Identify some 'standard and non-standard' Interview Questions...Discuss how you could best answer each kind.
There are different kinds of interviews such as the phone interview or panel interviews. Discuss how you would apply yourself in each case--and why.
When do you feel it appropriate/timely to discuss salary and why?
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I think that some standard interview questions include things like "Why do you want to work for this company?" or "What are some of your skills?" Come prepared for these types of questions, but also practice thinking of ways to answer some non-standard questions like "Describe a time when you showed initiative."
ReplyDeleteIn a phone interview, I would be sure to be clear in all of my statements, as I tend to mutter often. In a panel interview, I would make sure that I was prepared for the interview and I would maintain eye contact with each panel member.
I think it is more appropriate/timely to discuss salary towards the end of the interview. I think it also offers a good transition to the most important question to ask at the end of the interview: "When can I start?"
--Michael Rosenblum
Sounds like you have a good handle on interviewing, Michael. Phone interviews are a tad more informal because you are not f2f, it might eliminate a fiber of stress. It's always important--as you mentioned to know some background info about the company you want to work for, and salary is usually towards the end. Good instincts.
ReplyDeleteIronically, I don't have a good handle on interviewing when it actually comes down to it. I have tried practice interviews to get better, though. In the last practice interview I had, I was unable to think of answers for the questions such as "Tell us about a time when you showed 'x'". How would I be able to prepare for such a question if I have never been in such a situation?
ReplyDelete--Michael Rosenblum
Michael, those practice interviews do help. Often an interviewer will ask you questions that require "unscripted" answers. Sometimes these questions are designed to make the interviewee "squirmy" and lose poise. Answer the best you can based on your experience and personality. Sometimes you will be tested outside of your comfort zone--practicing helps to navigate this and still allow your personality and skills to shine.
ReplyDeleteWow, thats a mean trick :) Are there any sites and resources that have lists of such questions? I think that might be helpful.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the bottom line is that I need more practice. I've noticed that career services offers ample opportunities for such practices. Hopefully the next time I do it, I'm better prepared and not coming straight from class :P
--Mike Rosenblum
Questions I've often been asked are similar to "What is your greatest skill? What is your greatest downfall? What sort of tasks were you required to accomplish at your last job?" Those are the most often asked of me. Also, I get questions like "Would you be able to work with people of a different social class than you? How flexible are your hours? If you had to come in on a short notice, would you be able to drop everything and come in?" Those are the annoying ones that you feel akward answering. Ive been working since I was 16 so ive had more interviews than most people my age (as I usually held 2 jobs at a time).
ReplyDeleteMicheal-
ReplyDeleteSomething else I would keep in mind is honesty. If a potential employer asks you a question that puts you in the hot seat and you can not immediately think of a good response, be honest. Tell the employer that you can not think of an instance when you had to take matters into your own hands and maybe disreguard your authority momentarily. Many of my Hospitality professors tell me they would rather hire someone who is honest and keeps their cool and admitting that they do not have the best answer than someone who has off the wall answers for all questions.
Cheyenne
Stephanie-
ReplyDeleteHow or would you handle a phone interview differently that a face to face interview? I have also had quite a few different jobs but have always had face to face interviews. Have you ever had a phone interview? How was it?
Probably one of the most standard interview questions that I’ve gotten in the past would be “ What makes you want to work for this company?” Even if the honest answer is “because a need a job to pay for my bills and your company is the only one that is hiring”, I keep it to myself and try to come up with a winning answer. This being quite easy seeing as how its pretty much guaranteed I’ll get this question so I already know what I’m going to say in advance. Another one might be, “How did you hear about us?” I think this question is probably one of the easiest to answer because you could say just about anything like, in the newspaper or, on the TV or, a friend referred me, and you would be ok.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the idea of a phone interview mostly because all the interviews I’ve ever had have been face to face. I would imagine the phone interview wouldn’t be as intimidating seeing as how your more or less hiding behind a phone. By that I mean the interviewer cant judge you based on body language or appearance or wither or not you fidget. Still I’m sure you would need to be a good communicator and at least sound like a person with confidence without the dreaded “Ums” after every other word. On the other end of the spectrum it seems like the panel interview could be the most nerve racking. Not only do you have to appeal to one interviewer but multiple interviewers. I can imagine it being like three or more interviews wrapped into one. Still I would handle a panel interview as if it were a face to face interview. Psyching myself out over multiple interviewers may just make things worse. It’s probably better to just prepare as if I was going into a face to face interview and keep it simple.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the salary question, I feel that it’s appropriate to ask as politely as possible around the end of the interview about what the job pays. Now this is only if the interviewer hasn’t already mentioned it. In my interviewing experience, all but one interviewer had mentioned what the job pays so it was never really an issue. The one time the interviewer did not mention salary, I politely brought it up when he asked me if I had any questions for him. He jokingly told me it was a good question seeing as how most people don’t work for free. He told me what the job pays and that was that. I got the job so he must have been fine with the salary question.
ReplyDeleteI believe that standard interview questions include things such as each individuals qualifications, education, determination and work experience. All of these things greatly contribute to an employers impression of you and how you will fit the desired position. I believe it is also important to do your background research on the company and position you are interviewing for .
ReplyDeleteI think it is best to answer all interview question as truthful as possible. I find it helpful to take a few minutes to gather myself and my thought before an interview. I personally prefer phone interviews over face to face interviews I find it easier to get my points across without the pressure of being in a strange environment.
I find salary to be a touchy subject. I tend to usually wait until I have gotten the job or have been called in for a follow up interview to ask about salary. I find this to be the best way.
Mike, UCF's career services does have helpful classes (walk-in). It's good to go first to get their schedule. Also, maybe keep a list of some of the links you may have liked from some of your Cornerstone Modules.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, be yourself, be honest. Once I had a telephone interview (for a Condo Association to 'approve me' as a prospective buyer) and it was over 50 questions (I received the hardcopy afterwards as rules & regs)... Again, just being honest so it turns out to be a fruitful experience for both.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteIt can be frustrating, but it only sharpens your skills and answering abilities. Unless it's a job you do not want, always be positive and always be a team player (unless you're applying to be an accountant, logically speaking).
Try to fill in those dry spots with your personality, not veering too far off...
Joshua,
ReplyDeleteIf you get, What makes you want to work for this company? question--Don't forget to mention (which you would have previously researched) your knowledge of the company and how well you and your skill set would be an asset.
Phone interviews are not as intimidating, but it's an opportunity to use your phone personality.
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a good handle on interviews. Have you practiced? How did you feel after practicing? It might be good to practice with someone that is not a best friend, so there is a little unknown element and more balanced feedback.
I have had a phone interview.. It's a bit nerve wrecking, but I just made sure that I spoke clearly and intelligently, and it got me to a face2face interview.
ReplyDeleteFace to face is always the best for me.I'm good at reading people and knowing what they want to hear.
Stephanie
ReplyDeleteThat is good that you brought up "knowing what people want to hear." It is always so great to know your audience. Do some research on the manager or human resources personell who may be conducting the interview. You may be surprised by how much you have in common with that person, and you would really stand out to him or her if you can relate to them personally.