= 101 Job Interview Questions You'll Never Fear Again **Author: James Reed** [[Image(htdocs:images/books/101-job-interview-questions-youll-never-fear-again.jpg, align=center, nolink)]] == Review Coming Feb 1st week. == Notes === 3G Mindset {{{#!th **Global** (vantage point) }}} {{{#!th **Good** (bedrock) }}} {{{#!th **Grit** (fuel cell) }}} |- {{{#!td * adaptability * flexibility * relationship building * collaborative focus * openness * innovativeness }}} {{{#!td * honesty * trustworthiness * loyalty * sincerity * fairness * kindness }}} {{{#!td * commitment * accountability * determination * drive * energy }}} |- === Types of Interviewers 1. **Unicorn Hunter**: "The perfect candidate does not exist." [[br]]__Tactic__ - Get them to specify competencies required and show how you meet them 1. **Late-running Runaway Train**: Disorganized, nervous, ill-prepared.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Be effusive & expansive. Talk lots. 1. **Method Man / Woman**: Asks all candidates same questions (competency).[[br]]**Tactics** - Point our your relevant ones - twice. 1. **Napolean**: Show-off, talks, asks few questions.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Offer praise where possible, else silence. 1. **Suitor**: Hires attractive people.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Move on. 1. **B Player**: Likes to hire C players.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Highlight your strengths & achievements. You probably won't get hired. 1. **Dues-payer**: Defines success in terms of their career path; their path only. Doesn't like career-switchers.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Show how your skills are another manifestation of theirs. 1. **RHINO (Really Here in Name Only)**: Not engaged during interview.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Be gracious, put on the best show you can. 1. **Entrepreneur**: Founder & sole owner of the company.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Play up work ethic, loyalty & flexibility. 1. **Poker Player**: A warm & genuine exterior conceals steely interior.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Focus on showing what you can do for them. 1. **Goldilocks** (Note: I didn't understand this one.): Neither too cold, nor too hot.[[br]]__Tactic__ - Pat yourself on the back for bringing out the best in people. === Classic Interview Questions ==== 1. Tell Me About Yourself //Who do you think you are? And will you know what to leave in & what to leave out?// **Tactic**: Break it down, rehearse, breeze it. * Show a logical progression or underlying theme. * Indicate that you know exactly what you're going to say & it won't take long. * No more than 10% personal stuff. * What you've been up to lately, how that feeds into your skills & experience, and in turn, how skills & experience feed into this position. * Close clearly - indicate that you're done. Don't leave it hanging. * Can bounce around chronologically, but show logical progression. * Can use current job title to start off with the answer. * Avoid talking explicitly about strengths & weaknesses - this should flow from results you've achieved. Stick to achievements & passions (I'm not so sure about the passions bit). ==== 2. Why are You Applying? //What can you do that we need you to do? Do you even know what we need you to do?// **Tactic**: Reflect the job spec in every line of your answer. Talk about their needs before you mention your own. * I'm applying because my **skills, experience and motivation** are the **best fit for the job**. * Imply long term satisfaction. * A person's values tend to be stable & enduring - so, point out that your personal values align with the firm's values. ==== 3. What are Your Greatest Strengths? //Do you really know yourself? Do you know what our problem is here?// **Tactic**: Answer with the job description uppermost in mind. Go easy on the adjectives & heavy on the hard data. * Map the key requirements of the job against your best achievements to date. * __Mandatory__: solve the employer's problems.[[br]]__Necessary but insufficient__: be perceived as smart & professional. * Showcase aspects that show progression & development over time. * What was the impact of your strength in context? Who acknowledged it and how? ==== 4. What are Your Greatest Weaknesses? //Am I right in thinking X about you? Are you going to give me the same old evasive & lame answers that everybody else did, or are you going to level with me?// **Tactic**: Interviewer is probably seeking affirmation of predicted weaknesses, not info about new ones. * Don't give cliched answers; don't trivialize your weaknesses. * Stick to weaknesses that are apparent, don't introduce a new monster-under-the-bed that the interviewer hasn't spotted. * Be clear that you know your weaknesses & that they don't perturb you. * Show evidence that you're working on your weaknesses. * If possible, directly reference your key performance indicators (KPIs) - make it a less important KPI. ==== 5. What will Your Skills & Ideas Bring to this Company? //What will be buying from you?// **Tactic**: Appear generous, no one wants a miser. * Be open & enthusiastic about your ideas, even if they're not a perfect match - your errors will be attributed to your outsider status, insufficient info / context. * Present ideas in terms of work **executed** personally. ==== 6. What's Your Preferred Management Style? //Are you and I going to get along?// **Tactic**: Aim to be the boss & subordinate you always wanted for yourself. * Show that you can work under your own steam, but also that you know there's a hierarchy. * Bosses want to provide course correction, not spell out details. * Show you can take both good & bad news gracefully. * Show that you can give out bad news with respect & humility. * Show you can give off good energy to enthuse troops. * May help to talk about key experiences as a subordinate or manager w.r.t. conflicts, success, goal setting & staff performance. ==== 7. Where do You See Yourself in Five Years' Time? //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 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. === Career Goal Questions ==== 16. Please Describe the Job You've Applied For //We know you know, else you wouldn't be here - but how well can you sum it up?// **Tactic**: Have the confidence to give them the briefest of answers. * The question tests your ability to summarize information correctly. * Pick the essence of the job, usually something to do with making a profit or keeping stakeholders happy, then add in 1-2 everyday tasks. * Add KPIs for yourself, the team or product. * 1-2 key challenges to be overcome in the industry. ==== 17. How did You Hear About the Position? //How plugged in to the company are you?// **Tactic**: If possible, take this opportunity to highlight your personal connection to, or passion for, the company. * Likely testing whether you sought out this particular firm or type of employer and fell strongly about what they do or if you just stumbled upon the job opening. * If you heard about the job from a contact / friend, mention that without sounding like an obnoxious name-dropper. * If via a job board / agency, add details about why this opportunity got you excited and fits your skill / experience. ==== 18. Why do you want to work at this company? //Have you been following us for a long time, or have you just read about us?// **Tactic**: Show that you are familiar with the company's regular outputs, not just its "About Us" page. * It's about showing that you want to commit to that company, and it's not just a job. * Do research and tailor your answer accordingly. * If the interviewer is your boss, and then focus on your personal contribution. ==== 19. What motivates you? //Will this job, specifically, motivate you to do great work? Are you in it for just a paycheck? // **Tactic**: Put all that preparation you did to good use. * Show how this job has intrinsic motivation for you and that you'll enjoy it in some way. * Avoid excessive flattery, trivial motivations (e.g. Shorter commute) and the appearance of random chance. * When talking about career oxidation, emphasize a rational progression from job to job - a coherent career story. * A thoughtful answer lays out how your personal motivations and the specific characteristics of the job line up. ==== 20. Would you stay with your current employer if they offered you a pay raise? //Doyou what the job or not? Am I being played off against your current boss? // **Tactic**: There would be no dilemma; you want progress much more than you want money. ==== 21. Would you be OK with the commute to this job? //Nobody likes a long commute; you know other candidates live closer than you, right? // **Tactic**: If you're not prepared to move, say so. And if you genuinely don't mind the commute say that too - and don't wait to be asked. ==== 22. How does this job fit in with your career plan? //How much do you really want to solve your immediate problem? What about after that?// **Tactic**: Interview for the job, not the employer. * The message you want to get across is, "I plan to do this job well enough that you'll tell me where you want me next." * The question tests your commitment to the employer's immediate problem. * Focus on the job at hand, not the next step in your career. ==== 23. Give me the names of three companies you would like to work for. //We want you here - buy will you love it here? Do you understand the competitive terrain?// **Tactic**: Use your research to draw distinctions between the usual suspects in your industry vs. the new kids on the block. * Talk about the (1) the hiring firm (2) the hiring firm's closest rival & (3) the upstart newcomer. * E.g. I would work for a new vertical group (Expedia, Healthvault) at Microsoft, Hotwire (if they were in Bellevue), or the east coast startup that sells custom shirts. * Talking about an upstart challenger who could turn the industry on its head will show that you're aware of what's going on in their industry. ==== 24. Where else have you applied? Who else are you interviewing with? //Is a competitor about to snap you up? // **Tactic**: Sound as though you're in demand. * Be brief, leave them wanting more information. * Mention close competitors or well-regarded firms if you can. * Talk bout similarities of the roles you've applied for - this shows that you're conducting a small, targeted search. ==== 25. Why have you changed jobs so frequently? //Will you leave this job mere months after we hire you? // **Tactic**: Explain each move in terms employers can sympathize with. * Acceptable explanations: * Short-term contract / project-oriented work. * Relocation * Career advancement * Change of employer type * Structural changes at the company ==== 26. What is your dream job? //Can we help you on your way, or is this the wrong job for you? Do you really want to work here at all? // **Tactic**: Play down the dream, play up the things your dreams are made of. * Respond in **good** humor and move on quickly. * Refer to the role by its specification, not its title. ==== 27. What is your ideal work environment? //Are your preferences compatible with how we do business here? // **Tactic**: Say that what you want is what they're offering. * Goal is to determine the fit between how you like to work and how things get done at this company. * Questions like this are really about **the company's needs** - they just **__appear__** to be about your preferences. * Choose aspects of your ideal atmosphere that match up with the company. * Skip preferences that this company cannot meet. ==== 28. Why do you want to leave your current job? //Do you know what this job is? And, to be a little paranoid, do you have some murky problem that I can't see now? Are you about to get fired? Help me out here. // **Tactic**: It's not about you. Link your answer to what the company needs. * Even if there is a negative reason for leaving, give a sincere and positive answer. * Play this from the front foot, not the back foot. * Show that you're running towards something, not away. * There are 2 skeleton answers: * In my current job I do X. You do X here too, but //this is a better place to do X//. Here's how I would do X for you. * My employer does X, //but you do Y, and Y is what I want//. You is also what I'm good at & enjoy. Here's how my resume relates to Y. * Your terrible boss was never going to solve your interviewer's problems, so why bring him into the room? ==== 29. Talk me through (the gaps in) your resume / career history. //Did you stay at home watching TV for six months? Were you in jail? Is there something wrong with your mindset? // **Tactic**: The best defense is offense use your time productively when you're out of work. If you have a gap, be prepared to explain it. * Managers would rather hire someone with **no** relevant experience that someone who has been out of work for longer than six months. * Acceptable reasons for gaps: * taking time out to raise children * caring for an ill family member. * a medical issue or accident. * education or further training. * traveling. === Character Questions