"3 Tricky Interview Questions -- And Answers"

Your next job interview -- will it be a torturous cross-
examination or an effortless walk in the park? 

It's really up to you.

Because if you prepare for the tough interview questions 
ahead of time, you'll likely do very well and actually 
enjoy the process.

To help you get ready for three typical (and tricky) 
questions, I talked to 
Carole Martin, an interview expert with 15 years of 
human resources management experience.


Interview Question #1 - "Can you tell me about yourself?"
"Your answer to this question sets the tone for the rest 
of the interview. Focus is the key -- avoid a rambling 
answer," says Martin.

The secret to success with this free-form question is to 
focus, script your answer and practice. Never "wing it." 

What do you want the interviewer to remember most about you? 
List five strengths you have that are pertinent to this job 
-- experiences, traits, skills, etc. 

"Practice your script until you feel confident. Your script 
will help you stay on track, but don't memorize it -- you'll 
sound stiff. Instead, aim for a natural and conversational 
tone," advises Martin.


Interview Question #2 - "What are your long-term goals?"
This and other open-ended questions, like: "Where do you 
see yourself in five years?" can throw you off balance. The 
employer wants to check your self-awareness and communication 
skills here. 

"If you're an organized type of person, answering this 
question may be a piece of cake. If not, you'll need to give 
your answer some forethought."

The best answers will come from you thinking about what you 
want. Most successful employers believe that a key success 
factor is the ability to set and achieve goals. So begin by 
setting short-term goals for yourself. Right now your goal 
may be to get a job. But, what kind of job? And, where do 
you go from there? 

"No one can tell you exactly how to answer this question -- 
it will come from what is important to you. However, the more 
focused and employer-centered you are about your goal, the 
better your chances of steering the interview in the right 
direction," says Martin.


Interview Question #3 - "Why should we hire you?"
This is another broad question that can take you down the 
wrong road unless you prepare thoroughly. This is about 
selling yourself as a product. Why should the customer buy?

"Develop a sales statement. The more detail you give, the 
better. This is not a time to talk about what you want. It 
is a time to summarize your accomplishments and relate what 
makes you unique," advises Martin.

Start by looking at the job description or posting. What is 
the employer stressing as requirements of the job? What will 
it take to get the job done? Make a list of those requirements. 

Next, do a personal inventory. Think of two or three key 
qualities you have that match what the employer is seeking. 
Don't underestimate personal traits that make you unique -- 
your energy, personality type, working style and people skills, 
for example.

"Like snowflakes, no two people are alike. Take some time to 
think about what sets you apart from others," advises Martin.

Best of luck to you!

Copyright ©2002 Kevin Donlin 

Kevin Donlin is Managing Editor of 1 Day Resumes. The 1DR 
writers provide same-day, one-on-one resume writing assistance. 
He is also author of "Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed," 
a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days 
... or your money back. 
For more information, please visit Guaranteed Resumes