Career Planning:

Do What You Love and Love What You Do!

Career planning is a very important step. One of the most challenging aspects of your job search is figuring out
exactly what you want to do.

Imagine having a job that you love; one that you are eager to get to every
morning and reluctant to leave every afternoon!

Very few workers are successful in finding a true dream job like this. They consider themselves fortunate
enough simply to have a decent salary and a job they don't absolutely hate.

There's more to life than this. If you're going to spend a big chunk of your life on the job, shouldn't it be one that
brings you true enjoyment, as well as financial security?

If you don't know what to do with your life, it may be because you're not sure what you can do with your life.
Don't think you are limited by your college degree major (or your lack of a degree). There's a whole world of
opportunities out there that you may not be familiar with.

Find out what you are interested in and what occupations match your interests, skills, desires and even your
personality type. You can do this through career aptitude tests, personality tests, surveys and so forth. Here are
some excellent web sites that can help you with this journey of discovery:

ANALYZE MY CAREER. Find the career you are destined for. Analyze your career options with aptitude
tests, personality tests, and more: Analyze My Career

LIFE COACH. Create your ideal life. Career testing, personality testing and life coaching. Create a life you
will love with our inexpensive career/personality testing and coaching services. We offer the MBTI (Myers-
Briggs) and Strong Interest Inventory at the lowest prices online. MyLifeCoach.com

JVIS. Find the best career and degree matches based on your interests with online educational and planning
tools. The Jackson Vocational Interest Survey offers an important online career planning tool. Our career
interest test uses sophisticated techniques to match your interests with jobs, college majors, organizations,
suggested readings and other career resources. Valuable stuff! www.jvis.com

FUTURE PROOF YOUR CAREER. Future Proof Your Career is a self-assessment, career planning tool to
help you find the work you are best suited to: FutureProof Your Career

U. OF WATERLOO. Unsure how to start your career? Do you need to make changes in your direction? Check
out this site: University of Waterloo Career Development EManual
Job Interview Strategies You Use BEFORE the
Interview Can Help You Ace It!
Job interviews are not something you should waltz into unprepared. If your attitude is, "This interview is no big
deal. If I don't get this job,I'll just get the next one," you're in for a world of hurt.

Even the most charming candidate will seem lame compared to one who is professional and totally prepared.

What you do BEFORE the interview

will have a powerful impact
on how well you perform
DURING the interview.

Because you're here at this web site, you've already proven you have a strong desire to go above and beyond
what most job seekers do. You realize that preparation is essential to success. So let's get busy.

Are You Ready For Change?

Your answer must be yes, or you wouldn't be interested in job interviews. But have you given much thought to
the quality of the change you're about to undergo? Are you just looking for a job, or eager to build a career? A
journey is easier if you know the destination at the beginning.

PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #1: Find work you will love doing.

This is the most important strategy you can implement, because it affects all other job-hunting actions that
follow. But it's something most people don't give enough thought to. Some of us tend to "fall into" our career
paths without much planning, mainly because we don't know what we want to be when we grow up!

This doesn't mean you should put your plans on hold until you determine your true "dream job." It may be
better to go into a field you're not sure about and end up quitting after 6 months than to do nothing. Sometimes
you don't know what you want to do until you try a variety of things.

For some tips to help you determine what work you will love doing and the best career path for your interests,
skills and desires, go to the CAREER PLANNING page.

Otherwise, let's press on. Once you have decided on the position you are interested in, here's the next step:

PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #2: Research the company.

Most companies have web sites these days. Check them out. Do a search for articles and news stories about the
company. Ask around. You can even call the company directly and ask a few questions. Your goal is to
determine:

(1) The company's reputation. Is this a company you'd be proud to name as your employer?

(2) The company's benefits. Salary isn't everything, and sometimes you won't know what it is until you are
hired and negotiate an amount. But most companies will tell you about the other benefits they offer, such as
pension plans, vacation and sick leave, health care programs and so forth.
(3) The company's mission, vision and goals. Find out as much as you can about what the company does and
how it does it. Search the Internet to see if the company has issued any press releases recently, and read them.
Knowledge is power, and in this case, the more you know about the company, the better off you'll be at the
interview. You will stand out among the candidates -- whoever interviews you will be impressed that you took
the initiative to do this, because most job seekers do not.

PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #3: Study the job description carefully and make sure your application
and/or resume compliments what the company is looking for.

You should not have a generic resume that you submit for all job openings. You want one that matches your
talents and skills to those desired by the company for that job. In other words, if the job announcement makes it
clear that someone with strong accounting skills is needed, be sure to highlight any accounting or bookkeeping
duties you've done in the past, even if they were a relatively minor aspect of your previous jobs. Don't spend
valuable space on your resume and application on skills they are not interested in. (I.e., if you're applying for a
job as a ditch digger, don't tell them how great you are at organizing files.) Instead, emphasize how well you fit
their idea of the best-qualified candidate for that job.

More information about resume preparation at this page: RESUMES

PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #4: Prepare for questions that will be asked during the interview.

By studying the job announcement, you should have a fair idea of what kinds of questions you will be asked.
Some questions are generic in nature and fairly standard for most interviews, while others are specifically
related to the position you hope to fill. Put yourself in the hiring person's shoes... what would YOU want to
know about potential candidates? What kinds of questions would YOU ask to determine who would be best for
the position and the company?

A list of possible questions and sample answers is provided at JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Review this, but develop your own list of potential questions based on the position, and practice your answers.
Also be aware that unexpected questions may be asked. Don't become flustered if this happens. Just remain
calm, take a deep breath, and think before answering.

PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #5: Prepare questions you will ask during the interview.

Yes, in addition to ANSWERING questions, you should ASK some. This opportunity usually comes at the end
of the interview, when their final question is, "Do you have any questions for us?" Of course you do! Most job
seekers do NOT have questions, so here's another opportunity for you to set yourself apart from those other
candidates.

Come up with a few of your own questions, based either on the research you've conducted about the company
or specifics about the position for which you are applying. Even rather generic questions such as, "What do you
like best about working here?" are good. (If is is an interview panel, make sure the person you direct this
question to actually works for the company. Some companies, particularly public agencies, get people from
other agencies to assist with interview panels.)

Additional sample questions for you to ask are provided at INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #6: Visit the interview location a day or so

before your interview.
There's nothing more stressful than getting lost and being late for your interview. Before the interview date, find
out exactly where you'll be going, where you will park, and how long it takes you to get there (consider the time
of day and traffic impact). This dry-run will ensure you'll be there right on time when it counts.

PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #7: Plan what to wear to your interview.

Yes, this seems like common sense. But some people don't think about what they're going to wear until the
morning of the interview. Then they scramble to find something that's appropriate and clean. Imagine putting on
that rarely used suit an hour before your interview and discovering that it no longer fits! Plan your outfit in
advance, try it on to make sure it fits well, and get it cleaned and pressed if necessary.

When deciding what to wear, think "conservative business attire." Even if you are interviewing for a field job in
which you'll wear jeans and steel-toed boots, those clothes are not appropriate for the interview. It's always
better to dress "up" than to dress "down." The key is to look professional.

Here are some preparation tips:(1) Think about your hair in advance and make sure it's as ready for the
interview as your clothes. Do you need a haircut or touch-up on the color? (2) Do not plan to wear perfume or
cologne. Having no noticeable scent is better than turning your interviewer off by wearing too much
perfume/cologne (or wearing a scent that unpleasantly reminds an interviewer of his/her ex-spouse). It's safest
to wear no scent at all. (3) Women, if you decide on a dress or skirt, make sure it's not too short. Be
conservative, remember? (4) Same goes for shoes... chose a pair that are stylish, but conservative and
comfortable. Make sure they're clean and/or shined.

PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #8: Plan what to bring to your interview.

At a minimum, bring a few extra copies of your application and/or resume. If you have letters of
recommendation, bring copies of those, as well. If you don't have any letters of recommendation but have time
to obtain some from your past employers or character references, do so -- even if you have to speed things up by
writing them yourself and then getting permission from your references to sign their name to them. Having
letters of recommendation ready to hand out at the interview will give you another leg up on your competition,
and make you stand out among many applicants.

If appropriate for the position, considering bringing a portfolio with examples of work you've done. In all
likelihood, there won't be time for you to show your work during the interview. But perhaps you can leave your
portfolio and pick it up later, or provide copies.

Enough pre-interview preparation -- let's get on to the interview itself!

Job Interview
Questions & Answers:
Know What to Expect
and What to Say
Although many candidates dread them, job interview questions are wonderful
things! They are your greatest opportunity to prove to the interviewer that you
are the best person for the job!

The key is to give better answers than anyone else. To do this, you must:

(1) Anticipate likely questions;

(2) Develop excellent answers;

(3) Practice!

Be enthusiastic and confident when responding to questions. Don't rush your answers, but don't ramble on and
on, either. Try to, um, avoid, like, using unnecessary words, right? And um, repeating yourself or, like,
annoying phrases, you know?

A good technique is to write out your answers to the questions you anticipate, then edit them to make them
more concise. Then practice your polished answers out loud, over and over. If you can have someone help you
do a "mock interview," that would be the best way to do this.

Most questions will relate either to your ability to do the job or to the type of employee you will be. Here's one
that is very commonly used to help the interviewer learn about both:

"Tell me a little about yourself."

When responding to this request, you should focus on both your personal and professional values. Always be
honest, but talk about your best traits only, especially those that relate to the position for which you are
applying. Highlight experiences and accomplishments you are most proud of. Here's an example:

"I'm an experienced communications specialist with extensive knowledge of public information tools and
techniques. I've developed comprehensive communication plans for major public events, written dozens of
articles accepted by worldwide publications, and created specialized educational programs for adults and
students. I am always eager to learn new methods and procedures, and have implemented continuous
improvement techniques in my past positions that saved money and increased productivity. I like working with
people and enjoy group projects, but am also a self-starter who doesn't mind working on my own. I'm a
volunteer with the local chapter of Special Olympics and enjoy participating in community events. My goals are
to complete my Master's Degree and broaden my experiences with community relations."

Remember to tailor your response to the specific job. By studying the job announcement, you'll get a good idea
of the skills and experience being sought. Work those into your response.

Consider this your own personal commercial. If the interview consisted of only this ONE chance to sell
yourself, what would you say?
"What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"

Choose one example from your past that was important to you and helped the company you worked for. Give
specific details about what you did, how you did it, and what the results were. Try to pick an accomplishment
that relates to the position for which you are applying. Employers like to hear about accomplishments that
reduced expenses, raised revenues, solved problems or enhanced a company's reputation.

"What is your greatest strength?"

This is a great chance to highlight your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on your top three or four. Some
examples are: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills. Determine which strengths
would fit best with the position for which you are applying. For example, if the job announcement stresses the
ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say: "I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time
management. But my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines."

"What is your greatest weakness?"

Be careful with this one. Most interview guides will tell you to answer it with a positive trait disguised as a
weakness. For example, "I tend to expect others to work as hard as I do," or "I'm a bit of a perfectionist."
Interviewers have heard these "canned" answers over and over again. To stand out, be more original and state a
true weakness, but then emphasize what you've done to overcome it. For example: "I've had trouble delegating
duties to others because I felt I could do things better myself. This has sometimes backfired because I'd end up
with more than I could handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I've taken courses in time
management and learned effective delegation techniques, and I feel I've overcome this weakness."

IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element of the position!

"How do you handle stressful situations?"

Give some examples of stressful situations you've dealt with in the past. Tell how you use time management,
problem-solving or decision-making skills to reduce stress. For example, tell them that making a "to-do" list
helps. Site stress-reducing techniques such as stretching and taking a break. Don't be afaid to admit that you will
ask for assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed.

If it's true, say you actually work better under pressure.

"What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?"

Try to make this about a problem that faced your company and not just you or your particular work group. The
bigger the problem, the better. Give specific examples of the skills and techniques you used to resolve this
problem. Emphasize the successful results. Be generous in sharing credit if it was a team effort, but be sure to
highlight your specific role.

"Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle it?"

This is a likely question if the position for which you are applying requires supervisory duties. Explain how you
used problem-solving skills, listening skills, and coaching skills to help the employee. If those techniques turned
the employee around, be sure to say so. If those techniques failed, tell how you followed the company's
policies and what the end result was.
"Why do you want this position?"

Here's where your research about the company will help you stand out among the other candidates. Explain how
you've always wanted the opportunity to work with a company that... provides a vital public service, leads the
industry in innovative products, whatever... find something specific about that company that you can tie in with
your answer. Explain how your qualifications and goals complement the company's mission, vision and values
(use specific examples). If you are applying for a position in a company for which you already work, explain
how you'll be able to apply and expand on the knowledge and experience you've gained from your current
position, and will be able to increase your contributions and value to the company through your new
responsibilities.

"Why are you the best person for this job?"

As with all other questions, be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this. Don't try to say you are the
best qualified person, because you don't know the qualifications of the other applicants. Instead, emphasize
several reasons why you should be hired. For example: "I've got extensive experience in [name the appropriate
field] and have the specific skills you are looking for. I'm a fast learner who adapts quickly to change and will
hit the ground running. I'm dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company meet its goals, and will
provide top-quality results with minimal oversite. I'm an outstanding performer who takes pride in my work.
You won't have any regrets when you hire me."

UNEXPECTED QUESTIONS

Interview questions and answers can only be predicted and prepared for to a certain extent. There are endless
variations and no way to know every question in advance. But that doesn't matter. Because you know there will
be unexpected questions, you will not cringe or freak out when they pop up, as some applicants will. Instead,
you will turn them into opportunities to shine even more brightly.

No one knows you better than you. Memorize a list of your best features, your best selling points. Use every
opportunity and unexpected question to mention these.

Realize that sometimes what you say isn't as important as how you say it. Be confident, enthusiastic, and
remember to smile often.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK

Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Candidates who do not have
questions show a lack of initiative and give the impression that they have minimal interest in the position. Stand
out from those lazy job seekers by asking questions!

Have your questions ready in advance. Relate them to the company or its accomplishments/challenges (your
research of the company will show and further impress the interviewer). Don't ask any question that shows that
you have not done your research about the company.

Do not ask questions related to you, such as "When will I be eligible for my first raise?" or "How often will I be
subjected to a performance review?" Don't bring up money. (You can do that after you are offered the job.)

In addition to specific questions you develop based on what the company does, here are some sample generic
questions:

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Be sure the person you ask actually works for the company. Some organizations, especially public agencies,
have interview panels in which employees from other agencies participate.

Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job?

If they do mention something that's bothering them about you, such as lack of specific experience, this gives
you a last-ditch effort to change their opinion about you. If you've thought about your possible weaknesses in
advance, you should have a prepared answer to those weaknesses. For example, "I know I have limited
experience in this field, but what I lack in specific experience I make up for in enthusiasm and desire to excel.
I'm a fast learner and I'll work harder than anyone else to be a top producer on your team."

When do you expect to make your final decision?

Be sure to ask that! Failure to do so may give the impression that you're not that interested, and you need to
know when to follow up.

Job Interviews:
Employ These Srategies
DURING the Interview to
Stand Out and
Get Hired!
Job interviews can be intimidating and unpleasant, but only if you are
unprepared. Because you followed the PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGIES,
you will be more confident, professional, and less nervous than the other candidates.

During your job interviews, you will be enthusiastic, likeable, determined, and informed. These traits are all
more important than your job qualifications. Because you know this and are well prepared, you will blow away
your competition!

DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #1: Arrive early.

Job interviews require punctuality; arrive early. Yes, this is a "common sense" strategy that you should already
know. But you'd be amazed at how many candidates show up late for their interviews! Talk about a negative
first impression! Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your interview time. Use that 15 minutes to relax and
mentally prepare.

If something unavoidable happens and you absolutely can't make it on time, call BEFORE your scheduled time
and explain your situation. Be honest, courteous, and apologetic (even if it wasn't your fault). Then ask for
another time.

DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #2: Make your introduction and greeting memorable.

Job interviews can involve dozens of candidates over the course of several days. You need to stand out from the
pack and be remembered! So make your introduction and greeting more memorable than most. Do this with
everyone you are introduced to, including the receptionist or Human Resources person who meets you prior to
the interview: Smile, make eye contact, shake hands, and say their name.

Make your smile genuine, and don't be afraid to show some teeth. You are very happy to be there, right?

Make eye contact and notice the color of their eyes. Continue to make eye contact throughout the interview
process. This is very important, because failing to make eye contact or constantly looking away creates the
impression that you are hiding something or not being honest.

Shake hands "properly." If you have sweaty palms (which is only natural, even if you ARE well prepared), try
to unobtrusively wipe them off before shaking hands. Perhaps you could keep a handkerchief or tissue in your
pocket or purse for this purpose. Then extend your hand to the person you meet, whether they've extended theirs
or not. When you shake hands, match the strength of your grip to theirs. Don't forget to make eye contact.
Release after a couple of shakes.

Speak aloud the name of the person you are introduced to. You can add "Nice to meet you" before or after their
name. Everyone likes to hear their own name. Plus saying their name will show that you are paying attention,
and it will help you to remember it.

Job interviews require you to make a powerful, positive first impression. Do this by smiling, making eye
contact, shaking hands and saying their name. Your first impression will be a lasting one.

DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #3: Use body language that shows you are enthusiastic, confident,
and comfortable with the interview process.

Job interviews can seem like intimidating situations, but as the old saying goes, "Never let 'em see you sweat."
Walk into the room in a manner that exudes confidence and control. Not timid, but also not rushed. Just like
you're walking up to greet a friend.

After the greetings (discussed under Strategy #2), sit when and where they indicate. (I use the term "they"
because many interviews are conducted by a panel of 3-5 people instead of just one person. But these strategies
will apply no matter how many people are interviewing you.) Sit properly. This means showing good posture,
sitting up straight and looking attentive. Do not slouch or lean way back and clasp your hands behind your head
to indicate how "comfortable" you are! Do sit comfortably (you may be there a while) and don't sit on the edge
of the chair as if you're eager to run away. Do not fidget. (Sheesh! Who thought something as simple as sitting
down could get so complicated?)

Job interviews can involve a panel of people asking you questions. If there is more than one person asking
questions, face that person and make eye contact when you answer them. But then extend your eye contact to
everyone in the room if your answer is longer than a few seconds. You're speaking to all of them, not just the
person who asked the question.

Remember to smile!

DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #4: Be yourself, but only up to a point.

Let your personality show, but don't overdo it. Match your demeanor to that of the interviewers. For instance, if
they joke around a bit to break the ice, go with it but don't laugh insincerely. Don't tell any jokes yourself. If you
have a sense of humor and you've deduced that the interviewers do, too, you can use this in some of your
answers (to a certain extent and when appropriate). You want to present yourself as a serious professional but
also someone who easily gets along with others and is a pleasure to work with. You want to be likeable but
never phony.

Also, you want to exude confidence but never arrogance.

DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #5: Answer questions clearly and

confidently.

Because you've prepared in advance and anticipated many of the questions, your answers should be clear,
concise and confident. Do not mumble or speak in a voice too quiet to be heard. You don't want the interviewer
to ask you to speak up or repeat your answer.

Do not ramble. Give enough detail to sufficiently answer the question and then stop talking.

One of the great advantages of anticipating questions and practicing your answers in advance is that you can
"edit" them before the actual interview. Many companies limit the interview time to 20 minutes or less. You
want your answers to be short, focused and to the point. If you're not sure you've given enough information,
simply ask, "Did I answer that sufficiently for you, or would you like more details?"

DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #6: After answering their questions, ask some yourself.

Remember those questions you thought of during your PRE-INTERVIEW STRATEGIES phase? When the
interview starts to wind down and they ask if you have any questions for them, be sure to speak up. In addition
to the questions you thought of in advance, you might have a few based on how the interview went. If you want
clarification about the job or the hiring process, ask now. Do not ask questions related to salary, vacation time,
etc. Save those for after they offer you the job.

Your last comment should be that you feel you would be a good asset for the company and you definitely want
the job. Don't forget this!

DURING-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #7: Exit gracefully.

When it's clear that the interview is over, hand out copies of your letters of recommendation (if you haven't
already done so) and any other portfolio items. Shake hands again and thank your interviewers for their time
and the opportunity to interview for the position. If you remember the names, say them as you thank them.
Leave the room (don't forget your purse or brief case!) and breathe a big sigh of relief, knowing that you did an
excellent job!
Job Interview Strategies
You Use AFTER the Interview
Can Make the Difference!
Job interview strategies don't end when the interview does!

Congratulations! The hardest part (the actual interview) is behind you. But that doesn't mean you can just wait
around for the phone to ring. You've still got work to do that will further enhance your chances of getting that
job!

POST-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #1: Immediately send a Thank-You Letter.

Write a thank-you letter as soon as you get home from the interview. You'll use it for several purposes:

(1) To re-emphasize that you really want the job. This is assuming, of course, that you do want the job. If,
after the interview, you don't think it's the right job for you, don't bother sending a thank-you letter.

(2) To provide further explanation of something discussed at the interview. For example, if there was some
discussion of your leadership skills but you forget to mention a great example from a previous job, put this in
your letter.

(3) To say thank you. You really should be thankful. There may have been dozens (or even hundreds) of
applicants for that position. Even though your qualifications are what got you the interview, be humble and
appreciate the opportunity you were given to show them in person what a wonderful asset to the company you
will make!

(4) To take another opportunity to make yourself shine in comparison to the other candidates. A short
thank-you letter can be written in less than 30 minutes, but only a small percentage of job seekers actually
bother doing this. So by sending this letter, you will create another favorable impression that sets you above the
rest.

If you're not sure who to address the letter to, call the Human Resources person who scheduled your interview.
Get the names (and spelling) and mailing address of whoever conducted the interview.

Your letter can be handwritten, but I'd only recommend this if you have wonderful handwriting. If in doubt, do
it on a computer.

It's better to send it as a regular letter through the mail than to do it by e-mail. People get so much email these
days they may ignore yours. As email becomes more popular, real letters become rarer, and thus more special.
A letter will get their attention when an email message may not. But send your letter as soon as possible. You
want it to arrive before they've made their final decision.

POST-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #2: Don't be shy about making follow-up calls.

It's often sad but true that many companies take forever to fill a position, and keeping applicants informed of the
process is a low priority for them. They may tell you after the interview that they'll make a decision within two
or three days, and let you know either way. Hah! Don't count on it! They will call you if you are selected, of
course. But the process may take longer than expected. And if you are not their number-one choice, they'll take
their time in sending out your "notice of non-selection" (if they bother sending one at all).

So don't wait -- take action! If the allotted time has passed and you haven't heard anything, call the company
and ask about the status of that job.

POST-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #3: Don't worry, be happy.

If you've followed the strategies you've learned, the chances are very good that you will be selected for the
position. But should wondering about it keep you up at night? No. The process is now out of your hands, so
worrying about it won't do you any good. There are only two possible outcomes. Either you got the job and you
will be notified in due time; or you didn't get the job.

Even if you didn't get selected for that particular position, don't consider this as a "failure" -- it is not. No
interview is a failure, or a waste of your time. Each one should be considered a valuable opportunity to practice
and sharpen your interviewing skills.

And if you believe in "fate," maybe you just weren't meant to get that job because a better one is waiting for
you!

POST-INTERVIEW STRATEGY #4: Negotiate your salary when you are offered the job.

Sometimes salaries are set; you take the job, you take the stated salary. But other times the salary is open to
negotiation and the employer has a range to work with, based on your skills and experience. Most often you will
be offered the lowest salary in that range. But don't be afraid to request a higher starting salary, particularly if
your skills and experience warrant it. There is a fine art to salary negotiation. For more information, check out
this web site: Salary.com
Job Interview Answer: Describe the Pace at Which
You Work
When you're asked to describe the pace at which you work, be careful how you respond. This is another
question where faster isn't necessarily better. Most employers would rather hire employees who work at a
steady pace. Someone who is too slow to get the job done in a reasonable time frame isn't going to be a good
hire. Neither is a candidate who works frenetically all day.

Options for answering this question include saying that you work at a steady pace, but usually complete work in
advance of the deadline. Discuss your ability to manage projects and get them done on, or ahead, of schedule. If
you work at a job where you have set criteria (i.e. number of calls made or responsed to) that measures
accomplishments, discuss how you have achieved or exceeded those goals.

Job Interview Answer: Do You Take Work Home

With You?
Do you take work home with you is a tricky question, be ready. The longer the answer, the bigger the hole
you've dug.

Best Answer

When I need to, no problem. I realize the importance of meeting deadlines and getting work done on time.

Job Interview Answer: Describe Your Employment

History
Interviewers expect a candidate for employment to be able to review their work history in detail. Be prepared to
tell the interviewer the names of the companies you worked for, your job title, your starting and ending dates of
employment, how much you earned and what your job entailed.

You'd be surprised how many job applicants fumble when asked about prior employment. Don't be one of them!
Refresh your memory prior to the interview by reviewing your resume, so, you can speak about your prior work
history in detail and accurately.

If you don't have a resume, make sure what you tell the interviewer matches what you filled out on your job
application. The best way to prepare is to download a sample job application ahead of time. Complete the
sample application and bring it with you when you are applying for employment. This way you will be able to
copy the information rather than having to remember dates and other employment information.

Job Interview Answer: Do you prefer to work

independently or on a team?
When the interviewer asks "Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?" he or she wants to know if
you're a team player or would rather work on your own.
Best Answers

I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. In researching the LMN company,
your mission statement and the job description, I could see similarities to my previous position where there
were some assignments that required a great deal of independent work and research and others where the team
effort was most effective. As I said, I'm comfortable with both.

In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required a different kind
of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was invaluable. I continued to grow as
team member while on my sorority's debate team and through my advanced marketing class where we had
numerous team assignments. I'm very comfortably working on a team, but I can also work independently, as
well.

Job Interview Answer: What Are Your Goals for the

Future?The best way to respond to the interview question "What are your goals for the future?" or
"Where do you see yourself in five years?" is to refer to the position and the company you are interviewing
with.

My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional
responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.

Job Interview Answer: How Many Hours Do You

Work
Be careful before you answer questions about how many hours a week you work. You don't want to be
construed as a slacker or as someone who works too many hours. At some companies, the norm is a 40 hour
week and everyone goes home on time. At others, everyone might work 50 or 60 hours a week.

However, working a lot of hours isn't necessarily a good thing - it could mean you're not productive enough to
get the job done in a reasonable amount of time.

So, unless you're sure about the company culture and expectations, the safest answer is not to mention a certain
number of hours. Rather, mention that you work as much as necessary to get the job done.

Job Interview Answer: Why Are You Leaving Your

Job?
 I found myself bored with the work and looking for more challenges. I am an excellent employee and I
didn't want my unhappiness to have any impact on the job I was doing for my employer.
 There isn't room for growth with my current employer and I'm ready to move on to a new challenge.
 I've decided that is not the direction I want to go in my career and my current employer has no
opportunities in the direction I'd like to head.
 I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills and experience in a
different capacity than I have in the past.
 I am seeking a position with a stable company with room for growth and opportunity for advancement.
  and the company. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications.

Job Interview Answer: Why Do You Want This Job?

 This is not only a fine opportunity, but this company is a place where my qualifications can make a
difference. As a finance executive well versed in the new stock options law, I see this position as made
to order. It contains the challenge to keep me on my toes. That's the kind of job I like to anticipate every
morning.
 I well understand that this is a company on the way up. Your Web site says the launch of several new
products is imminent. I want be a part of this business as it grows.

Job Interview Answer: What Can You Contribute to

the Company?
The best way to answer questions about your contributions to the company is to give examples of what you
have accomplished in the past, and to relate them to what you can achieve in the future.

Describe specific examples of how effective you have been in your other positions, change you have
implemented, and goals you have achieved. Talk about the depth and breadth of related experience that you
have.

Also, relate your abilities to the employer's goals. You will want to let the interviewer know that you have the
skills necessary to do the job they are hiring for, the ability effectively meet challenges, and the flexibility and
diplomacy to work well with other employees and with management.

Job Interview Questions About Yourself and Sample Answers

When the questions are "personal", about you, it can be a very slippery slope. The answers below are guidelines
so you can write out your answers long before you go to the interview. Then, when the question is asked, you
can take the few seconds (expected by the interviewer) to think about the question and how you will frame your
answer (which you already know).

What would you do differently if you could start your working life over?
The interviewer is looking for a detour that continues to be a professional block in your career.
Looking back over my career, I would have returned to school much earlier to complete my Masters degree.
Even though I got my degree later than I had originally anticipated, I never lost sight of the goal.

How do you balance life and work?

The interviewer wonders if you've made arrangements for the days when your child is too sick to go to school
and/or daycare or if you're "out of there" as soon as it's quitting time.
Best Answer: Being organized helps me balance my professional life and personal life. Consequently, I can be
fully engaged while I'm at work. For those unexpected times, I have a good back-up system of child care for my
children.

What is your preferred way to communicate?

This is a good opportunity to show you understand the importance of adjusting your preferences when
necessary.
At home, I enjoy talking on the phone and emails. At work, I follow the established pattern. Each of my bosses,
in the past, has had a preferred method I've followed their lead.

Do you check voicemail and email when on vacation?

The interviewer is wondering whether they will always be able to find you.
Best Answer: While on vacation, I can be reached for emergencies; however, I also know the people with
whom I work are very capable of making good decisions while I'm away. I understand the importance of
recharging my battery.

What is your favorite book? How about your favorite movie?

The interviewer wants to know whether you read to stay current and if you will you fit into the company culture.
Best Answer (include your personal favorites): I read many different kinds of books. My current "favorite"
book is The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman. My favorite movie? Miracle on Ice.

What historical figure do you admire and why?

The interviewer wants to know whether you are well read and what characteristics you admire.
Best Answer (include historical figures you personally admire): Personally, I most admire Abigail Adams,
John Adam's wife; professionally I admired the leadership style of Ronald Reagan.

What did you do during this six month gap in employment?

Everyone, at some point, will probably have a gap in employment. Do not "waste it".
Best Answer: For the first month, I worked on my "to do list" at home and accomplished a great deal. Then I
began building a plan to reenter the workplace. While it took a little longer than I'd anticipated, I've learned a
great deal about myself, am rested and looking forward to new challenges in the workplace.

What led you to this point in your life?

The interviewer wants to know if you are unhappy, frustrated, or lost?
My "road of life" has been interesting, sometimes challenging and always rewarding. The steps along the way
that have led to this point in my life are, in some ways, very different than I had imagined; however, I like who I
am today in part because of my past. An example is when the second company on my resume suddenly closed
their doors during a down-turn in the economy. For a very brief time, the road ahead was unknown; however, I
discovered I had previously untapped strengths such as perseverance.

Job Interview Answers: Your Responsibilities

When you are asked questions related to the experience that qualifies you for the job, it's important to be very
specific about your skills and experience.

The best way to respond is to describe your responsiblilities in detail and to connect them to the job you are
interviewing for. Tie your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position. That
way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. Focus most on your
responsibilities that are directly related to the new job's requirements.

It's also important to be honest and accurate. Don't embellish your job, because you don't know who the hiring
manager will be checking with when they check your references.