What type of
people do you work best with and why?
How do you
handle conflict on the job?
Why did you
leave your last position?
What do you know
about our company?
What salary did
you have in mind?
Why should we
hire you?
Other Questions You
May Be Asked
What did you
enjoy most about your last position?
What did you
enjoy least about your last position?
What are the
three most important things you look for in a
job?
What was your
best working relationship with a boss and why?
If I spoke to
your previous boss, what would they say about
you?
What would your
previous co-workers say about you?
How would you
describe yourself?
Name three or
four of your achievements that you are proudest
of.
Of your last
three positions, which one did you enjoy the
most and why?
Would you call
yourself creative? Analytical? Organized?
Explain.
What is your
definition of customer service? Teamwork?
How do you react
to criticism?
How do you
handle pressure on the job? Stress?
How do you
handle conflict with co-workers?
Give an example
of how you handle responsibility? Challenge?
How do you
organize yourself to meet deadlines?
What did you
think of your last boss? Your last organization?
What were the
main differences between you and your boss?
Where do you see
yourself in three years? In five years?
Why have you
changed jobs so frequently/infrequently?
The Five
Sounds Bites
An
excellent way to prepare for an interview is to
create and practice a five-part script that answers
the toughest questions. Use the worksheet below to
prepare your "Five Sound Bites."
Introduction (30 sec � 1 min.)
The
introduction should give the interviewer a
"snapshot" of who you are professionally. It
defines how you want to be known in the
marketplace and what you have to offer.
Title, who you are professionally:
Total years of experience:
Industries/Companies where you've worked:
Your
roles and responsibilities:
Areas of expertise (your interest or focus for
moving forward):
Something unique about you (i.e.
attitude/belief/value/behaviour that
consistently allows you to be successful):
Strengths (30 sec.)
Mention 3 � 4 key strengths, using 1 or 2 words
or short phrases about the skills that make you
good at your job, these are your transferable,
specific job-related skills. This sound bite
tells the interviewer, "if you don't remember
anything else about me, remember this".
Name
it: and what I mean is:
Name it: and
what I mean is:
Name it: and
what I mean is:
E.g. "I am
customer-focused, meaning that I listen
carefully to understand the customer's
needs and accurately communicate the
required procedures to follow."
Bridge to the next section with: "Would you like
to know more about my career?"
Job History (2 � 3 min.)
Break your career into logical units, or
chapters, and tell your history in chronological
order from the earliest to the most recent
experiences. For each significant chapter
mention company name and dates, job title(s),
responsibilities and briefly explain key
accomplishments. This is what you did and how
well. Remember to quantify wherever possible.
Use the SOAR principle for each story. Be
selective. Pick your stories to highlight your
strengths or personal attributes.
1.
Prior to 1992 Summarize major experiences and
knowledge.
You
bring this up. Don't wait to be asked. Be clear
about why you left your last job. Keep it as short
as possible, but long enough that you don't invite
more questions. E.g.
"The
company reorganization ultimately came to a
downsizing, eliminating my position.
"The
focus of our work changed. My key skills were no
longer utilized."
"I was
one of many�."
"I had
other options�."
"I opted
to move�.."
Don't
end with your leaving story. After a brief pause,
lead the interviewer into a brief explanation of
what you want to do next.
What's Next? (30 sec.)
Your
conclusion indicates how you can apply your
experience, knowledge and skills in the role or
organization you are interviewing for. E.g.
Now, I
want to take my (area of expertise, experience,
strengths) and use them to _____________________
(results you can provide).
