JOB-RELEVANT INTERVIEW CONTENT

Interview questions are generally designed to tap applicant attributes that are
specifically relevant to the job for which the person is applying. The job-relevant
applicant attributes the questions purportedly assess are thought to be necessary for
one to successfully perform on the job.

The job-relevant constructs that have been assessed in the interview can be
classified into three categories:

1. General Traits - relatively stable applicant traits

 Mental ability: Applicants’ capacity to learn and process information
 Personality: Conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability,
extroversion, openness to new experiences
 Interest, goals, and values: Applicant motives, goals, and person-organization
fit

2. Experiential Factors - job knowledge that the applicant has acquired over time.
 Experience: Job-relevant knowledge derived from prior experience
 Education: Job-relevant knowledge derived from prior education
 Training: Job-relevant knowledge derived from prior training

3. Core Job Elements - knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the job.
 Declarative knowledge: Applicants’ learned knowledge
 Procedural skills and abilities: Applicants’ ability to complete the tasks
required to do the job
 Motivation: Applicants’ willingness to exert the effort required to do the job

PREPARE
 Prepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about
our company. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If
you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what
you know about the company when answering questions.

WATCH
 Take a look at my Job Interview Tips Videos, so you'll be sure to dazzle a
potential employer and leave the right impression.

GET READY
 Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm
you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume.
Include a pen and paper for note taking.

BE ON TIME
 On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to
the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it
will take to get there.

STAY CALM
 During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Maintain eye
contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and
pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!
SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW
 Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company
is looking for.

FOLLOW UP
 Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. If
you interview with multiple people send each one a thank you note.

HOW TO DRESS FOR AN INTERVIEW

The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one.
The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what
you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress professionally for a job
interview, even if the work environment is casual.

INTERVIEW ATTIRE TIPS:

 Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have
appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly.
 Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting
them ready on the day of the interview.
 If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so
they are ready for next time.
 Polish your shoes.
 Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.

MEN'S INTERVIEW ATTIRE:

 Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey)
 Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit) - Belt ; Tie
 Dark socks, conservative leather shoes
 Little or no jewelry
 Neat, professional hairstyle
 Limit the aftershave
 Neatly trimmed nails
 Portfolio or briefcase

WOMEN'S INTERVIEW ATTIRE:

 Suit (navy, black or dark grey)
 The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably
 Coordinated blouse / Conservative shoes
 Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)
 No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
 Professional hairstyle
 Neutral pantyhose
 Light make-up and perfume
 Neatly manicured clean nails
 Portfolio or briefcase

WHAT NOT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW:

 Gum
 Cell phone
 Ipod
 Coffee or soda
 If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a
good rule)
 Cover tattoos
50 MOST ASKED JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND HOW TO ANSWER THEM:

1. Tell me about yourself.

Keep the answer job or skill related.

2. Tell me about your dream job.

Don't mention a specific job. Say something generic like, "I want a job where I
love the work and the people I work with."

3. Why did you leave your last job?

Never refer to a major problem with management or say undesirable things about
your supervisors, co-workers or the organization. Keep smiling and talk about
leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, or a chance to do something
better.

4. What is your weakness?

Always try to give a positive answer. For example, "It takes me a long time to get
ready in the morning, so I set my alarm two hours ahead of my time in for work."

5. What are your strengths?

Sell yourself. Say how you can be a desirable employee for the company.

6. What do you know about the type of work we do?

Do a research about the company before going to the job interview.

7. Why should we hire you?

This is your chance to show why working for the company is important to you and
why you think you will fit in. Don't mention other applicants for comparison.

8. Tell me about a suggestion you have made.

This will show that you care about the company's growth. Use an example that
was accepted and successful, especially one that is related to the position.

9. Do you consider yourself successful?

You should always answer yes. Success doesn't necessarily have to be big
ones, just mention how you have achieved goals you have set for yourself.

10. Why have you been unemployed for such a long time?
Mention the activities you have done that would help market yourself like
trainings or short courses you attended, or for example say, "I gave birth and had
to take care of my baby and this experience taught me so much about patience
and time management.

11. What do co-workers say about you?

Recall good things that your co-workers have said like, "My manager, Mr.
Santos, once told me that I am a very organized person".

12. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Don't give a specific answer. Say something like, "I plan on staying for long." or
"As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job."

13. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the
position. Or you may say something like, "I don't think I am overqualified, but I
am fully qualified."
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
If you had, always explain yourself in a way that implies you did not want to, but
had to.

15. Are you applying for other jobs?

Be honest. If you are considered an asset to the company, they just might give
you a good salary offer to get you to work with them, instead of the other
companies you are applying to.

16. Describe your management style.

Mention how you deal with your subordinates or your projects like, "I provide
team members with effective guidance and motivation to complete assignments
on time so our projects succeed." Or you can simply say "For me, good
communication among members is the best way."

17. Are you a team player?

The answer should always be a yes then cite examples. You may mention
situations where you were part of a group or organization, and the activities
you've had that show you worked well with them.

18. What is your philosophy towards work?

Don't give a monologue here. Say something short and positive like, "My
philosophy is to do my best at all times."

19. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

You may say you are comfortable with any position in the team, may it be the
leader, or follower. This shows that you can lead a team but at the same time
also able to follow directions. This shows you are flexible.

20. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

If you have, be honest and never say anything negative about your former boss
or company. Focus on saying positive like how much you have grown from the
experience.

21. What irritates you about co-workers?

Do not speak badly of your past co-workers, as this reflects a flaw on your
attitude, not theirs. Divert the negativity posed by the question. Assure the
interviewer you get along well with fellow co-workers.

22. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Mention your skills, experience and interest.

23. What is more important to you: the money or the work?

You can say something like, "Both are important because everybody needs
money to live but job satisfaction is also important."

24. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

Mention something that was beyond your control but show acceptance and no
negative feelings.

25. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are many good qualities you can mention but be sure to give an example
or a situation to back your answer. Or if you have a recommendation letter you
may say, "I believe my supervisor would say that my strongest point is that I'm
reliable, hard-working, efficient, timely, and responsible. I know this because he
has written it in my letter of recommendation. Would you like to see it?"
26. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
Never mention a problem or anything negative about your supervisor. Try to think
and then come up with none.

27. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

This is up to you. Be totally honest

28. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example
that relates to the type of position applied for.

29. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

You may point out that you are a quick learner and hard worker. Or state
experiences that may not be from work but are somewhat related like for a
managerial position, you may cite experiences you had as a leader in a school
project.

30. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Never give the interviewer the impression that you are more interested on other
jobs

31. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun but at the same time accomplishing something like a team
building you had where you gained a good relationship with your co-workers

32. Would you be willing to relocate if required?

Be honest. Discuss with your family beforehand, assuming this question should
come up.

33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Some examples are challenge, achievement, recognition, integrity.

34. How would you know you were successful on this job?
You can say something like, "When I have achieved all the goals that were set
and I have given more than what is expected of me."

35. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
Just say yes. This is a test of your loyalty.

36. What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Be generic and positive. Some examples are fair, competent, good motivator.

37. How do you see yourself five years from now?

If you answer that you have not thought about it or you have no plans yet, the
interviewer could conclude you have no vision and goals. Say something that is
achievable but not too low as this could imply you lack initiative. It should be
consistent with the objective on your resume and the skills you mentioned you
have.

38. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

Mention mistakes you've had but be sure to focus more on the lessons you have
learned from that mistake.

39. Do you have any blind spots?

Don't say something specific but just say everyone has them that's why working
as a team is very important to point out and cover each other's blind spots. This
answer diverts the question to how you are as a team player.
40. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Mention qualities that are needed for the position that you have.

41. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident and what role you played in its resolution

42. Describe your work ethic.

Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job
done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

43. What are your expectations from this job/company?

You will be able to answer this question well through company research and self-
assessment. Think as if you are already part of the company. You may say
something like, "I expect challenging tasks."

44. Do you have references?

Contact your references ahead of time and have their names and contact details
ready

45. Do you have any questions for me?

Always prepare questions, but those that are not answered in the company's
website or those you have not discussed. Asking questions shows you are
interested to know more about the company or the job.

46. Why do you think you will be successful at this job?

You can say something like, "Basing on my research of the company and the job
description, I can say that I have the skills and experience you are looking for.

47. What do you think of the last company you worked for?
As always, never say anything negative about the last company you worked for.
You can say you learned a lot from the company and the job, and you consider it
an important stepping stone in reaching everything you have achieved

48. How do you handle criticism?

You can say something like, "I see criticism as an opportunity to improve my
work." Then give an example where you were criticized and you handled it in a
positive way like, "My manager once told me that the reports I gave him were
unorganized so I tried to review my past reports and asked if he had any
preferences.
I followed my manager's suggestions and reconstructed my reports. My manager
was happy with all the reports I handed him after that."

49. Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?

Employers ask this especially if the position you are applying for is higher than
your former position. This is for them to gauge if you are up for the challenge of
the new position. Give a positive answer and show them you are the job.

50. What are your activities and interests outside of work?

Say something about your interest and how it can help you on the job you are
applying for. Like basketball can teach you team work, or baking can teach you
accuracy. If you are applying for a job that requires you to be fit, you may
mention physical activities that you do like swimming or any other sport.
 DE-STRESS YOUR IMAGE: POWER UP TO GET AHEAD

1. Attract, don't distract. Look businesslike, yet stylish, not boring like a corporate
filing cabinet. Wear a fashionable suit or dressy tailored separates that appear
as a well-coordinated outfit. A tailored jacket, one that fits you well, is the
essential power garment to any separates outfit, even a casual one.

2. Warriorize your wardrobe. Win the time war, organize your closet so that your
business clothing is separated from your social apparel. At all times, have at
least three complete outfits (business casual or traditional business) pressed and
ready to wear - outfits that empower you, making you feel like a million.

3. Wear Winning Armor. Long sleeves are essential to a take-me-serious look.

We've already discussed the power of a tailored jacket. It's your armor. But if
dealing with a more casual situation, wear long sleeves. Bare arms target you
for sharks or cause you to be discounted. Sleeveless garments worn in the
workplace mark a woman as a socialite, not a serious businesswoman. Short-
sleeve shirts worn for business relegate a man to the second string.

4. Get a Leg Up. Wearing socks or hosiery is non-negotiable. Naked feet (and/or
bare legs) do not command respect in a business environment. Save that look
for your social time.

5. Put Your Best Foot Forward. Shoes tell your secrets; they are the strongest
indicators of your socioeconomic status. For business wear, shoe styles must be
closed-toe and closed-heel and they must be in mint condition. Nicked heels,
scruffy toes, or unpolished footwear scream failure.

6. Look Successful. A successful image attracts greater success. And success

leaves clues in your physical image. Buy the best quality garments and
accessories that you can afford. Have goals to get ahead and work them by
dressing for the job you want, not the one you have.

7. Have perfect timing. Wear a metal watch; it adds enduring strength and power
to any business image - male and female.

8. Exude Confidence. Stand tall, with your shoulders back. To be perceived as

confident, women must wear tastefully applied makeup. In our society, well-
applied makeup conveys high self-esteem and confidence. It says that you pay
attention to details. Women who consistently wear tastefully applied makeup
earn 20 to 30% higher incomes. For both men and women, be sure to finish your
face with a smile.

9. Get A-head. A stylish haircut is essential to a professional image. A great hair

cut saves you time; it's far easier to style. Hair is a readable barometer. Avoid
becoming freeze dried in the past with an out-dated style.

10. Breathe powerfully. Accumulated stress shows in your body via your
breathing. The more stressed you are, the more you tend to breathe shallowly.
Take several time outs each day to do power breathing exercises. Let your mind
go, and breathe in and out - from your lower abdomen - for three full minutes at a
time. Then watch your energy be revitalized. Your skin and eyes will look
refreshed. And your posture will return to a power position.
 HOW TO HAVE A GOOD JOB INTERVIEW

 GIVE YOUR APPLICATION FORM TIME AND CARE.

o Don't write it; type it.
o Don't make spelling mistakes; ask a friend to check it.
o You should address each and every point in the person specification
or short-listing criteria showing how you meet the requirements. This
will maximize the chance of you being called to interview.
 GOOD PREPARATION:
o Research thoroughly the industry or sector, the company or organization
and the particular job, making particular use of the annual report &
accounts, the web site and current newspaper articles;
o Prepare an informal opening and closing statement that emphasizes
why you want the job and why you think you are particularly well qualified
to be chosen.
 READ YOUR APPLICATION FORM AGAIN. Since many of the interview
questions are likely to draw on the content of your application and you need to
remember what you have written and think about what might be raised as a
result.
 CHECK THE NEWSPAPERS AND THE INTERNET for any last minute
developments affecting the organization you are visiting or the industry in which
you are interested in working. This will prepare you for any questions on that
development and give you an opportunity to mention it if appropriate.
 SWITCH OFF YOUR MOBILE or anything else (such as a pager or digital watch)
that might make a noise.
 ANSWERS SHOULD NOT BE ONE WORD OR ONE SENTENCE, BUT
EQUALLY SHOULD NOT GO ON TOO LONG.
 If you have a lot to say, having made the main points, you could finish by saying:
"I could expand upon that, if you wish".
 DON'T WAFFLE. If you don't know, say so.
 NEVER, EVER LIE.
 THINK OF THE WORST QUESTION YOU COULD BE ASKED. Again plan how
you would answer it. Then this question - and any other - is not going to be that
tough for you.
 THINK OF ACTUAL EXPERIENCES THAT ILLUSTRATE THE QUALITIES
THAT YOU WOULD BRING TO THE JOB.

 At the end of the interview, you may be asked: "Are there any questions that
you would like to ask us about the company (or organization) or the job?" Once
again, be ready for this and have one or two good questions ready.
 Above all, show some enthusiasm and keenness for the job.

TIPS FOR TOUGH QUESTIONS

Employers want to see how candidates think. For tough or oddball interview
questions, it’s not always about getting the right answers it’s about how you tackle a
challenging problem. The question for employers may be really about how fast you think
on your feet.

When faced with tough questions like these, take a deep breath, slow down and
then sound out your thinking process aloud and walk the interviewer through how you
get to an answer.