My Favorite Interview Questions
My Favorite Interview Questions
What have you been praised for in the past? For me the answer is always "ironing". I know it doesn't have anything to do with a job I'm applying for, but it should indicate a few things about me.
• Praise can get a little sister to do almost anything for 8 years until she figures out that her mom put big brother up to it.
• I like a project with a clear beginning and end.
• I like to see my progress.
I could have also answered "public speaking". That answer should indicate that I am not shy. At least.
What is the most unreasonable assignment you have been given in the past? What made it so? Ooh - this should be fun. You know what they should expect at your business: interruptions, last minutes demands, shifting from one project to another (or the opposite - complex, time consuming individual projects). Is that exactly what they are describing? Red flag!
Former GE exec, Jack Welch, says that the most important question to ask in an interview is: Why are you leaving your current job? #2 is: Why did you leave the one before that? The secret is in listening to - and believing -- what they say. If the answer is "personal reasons", or "disagreement with management", end the interview now. If they describe a situation where they were not allowed to do the exact things you want them to do, keep listening. And ask follow-ups.
The answers to these and similar questions reveal an applicant's strengths and provide you with the information you need to determine if their strengths align with your needs. Yes, I can do your bookkeeping, but considering my strengths lie in other areas, this is not a good fit for me. Given the option, adding columns would probably be the last item on my To Do list. I will need supervision.
And listen to their communication style. If they will be reporting to you, are they laying on the detail when you'd rather have a quick answer? Or vice versa? Are they speaking so slowly that you are about to scream? Then they should probably not be placed in a position where quick thinking and communication are required. Are they spouting creative ideas? Place them where this is what you need.
We may have beaten the communication horse to death by now - one of my strengths. So, let's review.
1. Organizations: identify what you need in terms of talents and strengths, and ask questions that will reveal them. Listen for communication style to determine the "fit".
2. Applicants: listen for the communication style of the interviewer and design your answers to be "heard".
3. And, what the heck: study the EDD's list.
My Favorite Interview Questions - To learn more about this author, visit Betsey Nash's Website.
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You can go to the EDD (Employment Development Department) and pick up a list of questions you can expect to be asked in a job interview. And on the other side are suggested answers! This serves as a warning to me: when interviewing, don't ask these questions! Over the last 30 years I have come up with some that should be unexpected.
What have you been praised for in the past? For me the answer is always "ironing". I know it doesn't have anything to do with a job I'm applying for, but it should indicate a few things about me.
• Praise can get a little sister to do almost anything for 8 years until she figures out that her mom put big brother up to it.
• I like a project with a clear beginning and end.
• I like to see my progress.
I could have also answered "public speaking". That answer should indicate that I am not shy. At least.
What is the most unreasonable assignment you have been given in the past? What made it so? Ooh - this should be fun. You know what they should expect at your business: interruptions, last minutes demands, shifting from one project to another (or the opposite - complex, time consuming individual projects). Is that exactly what they are describing? Red flag!
Former GE exec, Jack Welch, says that the most important question to ask in an interview is: Why are you leaving your current job? #2 is: Why did you leave the one before that? The secret is in listening to - and believing -- what they say. If the answer is "personal reasons", or "disagreement with management", end the interview now. If they describe a situation where they were not allowed to do the exact things you want them to do, keep listening. And ask follow-ups.
The answers to these and similar questions reveal an applicant's strengths and provide you with the information you need to determine if their strengths align with your needs. Yes, I can do your bookkeeping, but considering my strengths lie in other areas, this is not a good fit for me. Given the option, adding columns would probably be the last item on my To Do list. I will need supervision.
And listen to their communication style. If they will be reporting to you, are they laying on the detail when you'd rather have a quick answer? Or vice versa? Are they speaking so slowly that you are about to scream? Then they should probably not be placed in a position where quick thinking and communication are required. Are they spouting creative ideas? Place them where this is what you need.
We may have beaten the communication horse to death by now - one of my strengths. So, let's review.
1. Organizations: identify what you need in terms of talents and strengths, and ask questions that will reveal them. Listen for communication style to determine the "fit".
2. Applicants: listen for the communication style of the interviewer and design your answers to be "heard".
3. And, what the heck: study the EDD's list.
FYI: I haven't ironed one of my brother's shirts in 39 years.
My Favorite Interview Questions - To learn more about this author, visit Betsey Nash's Website.
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