Interview Preparation

Here are some QwikTips we think you’ll find helpful as you prepare for any interview.

But first — here’s the underlying question:
What are the most common questions asked in an interview and how should you prepare in order to provide great answers?

Question

Focus

Preparation

Why do you want this job?

Focus on sharing your passions and interests and why you would like to work for this particular company and contribute to its success.

List the things that you’ve accomplished and enjoy doing — the things that make you a great candidate for this organization. Be prepared to present them in a way that conveys your abilities and genuine enthusiasm.

Why should I hire you?

Focus on telling them why and how you fit what they need and (should) want in a candidate.

Think carefully about what makes you a particularly well-qualified candidate compared to others that might be applying. What in your history, experience, or knowledge base makes you a better bet or safer bet for this position?

What do you know about our organization?

Focus on demonstrating a deep knowledge of the organization and tie this knowledge back to how you can help them.

Do your homework. “Google” the organization and learn all you can about it. Then think carefully about how your skills and experiences can help them right now given their current needs and future challenges.

What’s your biggest professional challenge or weakness?

Focus on demonstrating that you have a realistic view of yourself and have made efforts, and still are, to improve yourself and your skills.

Consider why you took your current job to begin with — and what it was about the job that really excited you or brought you joy. Also consider what type of work would “pull your motivation down,” or has diminished your performance in the past. If what you do poorly or dislike doing is a major focus of the job being considered, this may be the time to bail out!

What are your salary expectations?

Focus on determining a realistic salary range for the job being offered — for this type of organization and in the geographic region in which it’s located.

Prepare by finding out salary information using any of the dozens of job search sites. Make sure you have considered your own needs and if the gap is too large consider it to be a “red flag.” Be prepared to keep your thoughts and questions clear and simple — “I want to be at the top of the range for this type of position because of my exceptional qualifications and achievements in a job very similar.” OR, “I want to be paid what others are paid for doing similar work at your firm — and expect that is what you would offer me if I met your requirements and fit into the organization.” OR, “I want to be paid what is fair but also have an opportunity to earn increases and bonuses if I meet specific targets we agree to. That’s how I am motivated.” Also be prepared to give them a number or tight range — when and if they ask.

Finally, prepare by becoming confident but also relaxed and real. Help them hire you by making the people that interview you comfortable with you. Remember to focus on THEIR organization and THEIR needs — not just your own.

Want to “nail” the interview — be enthusiastic, stay focus, and — above all else — be authentic!

More about interviewing . . . .

What’s the most important thing to have at the ready in order to be completely prepared for any interview questions?

There is an absolute truth in life and work. Behavior predicts behavior. Simply put, what you have actually done in the past is the best predictor of what you can and will do in the future. People in business likely know this. Therefore you will have the strongest opportunity to get any job if you can demonstrate how you have successfully navigated similar work situations in the past.

Naturally people always want someone who has done the exact same thing in a similar company — but getting such a person is often very challenging. Make the connection for the interviewer between your experience, what you might face in a new position, and how your track record of demonstrated performance and success will help the new company.

The best preparation is to make a list of things you have actually accomplished in your work or your life that includes the following:

The situation you were faced with.
What you actually did.
How it worked out — including how you took personal responsibility for the results.

Have examples around several areas:

Your technical/professional expertise.
Your leadership/management expertise.
Your teamwork/team leader expertise.
Your collaboration efforts/successes.

Use this example as a model for what you might say at an interview.

The Situation: Sales were flat to down when I arrived.

What You Did: Engaged in a collaborative effort with the sales force and an outside consultant to carefullyidentify and analyze all the reasons this was happening.

How It Worked Out: Because we worked collaboratively and involved the sales people (rather than blaming them for poor sales and leaving it at that) we were able to utilize our existing sales force in a new and fresh way, avoid demoralizing them, and kept the organization motivated and looking towards the future. As a direct result, sales turned around in 6 months.

Interview Preparation

Here are some QwikTips we think you’ll find helpful as you prepare for any interview.

More about interviewing . . . .

What’s the most important thing to have at the ready in order to be completely prepared for any interview questions?

Use this example as a model for what you might say at an interview.

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