Q & A

So you've been fortunate to land an interview. Your suit is sharp, you've done your research and you know you're perfect for the job. But are you ready? You're about to sit down for an hour, maybe two and have a conversation about your work experience and your abilities. Your responses--both verbal and non-verbal--will be closely observed. Still feeling confident? Preparing for an interview includes anticipating the questions you'll be asked and knowing your intended response.

Well, let's review a few possible questions and the context in which you should take them to help you develop an appropriate response.

1. Give an example of any major problem you faced and how you resolved it?

The manager is trying to determine how you handle problems that may arise and how you deal with challenges. Provide detail, details, and more details. The good thing is it doesn't have to be related to your job. It can be something that occurred while you worked for a charitable organization or volunteering. Be sure to identify the situation that was the problem. Refrain from making your response about a particular person. Be clear to identify the problem, the options you had, the solution, and the outcome. When you mention the outcome, again, provide details. Instead of saying, "it all worked out". Say something like, "by the end of the day we completed the upgrade ahead of schedule and ultimately decreased processing by 40%".

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Don't mention that you like to sleep late or that you buy lotto tickets. Focus on weaknesses that relate to your professional life and that could put you in a positive light. Ex: I'm a perfectionist. I have to go through my reports with a microscope or I don't forget when I make a mistake. I'm obsessive about getting things done right.

3. Tell me of a time when you needed to complete a task or respond to a client and you didn't have the answer. How did you handle it?

Now is the time to promote your resourcefulness. Don't say I waited until my co-worker came back from lunch, vacation, etc. Use an example of when you had to really dig for an answer. For example, you could explain that you keep a log of past issues /problems and were able to use that as a resource. You could also share that you had already asked a vendor to provide documentation on a similar subject previously and had it available to you in your time of need. If your example includes legislation of some sort, you might have found the Internet resourceful. The idea is to use an example showing how you can be independently resourceful, keep your composure and get the job done.

4. Do you have questions for me? That's easy...see last Thursday's post "Interview With a Twist?"