Part 3

How to Answer Interview Questions Like This

The best strategy for effectively answering this tough interview question is to prepare for it. Here’s how to be ready and how to recover when you’re not.

Emphasize Results

Do: Focus on results: Make a list of things you accomplished in your last position and focus on those, ending with something like, "‘Having successfully done that, I'm ready for another challenge,’" s “Now what you're saying to the interviewer is: ‘You can count on me to get results and stay here until I do.’"

Don’t: Answer in a way that doesn't reassure the interviewer. “Answers such as, ‘I wasn't being challenged’, ‘The work was no longer interesting’ or ‘The pay was too low’ all say the same thing to the interviewer: that you might leave at any time if things aren't to your liking .

Recover: If you give a bland answer, circle back to it quickly. And if you can’t, revisit why you left your last job just before you end the interview. This allows you to leave the interviewer with your previous accomplishments top of mind.

Be Polite

Do: Remember that employers run the show and can act as they see fit . “Yet at the same time, make it clear that the organization you seek has the qualities to perform at a higher level,” An example: “We all know that sometimes promises exceed reality.

Don’t: Bad mouth the boss or the company. “That implies you may be difficult to manage,” .

Recover: Acknowledge you were hard on your previous employer and restate your answer like this: “That might be a little harsh. I know that my former company is trying to do its best under the circumstances. I’m looking for a company that’s a better fit for me.” This also shows that you’re self-aware and have decent manners.

One Final Tip for the Interview

Don’t dwell too long on your previous employer -- the interview is about you, after all. “Always bring the conversation back to your results and reliability,”

What do you know about this company?

What Are Your Long-Term Goals?

Open-ended interview questions such as "What are your long-term goals?" and "Where do you see yourself in five years?" throw most candidates off balance. Interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your self-awareness and communication skills.

Dan, a staffing manager, is about to interview Phil, Shawna and Marsha, for a project manager position. He is looking for someone with planning skills and long-range vision. He asks each of them, "What are your long-term goals?"

"To be a marketing manager within five years and have a hand-picked team reporting to me," replies Phil. This is a very specific and narrow goal, which may not be an option at this company. The "hand-picked" team reference demonstrates a lack of flexibility. It's best to stay away from too specific a goal.

"I have been so busy with my responsibilities and achieving company goals that I have not focused on personal long-term goals," answers Shawna. While a strong work ethic is certainly desirable, this answer does not demonstrate vision or planning.

Marsha answers the question with: "I plan to return to school to earn my MBA and have my own consulting business one day." While it pays to be honest, this answer could turn the interview in the wrong direction very quickly. The employer is looking for someone to stick around for the long run, not to stop over on the way to a new career.

So how could these candidates provide better answers?

Focus

List five strengths you have that are pertinent to this job (experiences, traits, skills, etc.). What do you want the interviewer to know about you when you leave?

Eleanor is strong in communications and connecting with people. She has a strong background and proven success with customer relationships. Her real strength is her follow-through. She prides herself on her reputation for meeting deadlines.

Scripting

Prepare a script that includes the information you want to convey. Begin by talking about past experiences and proven success:

"I have been in the customer service industry for the past five years. My most recent experience has been handling incoming calls in the high tech industry. One reason I particularly enjoy this business, and the challenges that go along with it, is the opportunity to connect with people. In my last job, I formed some significant customer relationships resulting in a 30 percent increase in sales in a matter of months."

Next, mention your strengths and abilities:

"My real strength is my attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following through and meeting deadlines. When I commit to doing something, I make sure it gets done, and on time."

Conclude with a statement about your current situation:

"What I am looking for now is a company that values customer relations, where I can join a strong team and have a positive impact on customer retention and sales."

Practice

Practice with your script until you feel confident about what you want to emphasize in your statement. Your script should help you stay on track, but you shouldn't memorize it -- you don't want to sound stiff and rehearsed. It should sound natural and conversational.

Even if you are not asked this type of question to begin the interview, this preparation will help you focus on what you have to offer. You will also find that you can use the information in this exercise to assist you in answering other questions. The more you can talk about your product -- you -- the better chance you will have at selling it.

Why did you leave your last position, or why are you leaving your current position?

There are many reasons you might have left your last job, and not all of them are rosy. Perhaps you worked for a toxic boss or you met obstacles on your way up the ladder. Or maybe you were just plain bored with your work.

Interviewers generally ask why you left your former company so they can “understand your motives and gain insight as to how [you] handle work relationships,” “In particular they are asking themselves, ‘Will they leave us in the lurch if they become dissatisfied?’ or ‘Is there some dirt here?’” In short, asking “Why did you leave your last job?” is one way for the interviewer to ensure you’re a person of integrity.

Part 5

Scripting Your Answers

Write a positive statement you can say with confidence:

"My strength is my flexibility to handle change. As customer service manager at my last job, I was able to turn around a negative working environment and develop a very supportive team. As far as weaknesses, I feel that my management skills could be stronger, and I am constantly working to improve them."

When confronted with this interview question, remember the interviewer is looking for a fit. She is forming a picture of you based on your answers. A single answer will probably not keep you from getting the job, unless, of course, it is something blatant. Put your energy into your strengths statement -- what you have to offer. Then let the interviewer know that although you may not be perfect, you are working on any shortcomings you have.

Why Do You Want to Work Here?

The interviewer asks a rather simple question, yet it catches you off guard: "Why do you want to work for this company?" The obvious answer that comes to mind is, "Because you have an opening, and I need a job." While this may be true, it won't get you points in a job interview.

The interviewer is looking for an answer that indicates you've thought about where you want to work -- that you're not just sending your resume to any company with a job opening. Researching the company and industry before your interview will make you stand out as a more informed and competent applicant.

For instance, Annette is the first candidate interviewed for an HR manager position. When she is asked why she wants to work there, she replies, "I have always wanted to work for this company. I love your product, and I have used it for many years. This job would be perfect for me, a real opportunity for me to grow and develop."

Annette's answer begins well, but then shifts to what she can get out of the experience instead of what she has to offer. Her answer would be stronger if she proved she had researched the industry and company, and therefore could discuss more than her own experience with the product.

James is another candidate, and he answers more directly: "Based on the research I've done, this company is an industry leader. When I visited your Web site, I found some impressive information about future projects you have planned. I was also impressed with the founders' backgrounds and the current financial statements. This is the company I've been looking for, a place where my background, experience and skills can be put to use and make things happen."

James's answer demonstrates his interest in and enthusiasm for the company and what it stands for. He also demonstrates how he envisions he could be a member of the team.

You must do research before the interview and come up with two or three reasons why you want to work for the company. Search company Web sites for mission statements, product and service information, principals' backgrounds and contact information. Check company financials through the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

It would also be beneficial to think of at least two reasons this job is a good match for your skills, strengths, experience and background. What can you bring to the company? Write down your thoughts and rehearse them as part of your script.

There are no right or wrong answers to this question. Your answer should reflect that you have thought about what you want and have researched the company. Let the interviewer know you are being selective about where you want to work and you're not just going to take any job offered to you. Demonstrate that this is the company you want to work for -- a little flattery will go a long way

What has been your most significant achievement?

How would your last boss and colleagues describe you?

What Would Your Colleagues Say About You?

It’s one of the more challenging job interview questions: “What would your colleagues say about you?” Instead of fumbling around for an answer, prepare for it ahead of time and you can slam dunk this difficult personal question.

Why Ask Interview Questions Like This?

Most prospective employers ask this interview question to see if the description you give synchs up with the impression you’re making. “Some people are really good at interviewing. “It’s a great way to measure if the person is the real deal.”

It’s also handy when doing due diligence. “Asking candidates this question also gives me something concrete to discuss when I call their work references,” “They’ll either gush or pause, and either way it’s telling.”

Ask Your Sources

It’s a good idea to check in with former colleagues and employers to find out how they’d answer this question. Their answers will give you some useful material. Additionally, this will help you identify who among them would be good references.

“I would start thinking about coworkers who look on you favorably,” “Send these people a little friendly but honest feedback survey in advance that asks them how they felt about your work.”

“Pick the best replies that can be tied back into the position or company you are interviewing with.”

If you don’t feel comfortable reestablishing contact, go back through your performance appraisals and pick out keywords like hard-working, tenacious, great attention to detail, excellent salesperson, etc. “A potential hiring manager may check your references, so it’s important to be honest and consistent with the feedback you give the interviewer, and the feedback the former manager or colleagues will give,

Respond Thoroughly

Avoid the temptation to use those key descriptors as your complete answer, however. Instead, use that information to introduce concrete results. Anyone can say they’re reliable, for instance, so you want to show how you were reliable.

“An applicant is going to be seen as much more sincere and believable if they have tangible, articulated examples,” . “By having a clear example, they have created an image that the interviewer can easily relate to and reflect upon at the conclusion of the dialogue. Think: How can I use real life situations and describe something well enough that the interviewer feels like they were there?’”

Use the question as an opportunity to show you’re interested in improving by saying something like this: “My boss would probably tell you I didn’t get off to the greatest start, but by the end of the summer she knew she could count on me” followed by an example of that. “Talk about a challenge you had and overcame related to how people saw you,”

Now you’ve got the keys to unlock one of the toughest interview questions you may be asked. A little networking and some preparation will put you at ease with answering interview questions like this one.

Why Should We Hire You?

"Why should we hire you?" is another common interview question that can take you down the wrong road unless you've done some thinking ahead of time. This question is purely about selling yourself in the interview. Think of yourself as the product. Why should the customer buy?

The Wrong Track

, "Because I need and want a job." That's nice, but the bottom line here is, "What can you do for us?"

Mariana says, "I'm a hard worker and really want to work for this company." The majority of people think of themselves as hard workers -- and why this company?

Part 7

Before You Go to the Interview

Do you look professional? Check yourself in the mirror; part of your confidence will come from looking good.

What to Wear to an Interview

You have a job interview tomorrow. You've learned everything about the company, you're prepared for any questions they ask, and you even arrived a few minutes early. You couldn't be more ready.

But when you stop in the restroom for a last look in the mirror, your mind starts racing: "Am I dressed the way I should be for this interview?"

"In an interview situation, you're marketing yourself as a product, and so you want and need to have the best image possible,"

Presenting a professional image is more about doing your homework than spending money. So as you prepare for your interview, keep these wardrobe tips in mind.

It's OK to Ask What to Wear

In many traditional industries, like finance or accounting, business professional dress will be appropriate: A conservative suit, shirt and tie if you're a man, or a conservative suit if you're a woman, with -- perhaps -- personality shown through your shirt or jewelry . In other industries such as advertising, public relations, graphic design and information technology, what to wear might be less clear Ask about the company's general dress policies when you're first contacted about an interview.

"You can say to the person you speak with, 'I want to make sure I understand your company culture and dress appropriately,'" "It's not a bad thing at all. In fact, it shows respect."

If in doubt, err on the conservative side. "I've been overdressed at times, and that can be uncomfortable," Glass says. "But that's much better than being underdressed."

Shop Smart

You don't have to buy several suits for different interviews at the same company. In many instances, you can get by with one suit combined with what a "capsule dressing" strategy -- varying what you wear with the suit each time.

"If I'm a young woman and I invest in a nice black pantsuit, I could use that one suit for interviews, but change the shirt, jewelry or scarf each time,"

You Don't Need to Spend a Fortune

Visit stores, , to look at interview clothes, Glass says. But when you're ready to buy something and money is tight, head for the outlet stores.

When considering your purchasing options look not so much at the specific price tags on various garments, but at the "cost per wearing,"

"Suppose you see a suit that's $150. If it's a trendy cut and it wasn't made of great fabric, you might be able to wear it once a month for two years. So your cost per wearing is fairly high. If you buy something for $300 instead, in a cut that will last longer -- not trendy but not old-fashioned either, and not screaming the year it was made -- your cost per wearing goes down dramatically. So don't look at the original price so much as how long the piece will be useful to you."

Don't Neglect Accessories

If you have leather shoes, , make sure they're shined. If you have suede shoes, make sure they're brushed. And if your shoes are five years old, have the soles redone at a shoemaker. If you have a leather briefcase and it's still in good shape, now's the time to use it. If you don't, a nice portfolio binder will do just fine.

Will all the effort and expense you put into your professional image for your interview make any difference? Absolutely, In fact, it's essential.

"Your image matters because it shows your attentiveness to detail and gives recruiters an idea of how you'll represent their company to clients, both internally and externally," "The visual message you send makes a big difference in how you're perceived and, ultimately, whether or not you get the job."

Carry these items to the interview:

Several copies of your resume on quality paper.

A copy of your references.

A pad of paper on which to take notes, though notes are optional.

Directions to the interview site.

Upon Arrival

Arrive early -- enter the building 10 minutes before your appointment.

Review your prepared stories and answers.

Go to the restroom and check your appearance one last time.

Announce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner.

Stand and greet your interviewer with a hearty -- not bone-crushing -- handshake.

Smile and maintain eye contact

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During the Interview

Try to focus on the points you have prepared without sounding rehearsed or stiff.

Relax and enjoy the conversation.

Learn what you can about the company.

Ask questions and listen; read between the lines.

At the conclusion, thank the interviewer, and determine the next steps.

Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can send a follow-up letter

After the Interview

As soon as possible, write down what you are thinking and feeling.

Later in the day, review what you wrote and assess how you did.

Write an interview thank-you letter, reminding the interviewer of your qualities.

Sample Interview Thank-You Letter

Do you know that most applicants don’t send a post-interview thank-you letter? Even if you think an offer is in the bag, you can always improve your chances of getting the job if you send a thank-you letter. Your letter should reiterate your core strengths and emphasize the value you offer. You can even squelch any concerns the employer raised about your qualifications and add important information you didn’t get to discuss in the interview.

Check out this sample thank-you letter:

John Smith

14 Elm St. Sometown, CA 55555/555-555-5555 emal address

Jan. 23, 2012

Ms. Amy Lin

Manager

ABC Company

1 Corporate Way

Sometown, CA 55555

Dear Ms. Lin:

Thank you for meeting with me this morning to discuss the executive assistant position. I enjoyed our conversation, and I am very excited about the possibility of joining your team.

I know what it takes to run a busy and successful insurance office. In my last position as an administrative assistant for XYZ Company, I helped manage all aspects of the operation, handling tasks such as bookkeeping, customer service, claims processing, report preparation and ongoing communications with the district manager.

You mentioned that you need an assistant who has strong “people” skills, and this is an area in which I excel. At XYZ Company, I helped the manager build a loyal client base by consistently providing excellent service. My last supervisor said, “John is one of the hardest-working employees I have known. His friendly and professional customer-service skills helped the firm achieve a 20 percent revenue increase last year, and I couldn’t have done it without him.”

I don’t see the executive assistant role as a punch-the-clock, 9-to-5 job; I will be your “right hand” -- helping you manage the day-to-day operations, volunteering for special projects, and ensuring the company is positioned for growth and increased profitability.

Again, thank you for considering me for this exciting opportunity. As you requested, I’m enclosing a list of professional references. Please feel free to call me if you need additional information, have any questions or would like to offer me the job! Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

John Smith

Enclosure: List of References