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The Best and Bad Answers for Interview
Getting invitation for interview means you've been almost in the
final round of the race. But this is also the hardest part
though it usually lasts only half an hour or sometimes even 15
minutes. To win the grand prize, critical strategy is wise
answers. There are some basic 'frequently asked questions' you
should know and learning the sample 'best' responses to these
questions can show you how close you are to the position you've
wanted.
Q: Tell me about yourself
Answer 1: I have six years of marketing and sales
experience, working in a variety of industries from retail to
advertising. For the past two years, I have been working in the
e-commerce industry. I have a solid grasp of the online
marketplace and online publishing. I have strong analytical and
computer skills. Furthermore, I'm a team player, and I thrive on
challenge.
This is the best answer. By emphasizing specific examples of
knowledge-based skills, transferable skills and personal traits,
you give the interviewer a summary a snapshot of yourself. Note
that this answer does not confine itself just to your technical
abilities. It is also saying that you get on with people and are
highly motivated.
Answer 2: I've always been good at, and liked,
writing and public relations. I've worked for different
companies in a variety of situations and have received excellent
commissions and bonuses. I am a hard-worker, and I work well
under pressure. I have pretty good communication skills and get
along with almost everyone.
This is not the best answer. Most of the comments are vague and
general. With more specifics, this answer could reveal a lot
more of your experience, skills and personal traits. Try to
speak the language of the industry.
Q: Why did you leave your last position?
Answer 1: I've set some goals for myself, and my
career, but unfortunately, there are no advancement
opportunities in my current company. I have begun to explore
available options before I spend too much time in a job where I
cannot advance. My goal is to continue to improve myself.
This is the best answer. This answer indicates planning and goal
setting, which are important traits. By being proactive, you are
in a better position to negotiate. Sometimes things happen in
careers that are out of your control, but planning gives you
more power over your future.
Answer 2: I'm not finding a job as interesting as
I used to. There hasn't been any new product development in some
time. I want to find a job that is stimulating, where I can grow
and be challenged. I'm looking for job satisfaction, and I want
to have more balance in my life by cutting back on my travel.
This is not the best answer and is somewhat negative. This
answer isn't all bad but it has some negative points. First,
saying that you're bored and are looking for a stimulating job
could be a dangerous thing to say to an employer. They may think
that you'll be too difficult to satisfy, or that you will leave
them once you've mastered everything. Second, be careful with
how you express your "more balance in my life" statements. If
you're not careful you'll give the impression that you're
unwilling to put in some extra work for the employer when it's
required. There's a difference between saying that you can only
work certain hours due to outside commitments and you're not
willing to extra hours.
Q: What are your salary expectations?
Answer 1: I really need more information about the
job before we start to discuss salary. I'd like to postpone that
discussion until later. Maybe you could tell me what is budgeted
for the position and how your commission structure works.
This is the best answer. Postpone the discussion about salary
until you have all the facts and also until you've had the
opportunity to highlight your strengths. You need all the
information possible before making a decision. Not only the base
salary but other factors that would be important to you like
stock options, flexible employment conditions and other
benefits.
Answer 2: I'm sure whatever you offer will be a
fair amount for a person with my qualifications. Salary is not
the most important factor to me. I'm looking for opportunity.
This is not the best answer. This answer gives all the power to
the employer. Don't you want to be paid what you're worth? It is
important that you research the worth of a similar position
before going to the interview.
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