Ace Your Next Job Interview

Would you like to have the upper hand in your next job interview? Who wouldn't? You should be seeking every advantage available to you, and there are many job search resources out there. We have already discussed Getting a J-O-B and writing a résumé that won't get thrown away. When combined with my article on how to Dress Like You Mean It, you're almost ready for your interview.

But the best application materials in the world cannot help you land a job if you stammer through your strengths and weaknesses during your interview.

That's why I am publishing the questions I ask all job applicants and the answers I am looking for! There's more to your job interview than meets the eye. Remember that I originally wrote this list for an interviewer, but an interviewee can learn a lot from sitting in the opposite chair for a moment. Enjoy.

Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: Let the applicant do the talking. When it seems like a good time to ask a clarifying question, let him/her talk some more. Nervousness should be expected, but listen for cues of disorganization, deception, and insecurity. Take note of specific qualifications and of indications of practice and preparation for the interview.

Q: Why will/did you leave your current/last job?
A: Does the applicant insult his/her previous managers? Is s/he focused only on “more money?” By “needing something new,” is s/he indicating unreliable or restless characteristics?

Q: What are your strengths?
A: Ideally, a prepared candidate will have two to four clear strengths – each with a supporting anecdote from a previous position. Though scripted answers may seem insincere, they also indicate preparation, drive, and a serious attitude. The best candidates can tell the truth in a concise, organized way.

Q: What are your weaknesses?
A: Every prepared candidate should know this question is coming. How they have prepared for it will separate the men from the boys. Do not believe answers like, “I work too hard,” “I’m a perfectionist,” or “I don’t have any weaknesses.” A smart candidate will honestly describe two to three weaknesses along with the ways in which s/he compensates for them.

Q: What adjectives would your friends use to describe you?
A: Consider immediate disqualifications for answers like “devious,” “drunk,” or “vengeful.” This question will teach you two things: 1. Does the applicant know his/her parts-of-speech? 2. Did the applicant pay attention to the ad? As a smart interviewer, you should know what types of adjectives were used in the job dvertisement. A smart applicant will have paid attention to the same details, and s/he will have prepared to describe him/herself in this way.

Q: What do you know about this company?
A: Even the best of applicants may forget to do the appropriate research. Educated answers to this question indicate an excellent level of professionalism. If s/he took the time to read our brochure, surf our site, or ask around; s/he is serious about the position and the company.

Q: What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A: Organization and planning should yield two to three short stories from past experience. Listen for what turns the applicant on: was s/he proud of his/her work? Driven by the success of the company? Or is s/he motivated only by promotions and bonuses?

Q: What drives you to work hard?
A: Listen for contradiction with the indirect answers already given for the question above. Ignore these cues at your peril. We want people who can derive satisfaction from achievement – not just reward. Take careful note of the answers to these questions, as they will guide you in motivating this person, if you decide to hire him/her.

Q: Would you rather work alone or as part of a team?
A: A smart applicant will be careful with this question. Everyone has a preference, and neither one is right or wrong. Almost every position needs elements of teamwork and of individual initiative. Look for a candidate who honestly describes a preference for one but promises to improve at the other.

Q: Why do you want this job?
A: Listen for a clear understanding of the position and a clear understanding of how his/her personality and experience has prepared him/her for the position. Be fair about how little the applicant may know about the position. This is an appropriate time for even the best of applicants to say, “I don’t know quite enough about the position to answer that fully. Can you help me understand it better?”

Q: How do you handle pressure and stress?
A: By paying attention to nonverbal cues, you have probably already answered this question. Interviews can be very stressful, and cool-headedness now may be a good indication of a calm and collected applicant. Even the finest of applicants may be sweating or stammering just a bit. Good answers to this question include exercise or reading. Bad ones include fifths of Jägermeister or the torture of animals.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? Fifteen?
A: The applicant doesn’t have to lie about wanting nothing more than to be in a menial hourly position with your company for the rest of his/her life. Hopefully, though, you will hear some honest career goals – perhaps even in line with the industry.

Q: (When applicable…) why did you choose your college major?
A: Is the applicant actually interested in the industry, or is this temporary filler to get paid? Let him/her talk about his/her passions and interests, but hopefully they will be remotely related to the position.