StartingOverNow.com
Articles
How to Answer the Tough Interview Questions
A good interviewer will ask questions that will draw out your
personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. A recruiter or human
resources director has asked these behavioral questions to a
number of people and knows the difference between an answer that
is formulaic and safe and one that is engaging and forthright. I
encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and not play it safe.
You can’t stand out if you play it safe. I encourage you to prepare
answers to the tough questions ahead of time so that you may
make a lasting impression that leads to the action of a second
interview or a call with an offer. Before we get into how to answer
specific questions, you need to have a focused mindset. PREPARE!
Have you prepared your “Elevator Speech” describing in less than
30 seconds what you do and how you bring value to an
organization. Make sure you have said your Elevator Speech out
loud 20 times before you go on an interview.
Do you understand the purpose of the business for which you are
interviewing? Study it on their web site. Ask people who know the
organization questions about the culture. Are you passionate about
their mission and have defined your transferable skills from your
education and experience that can be applied to your work there.
Can you easily state your accomplishments that apply to this
industry? Are you a problem solver and will you be able to offer
solutions to their challenges? Do you have the right attire for an
interview, right tone of voice as well as open and engaging body
language? Can you explain how your hobbies, volunteer work and
activities lend themselves already to the work for which you are
applying? Do you have a portfolio to bring with letters of reference
and measurable examples of your work?
Can you tell a story when you answer questions? Show. Don’t tell.
Storytelling is an art and can be learned. When you are asked a
question on an interview, answer it by giving an example of how you
accomplished that challenge already in another position. People
remember stories because they identify with the main character.
Good stories contain a conflict that is overcome by an endearing
character. Endearing characters are honest and driven. Every good
fairytale holds a conflict that was overcome by an endearing
character. That is why we remember fairy tales from our childhood
when we forget some of your friends.
(Articles with greater specifics on all of the things mentioned above
can be viewed on the “Articles” page of this website.)
Below are examples of behavioral interview questions and answer
examples as well. Your answers will undoubtedly be more specific
and longer. This is simply a guide to get you thinking.
1) Tell me what’s not in the resume?
A few years ago I had to recreate my life. I was coming out of a
divorce and was faced with being the primary caregiver for my
children. In order to do that I mentored under key leaders, identified
my transferable skills and taught myself new skills that I needed to
succeed in sales.
2) Why do you think this industry would hold your interest over the
long run?
The industry of marketing and public relations has changed greatly
over the last three to five years. Even over the last two years. The
continual evolving environment provides a continual learning
atmosphere whereby I can apply new strategies.
3) Since this will be your first job, how do you know you will like it?
It is true that I have never worked in this industry but I have spoken
with many friends and others who have and do work for XYZ
Company. I have asked them what they like and what they don’t like
and their responses tell me that this is a company that supports its
employees, has a focused mission that I am passionate about, and
has great potential to reach the next level.
4) Describe a skill which you have developed?
I take very seriously the skill of developing the people around me. I
have worked hard and learned a lot that I want to share with the
people who I lead so that they may become more productive and
fulfilled. I have mentored under many people, read and studied the
art of management. I have learned that you must understand your
employees to lead them. The harmony of strong people, process
and strategy is what brings a successful business together.
5) Give an example where you and your boss were not in
agreement and your role in coming to a common ground.
My board members felt that we needed to discontinue a particular
service line of which I did not agree. I could understand how they felt
that way based on the short term cost and return on investment of
the service. But I was able to demonstrate how longer term ROI
would increase and how the people receiving the service then fed
into other service lines of the organization where there was greater
reimbursement.
6) Tell me how you’ve helped to support and achieve a corporate
goal?
I contributed to and achieved a productivity goal of increasing net
revenue by 20%. We dramatically decreased direct mail costs,
implemented an e-marketing program, targeted phone solicitations,
and scheduled more face-to-face meetings.
7) Tell me about one of your projects that failed?
I have always believed that failure is part of good business. If you
are not failing at something you are playing it too safe. I have tried to
market audiences that did not prove successful. To keep the cost at
a minimum, I target marketed a small segment first and judge
whether or not to proceed. We have created campaign materials
that have not been effective. Instead of trying a different market with
them we retire them and create focus groups to identify what is of
interest.
8) What is your biggest weakness?
Probably that I am a perfectionist. I expect a lot of myself and am my
own worst critic. I expect a lot of the people who work for me and
have learned that to motivate them I have to get underneath them
and push them up. I surround myself with good people, make sure
they have the tools and structure they need to do their job and get
out of their way.
9) Why would you leave the position you are in?
I am seeking a greater challenge with the potential to make a
greater difference. I have accomplished everything I set out to
accomplish in my current position. The opportunity to take on bigger
projects is limited where I am due to the market that we serve.
10) (You are asked a difficult question for which you do not have
an answer. Often you are asked this so that the interviewer or
recruiter may see how you respond)
(If you don’t know the answer, don’t skirt around it.) I don’t know the
answer to that but if I am hired, I would certainly find it out.
Practice answering tough questions out loud in the car as you drive.
The more familiar you are with answering tough questions, the
more effective you will be at doing it well. Start now!
Click here to get Get Mary Lee’s new FREE e-book “Make Your
Wheel of Fortune Spin on Balance."
Follow Mary Lee's career tips on Twitter.com at StartingOverNow.
Click here to get the FREE Articles and Tip Sheets: “Does Your
Resume Look Weathered?” and “Six Ways to Know if This is the
Right Company for Me.”
Mary Lee Gannon is a career advice, productivity and leadership
expert who went from being a stay-at-home mother with four children
to divorce, poverty and then on to become a newspaper reporter,
trade association executive director, public relations consultant, and
foundation president and CEO. Sign up for her FREE e-newsletter
with tips and case histories at: Free e-newsletter. Contact Mary Lee
at info@startingovernow.com.
A good interviewer will ask questions that will draw out your
personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. A recruiter or human
resources director has asked these behavioral questions to a
number of people and knows the difference between an answer that
is formulaic and safe and one that is engaging and forthright. I
encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and not play it safe.
You can’t stand out if you play it safe. I encourage you to prepare
answers to the tough questions ahead of time so that you may
make a lasting impression that leads to the action of a second
interview or a call with an offer. Before we get into how to answer
specific questions, you need to have a focused mindset. PREPARE!
Have you prepared your “Elevator Speech” describing in less than
30 seconds what you do and how you bring value to an
organization. Make sure you have said your Elevator Speech out
loud 20 times before you go on an interview.
Do you understand the purpose of the business for which you are
interviewing? Study it on their web site. Ask people who know the
organization questions about the culture. Are you passionate about
their mission and have defined your transferable skills from your
education and experience that can be applied to your work there.
Can you easily state your accomplishments that apply to this
industry? Are you a problem solver and will you be able to offer
solutions to their challenges? Do you have the right attire for an
interview, right tone of voice as well as open and engaging body
language? Can you explain how your hobbies, volunteer work and
activities lend themselves already to the work for which you are
applying? Do you have a portfolio to bring with letters of reference
and measurable examples of your work?
Can you tell a story when you answer questions? Show. Don’t tell.
Storytelling is an art and can be learned. When you are asked a
question on an interview, answer it by giving an example of how you
accomplished that challenge already in another position. People
remember stories because they identify with the main character.
Good stories contain a conflict that is overcome by an endearing
character. Endearing characters are honest and driven. Every good
fairytale holds a conflict that was overcome by an endearing
character. That is why we remember fairy tales from our childhood
when we forget some of your friends.
(Articles with greater specifics on all of the things mentioned above
can be viewed on the “Articles” page of this website.)
Below are examples of behavioral interview questions and answer
examples as well. Your answers will undoubtedly be more specific
and longer. This is simply a guide to get you thinking.
1) Tell me what’s not in the resume?
A few years ago I had to recreate my life. I was coming out of a
divorce and was faced with being the primary caregiver for my
children. In order to do that I mentored under key leaders, identified
my transferable skills and taught myself new skills that I needed to
succeed in sales.
2) Why do you think this industry would hold your interest over the
long run?
The industry of marketing and public relations has changed greatly
over the last three to five years. Even over the last two years. The
continual evolving environment provides a continual learning
atmosphere whereby I can apply new strategies.
3) Since this will be your first job, how do you know you will like it?
It is true that I have never worked in this industry but I have spoken
with many friends and others who have and do work for XYZ
Company. I have asked them what they like and what they don’t like
and their responses tell me that this is a company that supports its
employees, has a focused mission that I am passionate about, and
has great potential to reach the next level.
4) Describe a skill which you have developed?
I take very seriously the skill of developing the people around me. I
have worked hard and learned a lot that I want to share with the
people who I lead so that they may become more productive and
fulfilled. I have mentored under many people, read and studied the
art of management. I have learned that you must understand your
employees to lead them. The harmony of strong people, process
and strategy is what brings a successful business together.
5) Give an example where you and your boss were not in
agreement and your role in coming to a common ground.
My board members felt that we needed to discontinue a particular
service line of which I did not agree. I could understand how they felt
that way based on the short term cost and return on investment of
the service. But I was able to demonstrate how longer term ROI
would increase and how the people receiving the service then fed
into other service lines of the organization where there was greater
reimbursement.
6) Tell me how you’ve helped to support and achieve a corporate
goal?
I contributed to and achieved a productivity goal of increasing net
revenue by 20%. We dramatically decreased direct mail costs,
implemented an e-marketing program, targeted phone solicitations,
and scheduled more face-to-face meetings.
7) Tell me about one of your projects that failed?
I have always believed that failure is part of good business. If you
are not failing at something you are playing it too safe. I have tried to
market audiences that did not prove successful. To keep the cost at
a minimum, I target marketed a small segment first and judge
whether or not to proceed. We have created campaign materials
that have not been effective. Instead of trying a different market with
them we retire them and create focus groups to identify what is of
interest.
8) What is your biggest weakness?
Probably that I am a perfectionist. I expect a lot of myself and am my
own worst critic. I expect a lot of the people who work for me and
have learned that to motivate them I have to get underneath them
and push them up. I surround myself with good people, make sure
they have the tools and structure they need to do their job and get
out of their way.
9) Why would you leave the position you are in?
I am seeking a greater challenge with the potential to make a
greater difference. I have accomplished everything I set out to
accomplish in my current position. The opportunity to take on bigger
projects is limited where I am due to the market that we serve.
10) (You are asked a difficult question for which you do not have
an answer. Often you are asked this so that the interviewer or
recruiter may see how you respond)
(If you don’t know the answer, don’t skirt around it.) I don’t know the
answer to that but if I am hired, I would certainly find it out.
Practice answering tough questions out loud in the car as you drive.
The more familiar you are with answering tough questions, the
more effective you will be at doing it well. Start now!
Click here to get Get Mary Lee’s new FREE e-book “Make Your
Wheel of Fortune Spin on Balance."
Follow Mary Lee's career tips on Twitter.com at StartingOverNow.
Click here to get the FREE Articles and Tip Sheets: “Does Your
Resume Look Weathered?” and “Six Ways to Know if This is the
Right Company for Me.”
Mary Lee Gannon is a career advice, productivity and leadership
expert who went from being a stay-at-home mother with four children
to divorce, poverty and then on to become a newspaper reporter,
trade association executive director, public relations consultant, and
foundation president and CEO. Sign up for her FREE e-newsletter
with tips and case histories at: Free e-newsletter. Contact Mary Lee
at info@startingovernow.com.
StartingOverNow.com
Articles
StartingOverNow.com
Articles
People who use the
FREE resources on
this site are:
* Starting over in
their career or
personal life
* Empty nesters
* Entrepreneurs
* Networking
* Job Seekers
* Starting all over
again
* Going through a
divorce
* Looking for career
opportunities
* Seeking FREE
career advice and
education
* Finding mentors
* Setting new life
goals
To chart your road
map to success
click here for FREE
"Worksheets and
Articles."
FREE resources on
this site are:
* Starting over in
their career or
personal life
* Empty nesters
* Entrepreneurs
* Networking
* Job Seekers
* Starting all over
again
* Going through a
divorce
* Looking for career
opportunities
* Seeking FREE
career advice and
education
* Finding mentors
* Setting new life
goals
To chart your road
map to success
click here for FREE
"Worksheets and
Articles."
Turnaround Solutions for People & Organizations
Whether you are an executive who is "stuck," your company needs
better productivity, or you are in a life transition you represent the
people and organizations Executive Leadership Coach Mary Lee has
helped. Learn how to clarify direction, create strategy, upgrade skills,
optimize your environment and wipe out fear and doubt. Make it fun =
get more done!
Mary Lee’s strategies from her book “Starting Over” helped her in her
own transformation from stay-at-home mother with four children living
a country club life to the reality of a difficult marriage, divorce, poverty,
welfare and then on to president and CEO. Eliminate self doubt, under-
performance, money fears, relationships woes, and negative influence
so that you may soar. Then lead others to improve their lives and your
business. Start now! For a FREE introductory coaching session via
phone contact info@startingovernow.com.
Whether you are an executive who is "stuck," your company needs
better productivity, or you are in a life transition you represent the
people and organizations Executive Leadership Coach Mary Lee has
helped. Learn how to clarify direction, create strategy, upgrade skills,
optimize your environment and wipe out fear and doubt. Make it fun =
get more done!
Mary Lee’s strategies from her book “Starting Over” helped her in her
own transformation from stay-at-home mother with four children living
a country club life to the reality of a difficult marriage, divorce, poverty,
welfare and then on to president and CEO. Eliminate self doubt, under-
performance, money fears, relationships woes, and negative influence
so that you may soar. Then lead others to improve their lives and your
business. Start now! For a FREE introductory coaching session via
phone contact info@startingovernow.com.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
FREE Resources
to help you:
1. United States of America's
primary source on career
information:
www.onetcenter.org
2. Wage Estimates
www.salary.com and Bureau of
Labor and Statistics
3. Organize Your Job Search -
Post a Question etc.:
www.cvtips.com
4. Starting Over After Divorce:
www.womansdivorce.com
5. Starting Over for Women:
www.makingbreadmagazine.co
m
6. Self Improvement:
www.selfgrowth.com.
7. Job Postings, Resume
Advice and Resources:
www.careerbuiler.com
8. Templates for: business
plans, competitive analysis,
start up costs and more:
www.score.org/business_toolbox
.html
9. Federal/Sate/Local
Government jobs:
www.USAJOBS.com
10. U.S. Government's Free
online courses, webinars and
podcasts for workforce
development:
www.onetacademy.com.
11. Occupational Outlook
Handbok 2008-09 by Bureau of
Labor and Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.ht
m
to help you:
1. United States of America's
primary source on career
information:
www.onetcenter.org
2. Wage Estimates
www.salary.com and Bureau of
Labor and Statistics
3. Organize Your Job Search -
Post a Question etc.:
www.cvtips.com
4. Starting Over After Divorce:
www.womansdivorce.com
5. Starting Over for Women:
www.makingbreadmagazine.co
m
6. Self Improvement:
www.selfgrowth.com.
7. Job Postings, Resume
Advice and Resources:
www.careerbuiler.com
8. Templates for: business
plans, competitive analysis,
start up costs and more:
www.score.org/business_toolbox
.html
9. Federal/Sate/Local
Government jobs:
www.USAJOBS.com
10. U.S. Government's Free
online courses, webinars and
podcasts for workforce
development:
www.onetacademy.com.
11. Occupational Outlook
Handbok 2008-09 by Bureau of
Labor and Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.ht
m
| Mary Lee Gannon is interviewed on Mind Your BIZness |
Listen to Mary
Lee's interview
"From Welfare
to CEO" on the
Renee Bobb
Show on
BlogTalk
Radio.com.
Lee's interview
"From Welfare
to CEO" on the
Renee Bobb
Show on
BlogTalk
Radio.com.
Gannon Group/StartingOverNow.com
Executive Leadership Coaching - Productivity Solutions for People and Organizations
Executive Leadership Coaching - Productivity Solutions for People and Organizations
Get the FREE e-Book "Lead Your
Team with Values and Watch
Productivity Grow - A
Manager's Toolbox"
and the Executive Coaching Newsletter
.
Team with Values and Watch
Productivity Grow - A
Manager's Toolbox"
and the Executive Coaching Newsletter
.
Mary Lee Gannon's
Book "Starting Over" is
available in bookstores
everywhere or at
Amazon.com - 5 Stars!
Book "Starting Over" is
available in bookstores
everywhere or at
Amazon.com - 5 Stars!
Follow Mary Lee's tips
and information on these
Social Networking sites:
and information on these
Social Networking sites:
