Three Toughest Interview Questions
In both the Informational and Job Interview you are bound to be asked one of these three questions. They are often the most challenging questions job seekers face. Having thought about (and rehearsed) your answers will allow you to address these questions with as little pain as possible.
1) Why did you leave your last job? I have two Cardinal Rules for job seekers: NEVER lie about your situation, and NEVER “badmouth†a former employer. Depending on the situation for leaving your last position you may feel inclined to do both when this question comes up. DO try to put as positive a face on your situation as possible. Talk about the challenges and growth opportunities that you seek in your next position. Help the employer see that you are right for THIS position.
2) Tell me about your weaknesses. Our greatest strengths are also our greatest weaknesses. I recommend that you acknowledge this to your potential employer. Focus on how your strengths match up with the position you are seeking. Acknowledge your weaknesses, and tell them how you are working to mitigate them. If you are a person who is very intuitive, has an ability to speak frankly with people and make friends easily you may be a great salesperson. The downside is that you may also talk too much. Let your potential employer know that you have been working on your active listening skills – then demonstrate this throughout the interview.
3) What do you expect to be paid? A bit of homework is in order here. You should know what similar jobs pay in your area. I suggest you be honest about this and say to your interviewer something like, “I know that persons with my education and experience in this area are making between $xxx.xx and $xxxx.xx. Now you would probably like to pay me at the lower end of that range, while I would like to make the upper end. I’m sure we can work out something mutual that will benefit us both. However, I think it’s a bit premature to discuss salary when we are not certain that there is a good fit here.â€
Be prepared and you will look professional, informed, and right for the job!
I’ve gotten another tip for dealing with the salary question, depending on the objective of the interview. If this the first of multiple interviews, you can turn it back to the interviewer by saying something like, “I would expect the pay to competitive for someone with my background and skills but would prefer to wait discussing specific numbers until there is I offer. Are you offering me the job?”
It shows initiative and if the interviewer still presses you can always use your researched salary range. Who knows, you may even get an offer.
Comment by iron_wulf — July 10, 2007 @ 9:18 pm
I used to be interviewed once and they asked me about weaknesses as well. I responsed to the answer frankly. However, I also explained how I handled with my weaknesses and how I could adjust them to be the strong points which would fit to the position. Finally, I could get that job.
Tipapa Poovanattrai (MIM 2008)
Comment by Tipapa — August 24, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
I used to be interviewed once and they asked me about weaknesses as well. I responsed to the answer frankly. However, I also explained how I handled with my weaknesses and how I could adjust them to be the strong points which would fit to the position. Finally, I could get that job.
Tipapa Poovanattrai (MIM 2008)
Comment by Tipapa — August 24, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
Wow, all these tips are extremely helpful. Thank you so much! For me, when asked of my strengths and weaknesses, I often start with giving some of my strengths and then weaknesses. However, as soon as I lay out my weaknesses, I give example(s) from experience, where those weaknesses play as strengths in various situations. I try to paint a picture of positive energy by turning weaknesses into strengths. :)
Anyhow, thank you for your tips. I sure will add them to my lists! Hope to see you soon, and until then, enjoy the rest of your summer.
Warmest aloha,
Mahealani (Dee)
Comment by Ma'hina — August 27, 2007 @ 2:23 pm