Preparing for job interview questions is not as simplistic as you might think. More and more employers are looking to ditch the traditional interview questions for more open-ended, detailed ones. Behavioral questions are quickly becoming popular questions to ask during an interview. They are typically the most important and can often sabotage an interview if answered incorrectly.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept, behavioral questions inquire about situations you have handled in the past. The potential employer is looking to find out if you are capable of dealing with the problems that may arise, should you be offered the position. Traditionally, interviewers will ask you questions like, "How would you handle a customer if X happened?" or "How would you work to improve Y?" For these kinds of questions, it is quite easy to make up a story on the spot, as you have a good idea of what the "right" answers are. However, behavioral questions do not leave you any room for imagination and require you to contemplate past work experiences.
Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers
Most behavioral questions begin with, "Tell me about a time when" or "Give me an example of." When asked behavioral questions, consider your achievements, or a tough customer that you were able to turn around. Be sure to describe the problem, how you handled it, and what the results were.
Q: Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with an unruly customer.
A: I once dealt with a customer who was irate because another salesman treated her with disrespect. She had no interest in hearing about any of other products. (Situation)
I asked her to share her story with me and made note of her specific complaint. I then described to her how I, personally, would have handled her situation. After explaining how I could offer her much better services and relayed her some facts, she quickly changed her mind about dealing with the company. (Action)
As a result, she purchased even more merchandise than previously and referred her neighbor to me. She is now a routine customer. (Result)
The interviewee clearly stated the problem, how they handled it and what the result was. The situation served as both a challenge and an accomplishment. If the question is a little more vague, like "Give me an example of a challenge you had to face at your previous job," try to look for an example that is relevant to the position you are applying for.
While you can never be sure of what the interviewer is going to ask, it is a good idea to be prepared. Jot down some of the situations that would make good examples, and be sure to address those three key points - Situation, Action and Result.
Article Source: ezinearticles.com
Thứ Tư, 2 tháng 1, 2013
Interview Tips - Dos and Don'ts
Here are some tips regarding pre-interview behaviour that I have utilised myself. Notice this article refers to pre-interview, but also understand that the interview really starts as soon as you arrive at the designated location.
DOs
Arrive 10-15 mins early - Turning up with several minutes to spare let's you cool down and relax; go to the bathroom; check your hair, teeth and nose, wipe your brow and generally de-stress. By aiming to be there early, it also means you avoid arriving flustered as a result of rushing to be on time. If need be, practice a dry run of commuting to the interview destination at the same time on a previous day.
Eat and be well hydrated - Sure these are two things you should be doing anyway, but many people forget to as a result of preparing or travelling to the interview. Nourishment will aid your concentration during the interrogation, and being hydrated will ensure your mouth isn't dry when answering those difficult questions.
Smile - Nobody likes a sourpuss so ensure you're smiling when you arrive. Smile in the elevator, smile at the receptionist and most certainly smile when greeting your interviewer. Practice your smile at home if you have to and verify that it's sincere - people can spot a fake grin a mile off. As Tyra Banks would say on America's Next Top Model, "You have to smize", that is smile with your eyes too. By the way I don't actually watch ANTM, but overheard it when switching channels the other day.
Firm handshake - Sometimes the best first impression you can make is with a firm handshake. I've interviewed hundreds of graduates and it never ceases to amaze me how many falter on this aspect. Whenever meeting anyone that doesn't shake my hand firmly, it immediately puts me off and presents the other person as weak and lacking confidence - definitely not the impression you want to make with an interviewer. There's further handshake etiquette you should be mindful of by running a search on the internet.
Initiate small talk - You know that period when your interviewer is leading you to the interview room? Well that's not meant to be awkwardly silent. In fact it's the perfect opportunity to make small talk and break the ice. If you're not an adroit conversationalist then ask/make some preconceived questions/comments. Examples I have used before:
- "Great views from this office, I don't know how you get any work done?"
- "Some great artwork in this building; I especially liked the mural in the lobby"
Such remarks will often spark a hearty conversation and demonstrate you're an affable human being.
Be well-dressed -
Martin Frohm: What would you say if a man walked in here with no shirt, and I hired him? What would you say?
Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants.
Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants.
I love the above dialogue from one of my favourite movies, The Pursuit of Happyness. I definitely don't recommend executing it though, unless you have a spectacular story to match. So for the rest of us that aren't Will Smith, make sure you dress appropriately for your particular industry. Law graduates can assume business formal when interviewing at a firm whereas science graduates might be required to wear less formal attire. Either way, ask the interviewer beforehand if you're unsure.
Find out name of receptionist - I especially like this one. I used this tactic before successfully when interviewing at a multinational firm some years back. When arriving at the designated offices of the company I greeted the receptionist and found out her name was Jenny. I also engaged her in some cheerful banter (but not too much as she was busy answering calls and welcoming people). Then as the interviewer lead me away to the location of the interview, I give her a wave and said "Thanks Jenny". It brought a smile to her face and I could tell by the expression of the interviewer, he was highly impressed. Also note that receptionists are asked to observe you as you wait and then report their feedback about your body language to managers.
DON'Ts
Don't use your phone - Do not talk, text, play games or listen to music on your phone while waiting at reception for your interviewer to arrive - even if you installed the coolest iPhone app. This is an increasing problem among youth today as technology becomes more mobile and they become more technology savvy. Turn off your phone completely! Silent will not suffice. It's just as disconcerting for yourself and the interviewer if they hear the sound of vibrations in your jacket pocket during the interview. Any calls received during this time can go straight to voicemail.
Don't smoke - This is something I advocate at all times, but if you happen to be partial to a puff of the cigarette then don't do it before the interview. Personal space can sometimes be compromised in small interview rooms and the last thing an employer wants to smell on you is a waft of foul tobacco induced odour. It's such an obvious smell especially on chronic smokers so save your cancer stick for post interview. It could also indicate to your future employer that you'll be less productive at work as you take frequent breaks to support your ailing habit.
Don't overdo the perfume - Some cologne or perfume is recommended for both males and females, however it shouldn't be overpowering. When the fragrance is excessive it can be quite nauseating for people around you.
Don't bring too many bags - Avoid carrying a lot (gym bag, laptop, luggage) to the interview as it proves to be very cumbersome. Try and schedule appointments such as the gym or guitar lessons well after the interview to leave you enough time to go home first. Steer clear of shopping beforehand and save the stocktake sales for after.
Don't drink coffee - Coffee smells really nice in a cup but revolting on someone's breath. As per smoking, save your caffeine addiction for after the interview.
Don't interview if you aren't well - In such instances avoid the interview and call up the potential employer with your sincerest regrets. Ask them if it's possible to reschedule and affirm your enthusiasm for the position. In most cases this won't be a problem, even if the interview is conducted in a group setting. Just be genuine and your future hiring manager will be sympathetic to your situation; if not, then it's probably not somewhere you want to work anyway.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4140915
Interview Tips - Pre-Interview Dos and Don'ts
Here are some tips regarding pre-interview behaviour that I have utilised myself. Notice this article refers to pre-interview, but also understand that the interview really starts as soon as you arrive at the designated location.
DOs
Arrive 10-15 mins early - Turning up with several minutes to spare let's you cool down and relax; go to the bathroom; check your hair, teeth and nose, wipe your brow and generally de-stress. By aiming to be there early, it also means you avoid arriving flustered as a result of rushing to be on time. If need be, practice a dry run of commuting to the interview destination at the same time on a previous day.
Eat and be well hydrated - Sure these are two things you should be doing anyway, but many people forget to as a result of preparing or travelling to the interview. Nourishment will aid your concentration during the interrogation, and being hydrated will ensure your mouth isn't dry when answering those difficult questions.
Smile - Nobody likes a sourpuss so ensure you're smiling when you arrive. Smile in the elevator, smile at the receptionist and most certainly smile when greeting your interviewer. Practice your smile at home if you have to and verify that it's sincere - people can spot a fake grin a mile off. As Tyra Banks would say on America's Next Top Model, "You have to smize", that is smile with your eyes too. By the way I don't actually watch ANTM, but overheard it when switching channels the other day.
Firm handshake - Sometimes the best first impression you can make is with a firm handshake. I've interviewed hundreds of graduates and it never ceases to amaze me how many falter on this aspect. Whenever meeting anyone that doesn't shake my hand firmly, it immediately puts me off and presents the other person as weak and lacking confidence - definitely not the impression you want to make with an interviewer. There's further handshake etiquette you should be mindful of by running a search on the internet.
Initiate small talk - You know that period when your interviewer is leading you to the interview room? Well that's not meant to be awkwardly silent. In fact it's the perfect opportunity to make small talk and break the ice. If you're not an adroit conversationalist then ask/make some preconceived questions/comments. Examples I have used before:
Be well-dressed -
Martin Frohm: What would you say if a man walked in here with no shirt, and I hired him? What would you say?
Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants.
I love the above dialogue from one of my favourite movies, The Pursuit of Happyness. I definitely don't recommend executing it though, unless you have a spectacular story to match. So for the rest of us that aren't Will Smith, make sure you dress appropriately for your particular industry. Law graduates can assume business formal when interviewing at a firm whereas science graduates might be required to wear less formal attire. Either way, ask the interviewer beforehand if you're unsure.
Find out name of receptionist - I especially like this one. I used this tactic before successfully when interviewing at a multinational firm some years back. When arriving at the designated offices of the company I greeted the receptionist and found out her name was Jenny. I also engaged her in some cheerful banter (but not too much as she was busy answering calls and welcoming people). Then as the interviewer lead me away to the location of the interview, I give her a wave and said "Thanks Jenny". It brought a smile to her face and I could tell by the expression of the interviewer, he was highly impressed. Also note that receptionists are asked to observe you as you wait and then report their feedback about your body language to managers.
DON'Ts
Don't use your phone - Do not talk, text, play games or listen to music on your phone while waiting at reception for your interviewer to arrive - even if you installed the coolest iPhone app. This is an increasing problem among youth today as technology becomes more mobile and they become more technology savvy. Turn off your phone completely! Silent will not suffice. It's just as disconcerting for yourself and the interviewer if they hear the sound of vibrations in your jacket pocket during the interview. Any calls received during this time can go straight to voicemail.
Don't smoke - This is something I advocate at all times, but if you happen to be partial to a puff of the cigarette then don't do it before the interview. Personal space can sometimes be compromised in small interview rooms and the last thing an employer wants to smell on you is a waft of foul tobacco induced odour. It's such an obvious smell especially on chronic smokers so save your cancer stick for post interview. It could also indicate to your future employer that you'll be less productive at work as you take frequent breaks to support your ailing habit.
Don't overdo the perfume - Some cologne or perfume is recommended for both males and females, however it shouldn't be overpowering. When the fragrance is excessive it can be quite nauseating for people around you.
Don't bring too many bags - Avoid carrying a lot (gym bag, laptop, luggage) to the interview as it proves to be very cumbersome. Try and schedule appointments such as the gym or guitar lessons well after the interview to leave you enough time to go home first. Steer clear of shopping beforehand and save the stocktake sales for after.
Don't drink coffee - Coffee smells really nice in a cup but revolting on someone's breath. As per smoking, save your caffeine addiction for after the interview.
Don't interview if you aren't well - In such instances avoid the interview and call up the potential employer with your sincerest regrets. Ask them if it's possible to reschedule and affirm your enthusiasm for the position. In most cases this won't be a problem, even if the interview is conducted in a group setting. Just be genuine and your future hiring manager will be sympathetic to your situation; if not, then it's probably not somewhere you want to work anyway.
Well I hope these tips will help you ace the pre-interview stage.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
DOs
Arrive 10-15 mins early - Turning up with several minutes to spare let's you cool down and relax; go to the bathroom; check your hair, teeth and nose, wipe your brow and generally de-stress. By aiming to be there early, it also means you avoid arriving flustered as a result of rushing to be on time. If need be, practice a dry run of commuting to the interview destination at the same time on a previous day.
Eat and be well hydrated - Sure these are two things you should be doing anyway, but many people forget to as a result of preparing or travelling to the interview. Nourishment will aid your concentration during the interrogation, and being hydrated will ensure your mouth isn't dry when answering those difficult questions.
Smile - Nobody likes a sourpuss so ensure you're smiling when you arrive. Smile in the elevator, smile at the receptionist and most certainly smile when greeting your interviewer. Practice your smile at home if you have to and verify that it's sincere - people can spot a fake grin a mile off. As Tyra Banks would say on America's Next Top Model, "You have to smize", that is smile with your eyes too. By the way I don't actually watch ANTM, but overheard it when switching channels the other day.
Firm handshake - Sometimes the best first impression you can make is with a firm handshake. I've interviewed hundreds of graduates and it never ceases to amaze me how many falter on this aspect. Whenever meeting anyone that doesn't shake my hand firmly, it immediately puts me off and presents the other person as weak and lacking confidence - definitely not the impression you want to make with an interviewer. There's further handshake etiquette you should be mindful of by running a search on the internet.
Initiate small talk - You know that period when your interviewer is leading you to the interview room? Well that's not meant to be awkwardly silent. In fact it's the perfect opportunity to make small talk and break the ice. If you're not an adroit conversationalist then ask/make some preconceived questions/comments. Examples I have used before:
- "Great views from this office, I don't know how you get any work done?"
- "Some great artwork in this building; I especially liked the mural in the lobby"
Be well-dressed -
Martin Frohm: What would you say if a man walked in here with no shirt, and I hired him? What would you say?
Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants.
I love the above dialogue from one of my favourite movies, The Pursuit of Happyness. I definitely don't recommend executing it though, unless you have a spectacular story to match. So for the rest of us that aren't Will Smith, make sure you dress appropriately for your particular industry. Law graduates can assume business formal when interviewing at a firm whereas science graduates might be required to wear less formal attire. Either way, ask the interviewer beforehand if you're unsure.
Find out name of receptionist - I especially like this one. I used this tactic before successfully when interviewing at a multinational firm some years back. When arriving at the designated offices of the company I greeted the receptionist and found out her name was Jenny. I also engaged her in some cheerful banter (but not too much as she was busy answering calls and welcoming people). Then as the interviewer lead me away to the location of the interview, I give her a wave and said "Thanks Jenny". It brought a smile to her face and I could tell by the expression of the interviewer, he was highly impressed. Also note that receptionists are asked to observe you as you wait and then report their feedback about your body language to managers.
DON'Ts
Don't use your phone - Do not talk, text, play games or listen to music on your phone while waiting at reception for your interviewer to arrive - even if you installed the coolest iPhone app. This is an increasing problem among youth today as technology becomes more mobile and they become more technology savvy. Turn off your phone completely! Silent will not suffice. It's just as disconcerting for yourself and the interviewer if they hear the sound of vibrations in your jacket pocket during the interview. Any calls received during this time can go straight to voicemail.
Don't smoke - This is something I advocate at all times, but if you happen to be partial to a puff of the cigarette then don't do it before the interview. Personal space can sometimes be compromised in small interview rooms and the last thing an employer wants to smell on you is a waft of foul tobacco induced odour. It's such an obvious smell especially on chronic smokers so save your cancer stick for post interview. It could also indicate to your future employer that you'll be less productive at work as you take frequent breaks to support your ailing habit.
Don't overdo the perfume - Some cologne or perfume is recommended for both males and females, however it shouldn't be overpowering. When the fragrance is excessive it can be quite nauseating for people around you.
Don't bring too many bags - Avoid carrying a lot (gym bag, laptop, luggage) to the interview as it proves to be very cumbersome. Try and schedule appointments such as the gym or guitar lessons well after the interview to leave you enough time to go home first. Steer clear of shopping beforehand and save the stocktake sales for after.
Don't drink coffee - Coffee smells really nice in a cup but revolting on someone's breath. As per smoking, save your caffeine addiction for after the interview.
Don't interview if you aren't well - In such instances avoid the interview and call up the potential employer with your sincerest regrets. Ask them if it's possible to reschedule and affirm your enthusiasm for the position. In most cases this won't be a problem, even if the interview is conducted in a group setting. Just be genuine and your future hiring manager will be sympathetic to your situation; if not, then it's probably not somewhere you want to work anyway.
Well I hope these tips will help you ace the pre-interview stage.
How To Conduct A Telephone Screening Interview?
More and more employers are using telephone interviews for their initial screening of candidates. Job candidates should be prepared for such interviews just as they would for an interview in person. In other words, they should:
Telephone interviews have other advantages. Interviewers and candidates can schedule the interview based on their mutual convenience - conducting only morning interviews, for example, if that is their best time. They can also avoid back-to-back interviews, and concentrate more closely on each interview, increasing likelihood of success.
A telephone-screening interview operates as follows:
Set the stage. Contact the candidate by e-mail or telephone to explain the job opening, elicit the candidate's interest, and schedule a screening interview to occur within the next three business days.
Conduct the interview. A good interviewer starts on time, stays on time, and ends on time. Since you and the candidate have already met once by telephone, the usual small talk to get an interview rolling may be kept brief.
The outline of the interview. Use the candidate's resume to formulate specific lines of questions, and take notes during the interview to document key information. Research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers and by Dr. William Swan, a leader in interviewer training, advises probing a candidate's background in the following order:
Article Source: ezinearticles.com
- Be ready to interpret and sell every achievement noted on their resumes.
- Have available a clear, appealing outline of their research, if they are graduate students or practicing scientists.
- Offer a well-rehearsed presentation of their work and academic achievements.
- Understand their goals, abilities, skills, and developmental needs, and their expectations of an employer.
Telephone interviews have other advantages. Interviewers and candidates can schedule the interview based on their mutual convenience - conducting only morning interviews, for example, if that is their best time. They can also avoid back-to-back interviews, and concentrate more closely on each interview, increasing likelihood of success.
A telephone-screening interview operates as follows:
Set the stage. Contact the candidate by e-mail or telephone to explain the job opening, elicit the candidate's interest, and schedule a screening interview to occur within the next three business days.
Conduct the interview. A good interviewer starts on time, stays on time, and ends on time. Since you and the candidate have already met once by telephone, the usual small talk to get an interview rolling may be kept brief.
The outline of the interview. Use the candidate's resume to formulate specific lines of questions, and take notes during the interview to document key information. Research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers and by Dr. William Swan, a leader in interviewer training, advises probing a candidate's background in the following order:
- Work experience. For a new graduate, spend about 25 percent of the time on this topic; for an experienced candidate, up to 50 percent. The work history may consist of summer and part-time jobs dating back to high school. Start at the beginning but spend most of the time exploring recent experience. Try to learn what the candidate actually accomplished, liked or disliked, and learned in each job. If teamwork was involved, determine the candidate's role. How were obstacles overcome? Your goal is to grasp the candidate's various talents, growth in experience, productivity, interests, and transferable skills. Since undergraduate and graduate research, as well as cooperative assignments, are part of education, many recruiters include those topics as part of the discussion about education.
- Education. For a new graduate, devote 30-35 percent of the time to education; for an experienced candidate, perhaps 20-25 percent. Start with college, including how the candidate selected his or her institution and major. Explore areas of academic achievement, interest, and challenge. Include extra-curricular activities. If the candidate is a new Ph.D. or a postdoctoral scientist, request a fifteen-minute review of graduate (and postdoctoral) research. This is a challenge but can go smoothly if the candidate truly owns the research. Be politely firm about limiting the presentation's time. This is an opportunity to measure the candidate's output, creativity, independence, drive, maturity, and, sometimes, the direct applicability of the work to a current job opening.
- Outside activities. Productive people have scant free time. How they spend it can reveal their deep-seated values. These may include desire for advancement, autonomy, balanced life, challenge, security, and service to some important goal. An interviewer who devotes 10 percent of the time to explore outside activities and their meaning to the candidate can often gauge how the candidate's values are aligned with the employer's.
- Self-assessment. Now test your impressions of the candidate. Ask the candidate to state three leading strengths and, for each, give an example of how that strength led to a success. As you listen, check what you hear against your impressions. Next, ask what specifically the candidate is doing for self-improvement, to advance to a higher level of performance. Investing 8-10 percent of the interview this way can reveal much about the candidate's maturity and ambition. Conclude your part of the interview by asking if the candidate wants to bring up anything else. If so, cover it quickly. Then ask, as your last question, what the candidate wants to do next in a job and what he or she wants from it. Now invite the candidate to present questions to you.
- Candidate's questions. Candidates want jobs where they can succeed and employers where they can be happy and fulfill their goals. Their questions are important to them. Allot 10-15 percent of the time to address them. If, at this point, you are trying to attract the candidate, give truthful and enthusiastic answers to persuade him or her to come for a site interview. Otherwise, give truthful but matter-of-fact answers. Every candidate deserves respect and should feel treated fairly. If they don't work for you, they will likely work for a supplier, customer, or competitor. You want their good will, no matter what.
- Conclusion. Briefly explain what comes next in the review process and when to expect a reply. Thank them for investing their time with you, then hang up. Finally, complete your interview report while the information and impressions are fresh.
Article Source: ezinearticles.com
Your Body Language in a Job Interview Makes the Sale
Body language on an interview is a critical component to any job interview. However, it is one of the most forgotten elements. People know they need to look good. They need a great looking resume. They also know that to secure a job they need to say the right things. Yet, it is your body language that could be providing the most information to the job interviewer. If you want to secure a job, you need to focus on what your body is saying, not just what you are saying.
What Does Yours Say?
What information are you giving away in the job interview that you don't know you are?
There are many things you could be saying even though you have no idea you are doing so. Consider these mistakes.
•Are you slouching? Not only does is show bad manners, but that hunched over look also means you do not care enough or you do not feel you are a good job candidate. Sit up proud instead.
•Are you rolling your eyes, looking around too much or not focusing on the job interviewer? If that's the case, you already look bored. If the interview cannot keep your attention, chances are good that the job will not either.
•Are you smiling too much? It's possible to smile too much. Doing so does not bode well with the hiring manager who wants to talk to you in a professional, honest manner. Those smiles may mean you are not taking this process seriously.
•Are you frowning or looking depressed? If so, that could indicate you don't really feel like you should be there.
•Are you speaking in a low manner that's not clear? That's going to bother the job interviewer because he or she will be unable to hear you. However, it also can imply that you are shy or reserved.
•Are you crossing your arms? If so, you could be hiding something or at least seem to be hiding something.
•Are you sitting on the edge of your seat? This could mean you are excited about the opportunity.
What does your body language say about you? If you are unsure, ask someone to record you in a fake job interview. The best way to secure a job is to present yourself, in all aspects, in a way that is going to show you are interested, motivated and pleased to be there.
What Does Yours Say?
What information are you giving away in the job interview that you don't know you are?
There are many things you could be saying even though you have no idea you are doing so. Consider these mistakes.
•Are you slouching? Not only does is show bad manners, but that hunched over look also means you do not care enough or you do not feel you are a good job candidate. Sit up proud instead.
•Are you rolling your eyes, looking around too much or not focusing on the job interviewer? If that's the case, you already look bored. If the interview cannot keep your attention, chances are good that the job will not either.
•Are you smiling too much? It's possible to smile too much. Doing so does not bode well with the hiring manager who wants to talk to you in a professional, honest manner. Those smiles may mean you are not taking this process seriously.
•Are you frowning or looking depressed? If so, that could indicate you don't really feel like you should be there.
•Are you speaking in a low manner that's not clear? That's going to bother the job interviewer because he or she will be unable to hear you. However, it also can imply that you are shy or reserved.
•Are you crossing your arms? If so, you could be hiding something or at least seem to be hiding something.
•Are you sitting on the edge of your seat? This could mean you are excited about the opportunity.
What does your body language say about you? If you are unsure, ask someone to record you in a fake job interview. The best way to secure a job is to present yourself, in all aspects, in a way that is going to show you are interested, motivated and pleased to be there.
Second Interview Questions
Having successfully gone through the first round of your interviews, you should immediately begin to prepare for your second interview. While it is definitely a good thing that you have been called back for round two, it is also important to remember that things are bound to get tougher as you get closer to getting the job. This means you need to be well prepared for your second interview questions. Your preparation for the second round should focus on two key areas. These are reviewing the issues that were addressed in your first interview and role specific issues that relate to how you will work in the position you are interviewing for as well as how you will work with others in the organization.
Review of first interview questions
As interviewers prepare questions for your second interview, they often draw some issues from your responses in the first interview. It is therefore important to replay the initial session in your mind and take note of important issues that came up as well as those that you may not have conclusively dealt with. After noting these important issues, prepare comprehensive answers that will adequately answer the question initially asked and any others that may arise. Remember that this review of questions from the previous interview is meant to establish consistency and provide clarification.
Role specific second interview questions
Another common inclusion in the second interview questions you are likely to deal with, is role specific issues. This means that you will be expected to provide details of how you will deal with various aspects of the job you are applying for. Your understanding of the responsibilities and expectations when working in that post will also be questioned. A good way of preparing for these types of questions is to study and understand the job description that was posted when advertising the position. It usually has very good details of what is expected of those who hold that particular office.
Another category of role specific second interview questions that will often come up, has to do with your personality. At the second interview stage, you need to not only sell your skills to the potential employer but you must also sell yourself as a person. Unlike machines and equipment that are sourced based on specs alone, the human aspect of human resources is also evaluated. Your enthusiasm, passion, professionalism, team spirit, honesty, interest in learning and other positive personality aspects must be communicated to the interviewers. It is however important to remember that of all the personality traits you have, honesty is the most critical and it will be missed if you decide to pretend to be someone you are not.
While there are many other types of questions to ask during an interview interviewers will almost always include these three when preparing second interview questions. Adequate preparation in these areas will therefore significantly increase your chances of success. In many organizations, the second interview is usually the most critical and those who pass this level will be hired or called in for future openings.
Review of first interview questions
As interviewers prepare questions for your second interview, they often draw some issues from your responses in the first interview. It is therefore important to replay the initial session in your mind and take note of important issues that came up as well as those that you may not have conclusively dealt with. After noting these important issues, prepare comprehensive answers that will adequately answer the question initially asked and any others that may arise. Remember that this review of questions from the previous interview is meant to establish consistency and provide clarification.
Role specific second interview questions
Another common inclusion in the second interview questions you are likely to deal with, is role specific issues. This means that you will be expected to provide details of how you will deal with various aspects of the job you are applying for. Your understanding of the responsibilities and expectations when working in that post will also be questioned. A good way of preparing for these types of questions is to study and understand the job description that was posted when advertising the position. It usually has very good details of what is expected of those who hold that particular office.
Another category of role specific second interview questions that will often come up, has to do with your personality. At the second interview stage, you need to not only sell your skills to the potential employer but you must also sell yourself as a person. Unlike machines and equipment that are sourced based on specs alone, the human aspect of human resources is also evaluated. Your enthusiasm, passion, professionalism, team spirit, honesty, interest in learning and other positive personality aspects must be communicated to the interviewers. It is however important to remember that of all the personality traits you have, honesty is the most critical and it will be missed if you decide to pretend to be someone you are not.
While there are many other types of questions to ask during an interview interviewers will almost always include these three when preparing second interview questions. Adequate preparation in these areas will therefore significantly increase your chances of success. In many organizations, the second interview is usually the most critical and those who pass this level will be hired or called in for future openings.
Article Source: ezinearticles.com
Interview Strategies When Looking for Underemployment
The other day, I was talking to a security guard who was wearing his uniform on his way to work and he stopped into Starbucks. As we got into a conversation it was obvious to me that this individual had a lot of worldly experience, was well-traveled, and was a former corporate executive in his earlier life. He is now retired, and he just wants something to do to occupy his time because he doesn't want his mind to melt, which is probably why he engaged me in conversation at the coffee shop. Okay so let's talk.
You see, he was completely underemployed, he knew it, but he didn't dare tell his employer or his manager because he wouldn't want to intimidate them, or for them to think he was going to go after their job. He explained that he worked in various industries, but didn't say he was practically the head of the company, or the fact that they were doing hundreds of millions of dollars a year around the globe. I thought that was kind of funny, but I totally understand where he's coming from and I realize he is not alone, especially in our desert resort community here in California.
We got to talking about interview strategies and what to do if you were looking for employment but realized that you would be severely underemployed if you took the job. You see, this gentleman went to a very famous business school, and he had an MBA. If he had written on his application that he had an MBA from Harvard, it's very unlikely they would have hired him. They would have figured that he would try to take over the company, or would quit within a few months. The thought actually cross my mind, and apparently he had thought about quitting several times because he did admit that the management was inept.
"By whose standards," I asked him, and of course his answer was by his standards, which is pretty funny coming from a Harvard MBA graduate with lots of corporate experience spanning some four and a half decades. I asked him how he was able to dodge the questions without lying during the interview process. He told me that when he went into the room there were many people there all applying for the same job. He just acted a little smarter than all the people in the room, but not too smart to make the interviewer look bad or stupid.
He simply listened intently to the interviewer and then repeated back to him everything that he had said in a quick summary, kind of like what we are teaching our AI robotic androids to do today. All he did was develop rapport, mirrored the interviewer, and he got the job. There was nothing more to it. Indeed I hope this helps you if you are looking for something to do part-time but realize you will be completely underemployed if you do take the job.
You see, he was completely underemployed, he knew it, but he didn't dare tell his employer or his manager because he wouldn't want to intimidate them, or for them to think he was going to go after their job. He explained that he worked in various industries, but didn't say he was practically the head of the company, or the fact that they were doing hundreds of millions of dollars a year around the globe. I thought that was kind of funny, but I totally understand where he's coming from and I realize he is not alone, especially in our desert resort community here in California.
We got to talking about interview strategies and what to do if you were looking for employment but realized that you would be severely underemployed if you took the job. You see, this gentleman went to a very famous business school, and he had an MBA. If he had written on his application that he had an MBA from Harvard, it's very unlikely they would have hired him. They would have figured that he would try to take over the company, or would quit within a few months. The thought actually cross my mind, and apparently he had thought about quitting several times because he did admit that the management was inept.
"By whose standards," I asked him, and of course his answer was by his standards, which is pretty funny coming from a Harvard MBA graduate with lots of corporate experience spanning some four and a half decades. I asked him how he was able to dodge the questions without lying during the interview process. He told me that when he went into the room there were many people there all applying for the same job. He just acted a little smarter than all the people in the room, but not too smart to make the interviewer look bad or stupid.
He simply listened intently to the interviewer and then repeated back to him everything that he had said in a quick summary, kind of like what we are teaching our AI robotic androids to do today. All he did was develop rapport, mirrored the interviewer, and he got the job. There was nothing more to it. Indeed I hope this helps you if you are looking for something to do part-time but realize you will be completely underemployed if you do take the job.
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