Can You Do the Job?

Last week we talked about being ready for the interview. The employer is looking for two things, can you do the job and will you fit in with the team. Last week we talked about “fitting in” and what that looks like. This week we move on to some sample questions. The following is adapted from a CareerBuilder article.

1. Tell us about yourself.

Bad answer: “I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor’s in Biology – but I decided that wasn’t the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role.”

Instead of giving a chronological work history (which is in your résumé), focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. Illustrate with examples whenever possible.

Good answer: “I’m really energetic, and a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I’ve also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10% over two years. I’m also really interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform.”

2. What do you think of your previous boss?

Bad answer: “He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I’ve moved on”

Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).

Good answer: “My last boss taught me the importance of time management – he didn’t pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.”

3. Why are you leaving your current role?

Bad answer: “I can’t stand my boss, or the work I’m doing.”

Again, stay away from negativity of your job or employer. Focus on the positive.

Good answer: “I’ve learned a lot from my current role, but now I’m looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set – all of which, I see the potential for in this job.”

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Bad answer: “Relaxing on a beach in Maui,” or “Doing your job.”

There’s really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you’re ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.

Good answer: “In five years I’d like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I’d like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole."

5. What’s your greatest weakness?

Bad answer: “I work too hard,” or for the comedian, “Blondes.”

This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don’t want your answer to be cliché – joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.

Good answer: “I’ve never been very comfortable with public speaking – which as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He said “yes.” I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I’ve given lots of presentations to audiences of over a 100 high level executives – I still don’t love it, but no one else can tell!”

6. What salary are you looking for?

Bad answer: “In my last job I earned $35,000 – so, now I’m looking for $40,000”

Try not to give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you’ve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.

Good answer: “I’m more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I’d expect to be paid within the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the cost of living here in Sacramento.”

7. Why should I hire you?

Bad answer: “I’m the best candidate for the role.”

A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique. In what way are you the best candidate?

Good answer: “I’ve been an Executive Assistant for the past ten years – my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I’ve also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn’t really understand the ins and outs of). I’m an Excel wiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do himself. What’s good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.”

8. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?

Bad answer: I never finished law school – and everything that’s happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake.”

You don’t want to actually highlight a major regret – especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.

Good answer: “When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn’t take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes; it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I’d even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I’m doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it’s not worth doing at all.”

9. How do you explain your gap in employment?

Bad answer: "I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,” or “I just can’t find a job.”

Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.

Good answer: “My work is important to me, so I won’t be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I’m taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."

10. When were you most satisfied in your job?

Bad answer: "I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”

Don’t give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well – and enjoyed –that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.

Good answer: “I’m a people person. I was always happiest – and most satisfied – when I was interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level."

Bonus: What motivates you?

Bad answer: "Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.”

It’s not that this answer is wrong – it’s just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don’t give a vague, generic response – it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.

Good answer: “I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline – in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven – I’m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”

Describing your abilities

This is how you demonstrate your ability to do the job. You simply describe how you will do the job and how you have successfully done the job in the past. Rehearsing your answers with friends and family will help you relax and remember all the good stuff you have done in prior jobs.

If you are changing careers, draw parallels between what did in the past and what you will do for this industry or employer. In career transition, the question, “why should I hire you?” is frequently asked. A good answer will draw the picture. “In my last job as a programmer, documenting bugs, best practices and work-arounds in writing code was a big part of my job. This helped not only me, but the entire department provide better and more reliable code. In many ways, that is just cross-training another person to avoid pitfalls in their duties. In this job, cross-training other staff members is a major function. I already have that mind-set and will be able to bring those skills to the role of business director for your non-profit.”

Remember, it really isn’t personal. The employer just wants to know, “Will this candidate be able to do the job?” Paint word pictures of how you will do the job for them and how you have done it in the past. Describe how you are the right candidate for the job.

Confucius said, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Have you found the job you love? Let me know what your dream job is and how you demonstrated you could do it to the employer. I’d love to know what your particular challenges are and your strategy for dealing with them.

A dream with a plan is a goal. A goal without a plan is just a dream.

Warmly,

Elisabeth

Elisabeth Adler-Lund

Executive and Life Coaching

Telephone: 916 • 803•1494

E-mail: eal@EALCoaching.com