Interview Help

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5 Ways To Kill Your Chances With A Hiring Manager



I'm a big fan of the X-Men comic books and have always loved the powers of Dr. Charles Xavier, who is telepathic. Who wouldn't want the ability to instantly read a person's mind and affect their behavior? This skill would come in extremely handy during interviews with hiring managers, many of whom seem to belong squarely to the school of “say little and express even less."

Here are five ways to turn off a hiring manager and ruin your chances of getting the job.

1. Lack Of Specificity In Your Resume


Woman hands the hiring manager a resume

A big mistake job seekers make is submitting overly general resumes. This makes sense in theory. After all, the more applications you can shoot off, the more interviews, right? But this can really turn off a hiring manager, who wants to know exactly how your background will enable you to tackle the problems they need to be solved. Clichés just won't cut it at this stage.

Here's what you should do instead:

  • Create a shortlist of 5-10 positions you're an ideal fit for.
  • Study the job postings for positions like this, as well as LinkedIn profiles for people who currently have these jobs.
  • Tailor your resume to quickly communicate fit for these roles.

Once you have a solid framework in place, include metrics-based quantifiable accomplishments on your resume for every major position you've held that proves your ability to execute.

Here's an example: Saved global Telecom company $500M over 2 years through development and deployment of end-to-end Complexity Reduction methodology resulting in purchasing and inventory efficiencies.

2. Too Aggressive About Career Advancement


Hiring manager talks to a job candidate during an interview

Look, it's great to be ambitious. And of course, the job you're after today is probably not the one you want to retire on. But you need to place your focus squarely on becoming the ideal candidate for THIS job before even talking about the next step. Neglect to do this, and a hiring manager will naturally start thinking that you might jump ship within a year, and they'll be back to square one.

Create a short "value presentation" for the interview that talks about how your three to four strongest skills can be applied immediately towards helping the company. It's similar to a 30-60-90 day plan. Get creative here!

For example, if you're going after a product development position, why not run some quick usability tests on a company's products, document them, and develop some design suggestions?

3. Too Open About Weaknesses


Woman talks to the hiring manager during a job interview

A hiring manager is not a career counselor. With the latter, it's perfectly fine to be honest about vulnerabilities in your personality or "pet peeves" that drive you crazy in the work environment. But if you take the same approach with a hiring manager and confide things like you have trouble balancing family responsibilities with workplace demands, you'll most likely get passed over.

They're not only looking to find the best candidate but manage risk.

Learn how to "spin" negatives into something that ultimately leads to success. For example, if you're asked what your greatest weakness is, you can tell a story about how you once had chronic shyness and needed 30 minutes to "amp yourself" up for a simple phone call, and now, through courage and repeated exposure, you can handle dozens of calls with high-level clients per day. Negative to positive.

This is also known as the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model, which is the best way to answer behavioral interview questions. Therefore, you should definitely learn this strategy before your next job interview.

4. Not Following Up


Man follows up with a hiring manager after his job interview

Following up matters! It shows that you're truly invested in landing the position and aren't just treating it as one of many potential opportunities.

We recommend emailing everyone you met at the company within 24 hours of your interview thanking them for the opportunity, followed by an email sent a week later that essentially continues the conversation—adding greater detail to questions raised, sharing an industry article of interest, and so on.

You're making it clear that the interview was the beginning of an ongoing relationship, no matter the outcome of the interview process.

5. Lack Of Enthusiasm


Hiring manager shakes the hand of an enthusiastic job candidate

If a hiring manager has to choose between the most qualified candidate on paper and a less qualified candidate who brings genuine passion to the table, they'll go for the latter every time. You can teach someone almost anything except enthusiasm.

So, if you have a personal connection with the company you're interviewing for, and believe that this is a meaningful step in your life's ambitions, or simply love the unique culture they've developed, take time in the interview to let them know!

It also doesn't hurt to explicitly state, "I'm very interested in this position, and would love to see a positive outcome," or something similar. Excitement fuels job offers!

Making the five mistakes above will ruin your chances with a hiring manager every time. To secure your chances of getting the job, be sure to tailor your resume, create a 30-60-90 day plan, learn how to answer behavioral interview questions, follow up after the job interview, and state your enthusiasm for the position.

It'll be impossible to ruin your chances with a hiring manager with that strategy.

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5 Ways To Kill Your Chances With …

When NOT To Negotiate A Higher Salary



There's been a big push for salary transparency in the hiring process. For those who aren't familiar with the term, salary transparency, in regard to the job search, is when a company posts exactly how much they will pay on the job description so job seekers know what to expect before they apply.

Now, that's a good thing because a lot of people don't want to waste their time applying for a job that can't pay them what they want. But there is one significant drawback to salary transparency job seekers should know...

Salary Transparency = No Salary Negotiations


@j.t.odonnell Replying to @broseph86 When you CAN'T negotiate your salary. #howtotiktok #salarynegotiation #salarytransparency #salary #howto #jobtok #Edutok ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

If a company lists the salary for a role in the job description, you can't negotiate. That's what they said they're willing to pay. And they had to internally, as a team, decide on that and agree to stick to it.

I've seen companies list the salary for a position and had a person go through the hiring process, get a job offer, and try to counter and negotiate a higher salary. Their response? They rescinded the job offer from the candidate and offered the job to someone else.

I understand you might be worth more money to yourself or you might be worth more money at a different company. But at a company that posts the salary for the position, that is what they're willing to pay. And you have to decide whether you want to accept that or move on. It's that simple, folks.

Things are changing right now. Economic shifts, the way that people hire—it's all changing. And you need to stay on top of that change if you want to be successful.

In your next job search, remember to negotiate a higher salary only if a salary was never listed in the job description. Salary transparency has its benefits. But the ability to negotiate salary is not one of them.

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When NOT To Negotiate A Higher Salary

3 Tips On How To Answer “Why Are You Leaving Your Job?”



A prepared job seeker will have thought about the questions that will be asked in their job interview. One of them may be: "Why are you leaving your job?" As you think about a response to this question, also consider how the interviewer may interpret that response.

It's important to take caution with how you answer questions in a job interview because when they're not framed properly, they can be interpreted negatively and cost you the job opportunity.

There can be many reasons why you want to leave your job. For example:

  • You hate your boss
  • You're bored at work
  • You want more money
  • You want more challenges
  • You don't want to work in this particular field or industry
  • Or an assortment of other reasons

Whatever your reason is, it's not always appropriate to tell it like it is to the potential employer. Think of a response that will impress the employer that still comes off as an honest reason.

Here are some tips to help:

Give A Positive Response To The Question


Communication in a job interview should always come off as positive. To start, you may talk about the great opportunities you've been given and how much you've learned through your current employer before giving your reason for leaving your job. Employers like to hear things like this because you come off as professional and respectful of your existing employer even though you have made the decision to move on.

Regardless of your true feelings about the situation at work, never bad mouth the company or your co-workers.

Don't Dwell On What Your Current Employer Isn't Offering You


Man answers a question during a job interview

There may be multiple reasons why you want to leave your current job, but you don't need to include information about what you're not being offered. The reason for this is that potential employers can interpret it as an action you may take against them if hired.

For example, instead of saying, "I don't feel challenged at work anymore," reframe the message to say, "I'm looking for new challenges in the area of X, Y, and Z, which I can see this job offers," and then go into the experience and skills you have to offer to further impress the interviewer. Reframing your response this way makes it less likely that the employer will take the information and interpret it negatively.

Focus On The Future


Man answers a question during a job interview

Talk about what you're heading towards—what you want to experience and achieve to continue growing professionally. It works best when you can also tie in how the potential employer could offer that to you. When you answer in this manner, it informs the employer that you are an individual who seeks self-improvement and that you have a real interest in the company because of what they specifically offer. It tells the employer you are someone with great potential for hire who will be dedicated to employment with them for a reasonable amount of time.

"Why are you leaving your job?" is only one out of many questions you will be asked in a job interview. Knowing how to respond positively and framing it in a way that informs the employer why you're a great fit ensures you stay in the running for the job and helps move you on to the next stage of the interview process.

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3 Tips On How To Answer “Why …

3 Interview Hacks That Will Help You Land The Job



Interviewing is one of the most stressful aspects of the job search process. Waiting for a response for an interview from employers can take weeks. Not knowing how many others are interviewing for the same position as you can create even more stress.

Whether you are planning your job search now or preparing for your first interview ever, these hacks will increase your chances of landing that dream job.

1. Always Research The Company Before The Interview


Man researches a company on his laptop before his job interview

As they say, "Knowing is half the battle." The same applies to a job interview. Knowing the company's mission and core values, knowing how market trends are affecting the company, and knowing who exactly are the company's competitors are all important hacks that will impress the employer during your interview.

Another key trick is to find out who is interviewing you and research that person on LinkedIn to know his/her career path and story.

In the job interview, don't be afraid to ask how your interviewer got to where they are today. Show interest. Be curious. Walk into the job interview with as much information under your belt as possible, and you'll be surprised by how much easier it is to answer questions—and ask them, too.

2. Dress For The Job You Want (Not The Job You Have)


Woman dresses nice for a job interview

It's true when they say that first impressions are everything. It's highly recommended that you arrive 15-20 minutes early for the interview, bring copies of your resume in a portfolio, and dress conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.

Most importantly, be engaging and enthusiastic during the interview. Remember that multiple people are interviewing for that same position and you want to convey that enthusiasm in your appearance, attitude, and energy. By being enthusiastic, you'll be memorable—in a good way.

Don't forget to ask questions and send a thank-you note to everyone you met at your job interview following the interview to reaffirm your enthusiasm.

3. Know Your Key Skills & Accomplishments


Woman answers a questions during a job interview

It's one thing to list your key skills and accomplishments on your resume, but it's another to be able to sell or market them in an interview. Make sure you list your top skills and accomplishments on a piece of paper before you go into the interview, and be sure to convey how those skills are valuable to the company's goals/objectives, productivity, and profitability.

Most employers nowadays ask behavioral interview questions. A great way to answer these questions while highlighting your skills and accomplishments is by using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model and/or the STAR technique (situation, task, action, result).

What was the situation/problem? How did you solve this problem/overcome this setback? What did you learn from this experience? How did you apply what you learned to your career? Whether you accomplished something great or developed a new skill, your interviewer will be impressed by your story and remember it long after you walk out the door.

Mastering these three hacks will help you ace your next job interview and increase your chances of scoring a spot with the company of your dreams. At the end of the day, preparation is key!

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3 Interview Hacks That Will Help You …

6 Ways To Be Interesting During Your Interview



Congratulations, you've scored the interview! But, now what? You're going to do your homework to research the company, practice your elevator pitch, and pick up your suit from the dry cleaners...exactly like your competition.

Getting an interview is a huge hurdle to clear and a wonderful sign that you're on the right track with your job search efforts. Now it's time to shift your focus to becoming a rock star candidate.

Approach your interview with the expectation that your competition is equally qualified. Having the skills and wanting the job badly isn't going to cut it in today's market. You need to figure out specific ways to stand out and be interesting.

Here are some strategies to do exactly that...

1. Get Your Interviewer Talking​


Hiring manager answers interesting question from a job candidate during an interview

We know that the more you make me talk, the more interesting I'll think you are. Humans are funny like that. Use this knowledge to your advantage, and immediately engage all the people you meet in conversation—about themselves.

Whether it's the receptionist, the HR manager, or your future boss, ask people questions about themselves, and do as much as you can to draw them out. At the end of your interview, they'll have a much more positive impression of you.

2. Be Prepared With Interesting Questions


Woman tries to be interesting during a job interview

Don't ask the same old, tired questions as every other candidate. You can combine this strategy with the one above and ask your interviewer about his or her experience at the company or perspective about a hot new product or service.

You can also use this as an opportunity to flex your creative powers and ask questions that show you've not only done your homework and research on the company (and the people who work there) but that you went above and beyond to create solutions for the problems they're facing.

3. Be Prepared With Interesting Answers


Man tries to be interesting during a job interview

Most people will answer situational and behavioral interview questions with straightforward examples from their career. It is very important to do this in your job interview, and highlight the results you've achieved on the job. But the truth is, employers hire for three things: personality, aptitude, and experience—in that order. You need to let your personality shine through in the job interview in some way to show that you fit in with the company culture.

Differentiate yourself by being prepared to share stories from other areas of your life that are equally impressive. Did you survive a solo ride on your motorcycle to the Arctic Circle? Create a hip-hop website that gets hundreds of thousands of unique visitors per month? Start a non-profit to save a historic building in your hometown? Share those tales in ways that highlight your problem-solving skills, intrinsic motivation, and unique experience (and always relate it back to the job opportunity).

4. Show Off Your Style


Hiring manager looks at interesting job candidate during an interview

Conventional wisdom says you should stick to neutral, conservative styles for your interview appearance. In general, it is best to go with classic suits and subtle accessories. But if you're the type of person who normally has some artistic flair to your look, you don't need to stifle it completely.

Choose one or two ways to let that style and personality shine through—a bright accessory, unique jewelry, or moderately funky hair. As long as you look professional, it's okay to have an accent.

5. Create A 30-60-90 Day Plan


Hiring manager refers to a resume from an interesting job candidate

When preparing for your interview, create an overview of how you plan to tackle your first 30, 60, and 90 days on the new job. This is called a 30-60-90 day plan, and it never fails to impress hiring managers.

If you've done your research on the company and position, you'll have a sense of what kind of strategy you'd employ to start adding value right away. Write it down on a page or two, and pull it out at the end of the interview to leave behind as a form of marketing collateral for you, a business-of-one.

6. Mind Your Body Language: Mirroring & Power Poses


Interesting job candidate shakes hands with the hiring manager after an interview

Interviews are stressful, and it's easy to get tense and physically awkward. Pay attention to your interviewer's body language and do your best to mirror it. Mirroring tends to disarm people and make them feel more comfortable with you.

To really impress them, use power poses immediately before your interview, in private, and avoid weak poses at all costs. Everyone's subconscious will perceive you in a more flattering, confident light.

What have you done to be interesting in job interviews? Are there techniques that you've found to be particularly successful? If you think you need to work on being more interesting in job interviews, try one or more of these tips during your next job search to stand out from the competition!

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3 Ways To Build Confidence For A Job Interview



The interview is one component of the job search process that most people love to hate. While it serves as a sign from the employer that you are being strongly considered for a position, it also can be a source of angst for candidates who fear they'll make mistakes that will cut them out of the running.

A great way to overcome the anxiety interviews produce is to begin feeling good about the process. Need help getting there? Here are five ways to build confidence for a job interview.

Conduct Research


Woman on laptop researches a company before her job interview

One great way to build your confidence going into the interview is by conducting plenty of research on the company and the position that you're going after. A common question interviewers ask is, "Do you know anything about our company?" Most times, candidates give vague answers, or—in a worst-case scenario—answer, "No."

If you're able to share the company's background information and showcase knowledge of its future goals for the position in question, you'll have an opportunity to impress the interviewer.

Review Common Interview Questions And Practice Them


Woman conducts a mock interview with a work colleague

By understanding how to answer common interview questions, particularly behavioral interview questions, you'll build a lot of confidence going into the job interview.

Another great way to build confidence for a job interview is to practice before the big day. You can do this by answering questions in front of a mirror to read your own facial expressions and body language, or you could have a friend help you with a mock interview.

It's also great to find a professional outfit you feel comfortable wearing. Feeling good in your clothes and knowing you've fully prepared can work wonders for boosting your confidence before a job interview.

Make Sure You Have No Skeletons


A young professional on a laptop interacts with others on social media

An important step in preparing for your interview is being able to recall your own career history and discuss prospective goals with the company and in your professional life as a whole. But, as you look back over your career, be sure to research yourself online to ensure there are no skeletons on the internet that could be brought up in your interview.

Remember, companies conduct background checks often via search engines, so it's up to you to ensure your social media profiles are professional and/or private.

It's normal to feel some anxiety before a job interview, but you can take steps to minimize those nerves. We hope these tips help you build confidence for your next job interview and shine in the hiring process!

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6 Types Of Illegal Interview Questions To Watch Out For



Did you know that there are interview questions that might seem legitimate but are actually illegal? While there are some that are clearly inappropriate, not all of them are so obvious. Don't overlook the different types of illegal interview questions!

Here are a few types of illegal interview questions you should watch out for during your next job interview.

Types of Illegal Interview Questions


Interview questions about your family life:

  • Are you married?
  • Do you have any kids?
  • Are you pregnant?

Interview questions about race:

  • What's your nationality?
  • What race are you?
Interview questions about religion:
  • What church do you attend?
  • What is your religion?
  • Are you religious?
Interview questions about your living situation:
  • Do you own a home?
  • Do you rent?
  • Do you have an apartment?
  • Do you have anybody living with you?
  • Do you live with your parents?
Interview questions about your gender:
  • Are you male or female?
Interview questions about your age:
  • How old are you?
  • What's your birth year?
  • When's your birthday?
  • What year did you graduate from high school?
  • What year did you graduate from college?

Why These Interview Questions Are Illegal


Man answers a question during a job interview

So, what makes these questions illegal?

First, they have no relation to the job requirements. Second, there are strict laws in place that prevent interviewers from asking interview questions that can be discriminatory.

Why Interviewers Ask Illegal Interview Questions


Man goes in for an informational interview

Unfortunately, there are bad interviewers out there who will try to slip some of these questions in on purpose (hello, workplace discrimination). There are also some inexperienced interviewers out there who simply don't know these are illegal questions and are just trying to make conversation.

If you're asked these questions, whether intentional or not, it's best to be prepared so you don't get flustered during the interview.

How To Prepare For Illegal Interview Questions


Woman on laptop prepares for her next job interview

Sadly, these types of illegal interview questions are asked all of the time during interviews. Not sure how to prepare for them? We built an in-depth interview prep course that will help you understand how to respond to such questions.

We hope this article helps you identify any illegal questions you might be asked in a job interview. Good luck, and keep an eye out for those red flags!

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6 Types Of Illegal Interview Questions To …

How To Explain Why You “Rage Quit” Your Last Job



If you or somebody you know has rage quit, this is probably the most powerful advice you'll receive.

When you get asked the question, "Why did you leave your last job?" you need to have a solid answer. And by that I mean you need to be very objective. You need to talk the hiring manager through what you've learned and how you've grown, and you need to have some accountability.

That's right.

You need to take ownership of your part in what happened.

How Job Seekers Can Explain Why They Rage Quit Their Last Job


@j.t.odonnell Replying to @gingermcbride How to explain rage quitting your last job in an interview... #ragequit #edutok #careertiktok #careeradvice #learnontiktok #interviewtips ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

So let me give you a scenario of what taking ownership might look like. If I asked you, "Why did you leave your last job?" you might say...

"I'm glad you asked me that question. It was a really powerful learning experience for me."

By saying, "I'm glad you asked that question. It was a really powerful learning experience," you're framing the story without the negativity so the hiring manager can listen to it in a positive light. Then you're going to say...

"I spent X years working there. I worked really hard, but the last year, particularly in the pandemic, was really difficult."

You're not oversharing. You're not getting into specifics. You're just stating where in the journey of working for them it started to go off the tracks. At which point, you can say...

"I made a decision to leave and I left in a little bit of an emotional state. I needed time to really process and get back to a better place where I could be the best possible employee."

That's an accurate statement. Right?

"As a result, I think that if you were to call them, they would probably tell you that they weren't happy with me leaving. But I want to be really transparent about that with you. And I want to tell you what I learned from that experience."

Now you stay positive, tell the truth, and take accountability.

"Once I collected myself, I figured out what I wanted to do next and realized I had to go out there and explain this situation. I never want to go through this again. So how I've grown as a professional is that I'm going to find a job that's a good fit for me, and if it starts to not feel like a good fit, I'm going to talk with my employer. I'm going to try to figure out things so that I can stay on track because the mistake I made in the last job is I kept my head down. I didn't process it, and I let it build up and that's on me. And I own that."

That's that ownership piece I'm talking about. Are you trash-talking, your former employer? You don't have to.

There are three sides to every story: your side, their side, and, somewhere in there, the truth. The hiring manager knows that you and your previous employer weren't perfect. But what they love is the way you framed this story using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model which helps you talk about any experience in an objective way.

When you use this model to explain why you rage quit your last job, they'll thank you for sharing and move on. Plus you set the expectation that if they call in and do a reference check, they know that they're not going to get a glowing recommendation.

So please learn this, internalize it, work out what you want to say, and rehearse it a few times. You don't want to sound canned, but you definitely want to make sure you have all of those aspects in there...and then go out there and get yourself a new job!

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How To Explain Why You “Rage Quit” …

The 4 Amazing Benefits Of A Mock Interview



Job interviews can be intimidating, especially if you're not prepared. There are a number of ways to prepare for a big job interview, but one of the best ways to simulate the actual interview process is by doing a mock interview.

Mock interviews provide candidates with an opportunity to test out their job interview skills with someone who isn't evaluating them for an actual job.

If you're a college student, mock interviews may be offered through career services for students or recent alumni. If you're already in the professional world, a mock interview could be done with a trusted colleague, professional connection, or friend. Never do a mock interview with a family member.

Here are some of the major benefits of a mock interview.

They Help Reduce Stress And Anxiety About Interviewing


If you're not sure how to answer typical job interview questions, mock interviews provide a great opportunity for you to "test drive" your answers. The person conducting the mock job interview can give you feedback on whether or not your responses are suitable.

They Help Boost Your Confidence


Woman smiles during her mock interview

Whoever is conducting the mock job interview can point out your strengths and weaknesses as the interview process goes along, which gives you time to address the weaknesses and build on your strengths. By having confidence in your skills, you will perform better during the actual job interview.

They Provide Constructive Feedback In A Low-Stress Environment


One colleague help another during a mock job interview.

No one is the perfect candidate, so mock interviews help you clarify responses to certain questions and help you work on areas where you may have weaknesses. In an actual job interview, you don't usually get feedback about your interviewing abilities, so a mock interview is a perfect opportunity to find out why you may be having some difficulty in landing your dream job.

They Can Help You Prepare For Behavioral-Based Interview Questions


Women shake hands after a mock interview

Many companies use behavioral-based interview questions. If you're not familiar with this type of interviewing, it may be advantageous to give it a practice run in a mock interview.

Practice makes perfect! Even the best athletes struggle without practice, so you should never assume that you could just wing a job interview unprepared.

Take advantage of mock interviewing opportunities even if you think you're skills are at a very high level. There are things that we can all improve upon when it comes to making a great impression on a prospective employer.

While mock interviews are an important part of preparing for an actual job interview, there are many other ways to practice when you're alone. This includes writing down and answering as many potential interview questions as you can think of and practicing over and over again. When practicing alone, it also helps to visualize as much of the interview process as possible.

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The 4 Amazing Benefits Of A Mock Interview

How To Answer 7 Of The Most Common Interview Questions



Interview questions are not as straightforward as they seem, and answering just one question incorrectly may put you out of the running for a job.

The takeaway? Be ready to read between the lines.

Here are seven of the most common interview questions, what the hiring manager is really asking, and how you should respond:

1. "Tell Me About Yourself."


What the hiring manager is really asking...

"How does your education, work history, and professional aspirations relate to this position?"

How to respond: Select key work and education information that shows the hiring manager why you are a perfect fit for the job and for the company.

For example, a recent grad might say something like, "I went to X University where I majored in Y and completed an internship at Z Company. During my internship, I did this and that (name achievements that match the job description), which really solidified my passion for this line of work."

2. "Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?"


Hiring manager asks the job candidate an interview question

What the hiring manager is really asking...

"Does this position fit into your long-term career goals? Do you even have long-term career goals?"

How to respond: Do NOT say you don't know (even if you don't) and do not focus on your personal life (it's nice that you want to get married, but it's not relevant). Show the employer you've thought about your career path and that your professional goals align with the job.

3. "What's Your Greatest Weakness?"


Man listens to an interview question

What the hiring manager is really asking...

"Are you self-aware? Do you know where you could stand to improve and are you proactive about getting better?"

How to respond: A good way to answer this is with real-life feedback that you received in the past. For instance, maybe a former boss told you that you needed to work on your presentation skills.

Note that fact, then tell the employer how you've been proactively improving. Avoid any deal breakers ("I don't like working with other people.") or cliché answers ("I'm a perfectionist and I work too hard.").

4. "What Motivates You To Perform?"


Woman listens to a question during her job interview

What the hiring manager is really asking...

"Are you a hard worker? Am I going to have to force you to produce quality work?"

How to respond: Ideal employees are intrinsically motivated, so tell the hiring manager that you find motivation when working toward a goal, contributing to a team effort, and/or developing your skills. Provide a specific example that supports your response.

Finally, even if it's true, do not tell an employer that you're motivated by bragging rights, material things, or the fear of being disciplined.

5. "Tell Me About A Time That You Failed."


Woman smiles before answering an interview question

What the hiring manager is really asking...

"How do you respond to failure? Do you learn from your mistakes? Are you resilient?"

How to respond: Similar to the "greatest weakness" question, you need to demonstrate how you've turned a negative experience into a learning experience.

To do this, acknowledge one of your failures, take responsibility for it, and explain how you improved as a result. Don't say you've never failed (Delusional much?), don't play the blame game, and don't bring up something that's a deal-breaker ("I failed a drug test once...").

6. "Why Do You Want To Work Here?"


Woman shakes hands with the hiring manager during a job interview

What the hiring manager is really asking...

"Are you genuinely interested in the job? Are you a good fit for the company?"

How to respond: Your goal for this response is to demonstrate why you and the company are a great match in terms of philosophy and skill. Discuss what you've learned about them, noting how you align with their mission, company culture, and reputation.

Next, highlight how you would benefit professionally from the job and how the company would benefit professionally from you.

7. "How Many Couches Are There In America"


Man answers an interview question

What the hiring manager is really asking...

"Can you think on your feet? Can you handle pressure? Can you think critically?"

How to respond: When faced with a seemingly absurd question like this one, it's important you're not caught off guard.

Resist the urge to tell the interviewer the question is stupid and irrelevant, and instead walk them through your problem-solving thought process. For this particular question, you would talk about how many people are in the U.S., where couches are found (homes, hotels, furniture stores), etc.

As with other parts of the job application process, it's a good idea to solicit feedback from family, friends, and former colleagues. Try out your answers to each of these questions with at least two people, then revise based on their feedback.

The importance of preparation before an interview cannot be stressed enough. The more you practice, the more confident you'll be. If you successfully answer the most common interview questions, you'll be sure to stand out to employers as a great candidate for the position.

Need more help preparing for your next job interview?

We'd love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.

It's time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Answer 7 Of The Most …

Phone Interviews: How To Put Your Best Voice Forward



Today, more and more employers are conducting phone interviews before inviting job candidates to an in-person meeting. With more applicants available for each opening, employers do not have the time to invest in a meeting for every candidate that simply looks good on paper.

Phone interviews make it easier to screen candidates. Some of these phone interviews may include standard questions that ask about facts, such as your experience and any specific skills you have. However, there are also employers who dive right into some of the most challenging questions, such as giving you a scenario and asking for your response and plan to handle the situation described.

As a job applicant, there are benefits and disadvantages to a phone interview. Some people are well-spoken and are great on the phone, but in person, their nervousness gets to them. Some are more comfortable speaking in person but lack personality on the phone. Under both situations, it can be a challenge when you don’t have feedback that may typically appear through face-to-face contact.

Regardless of the situation, you need to put your best voice forward to leave the employer with a good impression. This may be the only shot you have at getting a step closer to securing a job offer with them. Remember that the employer may change their mind about inviting you in for an interview if you fall short of their expectations or leave a negative impression on the phone.

Note that in a phone interview, your intonation is most important in how you come across, so you should be energetic and enthusiastic and change your tone to better engage the interviewer. You should also be prepared to ask some basic questions, although save the big ones for a formal interview.

Take the tips offered here to help put your best voice forward and further advance on an opportunity to a job offer:

Treat Every Call You Receive Like It Was An Interview


Phone interviews may not always be scheduled. An employer may call you to respond to your submitted cover letter and resume, and the moment you pick up the phone an interview may occur right then.

Most employers will be courteous to first ask you if this is a good time, but that does not always happen. So, if you believe there is a chance an employer may be calling, be prepared by providing a professional greeting on your voicemail or when you pick up. Also, be conscious of what the caller may hear in the background if you pick up the phone. If it’s not an appropriate time or place to talk, let it go to voicemail, but try to call back immediately when it is more appropriate for you to talk.

Talk Enthusiastically


Happy man talks on the phone at work

Since the interviewer will not see your face, all they have to work off of is the voice you present, so make sure it sounds enthusiastic and energized with confidence. Try keeping a smile on your face as you talk and be aware of your tone and pitch so you do not come off sounding monotone.

Watch Your Words


Woman looks at laptop during a phone interview

Keep a “can do” attitude when you talk. It will leave a more positive impression than if an employer were to hear, “I can’t,” “I don’t,” or “I haven’t.” Also, be conscious of how you speak; avoid the “Ahs,” “Errs,” and “Ums.” You can come across as unsure of yourself and lacking in confidence.

Use A Clear Line


Man smiles during his phone interview

Many people list their cell phone number on job applications, cover letters, and resumes, which is fine, as long as when the phone is answered you have good reception. If you are the one initiating the phone call, use a landline to avoid static or dropped calls. It's also important to find a quiet location where you will not be disturbed or distracted.

Treat It Like An In-Person Interview


Woman talks during a phone interview

Keep in mind points that you can use to help explain how your previous experiences or skills make you a good fit for the open position. Also, always have questions in mind to ask during the interview that show your interest and desire to work with the company. Don’t forget to also keep your resume, a sheet of paper, and a pen on hand. You’ll need these items for reference or to take notes while on the call.

Find Out The Next Steps


Young man smiles during his phone interview

Interviews, whether in person or over the phone, should end with an understanding of what the next steps are. If it was not covered, be sure to ask. The employer may also view this question in a positive way that you care about this opportunity and have a desire for it.

Remember, phone interviews deserve a follow-up thank-you note or email to the individual(s) you spoke with—just as you would do after an in-person interview.

Treat phone interviews as important as face-to-face interviews. The impression you make on the phone will also be taken into consideration when the employer is trying to decide between you and another candidate for the position.

We know how difficult it can be to ace a job interview, on the phone or in person. If you're still not feeling confident in your interview abilities, we can help.

We'd love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.

It's time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

Phone Interviews: How To Put Your Best …

Top Tips to Excel at Your Next Job Interview

Whether you’re going for a promotion at your current workplace or you’ve quit your job and decided to enter a brand-new career, interviews are nerve-wracking events. Your fate is placed in the hands of the interviewers and you can’t help but feels anxious about the outcome of the interview when it’s a job that you […]

The post Top Tips to Excel at Your Next Job Interview appeared first on Jobacle.com.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment

Top Tips to Excel at Your Next …