Articles : 5 Common Questions to Boost your Interview Skills and Maximize your Chances of Landing the Job you Really Want

You probably thought you aced your last interview. Yes, you have done it all before, you knew all the questions and answers, yet you didn’t land the job.

Were you well prepared?

The interview process is changing. Competition is fierce and employers are demanding more from potential candidates. I think you will agree, that to land the job you really want, you have to boost your interview skills. You need a well-thought out and well-executed plan. It all starts with the interview.

The 5 Common Questions you should know, that will boost your interview skills:

1. Why do you want to work for this company? Don’t be caught off-guard by this question. Your answer will tell a lot about you and your intentions. You have to show you understand company culture and how you might fit in. If you can’t fit in… forget about that job offer.
2. This is your life story, so walk me through your resume. Spend the time to get the facts right. Make sure all the dates, places and job description are correct. Sitting in the interview room is not the place for guessing what projects you worked on. Use a story to make it interesting while showing your value.
3. Delivering your sales pitch -Why are you the right person for the job? This is your opportunity to shine. You have to “toot your own horn”. A job interview is your sales pitch. You have to explain why you should be hired.
4. What are you most proud of in your career? – Your hall-of-fame speech! Now you get to talk about the $10.25 million you saved in taxes or the new process you implemented to save on delivery costs.
5. Tell me an instance where you had to resolve a conflict- “Airing the dirty laundry”! Let’s face it. It is uncomfortable to talk about unpleasant situations. No one wants to discuss the “Needs Improvement” section in his or her performance review. Use the opportunity here to highlight some areas you can build. Show what you did to improve.
6. Putting on the “finishing touches”- Practice, we’re talking about practice! After you prepare your answers and verify your resume, Yes, verify (names, addresses and phone numbers, clarify your job descriptions and education), you are almost ready to “ace” the interview. It is a good idea to practice before the main event. It’s up to you how you want to do this. Maybe a spouse or friend can help, but you must practice before the main event! Athletes regularly practice for their games. Even the President rehearses his speeches in advance. So why shouldn’t you?

Good luck with that interview

Wendell is a Senior Personnel Consultant in the Toronto Area. For more career articles please visit Wendell’s website at www.wendellwaldron.com or please feel free to contact Wendell by email at wen@wendellwaldron.ca.