How to Answer “Bad” Interview Questions With “Good” Answers

Guest Author: Carole Martin
Website: http://www.interviewcoach.com

If you’ve prepared for the interview you more than likely spent all of your time preparing to answer “positive questions” – demonstrating how good you are and what you can offer this position. You are not prepared to talk about your failures or times when you were challenged by difficult situations. So what do you do when you encounter a “curve ball?”

You deal with it in a positive manner.

Here is an example of a question that could be asked by an interviewer who is seeking negative information and how to deal with it.

Question – “Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with someone at work and how you resolved it.”

Answer – “I usually get along very well with everyone.”

Wrong Answer – The most important reason that this is a “poor answer” is that it doesn’t answer the question: “Tell me about a time when….” The interviewer is seeking an example of a time when you had a dealt with a difficult situation or person and how you handled yourself. (communication/relating to others)

Here is a good example of how to answer the question in a more confident and informative manner:

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Returning to the workforce after an extended absence. Interview Tips From The Interview Coach, Carole Martin

Guest Author: Carole Martin
Guest Website: http://www.interviewcoach.com

1. Be able to explain why you have decided that now is the time for you to return to the work force – why now? Have a convincing statement about your goals or intentions of staying in the work force after being away for a period of time – this is best done by scripting and practicing your answer so that you feel confident saying it in the interview.

2. Make sure that you are up-to-date on changes that have occurred in your field in your absence. This may entail taking a brush up class or course. It is important that you be able to show that you can “hit the ground running,” particularly with so many candidates to choose from in this economy.

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Can You “Tell Me About Yourself?”

Guest Author: William Frierson is a staff writer for CollegeRecruiter.com.
Website: http://www.collegerecruiter.com/

While you may practice answering many interview questions, this is definitely one to prepare for. How you answer the question will let the interviewer know if you have actually thought about what to say. Don’t stress if you’re not sure how to respond to the “tell me about yourself” question. So that you won’t be thrown off guard, experts offer some advice on answering this question in your next interview.

Stay focused on the most important details- Do not talk about your whole life. Instead, concentrate on how the work from your previous job can benefit your potential employer.

Highlight your greatest accomplishments- Express any qualities you have that are important to the position you want. Provide an example that shows the interviewer the type of worker you are and what you can bring to the table.

Keep it brief- When telling the interviewer about yourself, it doesn’t mean you should ramble. Keep your answer short and sweet by addressing the employer’s needs, while selling yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.

If you are asked to talk about yourself in an interview, don’t get caught off guard. Try using one of the methods above to show more confidence in answering this type of question.

-Source-
http://thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=2546

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.



The Interview Follow-Up

Guest Author: Rasmussen College. Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College is a premier provider of educational experiences, dedicated to the growth and development of its students, employees, and the communities it serves. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Rasmussen College offers Bachelor’s and Associate’s online and on campus in fields with the greatest occupation opportunities.
Website: http://www.rasmussen.edu/

The post-interview stage can be just as stressful as preparing for the interview, especially when you are anxiously waiting to hear a reply. A follow-up note or phone call can send a good message to potential employers after an interview. Some even expect it.

Send A Thank-You
Within a day or two of your interview, send your interviewer a note to reinforce your interest in the position. It should include a genuine thank you, a reminder of your strongest assets, and a closing that indicates your enthusiasm about the next step. If you don’t think your interview went well, offer to give them additional references or documentation of your skills. Don’t call attention to any of your mistakes. Your message can be quick and to the point. Whether you hand-write the thank-you or email it depends on the company.

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