Job interview - questions:

[babylonsister]

I have one Monday, and I know a common one is, 'what do you see as a weakness'? How do you respond to that without demeaning yourself?

Also, if you can give me any pointers on other questions/answers that might be asked of a general nature, I'd be very appreciative. I've been looking since November, and this is only my third interview, so let's just say I'm -cough-rusty.

Thank you!

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. Answer the 'what is your weakness' with a weakness that is really a strength

Don't answer "I drink too much"

Answer "I tend to care so much about my work that I work for hours past quitting time".

That's a lame example, but you get the point. The 'weakness' has to be something that makes you look good.

[babylonsister]

3. Haha!

I would never say that! Yes, I get your point, thanks. 'Turn it in to a positive, for me.'

My initial response was I get impatient with myself sometimes, but a cousin thought that was too demeaning. I actually get impatient with dumbass people, but I can't say that. :D

I'll have to think about this; I have a few days.

I figured I'd let DU weigh in, and am glad you did.

[Curmudgeoness]

14. Maybe not "I get impatient with myself", but something like

"I take my job too seriously" or "I become too involved in the job at hand". At least you warned them.

I always hated the "where do you want to be in five years" question. Duh, the CEO. I never did know the right answer to that one.

I do not allow myself to get stressed over the interview, and that way, I am more relaxed in the interview. And I am just honest whatever is asked. At least it doesn't seem rehearsed. It has worked well for me many times. (I know, I have had too many jobs.)

[doc03]

2. I get these urges to kill someone but never have the

courage to carry it out.

[babylonsister]

4. Thanks for the help. nt

[Lucky Luciano]

8. LOL! nt

[Avalux]

5. The big thing now is behavioral Interviewing.

I just took a class on it. The interviewer is to ask scenario questions so the interviewee has to think and responses can't be rehearsed. For example:

"Explain to me about a time where you were stressed to meet a deadline. What did you do?"

I would recommend remembering times at work when you'd have to deal with something difficult or accomplished something significant. Chances are you're going to get asked.

Also - eye contact and smile - but not too much. Good LUCK!!!!! :hug:

[babylonsister]

6. What did I do?

I prioritized, and went down the list as quickly and professionally as possible.

And eye contact, handshakes, smiles. Got it, and thanks! :pals:

[tridim]

9. I've worked under stress for the past 7 years.

It's the nature of software development.

I honestly don't know how I'd answer that question.

[Liberal_in_LA]

11. good post. Yeah, they do ask those type of questions.

[babylonsister]

12. Can you provide other questions that might be asked?

I need to study! :D

[Avalux]

15. They usually want specific, results.

So if you say you successfully increased production, they'll want to know by how much, like say 200%.

Also, know your resume by heart in case they ask about specifics on your resume and try to trip you up.

[babylonsister]

18. More good advice, thanks. nt

[nashville_brook]

7. the only correct answer is "i could learn to delegate more."

[slampoet]

10. I say " I drink more coffee than i make for others in the office."

[Ruby the Liberal]

13. Great news - and good luck!

Agree with the 'delegation' comment. Google up "greatest weakness" and that tops a host of lists.

[Imajika]

16. The "my weakness is really my strength" ploy....

...is pretty much expected by most HR/Interviewers, so be careful how you do it. Don't go overboard or it sounds ridiculous.

You may be competing with quite a few people, so refreshingly honest isn't all bad. Maybe just admit to some minor weakness that won't effect your job duties.

When I used to do a lot of interviewing, much of the time was mostly spent trying to determine if candidates would fit in with our team. Assuming you can do the job (which most people who got that far could), we were mostly interested whether they were a fun, optimistic, interesting type of person that would do well in our work environment.

It really depends on who is interviewing you. If it is some HR person in a larger company far removed from the actual department, then it is mostly about checking off boxes to determine if you qualify for the job. Once your interviewing with the actual department manager I think it is mostly about personality, whether you'd be comfortable in the work atmosphere, etc.

I wish you the best of luck. I hope to hear the interview went well and you'll get an offer!

[babylonsister]

17. Thanks. I'm just hoping someone hasn't been pre-selected and

they're just going through the corporate motions they are required to do. But if nothing else, it's additional experience in this strange journey I'm on during these rough economic times to find a decent job.

I've been told not to try to be too 'cute', which I tend to do when I'm nervous. I'll maintain, I hope. Optimism is my forte'! :D

[lib2DaBone]

19. How Am I doing? Do I get the Job?

I spend most of my productive hours on Facebook and Porn sites.

I do tons of personal phone calls, but I use my cell phone.. so no problemo.

I always come back from lunch late, and I hate covering the front desk during lunch. So don't ask me.

I sell Avon Cosmetics in my spare time (which is most of the day) , and if you try to find me.. I will be up in Accounts Receivable on he third floor, (they are having a bake sale for the 8th grade band.)

I always drink other peoples water and soda from the Fridge in the Break Room, cause it's cheaper than buying my own.

Every afternoon at 3:00 p.m., I stink up the whole office making microwave popcorn.. but I NEVER clean the microwave in the lunch room.

I ALWAYS forward every stupid chain letter to the entire office, especially the ones that have pictures of sad puppies, the American Flag or Jesus.

I watch Fox News and I LOVE Sarah Palin...and I make minimum wage.. but I ALWAYS vote Republican.. because they believe in GOD!

[The Straight Story]

20. Here is my answer (and I ask them something back)

"I am often seen by peers as being too competitive, but I am really just trying hard to do my best." Then I quickly say:

"what is is that you see as the biggest negative about this company (and/or 'working here')?"

[babylonsister]

24. That's a good answer, too. Thank you! I might lay off

interviewing them, but maybe not. :P

[The Straight Story]

29. One lady asked me this:

"You are really skilled, how do we know you won't leave us in a year or less for a better paying job?"

I asked her back "You told me you lost two people in the last year - how do I know you won't outsource my job in the next year? You said you were concerned because over the last 7 years I have had 3 jobs, but in the last year you have changed people twice - how do I know you will keep me?"

She smiled and said "Good reply". I am still working there as a temp and they may be hiring me on soon.

[babylonsister]

30. Ooh, I have an answer for that one, too.

All I need is one good job and I'll love them forever, or until I retire!

This job hunt is for the birds, and can be very depressing. If/when I get a good one, I plan on keeping it.

I liked your quick thinking, too. Turn the tables. :thumbsup:

[Lisa0825]

21. Another option...

other than "a weakness as a strength" is to pick a FORMER weakness that you have addressed and improved.

If you can think of something that was a challenge to you, and what made it a challenge... something you hadn't had to deal with before... and what changed to make it difficult, and what you did to resolve it, that also caused you to grow in your role.

I took my organizational skills to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL when we faced a short staffing crisis at the office, and now those improved skills make my daily work easier.

[babylonsister]

23. Ooh, I like that! Thanks! nt

[aikoaiko]

22. Tell 'em how much you hate this question.

and your weakness is you never really know how to answer it.

Good luck with the interview.

[Lisa0825]

26. LMAO! Good one! And as an HR person....

it would make me laugh, and I would remember you for it!

[johnaries]

25. "I tend to be a perfectionist, which many people see as a weakness."

[babylonsister]

35. Ha! Kind of true in certain aspects; I'll have to

think about that one.

[handmade34]

27. Good Luck. stay calm and personable

but not familiar.

go to a bookstore this weekend with a friend, pick up a book with sample questions and practice...

questions:
Tell us about yourself...
What are your strengths?
What did you enjoy/dislike about previous job(s)?

Why do you want to work here?
At the end is usually the "Do you have any questions for us?"
Have enough information about the company/business to say a bit about it.

Are you a team player? (I once answered, "I used to think I was but now I realize I like to set my own pace and work alone." I realized halfway through the interview I didn't want the job anyways)

Another time I was asked about my time at Seminary (on my resume) and I explained that the most important lesson I learned was... all Jesus was really saying was, "Life is a bitch; we gotta help each other" Didn't get that job either!

I did well in the interview for my current job because I was familiar with the work and could answer many nuanced questions...

Again best of luck and don't be nervous.

[babylonsister]

28. You've all been an inspiration-thank you very much!

:loveya:

[vanlassie]

31. I can be very driven at times to accomplish my goals.

I am rarely interested in office gossip- that means I sometimes seem out of the loop- but that's ok with me.....

[Organic Warrior]

32. If you actually want to get this job...

...You reply, "I tend to care too much about what I am involved in. I can be consumed by the need to meet the needs of others, meet deadlines at all costs, and produce more than I am paid to produce because I care too much. It all matters to me; life, the universe, and everything. That is my weakness."

[lamp_shade]

33. This worked for me, but it assumes they're looking for a replacement and depends on

how urgently they need to fill the slot. Typically employers wait until the last minute to begin their searches. The interviewer described the position in detail and let me know that the job was complicated and important and at the time the work was backed up something awful. The person I would be replacing had left a couple of weeks earlier. I said "Sounds like you're in a real bind. I'd loooove to help you out". I was immediately offered the job and at the salary I wanted. I was told later that I was the ONLY interviewee who appeared to really WELCOME THE CHALLENGE without asking too many questions. BTW, I held that position for 5.5 years until I retired and moved to FL.

My response to the weakness question is... "I really don't have any that would trump the "standard response".

[babylonsister]

34. That's definitely going to be my attitude, thanks, lamp_shade.

I do wish I knew how many people have been/are going to be interviewed, but that won't happen.

[End Of The Road]

36. Try this site.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm

I also have a job interview on Monday! Good luck to both of us!

The link has typical interview questions and tips on the best type of answers.

Have you come up with your "personal branding statement?" That was a killer for me. But you'll need to have something ready to go if the first question is "Tell Me About Yourself."

[babylonsister]

37. Thank you for sharing that link, and good luck to you!

Personal branding statement? Nothing concrete, so I will give it some thought. Thanks again.