m surprised anyone gets hired.” Rather than concentrate on your own personal experience, look at the company from a business standpoint. To answer this question, it really helps to have some insider information. If you know people who work for the company—or even in the industry—see if they can help you. Make sure you keep the rules of business in mind. Companies don’t turn a profit by letting their employees run wild. Keep your changes informed and intelligent; again, this is not the land of make-believe.
Q: Where do you think this company is going to be in five years?
How to phrase it: Based on what I’ve been reading, it seems this company will be fully expanded into the international market by then. Parker Corporation opened offices in Japan and Switzerland last year, and I read that they are looking into opening Canadian offices next year.
This candidate is aware of what his prospective employer has in store for the future because he did his homework.
Q: How well do you understand our mission?
How to phrase it: From my research, I understand that your mission is to develop high-quality toys that enhance learning and provide entertainment for children between preschool age and ten years old.
This candidate states the company’s mission as she understands it, which is exactly what the interviewer asked her to do.
Q: If you were interviewing potential employees for a job here, how would you describe this organization to them?
How to phrase it: XRT, Inc., manufacturers windows and sells them directly to the consumer. The company has a sales force of about twenty people who respond to customer inquiries by visiting their homes or places of business.
This answer shows that this interviewee has a firm grasp of what this business is all about.
Why You Want to Work Here
Q: What makes you think you’d be particularly good at this job?
How to phrase it: My academic career included several classes in business and marketing. Additionally, in my current internship, I have frequently been given the chance to help promote our products by attending trade shows, helping in the development of flyers and sales catalogs, and sitting in on meetings with the company sales department. I have been commended for my willingness to voice opinions and offer new ideas on how we could better market our products. I am forward thinking, and I always try to keep up with current trends and tendencies. I think that my creativity and strong writing skills would augment the success I could have as part of your marketing team.
The question is specifically asking about which skills and characteristics you possess that could help you succeed. Think about the kind of person that would be perfectly compatible with the job you are applying for. What skills do you possess that reflect this “perfect candidate”? Discuss how you keep up with the industry. Read the trade magazines and visit various organizational meetings and websites to find out about current trends. Make it part of your job to keep current, and make sure the interviewer knows that you are doing this.
Q: Why do you want to work here?
How to phrase it: About a year ago, your company beat me out for a bid on a project. To find out why the organization decided in your favor, I decided to research your products. It was then that I discovered that while many products in the computer industry are becoming increasingly similar, your company strives to be forward thinking. Since then, I have kept a very active interest in your company and the steps they have made in the industry as a whole. Your company has maintained a consistently strong service record, and your customer support is unrivaled. I believe that while many bigger companies will come and go, this company will always remain dedicated to the customer. I respect that kind of personal attention, and it’s a characteristic that—
unfortunately—is hard to find.
All aspects of the interviewing company should come into play here. In addition to the actual business, you should talk about the other reasons why you would like to become a part of this particular company. For example, if you are applying to work in an office with just three or four employees, you could mention your preference for small companies. Tell the recruiter about the many reasons that made you apply for this position. If you don’t know much about the company culture, look at aspects such as the company’s reputation or the job description itself to help you come up with an answer. Customer feedback can also be of value in answering this question.
Q: Why are you leaving your current job?
How to phrase it: Though, at one point, I made the leap from being a bank lender to working in the human resources department, I am hoping to combine these two experiences. Sure, I can work in human resources anywhere, but because of my past experience as a lender, I think that my skills would be well suited to a human resources career within your bank. As I have been on both sides of the traditional job interview, I think I have a strong ability to find those applicants who are most compatible with the job.
Give two or three reasons why you are ready to leave your current job. Focus on discussing the lack of growth or responsibility in your current job, and how you think this new job will challenge you. Regardless of your feelings for your current boss or work environment, refrain from making any negative statements about either. Speaking disparagingly of your current job is a red flag to the interviewer that you could have an attitude problem. Your boss isn’t there to defend herself, so the interviewer is left to wonder which one of you is the guilty party in all of this.
Q: What are you hoping to get out of your next job?
How to phrase it: I’d be very interested in taking control of a segment of the company in which we are really lagging behind. Sure, it would be a challenge, but that’s exactly what I’m looking for. In my current position, I have been able to increase the sales in my territory by more than 30 percent in just a few years. If given the opportunity to work with your company, I believe I could do that again. I also hope to get a very aggressive commission structure if I’m able to turn around a problem territory.
This question is very similar to the one that asks, “Why are you ready to leave your current job?” Without being negative about your current job or boss, give one or two examples of your current work experience that explain why you are interested in a new position. For this question, it is best to focus on obtaining a greater challenge. For example, telling the interviewer that there is no potential for advancement in your current position conveys that you are a hard worker who wants to advance; it also implies that you have gone as high as you can go in your current position. Make sure you give some reasons why you believe the job at hand will provide the additional responsibilities you are seeking.
Q: What would your dream job be like?
How to phrase it: My dream job would allow me to be creative and artistic on a day-to-day basis. It would be fast paced and deadline driven, as I thrive on pressure. I would like to work for a small start-up company with limitless growth potential. I would like to be part of a company from the beginning so that I could help in the shaping of a new business. I know that your company has been around for about a year now, but I think that your potential for growth is endless. The reason I am so interested in this position is that it would allow me to do all of these things, and then some.
This is another question that might tempt you to offer up a bit of your fantasy life to the interviewer. Rather than cite a specific fantasy job title, your best bet is to tell the interviewer the tasks that would be involved in your dream job and how those tasks relate to this job. Tie in the industry, size of the company, or other factors where appropriate.
RED FLAG!
DON’T TALK ABOUT a job you would like to have that either is close to or involves the same skills as the job you are applying for.
Q: What motivates you to do this kind of work?
How to phrase it: I have been fortunate enough in my schooling to have encountered many wonderful teachers. Each of them has left an indelible mark on me in some way, and I have always longed to do the same for some other child. I want to be the kind of teacher who not only encourages kids to learn but also sets an example that makes others want to teach. The quality of education in this state has been criticized over the past several years, and I want to help change this negative perception.
Here is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for an industry as well as your belief in the products or services of the company. It is always a wise idea to use personal experiences to underscore your enthusiasm. Talk about your natural interests, as the interviewer is trying to find out if they are compatible with the job.
Q: What interests you most about this job?
How to phrase it: I would love the opportunity to work under Jane Doe, a woman who really helped to build the financial services practice under bank deregulation. I have worked closely with Ms. Doe on projects before, and I completely respect her and her opinions. I think that in addition to getting along with your boss, it is important to respect that person, and to believe in her. My esteem for Ms. Doe is one of the main reasons I chose to apply for this job.
Point out the new responsibilities you’ll be assuming in this job, as well as the reasons why you are already well suited for it. Mention similarities to some of your past jobs in which you have enjoyed professional success. Do not speak in generalities!
In this case, the interviewee mentioned the name of someone at the company with whom she once enjoyed working.
RED FLAG!
AVOID USING FIRST NAME ONLY when speaking of a previous colleague or boss. This can be off-putting to some people. Keep it professional by using Mr. or Mrs. or first and last name.
Keep it professional when mentioning a current employee’s name at the company where you’re interviewing. Give his or her full name first, and then refer to the person as “Ms. Doe” or “Mr. Doe.”
Q: What would you like to accomplish in this job that you weren’t able to accomplish in your current position?
How to phrase it: The company that I work for right now is rather small. That said, the budget we had for marketing our products was fairly limited. For the most part, our marketing efforts were limited to print ads and other traditional resources. I know that your company dedicates much of its time and energy to interactive media, targeting the eighteen-to-twenty-five-year-old category. This is a step that I am looking forward to taking, and it’s one that I think I have many good ideas for.
Answer here in the same way you’d answer the question, Why are you ready to leave your current job? Don’t say anything negative, and be sure your answer reflects professional goals! Talk about the goals you have set for yourself and how this job would help you attain them. Discuss the things you enjoy and have an aptitude for, but do not dwell on the limitations imposed by your current or previous job.
What Your Career Plans Are
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
How to phrase it: I would like to think that in five years I could be managing my own department within the company. As I have served directly under department heads in the past, I think that I have learned valuable lessons as to what it takes to be a good leader. I would like to have the chance to use these skills and, I hope, to make a difference within the company.
Here’s one instance in which you don’t want your answer to be too specific. If you think you would like to see yourself at a management level, say so, but refrain from giving an exact job title such as senior vice president of financial affairs. Showing that you are achievement motivated is one thing; telling the interviewer that you are out to get others fired is another. Use this question as a way to talk about your greatest skills. Again, be realistic. If you are being hired for the mailroom, it is unlikely that you will be running the show within the next five years. Though confidence and a desire to be promoted are all valuable to an employer, an employee who is living in his or her own fixed reality is another story. One way to surely eliminate yourself from consideration for a job is to state unrelated career goals. If you’re applying for a job as an accountant, it is not wise to tell the interviewer that in five years you hope to be the host of your own late-night talk show!
Q: What other firms are you interviewing with, and for what positions?
How to phrase it: Since I have definitely decided on a career in the publishing industry, I am applying strictly for editorial assistant positions. My most recent interviews have been with some of the top publishing houses in this market.
One mistake that interviewees often make is trying to impress the interviewer with the names of big companies. As each of the Fortune 500 businesses are unrelated as far as industry is concerned, this would be a mass mailing at its worst. Make sure the companies you mention are all within the same industry as the company you are interviewing with. Don’t be afraid to tell the recruiter that you are interviewing with one of the company’s biggest competitors. If anything, it will reinforce that this is exactly the kind of business you want to get into and illustrate that you’re committed to finding a job in your field of interest, thus showing you to be a low-risk hire.
Q: What would you say if one of our competitors offered you a position?
How to phrase it: I’d probably say no. I’m not too interested in working for the other players in this industry. My desire to work for Nike comes from the many positive experiences I have had with your product. I truly believe in your products and would not consider working for a company whose products I didn’t believe in. After all, how could I convince someone to buy a product that I myself wouldn’t buy?
It is not always necessary to answer no to this question. Depending on the order of the questions asked, you may have already told an interviewer that you are applying for a position with his competitor. Still, whether you answer this question with a yes or a no, be sure that you let the interviewer know that it is this company you would like to work for. Point out the reasons why you would prefer to work for this company even if a competitor offered you a position. Talk about the advantages this company has to offer you both as an employee and as a consumer. Again, the interviewer is trying to determine whether your interest in the company and industry is genuine. Talk about why you would choose this company over any other, and demonstrate your interest.
Q: How have your career motivations changed over the past few years?
How to phrase it: When I first started out, I worked in sales, which is where I was sure I wanted to be. As I worked very closely with the marketing department, I realized that perhaps that was where my talents were. I found out that I could use my creativity and strong writing skills to really help out in the marketing end of things. My boss also quickly realized this and immediately offered me a position within the marketing department. Since then, my interest in marketing has only increased. I know that your sales and marketing departments rely heavily upon one another to make each other work, as is the case with many companies. Though I will always love the thrill of salesmanship, I cannot deny that marketing is where I need to be. Working for your company would allow me to keep a close eye on both of these interests and, I hope, help in the productivity of each of these departments.
Regardless of whether or not you have changed careers completely, you have probably learned a lot about yourself and your talents since entering the work force. Talk about the things that you have learned from your past work experience, especially where your skills and natural instincts lie. Make sure that your current motivation relates to the job you are interviewing for. Avoid seeming fickle. An employer will not want to take a chance on an employee who can’t seem to make up his mind about what he wants to do. Even if you’ve had various jobs, talking about the goal you have always had in mind will put a positive spin on your varied past.
Q: You seem to be climbing the corporate ladder in your current job. Why leave now?
How to phrase it: I’m choosing to leave now because my goals have changed. I want to use my public relations skills at a nonprofit organization such as this one.
This applicant is making a change to another industry, but shows how he can still use his skills to meet his new goals.
Q: Your last job was very different than the ones you had before. Why did you take that job?
How to phrase it: I was thinking of going back to school to be a veterinarian. I mentioned this to my neighbor, a vet, and he offered me a job in his office. I love animals, but before I made the commitment to go to veterinary school, I wanted to make sure I’d be happy working with them and especially dealing with sick ones. It turned out that wasn’t right for me after all.
This candidate has a good explanation for why she took a job that has nothing at all to do with her current career path. In doing so she also shows off her decision-making skills.
Q: Describe how your career progressed over the past five years. Was it aligned with the goals you set for yourself?
How to phrase it: When I graduated from the community college, I knew I wanted to work as a store manager. I also knew I would have to work my way up, so I took a job as a sales associate at Dress Corral. After a lot of hard work, I was promoted to assistant department manager after two years. After being in that job for a year, I got a job as manager of the ladies’ accessories department at P. J. Coopers, and I’ve been there for the past two years. With my experience, I’m ready for the next step —store manager.
This job candidate shows exactly how her career has progressed and how she is now ready for a job with this employer.
Q: How does this job fit in with your career goals?
How to phrase it: As I mentioned earlier, my long-range goal is to be an elementary school principal. Reaching that is several years off, of course. I have a lot to learn about school administration. I’ve attended several workshops you’ve run, and I am always impressed by your knowledge, and I know I can learn a lot from you. From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, you always place a lot of trust in everyone you hire and give employees a chance to grow. I know I can gain valuable knowledge and experience here at Oakwood, in addition to what I can contribute as an assistant principal.
This candidate demonstrates her knowledge about her prospective employer. She has personally learned from him in the past. She has also talked to other people who know him and how the school is run.
How You Would Contribute
Q: How do you stay current?
How to phrase it: I pore over the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Institutional Investor, and several mutual fund newsletters. I also have a number of friends who are financial analysts, and we often discuss the business amongst ourselves.
This question relates to the previous one. Show the employer that your interest in a specific job or field does not end at 5 P.M. Talk about the many ways that—even outside of work—you keep up with your business. It could be that you spend your lazy Sunday mornings reading trade magazines; there’s no shame in sharing this with the interviewer. If you are a member of any professional trade organization, now is the time to talk about it. Do you attend regular meetings or chat frequently with the other members? Show the employer that this position is not just a way to make a living but a way of life for you.
Q: Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn’t know from reading your resume.
How to phrase it: I love snorkeling. It’s my favorite way to relax. Down there, observing all those strange and wonderful forms of life, it gives a fresh and upbeat outlook on my own life.
Remember that you are being asked to tell the interviewer something about yourself that she wouldn’t know from reading your resume. If certain pieces of information were omitted from your resume to keep it all on one page, now is the time to bring them up. For example, if in addition to a part-time job and your full-time studies you were part of an athletic team or organization, talk about it. While the actual organization might be a bit off the topic, you can usually find a way to weave it into the conversation. By participating in a particular event or becoming part of a certain organization, what did you learn? What are some of the skills you acquired that will help you in your professional endeavors? Do not tell the interviewer something that is completely irrelevant (such as, “I have ten cats!”). Above all, remember not to repeat anything that can be found from looking at your resume.
Q: Do you think that you are overqualified for this position?
How to phrase it: Absolutely not! My relative experience and qualifications will only help me to do this job better. Because I have experience in so many different facets of your business, I feel that I can help in the overall success of the company, and not just within my department. For example, my business experience can help me to run the art department in a cost-efficient manner, while my creative background will allow me to find the best freelance talent. As I have been working in the industry for quite some time, I have many business contacts that I can call upon to help me. My qualifications are better for the company, too, since you’ll be getting a better return on your investment. Since I am interested in establishing a long-term relationship with my employer, I would expect expanded responsibilities that could make use of even other skills when I have proven myself.
This question intends to catch an interviewee off guard, and it often does. The mistake many people make in answering this question is to automatically take a defensive position. If you do have extensive experience, an interviewer is testing to see whether you would quickly become bored in the position, how much confidence you have in your own skills, and how you plan to let your past experience work for you in this company. When answering this question, be sure to address each of your strongest skills and explain how each could benefit the company. Confidence is the key to answering this question.
Q: What new or unique skills could you bring to the job that other candidates aren’t likely to offer?
How to phrase it: Because the company I currently work for is one of the oldest players in the industry, I think I could bring the history and experience that goes along with that. I can help this company avoid making some of the same mistakes we have made in our established markets. For example, if I were to start work today, I would work at retaining your core customer base before trying to secure new accounts. It is this kind of experience that you are not likely to find in many other candidates.
This question addresses your desire to add true value to a job (beyond what is expected of an employee). Imagine that you are being considered for the position alongside one other person with the exact same educational and professional qualifications. What are the things that would make you the better hire?
RED FLAG!
STEER CLEAR OF VAGUE interview answers such as “I am multitask oriented” and “I wear many hats.” These answers tell the recruiter absolutely nothing about your skills and abilities.
Q: Based on what you know about this company, how will you contribute to it?
How to phrase it: I see that most of your company’s clients are in the food industry. Since I spent ten years working for AMJ Bean Company, I am very familiar with that industry. I know my experience in the industry is something your clients will appreciate.
This candidate has researched her prospective employer and knows that her experience in the food industry will help her should she be hired. She is able to make a point of mentioning that in the job interview.
Q: Do you know what your job duties will be if we hire you?
How to phrase it: As eligibility clerk, I know I will use my interviewing skills to help determine whether individuals are eligible to receive assistance from various government programs. I will interview people and then write reports that will be sent to the appropriate agencies.
This candidate knows what the general duties are for the job.
Q: What would you like to accomplish here if we hire you?
How to phrase it: I read that this company is expanding into the children’s clothing market. With my background in that area, I know I can help make that clothing line successful.
The interviewee bases his answer on what he has learned about this employer. He explains how his experience will help the company reach its goals.
Q: If you were hired here today, what is the first thing you would do?
How to phrase it: I would help to increase your business within the software market. Though your company is mainly known for its printed products, I believe that your software is one of your greatest assets. I have spent the past four years working as a sales manager for a software developer, so I have a great understanding of how to market these products more effectively.
In addition to showing your enthusiasm for a job, this question tests your knowledge of a company and its products. Give the interviewer clear, tangible evidence that the company will benefit immediately upon hiring you. Focus your answer on the action you would take, and—above all—make sure your goals are realistic. Is there an area you think could use some improvement? Discuss the steps you would take to achieve maximum results. Do you have a creative way to improve some aspect of the company? Talk about it. If you can, relate what you would like to accomplish in this company to past achievements and experience. A job offer is a cause to celebrate, but the interviewer isn’t probing for that kind of response; she wants to know how you can make a difference right from day one.
Q: Our latest venture has been all over the news. What would you do to make the transition go more smoothly for our employees?
How to phrase it: I would make sure employees know how the merger between this company and Pacific Pencil Company will affect them. I would hold meetings to discuss how procedures will change and schedule workshops to help employees adapt to these changes. When my former employer merged with RQR International, I assisted the vice president who was responsible for handling the transition, so I have experience in this area.
By referring to the venture by name, this candidate shows he knows what the interviewer is talking about. He has clearly given some thought to how this merger will affect the company and knows how to deal with it, and he can draw upon his experience with a similar situation.
Q: Why should we hire you?
How to phrase it: My aunt had a company that was a small-scale manufacturer in the industry, and although she later sold the business, I worked there for five summers doing all sorts of odd jobs. For that reason, I believe I know this business from the ground up, and you can be assured that I know what I’d be getting into as a plant manager here.
Why should a company hire you? This question, which is usually the last one asked in a formal interview, is your chance to sum up your skills and value as an employee without repeating your resume or employment history. Here’s your chance to offer one or two examples that explain why you want to work for this particular company and why they would want you to work for them. What’s the most compelling example you can give to prove your interest? Though this question often remains unasked, it’s always in the back of a recruiter’s mind. If you’re lucky enough to get through the interview without hearing it, you should still try to find an opportunity to use your prepared response sometime during the interview, perhaps in your closing remarks.
Endnote: Choose your answer wisely when fielding questions about industry ambitions. Use proper phrasing to expertly showcase how well you know the industry and how passionate you are about working for the company. “Determination” should be the word that comes to mind when they think of you.