structured approach and some a casual, conversational approach. Thinking about how you would answer some of the more common questions will help you prepare and focus on how you will answer questions and where you want to focus the interviewer’s attention.

Dreaded Questions

• Why did you leave/are you leaving your last position?
  (Script the answer before the interview)
  
• Why did you choose this job/company/industry/?
   (Research will get you through this question)
  
• What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
   (Stay positive — focus on something you are improving)
  
• What do you know about this company?
   (The Intranet is your source for the best information)
  
• Why do you feel qualified for this job?
   (Assess your skills — summarize what you have to offer)
  
• What has been your most significant achievement?
   (Tell a success story — “been there and done that”)
  
• How would your last boss/colleagues describe you? 
   (Assess your skills — read through your past performance reviews)
  
• Why should we hire you?
   (A summary of your past experience, skills, and what you bring to the job)
  
• Do you have any questions?
   (Yes, I do — and they are great ones!)

Asking Questions — Your turn
Depending on the interviewer’s style, you will have an opportunity before or during the interview to ask questions. Timing of your questions is key here. The first round of interviewing is usually about discovery; learning about the job and the company and not the benefits or vacation policy. Good questions to ask in the first round are about the job content and the company’s culture.

As the interview process unfolds, you can ask those other questions about benefits, stock options, and time off. Obviously, you will need this information to assess an offer but all in good time.

The best questions to ask come as a result of your listening to what is discussed during the interview. Ask for clarification or for more information.

“You’ve been discussing your system, could you tell me what has been tried in the past, and what you anticipate to be the future challenges?”

Listen carefully to the answer, as this may be your chance to inform the interviewer of your past experience with the same type of problem and how you solved the problem.

It is a good idea to have a list of five to ten questions to take along as a back up in the event you haven’t come up with any good questions during the interview. Use these questions as appropriate – depending on the length of time of the interview and the rapport you’ve developed with your interviewer.

TIP: Observe the interviewer’s pace and ask questions from your list if you think that there is a mutual interest to continue the interview. Once again - turn up your intuitive.

STEP No.6. The Answers
• Your answers should demonstrate the skills you want the interviewer to know about you.
• Your answers should indicate that you have had similar experiences and proven successes at past jobs.
• Your answers should give specific examples of your previous work or education, as proof that you have “been there and done that.”

Specific examples will be required when you are asked “behavioral” questions: This type of question usually begins with a statement like: “Tell about a time when…” or “Can you give me an example…” It is important that you give a “specific” story when answering this type of question.

“I had a similar experience when I worked for XYZ company….I was the leader of a team that…The result was very positive and saved the company time and money.”

If you are not asked for specific behavioral examples, you can demonstrate your success by saying,
“Let me give you an example of how I handled a similar situation in the past.”

Telling a past experience story is the most effective way to prove that you have had the experience before – and, that you can do it again.

The answers you give to the questions are the only information the interviewer will have to judge whether you are the right person for the job. Stay focused on your strengths and what you can bring to the job. The more information you can tell the interviewer about your skills and past successes, the better chance you have of making the sale – getting the job. “He who sells himself best – gets the job.”

TIP: Keep your answers to two or three minutes in length. If their eyes glaze over – you’ve lost them.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW – The Close

STEP No.7: The Follow Up

The follow up is more than a polite way of saying “Thanks you for the interview.” It is your opportunity to put yourself in front of your interviewer one more time and sell yourself as the right fit for the position. Never assume that the interviewer remembers everything you said or has an accurate picture of who you are. When several candidates are interviewed and compared, some of the highlights you hoped would be considered may be lost or forgotten.

• Thank you for the time taken.
• Express your interest in the job
• List the reasons you know you are a “great” fit for the job
• Address any concerns you picked up during the interview
• Offer ideas or thoughts you have on how you could bring added value, or solutions, to the position.
• Let them know you are ready and eager to begin a part of the team
• Ask, “When can I start?” (This comment will depend on your style, situation, and the personalities involved. It is an aggressive close.)

Send a separate follow up letter to each interviewer. Each person has his or her own agenda and point of view. Try to keep track of what each interviewer focused on during the interview.

TIP:Whether you send by regular mail or email it is important to send within 24 hours of the interview.

Your follow-up letter could be what sets you apart from other candidates. It could land you a job, so put some thought and effort into what you say.

Summary

As with any new skill, the best way to achieve success is to prepare and practice, practice, and practice some more. This will require time and effort on your part. You are developing a skill, and the effort you put into this project will reap the benefits. You will feel more prepared and confident; which will result in more successful interviews — and job offers!

Best wishes on successful interviewing!

 

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