PROFESSIONAL JOB INTERVIEWS Answering the Tough Questions RULE

PROFESSIONAL JOB INTERVIEWS Answering the Tough Questions

RULE of THUMB v Relate ALL answers to this position ANSWER JOB ANSWER 2 ANSWER

Answering Tough Questions l Think of these questions in terms of exam questions – – 3 more as short essay questions less as short, fill-in-the-blank

Answering Tough Questions l Use the material from previous “job search” assignments – – – 4 – Salary report Keirsey report Company research 5 -year plan LCCC corporate culture Education & Employment summaries Résumé

1) “Tell me a little about yourself. ” l l l Be brief Relate to this position Avoid hobbies & other unrelated activities – 5 (unless asked)

2) “Why did you choose your college? ” l Use reasons related to academics – – – 6 The department’s standing The faculty’s reputation The job placement stats in your field

3) “What are your strengths? ” l l 7 Focus on 2 or 3 Choose that relate (positively) to this position

4) “What are your weaknesses? ” l Choose that would be strengths in this position – – – 8 perfectionism attention to detail OCD workaholism competitiveness

5) “Why would you fit this company? ” l l Show off your company research Connect several points about the company to – – – 9 your professional goals your professional interests your professional experience

6) “What jobs have you held? ” l Relate to this position – l EX: – – 10 Show those past jobs — no matter how modest — helped prepare you for this position PT fast-food work honed your teamwork & interpersonal skills

7) “What are your long-term goals? ” l l 11 Refer to your already-prepared 5 -year plan or 10 -year plan Show these goals fit within this company

8) “What salary do you have in mind? ” l Avoid discussing salary at this point – l Instead focus on – l “job satisfaction” & “personal growth” If pressed, – 12 save for the 2 nd interview use your salary research

9) “Do you like working in groups OR do you prefer working alone? ” l TRICK QUESTION: – l Interest & experience in group work – l l 13 employers like both college or employment Individual drive, achievement Consider the company culture from your research

10) “Do you have any questions for me? ” l TRICK QUESTION: – l l l Reinforce your knowledge of the position Reinforce your interest in the company Show off your company research – – – 14 always be ready with questions – expansions, training benefits, promotions computers & other technologies travel requirements

Other Tough Questions l l 15 With the exception of #3 & #4, These are quite similar to, rewordings of, questions from the previous list. As usual, relate your answers to the position And utilize material from previous “job search” assignments.

Other Tough Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 16 5. Why do you want to work for our company? What do you have to offer? How do you feel college has prepared you for your future? What is the most difficult position you have been in? What would you do if one of your coworkers was stealing? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?