Friday, March 22, 2024

How To Handle An Interview

Don't Miss

How Do You Plan To Achieve Your Career Goals

Predictive Media Training: How to Handle an Interview Ambush

Having goals shows interviewers you care, are ambitious, and can think ahead. Having a plan for how youll achieve your goals demonstrates your self-motivation as well as organizational and time management skills. Finally, the fact that youve accomplished past goals youve set for yourself is proof of your ability to follow through. All together, these are indications that you can not only set and achieve goals of your own, but also help your prospective boss, team, and company do the same. To craft your answer, make sure you focus on one or two goals in detail, explain why the goals are meaningful, communicate what milestones are coming up, highlight past successes, and connect back to this job.

What Does Being Prepared For An Interview Really Mean

For many, the idea of being prepared for anything is a bit ambiguous.

Is there a specific point that separates the prepared from the ill-prepared? Do you have to dedicate a certain number of hours to the process of getting ready? Is there a critical step you have to make to cross the threshold?

Technically, the answer to those questions is no. In many cases, being prepared means youve done some due diligence. You know how to talk about your achievements in a way that entices the hiring manager. You can sprinkle in relevant tidbits of information based on research.

Essentially, being prepared means youve taken whatever steps were necessary to set yourself up for success, allowing you to arrive at your interview brimming with confidence. Youve dedicated time and attention to the process.

Even if the idea of being prepared isnt highly defined, that doesnt mean you cant do what it takes to make it happen. By following the right steps which well cover in a moment you can do proper laser focused research, prepare and practice relevant and engaging answers, and increase your odds of handling even the trickiest questions with ease.

What Can You Do For Us That Other Candidates Can’t

Emphasize what makes you unique when you’re asked, “What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?” This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly.”

Read Also: How To Prepare For An Administrative Assistant Interview

Tell Me About A Time You Had A Conflict At Work

This is one of the most common behavioural interview questions about conflict resolution. Interviewers ask behavioural questions to assess what you did in the past, as it often predicts future behaviour. A hiring manager asks this question to evaluate several skills based on your experience. Your response tells them about your ability to work with others effectively, your communication and problem-solving skills, and your proficiency to resolve a dispute independently.

To answer this question, use the STAR method to develop your response. Using the STAR method provides a framework to answer experience and behavioural interview questions in an organized and effective way. The STAR method is an acronym for a four-step system that includes describing:

  • The situation, explaining the conflict or challenge
  • The task or your role in the conflict
  • The action, providing detailed information on the steps you used to resolve the conflict
  • The results of your actions

Example:“In my previous position, while working on a project team, a colleague would continuously put down the suggestions of both myself and my other coworkers during project meetings. The individual would also constantly interrupt the speaker and interject their thoughts. I found it extremely disruptive. I would become impatient with them during project meetings because of my frustration.

How Do You Prioritize Your Work

How to Handle an Informal Interview

Your interviewers want to know that you can manage your time, exercise judgement, communicate, and shift gears when needed. Start by talking about whatever system youve found works for you to plan your day or week, whether its a to-do list app you swear by or a color-coded spreadsheet. This is one where youll definitely want to lean on a real-life example. So go on to describe how youve reacted to a last-minute request or another unexpected shift in priorities in the past, incorporating how you evaluated and decided what to do and how you communicated with your manager and/or teammates about it.

Recommended Reading: What Does A Second Interview Consist Of

Is There Anything Else Youd Like Us To Know

Just when you thought you were done, your interviewer asks you this open-ended doozy. Dont panicits not a trick question! You can use this as an opportunity to close out the meeting on a high note in one of two ways, Zhang says. First, if there really is something relevant that you havent had a chance to mention, do it now. Otherwise, you can briefly summarize your qualifications. For example, Zhang says, you could say: I think weve covered most of it, but just to summarize, it sounds like youre looking for someone who can really hit the ground running. And with my previous experience , I think Id be a great fit.

What Do You Think We Could Do Better Or Differently

This question can really do a number on you. How do you give a meaty answer without insulting the company or, worse, the person youre speaking with? Well first, take a deep breath. Then start your response with something positive about the company or specific product youve been asked to discuss. When youre ready to give your constructive feedback, give some background on the perspective youre bringing to the table and explain why youd make the change youre suggesting . And if you end with a question, you can show them youre curious about the company or product and open to other points of view. Try: Did you consider that approach here? Id love to know more about your process.

You May Like: What Questions To Ask In A Second Interview

How To Answer Conflict Resolution Interview Questions

Conflict happens in all areas of life, and when you’re applying for a position, the company wants to understand your conflict resolution skills. Confidently answering interview questions about conflict resolution can show your ability to work with others, handle stress, and problem-solve effectively. In this article, we discuss the definition of conflict resolution, why interviewers ask questions about your ability to handle conflict in the workplace, and the most common conflict resolution interview questions with sample responses and tips for handling conflict in a work environment.

Learn To Listen To Coworkers

How to Handle a Panel Interview Job Interview Tips

There is a difference between hearing what coworkers are saying and employing focused listening. The latter involves listening with intent, as well as interpreting non-verbal clues such as body language. If you learn to listen to people more closely, you will respond in a more understanding way. Coworkers are also likely to notice that youre more receptive, which might change the way they listen to you in return. In such a working environment, it is more likely that conflict will either not arise or that it will be settled in a calm way.

Recommended Reading: What To Prepare For A Phone Interview

What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You

It’s time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss’s quotes to answer the question, “What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?”. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else’s words: “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor.”

The 10 Best Ways To Handle A Job Interview

Given the current economy, maintaining contacts with other companies can be critical. Knowing the right people can help you land a better job, one with more pay or perhaps the chance of advancement. But getting that next job often involves an interview. Calvin Sun put together this list of practical interview pointers to help you excel.

Given the current economy, maintaining contacts with other companies can be critical. Knowing the right people can help you land a better job, one with more pay or perhaps the chance of advancement. Getting that next job, of course, often involves an interview. Here are some tips to help you excel.

Note: This information is also available as a .

You May Like: How To Prepare For A Cyber Security Interview

Tell Me About A Challenge Or Conflict Youve Faced At Work And How You Dealt With It

Youre probably not eager to talk about conflicts youve had at work during a job interview. But if youre asked directly, dont pretend youve never had one. Be honest about a difficult situation youve faced . Most people who ask are only looking for evidence that youre willing to face these kinds of issues head-on and make a sincere attempt at coming to a resolution, former recruiter Richard Moy says. Stay calm and professional as you tell the story , spend more time talking about the resolution than the conflict, and mention what youd do differently next time to show youre open to learning from tough experiences.

Use Engaged Body Language

How to Handle Panel Job Interviews

Similar to the power poses, using engaged body language during the interview is going to help you answer with confidence and energy. Even if the call is just over the phone, the right posture will help you sound more friendly, open and sure of yourself.

On the flip side, slouching can cause you to feel tired and want to be done. Crossing your arms or your legs will look like you arent fully engaged and can actually cause a kind of mental block that makes it hard to really take in the information.

Pro Tip: Make sure you are sitting up straight with your shoulders back and head up. This is something you will want to practice when you are getting your spot picked out. Make sure that your computer or camera is positioned at eye level, so you dont have to lean over or duck down to get in the frame. You may need to place it on a box or stand to get it to the perfect height.

Also Check: What Is The Good Question To Ask In Interviews

Why Would You Like This Job

There could be any number of reasons you’d like the job that you are interviewing for at this moment. Perhaps it’s an upward career move. It may be a better commute. You are attracted to the salary, benefits, or even the company’s public image. Any of these are legitimate reasons for wanting to land a new job. However, by answering this question, you will be prioritizing some of these things. You want to avoid making it appear that you’re just in it for the money or prestige, and you certainly don’t want to mention if you hate your current job. Put yourself on the other side of the desk. If you were interviewing a candidate, what would you want them to say?

Put the focus on the company. If you’ve done your research, you can talk about some great things that the company has done. Then, you can talk about the specific position and what excites you about it. Discuss what you bring to the table to help move the company forward. Really what they’re asking is why should we hire you? Give them good reasons.

Tricky interview questions are a part of nearly every job interview. If you want to come off sounding intelligent and prepared, do a little research on common job interview questions and have these answers ready in your mind. If you do get a surprise question, just remember to keep the focus on the positive. If every answer you give helps to paint a picture of how you are the right fit for this job, the interviewer will see it too.

Tie Your Answers To Issues The Company/interviewer Is Facing

Once you have background information on the company and any problems it’s facing, try to tie that information to work you’ve done. If you can come up with solutions based on work you’ve already done, you may make a great impression. You will have shown resourcefulness and initiative in doing research, then demonstrated the value you can bring to the company.

Whenever you can, quantify your accomplishments. Don’t just say, “I wrote a program that streamlined our inventory process.” Say, if you can, “My program increased inventory turnover by 15%.”

You May Like: Where Can I Watch Oprah Interview Harry And Meghan

Start The Day Like You Mean It

Get up early on the day of your interview. Leave more than enough time to get ready: rushing around will only put you on edge. Go for a quick run or other exercise to help you burn off any excess tension.

Have a good breakfast something that will sustain you without making you feel sluggish, such as porridge or a poached egg on wholemeal toast. If youve lost your appetite, take a couple of bananas with you and eat a mouthful when you can. Avoid too much caffeine if possible: it can make you feel jittery and on edge.

Leave with plenty of time to get to the interview and on your way listen to some relaxing or motivational music to get you feeling calm or pumped up whatever works best for you!

How To Handle A Phone Interview

How to Handle a Panel Interview ? – Interview tips,Personal Interview,Human Resources

Phone interviews are a common technique used determine which candidates will move forward in the interview process. They can also replace an actual in-person interview and so they are critical in determining whether or not you will be hired. Here are some important tips for phone interviews.

Be Available:

Be there when you say you will be. Recruiters and employers are often very busy calling other candidates and you don’t want to give them the impression that you don’t value their time. If you make an appointment to receive their call, be prepared to give them your full attention.

Have a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted by kids, pets, or household chores your spouse or housemates might be doing, like running the dishwasher or vacuuming. Also ensure that there isn’t any loud music or other distractions. Let others know that you are setting this time aside for an interview so that they won’t be barging in.

Be Prepared:

Re-read your resume and know all your skills and strengths, just as you would for a regular interview. Just because you can have all your information in front of you and the interviewer can’t see you looking at your resume, you still need to be prepared so that you’ll sound polished and confident.

Be Professional:

Follow-up:

Read Also: Why Did You Choose Cyber Security Interview Questions

What Are Your Career Goals/career Plan

Show how this role is a good fit in terms of your longer term aspirations e.g. I want to have a successful management career and this role gives me the great opportunity to head up a department that has many immediate as well as longer-term challenges .

Do not talk about career aspirations which could cause the interviewer to doubt your commitment to the role e.g. I want to start my own business or I see this as a stepping stone to working in Finance, which is where I really want to work.

Why Do You Want To Work At This Company

Beware of generic answers! If what you say can apply to a whole slew of other companies, or if your response makes you sound like every other candidate, youre missing an opportunity to stand out. Zhang recommends one of four strategies: Do your research and point to something that makes the company unique that really appeals to you talk about how youve watched the company grow and change since you first heard of it focus on the organizations opportunities for future growth and how you can contribute to it or share whats gotten you excited from your interactions with employees so far. Whichever route you choose, make sure to be specific. And if you cant figure out why youd want to work at the company youre interviewing with by the time youre well into the hiring process? It might be a red flag telling you that this position is not the right fit.

Recommended Reading: How To Perform Well In A Job Interview

Questions About You And Your Goals

Another crucial aspect of an interview? Getting to know a candidate. Thats why youll likely encounter questions about how you work, what youre looking for , and what your goals are. Its a good sign if your interviewers want to make sure youll be a good fitor addto the team. Use it as an opportunity!

What Should I Know Thats Not On Your Resume

How to handle a hostile interviewer

Its a good sign if a recruiter or hiring manager is interested in more than just whats on your resume. It probably means they looked at your resume, think you might be a good fit for the role, and want to know more about you. To make this wide-open question a little more manageable, try talking about a positive trait, a story or detail that reveals a little more about you and your experience, or a mission or goal that makes you excited about this role or company.

Read More:The Right Way to Answer What Should I Know Thats Not on Your Resume?

Don’t Miss: How To Prepare For Net Interview

Always Thank The Interviewers

If youre not already doing this, make sure to thank each individual interviewer from the company within 24 hours of your interview.

This can be the difference-maker for some jobs. Not every recruiter or hiring manager cares about a thank-you email, but some do.

Think of it like this: If youre one of four people in the final round of interviews, and everyone else sends thank-you emails yet you dont, how is that going to look?

If each of you is qualified and could do the job well, theyre going to pick the candidate who seems most interested in this position and in taking this path in their career.

And one way you show that is by thanking them, reaffirming your interest in the role, talking about how the job fits your goals for the future, and telling them youre excited to hear about the next steps as soon as they have feedback.

Those are the key pieces to include in your interview thank-you emails. And this is a step I never recommend skipping.

More articles

Popular Articles