Finally, Here's How You Answer Tough Interview Questions!

Linda Matias is a Job-search certified Interview Coach (CIC), Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and Nationality Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) and also the writer of two books. She has also been qualified consultant for Resume writing, interviewing process and career transition areas.

In her paper, Linda described the technique for answering interview questions which are likely to be asked and how they are to be approached. In an interview, some of the questions are tough and hard to tackle. If we follow such a situation, then being aware of the kind of question and where it is coming from could help us to defend ourselves and avoid a uncomfortable situation.

Some of the examples are as follows:

Q. You don't have as much experience for this job. We may have to spend some time with you training you and taking you at a level where we expect the job requirement is. But we have another candidate to whom we don't need to train and spend time with him... so why we would hire you?

Ans. This question demands you to show up your communication skills and show the interviewer that you are a self-starter. Showing that previously you had task in hand and you managed it without any aid would be a good help to tackle this question.

Q. You have been unemployed for a long time. How do you think your skills match up our level of demand?

Ans. This is again a question which may catch you off-guard. The questioner who has found out that you have a gap in your career. Now if we have been upgrading your skills in the time period when we were unemployed it becomes easy to answer. However, if were not covering this time period with any upgrade of skills then this could blow up our interview. To avoid any negative impression it's good to enroll in a program which develop required set of skills so that we could mention them in our Resume (even if we were involved in finding out the different offerings of courses in our area, it's not bad mentioning it in an interview)

Q. I am not sure if you would stick around with this job... what if you decide to move over a new place with in a year because you feel it is boring work now.

Ans. This is relatively easier question to answer because it does give us an opportunity to openly describe our qualities and work skills although the interviewer knows about our work history. Because we have invited for an interview and the person is open to listening, it's a good sign for us as we have a chance to express our qualities which we possess without getting defensive.

Interviewers sometimes ask tough or attacking questions to check our temperament. Simply answer those questions according to their merit. We don't have to be aggressive in tone nor in our stance because it sends a strong negative message to our interviewer and doesn't work out for us in the interview.

For example interviewers are not impressed with the candidate who does not possess the quality of good temperament and self-confidence. They may ask you tough yet reasonable questions, but then they will also consider how do you approach and respond to such type of questions. Getting nervy or embroiled at that crucial stage does not help the cause.

Written by: Bryan W Goldberg

Job Interview Question: How to Answer Who Is Your Best Friend?

The Who is your best friend interview question is used often as part of the behavioral assessment portion of a job interview. The answer you give to this question provides the hiring manager with a sense as to how introspective you are in terms of how other people view you, and well you map your personality characteristics into a work environment. Answering this question or a related question like this well will be important to your chances of getting that new job!

There is no perfect answer in the interview to this question, but there are answers that cast you in a positive light as a leading job candidate, and responses that will result in a strike against you - too many strikes across too many questions equals no job offer.

The interview question is often asked in the form of Who is your best friend. When a name is given, the interviewer will then ask If he/she was in the room with me right now, how would he/she describe you - both the positive and the negative. I have often received responses of my spouse, my sister or brother, and my mom or dad, all of which are acceptable as well as peer friends.

Good Interview Answers to the Positive Attributes Question

A good answer typically shows that you have a sense as to how other people view you, and you know how to position this view in a way relevant to a work environment. Some examples include the following for the positive character trait portion of the question:

• I'm outgoing and get along well with others.
• I'm focused and driven to succeed on whatever task I take on.
• I like to be challenged - whether a new game, a new environment, or physically pushing myself in sports.

Good Interview Answers to the Negative Attributes Question

I often don't see really bad answers to the positive piece, but it gets interesting when asked about any negatives a best friend may articulate. These are some generally good answers that managers look for in response to a friend's description of your negative traits:

• Sometimes I can be a perfectionist at things and won't stop until I master a task.
• I can be a workaholic, and sometimes have to remind myself to balance my personal life with work.
• I occasionally overextend myself with too many activities both at work and in my community work

Bad Interview Answers to the Positive Attributes Question

Believe it or not, I have received these answers in real interviews, and in addition to not being impressed with how the candidate is thinking, these often start tilting the interview more towards do not hire:

• I like to party and people always want to be around me.
• I am a shoe fanatic and the person to take shoe shopping.
• I'm a social butterfly, and often have stuff going on every night of the week in my personal life.

Basically you want to be honest about how your friend would describe you, but use something that translates into a character attribute that a manager would see applying in a work environment.

Shopping, driving cars, etc. don't fit this purpose, and some of the above answers indicate perhaps a lack of responsibility, especially if the impression is that you are too fun loving and your primary focus is on an active social life. A manager will interpret this as a weak work ethic, which will not be in your favor.

Bad Interview Answers to the Negative Attributes Question

Often responding with a negative is hard for most people [there are other interview questions along these lines as well], and the trick is to not portray a character trait as a true negative, and certainly never give an answer that casts you in a bad light in terms of lack of responsibility, maturity, work ethic, or teamwork.

Here are some real answers I've received in interviews that are not a good response to what would your best friend say in terms of negative characteristics or behaviors:

• I party too much and often have trouble getting going in the morning
• I don't pay attention to time and often am late for our social appointments / movies / etc.
• I'm always out of money and asking to borrow some until my next paycheck

Can you see why these would not be received well during an interview, and why you may not come across as someone I'd be excited at having on my team?

Not all interviewers use this question, but similar questions are used during most interviews - we want to learn more about your personality, and how you perceive yourself both in your eyes and in the eyes of others. Often people that are more introspective tend to be more focused on their behavior, contributions to a team, and receive and act on career coaching very well.

Written by: Russell Tuckerton

Job Interview Advice: What Is The Best Time Slot for a Job Interview?

If you are applying for jobs in which you are qualified for, you should soon start to receive interview request calls. When receiving these calls, you will notice a variance. Some companies provide you with an exact date and time. Others provide you with the option to choose your interview date and time. If this is the case, which time slot should you pick? What is the best time slot for a job interview?

The answer to this question isn't a simple one. After all, some personal factors need to be taken into consideration. The answer will depend on the individual in question. Moreover, you'll notice that different options, such as first thing in the morning or the last job interview of the day, have their own sets of pros and cons.

Early Morning Job Interviews

If you are given the option to interview for the job between the hours of 8am and 11am, you are looking at an early morning job interview. You will be one of the first applicants in the door to undergone this procedure.

First and foremost, are you an early morning person? If you regularly sleep until 10am each morning and aren't fully awake until an hour later, this may hurt your chances of making a good impression. Unless you are a person who is able to get a good nights sleep, rise early in the morning, and be fully awake, a later time slot for a job interview is advised.

One of the benefits of being able to land an early morning job interview is the fact that you are one of the first applicants through the door. The hiring many will be excited about what the day brings. Being one of the first applicants also enables you to provide answers without having them compared to the 15 job seekers before you. The hiring manager will accept your answers and move onto the next question.

Later Afternoon Job Interviews

As mentioned above, if should avoid early morning interviews if you aren't a morning person. But, what if you aren't an afternoon person? Are you sluggish and ready for a nap as soon as the clock strikes 1pm? Remember, you want to bring your best to an interview and that means opting (if you have the choice) for a time slot in which you can perform your best.

One of the benefits of being able to land a time slot in the afternoon is that you are one of the last applicants. Although your answers will be compared against the others provided throughout the day, you didn't have the tough task of setting the standard. Moreover, since you are one of the last of the day, your answers and the impression you create will be fresh in the mind of the hiring manager when it comes time to review the day's applicants.

So there you have it! You now know some of the pros and cons for opting for both an early morning and a later afternoon job interview. If you do have the choice to select your own time slot, it is recommended that you take these factors into consideration.

Good luck!

Information Technology Interview Questions - Important For Interviews

As we all know that the information technology is a highly developed field in which people have the good knowledge of latest and changes and development in information technology sector. A person having the knowledge of advanced changes in IT sector knows about different computer languages, programs etc. He knows various advanced computer software and hardware tools. He should be able to solve out the computer related problems.

If you really wish to secure a good job position in IT sector, then following are some essential questions that you should practice.

1. Explain all your professional qualification and abilities that are needed for this post.

If a person wants to secure a good job in information technology sector field, he should have the abilities of leadership qualities, management skills and organizational qualities. He should be able to motivate and direct subordinates the candidates in order to form some policies. They are involved in communicating directly with their customers to decide day to day activities.

2. Out of all the job seekers that I have met, why should we only hire you for this post?

Out of all job seekers that you have recently interviewed, you should choose me only as I can easily manage all the responsibilities and tasks with lots of effectiveness and efficiency. I have the excellent communication and interpersonal skills which are needed to deal with the variety of customers. I have good technical and organizational skills that can benefit the company. Moreover in addition to all these skills, I possess the needed qualification for this post.

3. Why do you wish to leave your present job?

There are so many reasons for leaving my current job but one of the main reasons for this is that I was looking for a globally recognized company just like yours where I can make use of my extensive knowledge, abilities, experience and skills for the better growth and development of the organization. Your reputed organization would definitely help me for my personal and professional growth.

4. Can you explain about the job specific proficiencies which are required for this post?

The specific proficiencies which are required for this post of information technology specialists are knowledge about networking, training and management, Help Desk Administration, internal system maintenance and Asset Management. Describe some of your projects that you had to complete at previous company.

Above described are some very important points and interview questions that you must surely remember while facing employer. My best wishes are always with you.

Career Success - How to Ace Your Job Interview

Looking for a job is always challenging - in good and in bad economic times. However, if you approach your interview the right way, you will drastically increase your chances of getting the job. Below are a few steps, which will help you ace your job interview.

1. Do some research. It is shocking how many people show up for interviews without knowing much about the company they are applying to. Stand out from the crowd by taking the time to research both the company and the specifics of the job you are applying to.

2. Prepare. It is a mistake to go to an interview, planning to wing it. Even if you are very good at thinking on your feet, preparation always shows. The benefits of preparation are confidence, polished answers and a clear signal to the interviewer that you are interested in the job.

3. Be confident. Do you think you are good at what you do? Do you believe you deserve to get this job? Then let your confidence show. Before the interview, try to stay calm and not let your nerves get the best of you. During the interview, answer in a loud and clear voice and, if you happen to mess something up, make a little joke. Confidence does not mean arrogance, so keep your attitude in check at all times.

4. Know your stuff. You may make a great first impression but, at the end of the day, the single most important thing is to have the knowledge and skills the company is looking for. Make sure that, in your answers, you mention your relevant experience and skills. Use examples, which highlight your qualifications. If you think that the interviewer is not asking you about a critical part of your experience, volunteer the information at the end of the interview.

5. Ask thoughtful questions. Asking well thought-out questions at the end of the interview is another clear signal that you have done your homework and that you are genuinely interested in the job and the company.

6. Send a thank you email. Even after you have completed your interview, you can still make an impression and tip the scales in your favor by sending a thoughtful thank you email to your interviewer. Don't worry if they don't reply to your note - recruiters tend to be very busy but they do recognize the candidates who are most committed to getting the job.

Written by: Zornitsa Ivanova

30 Typical Job Interview Questions

�Job interviews are a common source of anxiety for many and much of this seems to stem from a concern that you will be thrown by a difficult question. The range and nature of questions you may be asked at interview is vast and it is therefore neither practicable nor desirable to swot up on questions in preparation. By completing the assessment activities we recommend in our career coaching programmes you will be more fully and confidently prepared and able to give natural, authentic responses.

The following questions are provided to give you an idea of typical questions and to give you an opportunity to check your preparedness, perhaps by randomly selecting a few questions and answering them. You may find it helpful to ask a friend, family member or your Coach to assist you.

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What is it about this role that appeals to you?
3. Tell me why we should offer this job to you?
4. Where do you hope/intend to be in the next three years?
5. How would your ex-boss/ex-colleagues describe you?
6. What would you say were your main strengths?
7. What is your biggest weakness?
8. Give me an example of your problem solving skills.
9. Tell me about an occasion where your communication skills made a difference to the situation.
10. Describe a time when you had to persuade a reluctant person to take a particular course of action.
11. Describe a situation when you had to deal with an angry customer.
12. What type of responsibilities do you delegate? Give examples of projects where you made best use of delegation.
13. What would you describe as your greatest achievement?
14. What leadership qualities do you possess?
15. How would you describe your management style?
16. How do you keep up with technical developments in your field?
17. Describe a time when you were faced with unrealistic/unfeasible goals? How did you handle the situation?
18. If we offer you this job what area(s) would you feel most unconfident about?
19. If we offered you this job what would be your first priority on joining?
20. Are you considering other jobs at this time? How does this opportunity compare?
21. What salary are you seeking?
22. How do you motivate your team?
23. Give me an example of when your work has been criticised. How did you respond?
24. Why did you stay so long in your last role?
25. Would you be prepared to relocate?
26. Can you give me an example of your team work and leadership?
27. Do you prefer working on your own or in a team?
28. What do you do when you're not working?
29. What do you know about us?
30. Do you have any questions for me?

There are no right answers to these questions. What is important is that you can answer relevant questions confidently, honestly and in a way which positively promotes your abilities, experience and skills.

E: sarah.jaggers@managingchange.org.uk

Job Interview Tips - First Impressions Count and Appearance Is a Big Part of the Job Interview

Job interviews are the most important part of the hiring process. Your appearance will leave a lasting first impression and can make or break your chances of actually landing the job. When it comes to dressing for an important job interview, remember one thing; if you do not look the part you probably will not get the part. Your cover letter and resume will get your foot in the door but you must arrive to your job interview properly dressed.

Appropriate attire varies greatly by industry. Here are some general tips you may find useful:

Banking/Finance Interview

Banking and finance are very old-fashioned industries so you need to wear a suit that fits well and looks good. Sober dark-colored suits are ideal. You should look like a person that people will trust to handle their money and assets.

Government Job Interview

Classic suits are your best bet. The higher the position that you are aiming for in the government, the more formal your attire should be. Women should avoid having many accessories and be conservative with makeup and hairstyles, too.

Technical/IT Interview

In most cases you will not need to wear a suit. A good quality collared shirt and slacks or khakis for men is recommended while women should wear a blouse or sweater with a skirt or slacks. Dark blue and gray are popular neutral colors.

Trade Job Interview

Business casual is most likely a suitable choice. See the description above for technical/IT jobs. Wear nice shoes (not sneakers) that are neat and well-polished. Even though you might wear blue jeans during everyday work, employers still expect you to dress up for interviews although you need not go overboard by wearing a suit.

Entertainment/Fashion

The rules about dressing up for a job interview are somewhat relaxed for the entertainment and fashion industry. Being conservative is not really required and people will expect you to dress fashionably.

Apart from clothing, you should also take pains to look neat and well-groomed. Pay attention to the details such as your nails and hair.

When in doubt of the proper job interview attire, just ask! If you are really worried or are not sure what to wear, ask about appropriate attire when you are setting up the job interview and dress accordingly. If they say their attire is casual think business casual. Do not make the mistake of wearing jeans and a T-shirt. It is much better to dress up than to dress down when you are going to a job interview.