How to handle tough questions in a job interview

Dear WW: I hadn’t gone on a job interview in many years. I’m embarrassed to say that their questions really threw me. Can you help me prepare so I don’t get blindsided next time? CLUELESS

Dear CLUELESS,

I’ve been interviewed by Good Morning America, NPR and the Today Show, just to name a few. What often sounds like a spontaneous conversation, however, usually isn’t. I’d hate to burst your bubble, but a producer always conducts an extensive pre-interview.

Unlike most employers, who won’t divulge their questions in advance, you don’t have to go into the interview totally clueless. You can anticipate certain questions and practice your answers in advance. I’ve listed a few of the most common questions below, along with a strategy for addressing each. For more, check out “The Pocket Idiots Guide to Interview Questions and Answers” by Sharon Mcdonald (Alpha, 2005).

Why should I hire you? Rather than fearing this question, you need to see it as the ultimate softball question. Because it gives you carte blanche to show your desire, your strengths and other ways that you can distinguish yourself. Prepare a short speech about why you are the perfect person for the job. And I do mean short, keep your answer to no more than two minutes. Give them a chance to ask follow up questions by not sucking all the air out of the room and droning on and on.

What do you know about us? Do an online search, visit a location, network to see if you know anyone close to the company, etc. Understand what business they’re in and some of the challenges they face. The key here is to not make them think that you understand everything about their business but simply to show them that you know enough to hit the ground running when they hire you (yes, I did say “when,” not “if.” A positive attitude is very important in all job interviews).

What are your concerns about working for us? It makes sense to have a few questions ready to ask-I tend toward questions concerning your opportunities for growth on the job and the company’s competitive position in the market. But whatever you decide to ask be sure to keep the questions upbeat. The last thing they want is to feel like they’re in an inquisition.

Have you been fired? The tendency with this question is to lie. But remember, most people have been fired-including one guy I know very well-me! The key here is to show them that you learned from the experience.

Why do you think you are qualified to do this job? Another great question. Wouldn’t you rather have this out in the open and get a chance to address it directly? Be prepared to tell them why you are the best person for the job.

Prepare answers to the questions above and chances are that you’ll miss my next appearance on the morning news shows, because you’ll be at work at that new job.

Thought for the Week

“The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.” Hubert Humphrey, US Vice President

Bob Rosner is a best-selling author, speaker and internationally syndicated columnist. Sherrie Campbell is a relationship and business professional, having applied her counseling background in a variety of challenging organizational settings. They’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, especially if you have better ideas than they do. Also check out their complete column archive at workmash.org, “The Boss’s Survival Guide” and “Gray Matters: The workplace survival guide.” Send your questions or comments to bob@workmash.org.