Getting the Job You Want by Preparing Five Interview Questions

It's that time of year again.   Students are graduating.  Job fairs are scheduled.  Companies are recruiting.   If you're in the market for a new job, or know someone who is, here are some tips for your next interview.

Three questions you need to answer effectively:

What are your weaknesses?: Prepare for a genuine response when you're asked about a mistake, a unfavorable outcome, or a weakness.  Don't say you don't have any.  Being able to identify your own shortcomings,  show are are self reflective, honest, and continually learning and growing.  Saying you've never make a mistake indicates denial and a false sense of self.  My 'go-to' answer is that I want to be a better listener (which is true).  I also state that I'm working on it and asking peers for feedback.

Tell me about yourself?:  It's not the most effective interview question, because it's quite vague.  However, there are interviewers who sometimes ask it.  Your perspective employee is not trying to find out where you're from or how many siblings you have.  Your best answer will include the following:  your chosen profession/field, a couple of areas of expertise, and a strength or two.  You might also include a recent job-related accomplishment. A well-crafted answer might sound like this:

"I'm a trainer and HR consultant with 20 years experience.  I specialize in career planning and organizational development.  I'm a strong verbal communicator and I have proven strategic planning skills as well.  I recently used my expertise to help a client resolve an severe debilitating staff conflict and develop better team building methods."

What are your salary expectations?:  Don't be caught off guard by this question.  Do you're research on salary.com or the US Department of Labor website.  There are a few preferable ways to answer this one.  Give the hiring person a salary range, which can span $10,000 - $15,000. That may seem like a large range, but most employers are flexible and you should be too.  You might also tell them your salary expectations, based on what you know about the job/company.  You don't have to limit yourself to what you last salary was.  Lastly, consider a deferral.  Tell the interviewer you need to learn more about the position before you can state a salary requirement.  Ask to revisit the question at the end of the interview.

Two questions to ask your perspective employer:

• 'In your employee survey, what is one thing your employees would change about this organization?'  This will give you an idea of what concerns and challenges they have.  It gives you insight into employee satisfaction as well.  It also shows that you want to make sure this workplace is a good fit for you.  

• 'If I were to take this position what is the top priority you would want me to accomplish in the my first 90 days on the job?'  This will tell you about any loose ends left by the last person in the position.  It will also enlighten you on any 'fires' that will need your immediate attention.

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