FAQ

How to land your dream job

Prepare for the Q&A with having the right answers to the top 10 frequently asked questions...

What is your greatest strength?

No matter what your answer is, just be positive. Some good examples are "I have a keen sense for prioritization"; "I have tremendous problem-solving skills"; "I am the calm in the storm --- my ability to manage under pressure is unmatched"; "I am the ideal multi-tasker with constant attention to detail"... Also, be sure to make sure they know about your "professional expertise, leadership skills", and most of all.. "positive attitude"

Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as "I had the opportunity to grow in my career",or " a chance to do something specia that I believed would advance my career"... most importantly be sure you speak about moving forward and not looking backward

What experience do you have in this field?

Be specific and be sure to relate to the position you are applying for. You want to show that you have the skills to do the job and experience that will help you grow in the position and support the company. But, you may run into interivews where the job opportunity and your past experience do not mesh... do not fear but try to connect the dots and show your well-rounded experience and the fresh perspective you can bring to the job.

Why do you want to work for this organization?

Do your homework! Be sure you take the time research and find something attractive about the company: current events, special accomplishments, something that shows you put the time and effort to learn more about what they do. Sincerity (genuine) is extremely important here and will easily be sensed if you only proive the cliff notes version of what you think the company does. Above all, relate your new company knowledge to your long-term career goals.

What is an area of development for yourself?

Yes, this is the time where you eat some humble pie... Start of by being a bit hesitant and share an area where you would like more growth and/or improvement. Remember there is always room for improvement. Your growth area should include your actions you are taking upon yourself to achieve this. Know, it is worth clarifying that you ensure the area for improvement is relatable to the job you are interviewing for and not a response like "I'd like to be a better skier... you are applying to be a ski instructor...

Tell me how you have impacted your current employer's success.

Here is a great place to show your stuff... Know your facts, be specific, and come prepared to spit out statistics... sales growth numbers, reduced cost percentages, goals that have been met or surpassed, recognition by the media, etc. They want to know they've got a superstar in front of them... so shine!

Tell me about a time that you went above and beyond for one of your customers.

You should still have a little taste of the humble pie BUT be sure you also include some frosting! You want to show you are confident and proud of your accomplishments but sharing these in a lighthearted manner will go a long way! Don't skip on the details.. share the experience with enthusiasm and give them the opportunity to want to see you accomplish this for them!

What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Another way think about this question is if this was posed to your former supevisor or co-wokers, what you think they'd say about you? This is a time to find the idea descriptive words that depict that you have the right stuff! Some suggestions include: loyal, energetic, ethusiastic, positive attitude, natural leadership qualities, team player, expert, passionate, initiator, patient, hard working, creative problem solver.

What goals do you have for your career?

While you may hear some interviews feeling the need to place a time window on this question... "Where do you see yourself in 2/5/10 years"... Try to steer your response to be boxed in by timeframes. Instead, spin the question around and reiterate your professional ambitions and share in a positive manner where you'd like to see your hard work and dedication will lead you...

Do you have any questions for me?

Well, by the time this question comes up you've probalby talked for at least 3o minutes about your self... . Now is your chance to ask them questions and let them "boast" for a while... Yes, people love to talk about themselves and listening is just as important for you at this stage of the interview process. "How did you get to this point in your career" or "Can you share how you reached your position within the company" or "Can you share more about the work environment and culture"... These will not only allow you to get a glimpe into the hiring manager's interests but will provide you the opportuntiy to feel out your pespective supervisor or help your impressions of the company and ompany culture.

It is always good to ask what the next steps are in the interview process... do not get into the money talk yet though... . Share your continued interest in the position and above all, be positive! Your last impression is just as important as the first!