Two-Approach Job Guide and Career Assistant

Remember, this is a job interview, not a psychological or personal interview. The interviewer is interested in the information about you that relates to your qualifications for employment, such as education, your family (children, occupation of your partner/spouse), work experiences and extracurricular activities.

Keep your answers short (30 to 90 seconds). Generally, use the time to offer some personal information (only as related to the job/career field), education and a summary of experience.

2. Employability: Why did you leave (are you leaving) your most recent job (activity)?,

Employers want to be reassured that they are hiring a person who can solve specific problems for them without creating peripheral problems. You, therefore, will want to emphasize your stability, your ability to understand things from an employer’s point of view and your general integrity.

For example: I have really enjoyed my position, but I am looking for something a bit more challenging at this time. I believe this position provides that opportunity.

Other questions related with employability might be: How do you plan to achieve your career goals?, Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization?

3. Capabilities:

·         What are your strengths, weaknesses, and interests?,

·         In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?

·         How do you work under pressure?,

·         How would you describe the ideal job for?,

·         What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?,

·         Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?

·         What qualities should a successful manager possess?

Savvy interviewers answer these questions in terms of the specific position requirements, so sometimes this is an opportunity to ask more questions about the position. Your response can then be tailored and more effectively frame the employer’s understanding of your abilities. It is not enough to answer the question in vague generalities. You have to back up your assertions with behavioral evidence that is concrete and compelling. The examples make the information meaningful.

For example: I am very organized. As my resume shows, I have experience organizing meetings and large events and this is the type of work I enjoy most.

What are your weaknesses?

Present a weakness that’s really a hidden strength. For example:

I have a tendency to be extremely thorough. Sometimes this means I produce more than has been asked for and it seems irrelevant to some people. Yet often, the extra information provides insights that help avoid problems in the long term.

Other Options:

What is your greatest achievement? 

Describe a contribution you have made to a project on which you worked. Customize!! Focus your answer as closely as possible on your understanding of the employer’s needs. Avoid conveying an unrelated accomplishment. Remember, words like “best,” “worst,” and “failure” invite excess emotionalism. Demonstrate balance by speaking with clarity and relevance.

We recommend the Interview Questions Software for a better preparation of your interview(s). This Software performs mock tests and IQ tests and makes you fit for complicate job interviews.   

4. Compatibility: What would your former boss say about you? How do you handle authority?,

Body language is often a tip-off here. Negative experiences in the past will often prompt defensive expressions and words. Focus your answer on the best parts of the relationship.

For example: We didn’t always agree, but we were able to work out our differences through open communication.

The second question offers an opportunity to talk about how (and with whom) you work best.

For example: I prefer a supervisor who takes an interest in the projects on which I work, but who allows me the autonomy to complete them in my own style.

Other questions related to compatibility:

·         Was there an occasion when you disagreed with a supervisor's decision or company policy?,

·         Describe a situation in which you had to work with a difficult person (another student, co-worker, customer, supervisor, etc.). How did you handle the situation? Is there anything you would have done differently in hindsight?,

·         Describe a situation in which you worked as part of a team. What role did you take on? What went well and what didn't?

·         What would your colleagues say about you? Focus on the productive aspects of your relationships and anchor your answer with a story.

·         Where do you want to be five years from now?  What are your long-range goals and objectives?, What are your short-range goals and objectives?, What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?

Show ambition and interest in professional growth rather than a specific job title. Use this question as an opportunity to check whether you and your future employer have mutually compatible goals. Be brave enough to say what you want and need to make your contribution count.

5. Credibility: Can we check your references?

A spontaneous “Of course!” is best. Prepare your references ahead of time by letting them know the details of the position you are seeking and the qualities the employer would find most attractive. That gives your references a chance to highlight the most relevant information about you. Additionally, it may be wise to provide your prospective employer with an additional copy of your CV or resume so that they can speak in greater detail about your accomplishments.

6. Affordability: How much money are you looking for? How much are you presently earning?

Politely defer salary discussions until it’s clear that a partnership is desirable. If the employer insists, you having done your research, offer a salary range typical for that position or a ballpark figure (rather than the exact numbers of your current or last position). Websites such as salary search from Indeed can help with this research.