Changes between Version 5 and Version 6 of Career/101JobInterviewQuestions

Timestamp:

Jan 28, 2017, 4:39:46 AM (7 years ago)

Author:

Vijay Varadan

Comment:

Finished Chapter 2 notes.

Career/101JobInterviewQuestions

@@ -128 +128 @@
 //Are you after this job or just any job? How soon will you need a new challenge? Do you have a realistic sense of what we can offer you?//
 
-**Tactic**: If you don't know, calmly say so, as if now knowing were the most natural thing in the world - because it is.
-
-* 
+**Tactic**: If you don't know, calmly say so, as if not knowing were the most natural thing in the world - because it is.
+
+* If you have a well-mapped-out career plan, use it.
+* Acknowledge that you're there to talk about the job at hand, not the next job it leads to - express hope that you'll be successful at the company.
+* Be honest about drive & ambition, but temper it and demonstrate that you're realistic.
+* You can make it about the journey, rather than the destination.
+
+==== 8.  How would You Approach This Job?
+//How well do you know us? What's your take on what we need? What's your preferred style of working?//
+
+**Tactic**: Talk about diplomacy before talking about your plans.
+
+* Don't make sweeping statements - you don't know how the company works.
+* Talk about your work style & achievements at previous jobs, draw lines to job on offer.
+* Show your ability to adapt to the new environment.
+* Remember "The First Ninety Days" book - first few weeks to learn systems, culture & colleagues, **then** create departmental plan. This shows you can plan, but don't have rigid ideas.
+
+==== 9. What have You Achieved Elsewhere?
+//What's the very best that we can expect from you? Is that what we need?//
+
+**Tactic**: Keep it recent, work-related & well-rehearsed. Be confident - it's expected.
+
+* Think of this as story time and a chance to toot your horn.
+* Graceful self-promotion is the key - it's the difference between career stagnation & progression.
+
+==== 10. What did You Like and Dislike About Your Last Job?
+//What do you want from them that the last lot couldn't give you? Can we give it to you?//
+
+**Tactic**: Start with a long list of what makes you happy, then let them knwo that you don't expect perfection in any job.
+
+* First, talk about a few things you didn't enjoy, but demonstrate grit & strong work ethic, one that can power through difficulties.
+* Prepare for this question in advance. Tip: Does you current job offer the following? (Note: not all of these may apply.)
+  * meet interesting people
+  * opportunities for progress
+  * work independently
+  * atmosphere of trust, honesty & integrity
+  * overseas travel
+  * varied tasks
+  * constant learning
+  * requires or rewards creativity
+  * likable co-workers
+  * face-to-face contact
+  * caring for others
+  * customer interaction
+  * clearly defined role
+  * close to management
+  * developing people
+  * positive impact on the community
+  * supportive culture
+  * playing with cool technology
+
+==== 11. Tell me About a Time You Worked in a Team
+//No one achieves anything on their own - and you know that, right?//
+
+**Tactic**: Find a recent real-world example where you've played successfully with others.
+
+* Be concrete, specific, recent & focused on your actions. End with a positive outcome.
+* Assign credit where due.
+* Illustrate key traits of a team player: communication, adaptability, empathy, appreciative of others, humor(?).
+
+==== 12. What do Your Co-workers Say About You?
+//Do you sound calm or wary about this question? Are you self-aware or just self-conscious?//
+
+**Tactic**: Testimonials, not adjectives.
+
+* Use real examples, not generic adjectives like hardworking and reliable.
+* Answer tailored for the boss:
+  * You can do the job.
+  * You're not a burden to manage.
+  * You're hungry for what the firm is offering.
+* Answer tailored to colleagues:
+  * You're fun(?), positive & fair.
+  * You're a good cultural fit.
+
+==== 13. How do You Deal with Stress and Failure?
+//When the pressure increases, will you turn into a monster, a useless blob of jelly or someone who sets a good example?//
+
+**Tactic**: Don't pretend you live in a stress-free bubble. Instead, give concrete examples of the steps you take to handle pressure.
+
+* You need to convince the interviewer that you won't crumble under pressure.
+* What specific practices did you use to cope with stress? e.g.
+  * exercise
+  * analyzing the source of the stress
+  * prioritizing tasks
+  * delegating
+  * re-conceptualizing pressure as motivating
+  * deep breathing
+  * taking short breaks
+  * laughter / letting loose after work
+* Show that you're not stranger to stress & have figured out a constructive way to handle stress.
+
+==== 14. How Much Money do You Want?
+//Can we afford you? Are you value for money?//
+
+**Tactic**: Avoid until as late as possible in the interview process.
+
+* See dedicated salary negotiation section below.
+
+==== 15. Show Me Your Creativity
+//No hidden agenda here - are you creative?//
+
+**Tactic**: Show that a blank sheet of paper doesn't scare you - the future is full of blank sheets.
+
+* See dedicated creativity section below.
+
+
+