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nTell me about yourself?
It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?
nWrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you’re the best candidate for this position.
nSo as you answer this question, talk about what you’ve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.
nTell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.
nWhy should I hire you?
nThe easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don’t be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
nFor example: You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .
nAre you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.
nWhat is your long-range objective?
nMake my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.
nThe key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.
nFor example: Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I’ll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I’m presently doing to prepare myself . . .
nThen go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.
nHow has your education prepared you for your career?
nThis is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.
nAn example: My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .
nFocus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples. Enhance your career opportunities by getting the training you need, find top degrees and schools near you!
nAre you a team player?
nAlmost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.
nA sample answer: Yes, I’m very much a team player. In fact, I’ve had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .
nEmphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.
nHave you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor?
nHow was it resolved?
nNote that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.
nFor example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .
nFocus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively
nWhat is your greatest weakness?
nMost career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
nYou should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, I’m now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and how you are using it.
nTalk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.
nIf I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they
say?
say?
nThis is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if they’re willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.
nThen you can answer the question like this:
nI believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that I’m results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?
nSo be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.
nWhat qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
nFocus on two words: leadership and vision.
nHere is a sample of how to respond: The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .
nThen give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development
nIf you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
nFocus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.
nFor example: Although I’m overall very happy with where I’m at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship, then provide examples.
nStay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.
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