YOUR CAREER:
How to Make It Happen
Navigating Interview
Questions & Answers
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 Interviewers want concise, complete
answers.
 Interviewers want focused, relevant
answers.
 Interviewers are turned off by rambling,
long answers.
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General Information Questions?
Designed to obtain facts about your skills, education, experience,&
your abilities that fit the job.
 Why do you want this job?
 What type of work do you most enjoy?
 What are your strongest skills?
 What are your long-range career goals, and how do you plan
to achieve them?
 Are you a team player?
 Do you have a geographical preference?
 Are you willing to relocate?
 Under what management style do you work most efficiently?
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Why should we hire you?
 Here's the chance to really sell yourself.
 You need to briefly and concisely lay out your
strengths, qualifications and what you can bring to the
table.
 Be careful not to answer this question too generically,
however.
 Nearly everyone says they are hardworking and
motivated.
 Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about
qualities that are unique to you.
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Why do you want to work here?
 This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done
your homework.
 You should never attend an interview unless you know
about the company, its direction and the industry in
which it plays.
 If you have done your research, this question gives you
an opportunity to show initiative and demonstrate how
your experience and qualifications match the company's
needs.
What are your greatest weaknesses?
 The secret to answering this question is being honest about
a weakness, but demonstrating how you have turned it
into a strength.
 For example, if you had a problem with organization in the
past, demonstrate the steps you took to more effectively
keep yourself on track.
 This will show that you have the ability to recognize aspects
of yourself that need improvement, and the initiative to
make yourself better.
Character Questions
 Used to learn about personal attributes, such as integrity,
personality, attitudes, and motivation.
 Emphasize enthusiasm, dependability, initiative, integrity,
etc.
 Give specific examples of each quality you claim.
EXAMPLES
o How would you describe yourself?
o What rewards do you look for in your career?
o Of what accomplishment are you most proud,
particularly as it relates to your field?
o Do you work well under pressure?
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Behavioral Interview Questions
based on the belief that past performance is the
best way to predict future behavior
AND
probes specific past performance and
behaviors.
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Behavioral Interview Questions
EXAMPLES
 Tell me specifically about a time you worked under great
stress.
 Describe an experience when you dealt with an angry
customer or co-worker.
 Give me an example that would demonstrate your ability to
adapt to change.
A Model for Your Answers
• Describe the situation.
• Explain actions you took (performance).
• Describe the outcomes.
• Summarize what you learned.
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Stress Questions
Are Used To…
Determine how you perform under pressure.
Learn if you can make solid
decisions, solve problems, and think
under stress.
Clarify possible problem issues.
Look at stress questions as an opportunity
to demonstrate that the issue is not a
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problem.
Remaining Cool under Stress
 Prepare/practice answers.
 Always keep your cool, breathe deeply, use
positive self-talk.
 Think before answering!
 Demonstrate stress skills--thinking and
maintaining composure.
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Stress Questions
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Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job?
Why do you want to leave your current job?
Why have you held so many jobs?
What is your weakest point?
Have you ever been fired from a job?
Does your current employer know you are planning to
leave?
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Your Questions Count!
Asking questions shows interest
& preparation--ask about the job:
Questions should focus on…

Job duties/scope, training, career path

Work team, supervisor
NOTE: Don’t ask about salary until job offer is made.
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Good Questions to Ask
 Do you have a training program fro this position, if so,
would you describe it to me?
 Will you describe the job duties and tasks in a typical
workday for this position?
 May I have a copy of the written job description?
 Could good job performance in this job lead to career
growth opportunities with this company?
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Don’t Ask:
 What does this company do?
 Do you have openings?
 How much sick leave/vacation will I get?
 Are you hiring?
 Will I have an office?
 What time do I have to be at work in the
morning? How long do you give for
lunch?
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Best Bets for Q & A Success
 Be enthusiastic--employers
consider this a priority!
 Pause to think when necessary.
 Be candid and honest.
 Tailor your responses to the employer.
 Be concise.
 Answer in complete sentences; speak correctly.
 Be positive-- it improves your performance and rubs
off!
 Fill in gaps--explain plans to strengthen skills,
knowledge.
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Checklist for Question &
Answer Success
Give proof of abilities/examples.
Prepare and rehearse responses to typical questions.
Keep cool and think carefully before answering stress
questions.
Ask appropriate questions to demonstrate interest,
confidence, and intelligence.
Avoid questions that are too direct or that sound
uninformed.
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