I love this video clip; it shows the willpower to do just about anything to get the job. The last clip is very telling. The two gentlemen turn the corner and are greeted by a long line of people in black suites. Although a little dramatic, this is not very far from the truth. Many job openings for companies have 15-30 candidates identified for an interview. So the question is how do you stand out and outshine the pack?
Intro To Series: Click Here
Week One Answers: Click here
Week Two Answers: Click Here
Week Three Answers: Click Here
Week Four Answers: Click Here
Welcome to part two of the series Interview tips: Answering the tough questions. (for part one click here) This week we will dive into the following questions:
1 Tell me about yourself.
2 How would others describe you?
3 What are your weaknesses?
4 What can you offer me that other candidates can’t?
5 Where do you see yourself in five years?
We will take an in depth look (with a simple format to follow) of what the interviewer is asking, what they do not want to hear, what they do want to hear and example answers you can use in real life scenarios. If you are not already following this series, follow us as we discuss 20 hard to answer interview questions .(Subscribe by RSS feed or Email to follow the series) Answers to these questions have the ability to make you more money, accentuate your job experiences and get you the job. That is, if answered truthfully and correctly.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This does not mean tell them everything about you. What they are asking is why are you the best candidate for the job? Open ended questions like theses give you the best opportunity to sell yourself and help you stand out above the crowd.
Don’t: Talk about your family life, childhood, life story, or anything else that does not pertain to the job you are interviewing for.
Do: Discuss your relevant job history and why you are the ideal candidate for the job and give examples that back your statement up. Once you give your examples, ask if they have any questions about them.
Examples answer: “I am (insert qualities) and have had the opportunity to be a part of some amazing projects. A few projects that I am very proud of are (name the projects and how you made an impact. Make sure to add facts and numbers as much as possible) Are there any other topics about myself you would like to talk about?”
2. How would others describe you?
Feedback from your colleagues and managers are crucial for career advancement and you should always ask for it. This question requires preparation. You want to ask for letters of recommendation before you go into the interview.
Don’t: Don’t set your letters of recommendation on the desk and ask them to read them.
Do: Have letters of recommendation or references available. Answer the question truthfully and use the exact works your colleagues have said about you.
Example answer: “I believe they would say I am (insert quotes). In fact, I know she/he would say that because that is their exact words. I have the letters of recommendations with me, may I show you?”
3. What are your weaknesses?
No one is perfect and the potential employer knows this. You need to answer the question truthfully but in a way that does not disqualify you for the job. Do not be shy to talk about your weakness, but the secret is to always discuss your game plan to improve this flaw.
Don’t: Give more than one weakness. Do not use clichés in an attempt to present a strength as a weakness.
Do: Answer your question with action items that help resolve your weakness.
Example answer: “I believe I should always look for ways to improve myself. One area I have been working to improve is (insert weakness); however, I have taken the (game plan) to help resolve this issue. In addition, I have seen (your improvement) improvement since my implementation of (game plan). Does that make sense?”
You want to end your answer with a question. With a question like this, it is very important to have buy in and allow the interviewer an opportunity to ask any questions they may have about what you said.
4. What can you offer the company that another person can’t?
These are the types of questions you want the interviewer to ask. They are begging you to tell them why you are perfect for the job.
Don’t: Talk about general traits you have. For example: Likable, hard worker, good listener, ect.
Do: Talk about your record of getting things done. Go into specifics from your job experiences and show how valuable you can become for their team.
Example answer:“I feel my passion, job experiences and education sets me apart from the pack. I have had the opportunity to be a key contributor on many different projects, such as (insert relevant job experiences and how you made a difference)”
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question requires a little pre-work before the interview. You want to make sure you understand where the company is going, how your position fits with future growth and career advancements for the position you are interviewing for. You need to identify how your own career goals and the goals/advancement of the job intertwine. This is very important. You need to identify that the position you are interviewing for and your own goals are inline…..your career and your happiness depend on it.
Don’t: Answer with a time centric specific goal. Example: I want to be the Lead Program Manager in 2 years.
Do: Show them you have given a lot of thought about your future and goals. Explain how you want to grow within their company.
Example answer: “Based on my research, there seems to be an opportunity to expand my knowledge and grow within your company. With your support and training, I can see myself becoming a fixture in the company. I have given this a lot of thought and my future goals intertwine nicely with what this position can offer. I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges this position will present and taking the next step in (whatever the next step is).
Make sure to subscribe via Email or RSS feed to follow the series. Next week we will be discussing ‘money questions’ and you will not want to miss it.
1. What is your current salary or compensation?
2. What is your desired salary?
3. We have been working to be more competitive with regards to compensation. Can you tell me where you are currently?
4. Would you be willing to take a salary cut?
Click here for the ‘money questions’ article.
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Christopher McGill impacts businesses by giving companies access to the best and the brightest within the IT Profession. He provides 360 degree full service talent management solution that help companies hire with precision & insight.
What they are saying: “Chris is the example of what I expect a recruiter to be.”
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Video credit: geir44 of YouTube
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