Reading: People Smart - Looking For A Job Or Ministry Position Part 2 (Video Slides)

People Smart Looking For A Job Or Ministry Position Part 2

Henry Reyenga

Interview Like A Pro

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro: Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 195-198). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Don't Assume The Resume Was Read

Don't assume that the interviewer has actually read your cover letter, résumé, or anything else you may have provided. Even though you have written a full explanation in your cover letter, don't be surprised if the questions cover what you have already included in your packet.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 477-479). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Don't Assume The Resume Was Read

In this economy, you need to show the future employer why it needs you and how your experience and expertise are going to help it. This is where your research comes into play. You can show what you can bring to the table. You may be able to give some good suggestions on improvements that their competitors are using or suggest ways to save money.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 491-493). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Be Observant

Look at the interaction between your prospective boss and associates. Observe whether the employees seem engaged. Usually a company will put its best foot forward for a prospective employee. If that is not happening, you may wonder why. What is the diversity of this employer? Who makes the coffee? Can you tell the management style of your future boss? This may be your future job, so you need to pay attention.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 498-501). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Always Have Questions

At some point in the interview, usually at the end, you will probably be asked if you have any questions. Never say you don't have any questions or that the company has already answered all of them. That shows a lack of interest. This is your chance to show you have some in-depth knowledge of the company and that you are genuinely interested in the position. This is generally not the time to ask about the compensation package.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 505-508). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Rehearse Common Questions

Why are you interested in this position? 

Always answer this question in terms of how your skills, knowledge and experience can help your potential employer. Show them your enthusiasm. Don't give answers that involve money or benefits at these preliminary questions. Save that for later.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 542-543). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Tell Me About Yourself?

Give the condensed version. Give them your elevator speech first (the speech you give in an elevator to tell someone why they should hire you, which in most elevators will take about thirty seconds). The condensed version should have the same highlights that are in your cover letter. Do not start chronologically and go through each of your jobs and what you did. That is the purpose of a résumé. Be sure to highlight those areas in your background that are germane to the job description. Remember you want to get the employer's attention.

Why Were You fired? 

This is probably the hardest question to answer, but you have to do it. This is why some employees resign--so they never have to answer this question. There is a delicate balance between taking accountability and not blaming anyone else and making it bland enough that you can still be considered a viable candidate. If you were laid off, that is much easier to explain, since so many companies have eliminated positions or whole departments because of the economy. Here are some suggestions:

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 569-572). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

1. I was involved in a dispute with another employee. I lost my temper and was terminated. After that I went to an anger management class, which gave me some coping skills, and I know that will never happen again.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 573-575). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

2. I had a problem with alcohol. I went to rehab and have been sober for two years. I have been working for two years, and I believe everyone deserves a second chance.   

3. I was not fired; I was laid-off because of budgetary concerns. Our whole section was eliminated because of the economy.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 576-579). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

4. There was some horseplay at work and it got out of hand. I was terminated. I went to counseling and learned how to deal with my emotions. I learned my lesson and believe I will be a better employee because of this.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 580-581). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

5. I lied about something that I did. I regret doing that, and I have no one to blame but myself. That was ten years ago, and I feel I am a better person now because of this experience.   

6. I spent some time in jail, and I believe I have paid my debt to society. I finished my degree while in jail and helped others to read. I have the experience and education for this position, and I won't let you down. 

Why Did You Leave Your last Job?

This is a difficult question to answer but not as hard as why you were fired. This is really a tricky question, a sort of chicken and egg question. If the new job is a natural progression from the old job and is really a promotion with more money, that is fairly easy to explain. If you have been at the old job for less than a year, that can be a job-hopping problem. If you are having problems at the old job, you may need to be diplomatic about explaining these difficulties. 

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 588-590). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

1. I have stopped learning. I have been there five years and I am doing the same thing over and over. It is time to move on. I want a challenge, and I believe this job will provide that.  

 2. I love my job, but this new job is an opportunity with more responsibilities and more money. It is a natural progression of my experience and expertise.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 592-595). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

3. I am ready for a challenge, and I believe this job provides that.  

 4. It is really not about leaving my old job; I see this as a great opportunity for my career.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 596-599). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

What Have You Been Doing Since You Were Fired? 

Somehow it is easier to get a job when you already have one, just as it is easier to get a loan when you already have money. The employer wants to see that you have been using your time in a productive fashion. Here are some suggestions.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 601-602). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

1. I went to Louisiana to help the cleanup effort and helped rescue birds that had been affected by the oil spill. I wanted to give back to the community.  

 2. I have been teaching some classes at the small business association to help other unemployed workers.

Sample Answers

3. I have been rethinking the balance of work and family in my life and have decided to take a part-time position.   

4. I have been a stay-at-home dad for the summer. I really enjoy it, but I am definitely ready to go back to work.   

5. I have been taking some courses at CLI. That has really helped me keep my skills current.

Why Do You Want To Work Here? 

The employer wants to know why you have selected this company. Whatever you answer, don't say anything about money or benefits. Here are some suggestions:

Sample Answers

1. I have talked to friends that work here, and they always say that this is the best employer in the area.   

2. Your engineering department is the best in the state, and I believe this is the best place to learn about my profession.   

3. This is really my dream job. I have always wanted to work for your company after I got some experience elsewhere.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 615-619). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

What Do You Like About Your Current Job?

This is also a trick question. If you like your job so much, why are you looking? If you don't like your job, what is wrong with you? 

Sample Answers

1. I learn something new every day, but I am ready for a change.   

2. I like my boss and we have collaborated on a lot of projects. However, I have been working on the same projects for five years and am ready to move on.   

3. I love working with my co-workers. There is a sense of family here. I want to leave the area to be closer to my parents, who need my help now that they are in their eighties.

Why Don't You Like Your Current Job?

You can't really say anything bad about your job without it sounding like you are the one at fault and that you are a whiner.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Location 632). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

I have worked in the same department for ten years. I feel that I have learned as much as I can in this position. That is why I am looking elsewhere--to get some new experience and still use what I have learned here.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 633-635). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

2. I like to work alone on my own projects. Here I am part of a large team. I would like the luxury of working on my own research. I believe this job offers those opportunities.   

3. I feel that I am a creative person, and this job, by definition, does not allow me to use my creative side. I am very excited about the prospect of bringing new ideas to the table.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 636-639). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

What Would Your Boss Or Former Boss Say About You? 

Never say anything bad about your current or past bosses, even if you feel they were the cause of any problems you had at work.

Sample Answers

1. My boss and I did not always see eye-to-eye on certain projects. I think that is a positive thing, because he saw things that I missed and I saw things that he missed. He would say that I was loyal and dependable.

2. My boss and I have a good relationship. He knows I am interviewing today. He knows that I am looking for an opportunity to advance, and he agrees that there aren't any promotional opportunities where I am working.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 649-650). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

What Is Your Style Of Management?

Most companies do not want someone who will micromanage--that is, someone who cannot delegate and hovers around an employee telling him or her exactly how to do things. On the other hand, it doesn't want someone who can't deal with employee issues. Know your prospective company when you answer this question.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 652-654). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

1. I don't micromanage, but I meet regularly with my staff to stay informed about the status of their projects.   

2. I try to delegate responsibility to my employees, but I let them know I am available if they need my help.  

 3. Some employees need more or less supervision. I try to adopt a plan suited to an employee's knowledge, experience, and personality.   

4. Our employees are our greatest strength, and I like to delegate projects to them and let them work out the details.

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Sample Answers

5. I expect employees to show initiative and be self-starters, but I have regular oversight.   

6. I like to ask for my employees' opinions and get consensus, but at the end of the day, it is my decision.   

7. I adhere to the One-Minute Manager strategy invented by Kenneth Blanchard and try to find employees doing something right.   

8. I like Management by Walkabout. I like to get out into the field and see how the employees are doing on the job, and it helps me know what is going on.

What Are Your Strengths?

This is not the time to be modest. This is the time to toot your own horn. This is a good way to highlight your achievements and experience. I always try to put in some integrity strengths such as fairness, honesty, and loyalty. As you go through your list, keep the job description in mind so you hit those strengths needed for the position as well. I always add a sense of humor, because it gives a sense of resiliency.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 685-688). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

What Are your Weaknesses? 

Don't ever say you cannot think of one. That just sounds arrogant. Be honest, but pick a relatively weak weakness. It is also good to say that you are working on your weakness or you have conquered it most of the time. Your interviewers don't want to know that sometimes you have tantrums, take a lot of time off, or that you don't get along with co-workers. If you are applying for a budget position, don't say you aren't good with numbers.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 701-704). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

1. Sometimes I have too much on my plate and am stretched too thin. I am working on delegating some of these projects to others.

2. I am working on the balance between my work life and family life.   

3. I used to do things myself rather than take the time to explain to others exactly what I wanted. Now I try to have more patience and take the time to explain and mentor so others can also learn.   

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 706-707). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Sample Answers

4. Sometimes I am impatient, but I am learning the virtues of patience.   

5. I can be a perfectionist, but I am taking measures to overcome this. I realize that everything I write does not have to be perfect to be acceptable.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 708-714). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Where Do You Want To Be In Five Years? 

The answer to this can be delicate. You want to show healthy ambition, but you don't necessarily want the boss to think you are gunning for her job, at least not right away. You also don't want to say that you are only staying until you find a better job. The point of this question is to see whether you are a job hopper or whether you will stay a reasonable period of time. If you are asked how long you think you will stay at the company, five years is a good minimum. Try not to give a specific number of years. The important point is that you don't want to be stagnant and not growing in the same position for five years.

What About A Whacky Question

Some employers like to ask whacky questions. Remember when Barbara Walters asked Katherine Hepburn what kind of tree she would like to be? When you get a whacky question, you just have to wing it. See if you can give a humorous answer without appearing flakey or insincere; I found that's a good way to clear the air. If you don't understand the question, you can say you don't quite understand the question.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 783-786). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Have You Ever Been Convicted Of A Crime?

Many applications will ask whether you have been convicted of a felony in the last seven or ten years. If you have been convicted of a felony outside the seven or ten-year period, you can respond no. If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor only, you can respond no. If you have only been arrested but not convicted, that is also a no. Being arrested cannot be held against you. However, if you have recently been arrested and it has not been resolved yet and you are awaiting trial, you should tell your prospective employer.

Have You Ever Been Convicted Of A Crime?

Some applications ask if you have been convicted of a crime, which includes misdemeanors and felonies. If the employer sees something in a criminal history check, it is going to look at the specifics of the felony or crime and how long ago it occurred. If it was a youthful indiscretion like joyriding, the company is more likely to minimize it. However, if it was a recent conviction, that can have a negative impact on your chances of employment.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 804-807). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Have You Done Anything That Would Embarrass Your Employer?

If you have been involved in something unethical or used bad judgment, you need to be honest about it. You have to expect a criminal history check, a check of local newspaper stories, and reference checks (and not just the names you gave them). They will google your name and check your social media accounts on sites like Facebook and MySpace. If you dressed up for Halloween in a skimpy costume and put it on Facebook, your judgment may be questioned, especially if alcohol or drugs were involved.

Countries May Have Hiring Laws

It is important that you know the laws prohibiting discrimination so you will know whether the interview questions are legal or illegal.

Greenwood JD LLM, Mary (2012-07-25). How to Interview Like a Pro:Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Kindle Locations 850-851). iUniverse. Kindle Edition.