Interview Questions

Behavioral Interview Questions

 Don,

I don’t know of any websites, except my own that get into any detail about behavioral interview questions and answers.  There is only one good book that I know of, called Competency-Based Interviews by Robin Kessler.  I also have several behavioral questions and answers in The Complete Interview Answer Guide as well as on my website.

Here are some links to my site on behavioral interviews that should offer you some help.

http://www.jobinterviewtools.com/behavioral-interviewing-tips.htm
http://www.jobinterviewtools.com/behavioral-interview-answers.htm
http://www.jobinterviewtools.com/star-interview.htm
http://www.jobinterviewtools.com/competency-interview.htm

Let me know if you need anything else.

Don  

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Job References Writing

The key to job references writing is to use the names of professional
associates you have come to know and trust. Don’t used friends or
family, but focus on putting down people on your references list that
you have worked with in your career and who can vouch for you and your
work.

Your job references should be people you have worked with who are also
in the same industry as you. Think about it, if you’re seeking a job as
a programmer with Microsoft, and one of your references is a bread maker
you used to work with many years ago, then no matter how many good
things the bread maker says about you, it just won’t carry much weight
with Microsoft.

You want recent references from people who can not only vouch for your
character, but the quality of work that you do. Having another
programmer as one of your references is much more powerful than a bread
maker. The bread maker is a huge over exaggeration, but I think you see
my point.

Make sure you call each one of your job references and personally ask
them if it’s ok if you put them down as a job reference. And most
importantly, make sure you are positive these people will give you a
good reference. If you are slightly unsure about someone, then don’t
use them.

I have a sample job reference list and a guide to format a list of job references in my job reference blog category. 

Your job references can be past co-workers, managers, even customers. I
generally list about four to six different references on my references
page.

Also, it’s not a good idea to put “references available upon request” on
your resume. If an employer wants them, then they’ll ask you. Don’t
volunteer references either - it’s just too pushy. If an employer is
getting ready to make you an offer then they will ask you for references
and if they do, this is also the time to give them any letters of
recommendation you may have. Again, don’t volunteer letters of
recommendation either.

Try not to wear out your job references either and give them a call
every now and then and keep in touch. Let them know how you are doing
and that you really appreciate them acting as a reference for you.

Job references writing.

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Sample Job Reference List

Here is a sample job reference list that I use all the time and
recommend to my customers.

It’s very important to list job references who have direct knowledge of
your past job performance.  If you have to, you can always go beyond
your immediate supervisor and include past or present co-workers,
subordinates, customers, suppliers, members of trade associations, or
anyone else who can praise your work.  Don’t use relatives or friends
for personal references because they have no direct knowledge of your
performance on the job. 

Most importantly - never list a job reference until you have gained that
person’s permission to do so. 

This is more of the same, but here is another article on how to format a list of job references.
Professional References for David Burke

John Adams, ABC, Manager
Chicago, IL
Email:  john@arcnow.com
Cell:  312-554-1234

David Jones, Chicago Public Library
Chicago, IL
Email:  David_Jones@cpl.org
Phone:  569-123-5588  Ext. 10

Susan Bridge, Network Consultant
Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Email:  sbridge@hotmail.com
Cell:  440-666-5449

Joyce Towner, Microsoft - Account Manager
Redmond, WA
Email:  Joyce_towner@Microsoft.com
Cell:  312-555-0558

Keep in mind that this is just a sample job reference list to give you
an idea of how to create your own.  Don’t fee you need to do it exactly
this way, but use this sample list as just a guide.

Sample Job Reference List

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Format a list of job references

To format a list of job references is a relatively simple task. All you
need are the names and contact information for at least three to four of
your best job references.

To format this list, title the top of your reference page like this:

Professional References for Susan Smith

I would even suggest putting it in a 12-14 point bold font.

Then very simply list your references using this format:

Reference Name, Company where they work, their position
City, State
Email address:
Phone or Cell Phone number: 216-555-1212

Then proceed to the next reference.

At the bottom of this page I’ll show you a template you can use.

Keep in mind that your references should be on one single piece of
paper. Make sure you don’t put “references available on request” on
your resume. Mainly because it’s unnecessary and because employers will
assume you have references and they will ask you when they are getting
close to making you a job offer.

When creating your reference sheet to take to the interview, put it on
letter-head that matches your resume and cover letter. In addition to
looking good, the letterhead will identify whose reference sheet it is
if it gets separated from your letter and resume.

Here are a few more tips on job references writing that I recently created in my blog.

Professional References for Susan Smith

Chris Fields, ARC, Solutions Design Consultant
Chicago, IL
Email: Chris@arcnow.com
Cell: 312-554-1234

Joyce Cirner, Microsoft - Partner Account Manager
Redmond, WA
Email: joyce_cirner@Microsoft.com
Cell: 312-555-0558

Susan Bridge, Independent Network Consultant
Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Email: sbridge@hotmail.com
Cell: 440-666-5449

David Jones, Chicago Public Library
Chicago, IL
Email: David_Jones@cpl.org
Phone: 569-123-5588 Ext. 10

Bob parker, Computer Sales, Eventus
Independence, Ohio
Email: bob.parker@yahoo.com
Phone: 440-555-7782 or 216-555-1900

This is all you need to do to format a list of job references.

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Free Interview Answers

I get requests all the time for samples of free interview answers from
The Complete Interview Answer Guide. So I decided to post a small
handful of some of the most common interview questions with free
interview answerers to them.

These are job interview questions and free interview answers right from
The Complete Interview Answer Guide. The guide is filled with many more
questions and answers just like this.

Every question in the guide is first explained and shows multiple
answers for each question. I like to give a variety of answers to these
questions so you can get a better idea of how to form your own answer.

By using the answers in The Complete Interview Answer Guide, you will me
more prepared than most everyone else and position yourself and the best
candidate for the job.

What do you consider your most significant weaknesses?

I have never enjoyed this question as it basically forces you to tell
the interviewer something negative about yourself. Don’t feel the need
to reveal deep character flaws, but tell the interviewer you have a few
faults that you are working to improve and then give a few examples. A
good way to turn this question around and turn a weakness into a
strength is the best way to answer this question. Don’t actually tell
the interviewer that you have a problem; though we all have something
wrong with us, but don’t come right out and say it as it will sound like
a weakness and a reason not to hire you.

Best answer:

1. “I pay close attention to details which does result in a higher
quality of work and saves additional time down the road, though it does
take more time up front and sometimes overtime.”

2. “I am a person who likes to meet deadlines and deliver what I promise
and sometimes I can get a little frustrated with my fellow co-workers if
I’m waiting on them in the last hour before something is due.”

How do accept criticism?

This is a team player question and is asked to see how open and willing
you are to being asked or told what to do. Are you someone who can
follow directions? Can you accept criticism? Or, are you the type of
person who does not like being told what to do or being criticized?

Best answer:

1. “I openly accept criticism without taking any offense and
politely thank the person for their comments.”

2. “I take direction very well. I don’t mind being told what to do
and feel that no task is beneath me. Sometimes, my boss may have time
to explain what is needed in detail and other times she may only have a
minute. I prefer the detailed version, but I can make it work either
way. I know my boss is busy and I want her to be able to get on with
her job as she does not need to babysit me.”

What are some of the things that bother you?

This is a common question, but don’t dwell on it. The interviewer is
looking for a job related answer, more like “what bothers you about your
job or the people you work with?” If you dig deep and think of what
really bothers you, you’ll find that it’s other people and their ideas,
right? But don’t tell the interviewer that, you can be more clever than
that.

Best answer:

1. “It bothers me the most when other people I work with don’t meet
their deadlines or deliver what they promise.”

What do you consider your most significant strengths?

This is another top 10 question that you can surely expect to hear in
any interview. Prepare yourself and make sure you can rattle off three
to five of your strengths as it relates to your past or present job,
work experience, and the requirements for the job for which you are
interviewing. Though it’s something to be proud of, they don’t want to
hear what a wonderful mom you are or what a good basketball player you
are. Be prepared and know your strengths and don’t tell the interviewer
that you don’t have any, even if you don’t. Relate your strengths to the
job for which you are applying.

Best answer:

1. “I have a solid background in Accounts Receivables, great problem
solving abilities and I get things done with little direction.” And then
elaborate a bit on your specific skills, but don’t turn this answer into
a book. Keep it short and move on.

2. “I have great communication skills and can work with many different
types of people of varying personalities and skill levels. I am
motivated, disciplined, and focused and am determined to get my job done
well and on time.”

3. “I meet deadlines. I deliver what I promise. As a result, I’ve
always made my managers look good.”

There are many sites out there pitching free interview answers, and I must say that everything I have seen so far has been dissappointing.  They are merely cheap attempts to get you to their site in hopes you will click on some advertising links.  I want you to know that my free interview answers are real answers that I have published in The Complete Interview Answer Guide.  They have been personally written by me and are here to help you and to give you an idea of the quality of answers you’ll find in The Complete Interview Answer Guide.

How do you get along with different types of people?

The workplace is loaded with a variety of different people with varying
personalities and the interviewer wants to know how you think you will
fit in. You want to show the interviewer that it does not matter what
kind of people you work with - just that work gets done. This shows the
interviewer that you are more concerned with outcomes than
personalities.

Best answer:

1. “I work well with anyone who delivers what they promise.”

2. “I have always been able to get along with anyone. It does not matter
how difficult some of my co-workers can be, I’ve always managed to get
along with them. I even manage to get along with those that I don’t work
with on a daily basis. Getting along with others simply boils down to
personality. When you can understand and recognize other personality
types, other than your own, getting along becomes that much easier. I
may not get it right on the first try, but once I learn more about that
person and discover their hot buttons, I won’t have any problems.”

Do you prefer working with others or alone?

Basically, the interviewer is asking if you are a team player. If your
answer is with others, then the interviewer will think you can’t work
alone and if you answer alone, then the interviewer may think you have
some personality issues working with other people. Your response needs
to show that you can work well in a team atmosphere and still shoulder
individual responsibility, as well. Before you answer, make sure you
know if the job requires you to work alone or not.

Best answer:

1. “I enjoy working alone when necessary as I don’t need to be
constantly reassured of my work. But I would prefer to work in a group
as I believe much more work can be accomplished when everyone is pulling
together.”

What are some of the things that you and your supervisor have disagreed
about?

Though it may sound like it, this is not a time to bad mouth your
supervisor. Let’s take what is expected to be a negative answer and
turn it around.

Best answer:

1. “Shifting priorities is usually the main reason for any type of
disagreement. I may be working on a project that has a tight deadline
and my supervisor may pull me from that project to work on something
else. It can be frustrating to stop working on a project after I have
built up a great deal of momentum only and to switch gears on the fly
and start on something completely different.”

Once you download your copy of The Complete Interview Answer Guide, you
won’t need anymore free interview answers.

If you need a sample job reference list, I have a whole section in my blog devoted to how to write job references and I’m always adding samples and techniques.

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Second Interview Tips - Second Interview Questions

Don,

Thanks for the advice. The dinner interview went great and I was able
to secure a second interview. The second interview is with 4 people, 30
mins each, back to back along with having lunch in their cafeteria and
touring one of their plants with all the other 2nd interview candidates.

I have already asked for, and received, the names and titles of those
interviewing, do you have any other advice on how to handle this last
round?

Thanks again for being so helpful.

Ben

————————————————————————
—-

Hi Ben,

Congratulations on making it this far - you are doing well.

They may even have a third round of interviews with some VPs - it just
depends.

They definitely see something they like. Make sure you let them know you
have a plan for your new job and that you have been doing your homework.
Let them know you are serious about this job. At this point, they are
starting to believe you have something to offer. Let them know you are
a team player, a leader, a teacher, and back it up with real examples
from your past. You may not realize it, but in one way or another, you
have been all three of these, but if it’s not obvious to you, dig deep
and you will something.

Remember, they also trust the judgment of the people you have already
interviewed with, but just want to see for themselves what you are made
of. Plus, they may want to dig deeper into what your own plans are for
the job. How are you going to do it? How are you going to overcome any
hurdles. How do you know when you have been successful? Polish up on
questions like that and you’ll be set.

Also, make sure the answers you have given previously are consistent
with your answers for the second interview so you don’t create any
contradictions.

Give yourself that extra edge and stand out by giving a firm handshake
to everyone you meet and look him/her in the eye. Smile with a big grin
and show your teeth. Showing your teeth is the ultimate smile and is the
best and most exciting way to introduce yourself. Plus, your image will
last longer in their minds.

I wish you all the best and hope you get the job. Please let me know if
you have any further questions.

Best regards,

Don

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Internal Job Posting questions

Don,

What advice do you have interviewing for a job in another department
within the company when there is another qualified person already in
that department for 1-1/2 years applying? The interviewing will be with
3 different managers, but not a panel interview.

Sincerely,

Susan Sandberg

————————————————————————
-

Susan,

I’m assuming that you are competing against this other qualified person,
right? There are many factors involved, but qualifications aren’t
everything. Much of the hiring decision will probably be based on who
the hiring manager likes more on a personal level and how well the
manager believes that candidate can perform the job.

If it were me, I would make every effort to show that manager how well
I’m doing in my current position and what I can do for them (promise
them stellar performance) if they hire me into this new position. Show
them you are a go getter and you can get things done. Since the other
candidate already works there, he may have some quirks about him the
manager does not like and would welcome someone new into the department.
This is where you have an advantage.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

Don

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Job Interview Salary Questions

Don

How are you ? The last conversation you and I spoke on I was going to
tell you how the interview went after I read your information. However
the process went rather smoothly and I actually had the opportunity to
interview with 3 places since then.

The first one had a booklet with all the interview questions in it and
you had to write the answers and they went over them afterwards, that
went well but the salary was not pleasing.

The second one I interviewed with 2 different people and again all the
questions asked were in your information guide, I think I did pretty
well.

The last but not least was a better one but however he did not ask me
any interview questions , basically talked about the position , how much
experience he saw that I had and a lot of information about his work
history. I did feel the need to ask a few questions myself and he made
the remark that they were good questions. After the interview he stated
that he had a dinner that night to meet with the owner of the company
to discuss the different candidates and he also made it clear that he
did have one more person to interview but that I would hear from him in
a day or two.

Today is the second day and of course I haven’t heard anything so far
but I did send him an email thanking him for the opportunity to
interview with him. Do you think that was appropriate? Also, could you
give me any feedback to what I may be doing wrong being that I am
getting calls for interviews but no job offers ? I think it is the
salary, I am willing to negotiate, but I still have a family to take
care of also. PLEASE HELP!!!!!

LaTashua Priester

————————————————————————
—-

LaTashua,

Yes, everything you have done so far has been very appropriate. Though
you appear a little over anxious. Be careful not to allow this emotion
to show during the interview process. Try to show them you are calm and
relaxed, even if you’re not.

When a potential employer says they will get back with you in two days,
don’t hold them to that. There could be several other reasons that they
were not able to get back with you and they are not necessarily blowing
you off. If they say two days and you have not heard from them, then
give them at least a week before you follow-up and at this point, you
should call them on the phone and politely re-introduce yourself. For
example: “Hello, this is LaTashua Priester….pause…we spoke last
week about the blank position. I just wanted to follow-up with you and
see if you have made any progress on selecting a someone for this
position.” Stop and let him do the talking.

At this point, focus on getting the job and forget about salary for now.
If you get offered the job, then you can negotiate, but it’s ultimately
up to you whether you accept or not. If your focus is on salary, then
you will probably not get offered the job. Employers can see right
through this. Use your skills and work experience to justify your
salary requirements, not your family, it just doesn’t work. Companies
are not going to pay you for what you need to support your family, but
what you are worth to them.

Are your salary requirements higher than what the job pays?

Best regards,

Don

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How to explain fired - How to explain getting fired - How to explain being fired

Don,

I have 1 question…..I was fired and accused of not giving flextime in
lieu of overtime, which was false, but never given a chance to plead my
case and it seems hard to get passed that question of why I was
terminated or why I left… What would be your suggestion?

Fran

———————————————————————–

Hi Fran,

The Complete Interview Answer Guide from www.jobinterviewtools.com will
show you how to answer questions like this.

If I was fired for the same reasons as you, I would not even attempt to
explain this to a potential employer - it just sets off too many red
alerts with them and it rarely matters how convincing your explanation
is, they won’t even give you the time of day because there are so many
other job seekers out there.

I never advocate lying in an interview, but if my survival is on the
line, I might stretch the truth to ease their concerns and tell them I
was laid off. Getting fired should not be some kind of scarlet letter
that you have to carry with you for the rest of your working life and
forever be banned from ever working again. More importantly, why should
the firing decisions of just one person limit your work opportunities?
But unfortunately it carries some weight.

If it were me, I would use any of the following good and believable
reasons for my departure from my past employer: my position was
eliminated as a result of downsizing, I was laid off along with several
others because the company was not doing well, they hired a new manager
who decided thin out his/her staff because of budget cuts.

There are endless combinations of reasons like this, but if you choose
this route, try to pick something that you won’t have a hard time
backing up and that is easy for you to say. And most importantly, keep
your answer very short to avoid suspicion and say it with conviction.
Worst case, but unlikely, they catch you in a lie - then just tell them
the real story and explain your circumstances. I think you have a
better chance of getting hired by stretching the truth and getting
caught than you do just telling them you were fired.

Just so you know, I never advocate lying in an interview unless it comes
to this. Unfortunately, you have few options. Another thing you can
try is to tell them you were fired, just change the reason - perhaps
make it personal. You could say you and your boss did not have a good
personal relationship and he fired you and there was nothing you could
do about it. This way, and if you tell it right, they will feel sorry
for you and more importantly believe you and probably even side with
you.

I hope this helps and good luck.

I don’t charge for this advice, but it is a free service for people who
buy my book, The Complete Interview Answer Guide from
www.jobinterviewtools.com and I continue to coach them through the
entire interview process.

Best regards,

Don

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Job interviews make me nervous

Don,

I have an interview on Thursday. I am applying for a pediatric clinical
nurse educator position. I am a staff RN who is currently in an MSN
program and have had 34 years experience. There are 3 of us being
interviewed for the position by 12 people. (charge nurses of different
ped depts., etc) I have two books on what questions might be asked but I
get “vapor locked” when it comes to me answering questions. I know I
can do the job but the interview is what is worrying me. Thanks for
your input. Bonnie .

———————————————————————

Hi Bonnie,

You’re not alone. Nearly everyone gets nervous during interviews. Once
you have a better idea of what type of answer is expected of you, your
fears will subside and a natural sounding answer will just glide out.
Practice answering the questions out loud in The Complete Interview
Guide and focus on creating your own answers that match you, your skills
and experience. Be sure to keep your answers short, tightly focused,
and to the point.

Don’t make a book of your answers and avoid getting into too much detail
with your answers - if your interviewer wants to hear more, then they’ll
ask. This is where many people start talking in circles and feeling the
need to explain every part of their answer and in the end, you don’t
even remember the original question. Make sure you avoid this pitfall.
Stay focused and to the point and you’ll do great.

I hope this helps and please let me know if there is anything else I can
do to help.

Good luck on your interview.

Best regards,

Don

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