Hello and Happy Belated Halloween!
If your Resume/Cover Letter got you an Interview opportunity--you'll want to 'close the deal' during that Interview (hopefully). After you've done some Practice Interviews ('short' interview, 'perfect' interview for example), how do you think you did? Were you stumped by certain kinds of questions?
Did these Practice Interviews give you a better idea of your strengths and weaknesses? Identify or explain what these results helped you learn either way.
How can you improve your interview techniques if you had a 'real' interview say, in 2 weeks? Would you be able to 'think on your feet'? [Don't forget to avoid the "fish handshake"...]
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After completing the practice interviews, I felt relatively confident about my skills as an interviewee. Given I took the interview in a relaxed home environment, I still feel like if I were to be asked the same questions in an office setting then I would still do well. Most of the questions I got were the ones you would expect to get in an interview. You know the ones, like; “Do you think your previous boss would describe you as a "dependable employee?" and… “Everyone in our company is involved in selling at some level. Let's see how good you are at it -- sell me this pen.” I’ve actually got that last one before. I feel my strengths of my responses were positive honest and to the point without any “verbal padding”. This was more or less the same with the questions and responses in the “pick your own questions” interview.
ReplyDeleteI guess the only thing that I’m not too clear on is wither or not the interviewer would likely give you a negative question in which they are setting you up for a negative response. For example, I got the question; “What did you do the last time you received instructions with which you disagreed? I’m sure everyone in the world has been in this situation, but what is the best way to answer without sounding like someone who does not respect authority? I responded with this; “I have always done what I was instructed, given that it wouldn’t endanger the safety of others or the safety of myself.” Keep in mind I’m a pilot and I get my instructions from Air Traffic Control. Think this would have been a good response?
ReplyDeleteJoshua,
ReplyDeleteSome Interviewers have that "proverbial" trick question--where there's no canned answer. In your example, it was good to respond from your training and some common sense. By your mentioning safety, that is a plus--it indirectly showcases your leadership and ability to think on your own (based on your training and experience)... It looked like a solid answer to me.
Thanks Lisa. I was hoping that the mention of safety would take care of that type of question. I got another one that seemed like it was also trying provoke a negative response or create some kind of conflict. How about this one… “Have you ever experienced a situation where you were unfairly criticized by your boss? What did you do about it?” I tried to handle it with this… “I believe all criticisms, even when very rare, were constructive to my performance as an employee and co-worker. Its more important to listen to your bosses opinions and make the appropriate adjustments then to take personal offence.” Good?
ReplyDeleteI already feel confident in an interview, and practicing with a computer was not very helpful to me. I couldn't see facial responses, and all the other non verbal responses to show me how I should respond to this particular person. I also agree about talking negative about past jobs, my father has a very succesfull business and it is a DO NOT EVER to talk poorly of a past employer during an interview, or ask someone about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm just the type of person who answers based on the person I am talking to, and when I'm not talking to a person its difficult to feel compelled to answer in any way other than the textbook answers.
During most interviews I get what I like to call social anxiety. However, after completing a few practice interviews I have way more faith in my communication skills. Although it was not a real interview or employer I feel like it really helped me. I think I just need to relax and not be s anxious about the whole interview process.
ReplyDeleteThe whole practice interview process gave me insight that I didn't have previously. I did find it a little hard to relate scripted answers and questions to real life situations or interview processes. I hope it works as well in public as it does in a home enviornment.
Over all, I fell much better about my interviewing skills. I hope my newly aquired skills help me in a more public situation or work place.
Amanda, I'm glad it helped you feel more confident. Something I learned early on (I come from a family where everyone owns business etc. and I had to talk to people like this all the time) was just find one thing you can relate to with the person you are talking to. If you can find one thing- and you focus on that- you get a personal connection with them and its harder to say no to someone you have a personal connection with than someone you dont know at all.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like y'all have a good grasp on that comfort level in an interview. It is good to try to connect with an interviewee--and also important to show a 'nugget' of your personality and skill that will help your interviewer gravitate to you and get to know you as well.
ReplyDeleteAs in Joshua's example, he had other skills which point to character, common sense and the ability to think as a leader annd team player--qualities which an interviewer is seeking...