Why did you leave your last employment?
This can be asking if you are planning on viewing this as a temporary job or a permanent job. It's also asking if you quit or were fired. It's giving them a baseline, if they know the answer, if you are lying. It might throw you off to have to answer a questions that you answered on an application. You might wonder if they know something that you didn't think they knew. They are looking for sincerity, if you plan on staying for a while or if you were fired.
How well do you get along with other co-workers?
They want to know if you are too social, an outcast, a rabble-rouser (yup, just said it), etc. If you answer you were the best of friends with people, you are too focused on socializing. If you said you never talked to anyone, that seems sneaky and like an outcast. You want to focus on having good working relationships with everyone, but really tried to keep it professional. That it's more effective for you to keep your private life and work life separate. They want to hear that you get along with others, but you're not there for the party.
What are your hobbies?
Careful with this one. It's a legal way of trying to see if you have a family and children. Most parents say that they love spending time with their kids! There goes that overtime they were hoping you'd complete. I've always been honest about my available hours, but that doesn't mean you have to tell them why. For hobbies, I stick to personal likes not having to do with my family. I do mention I love my family and am close.
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I don't know much about phone and panel interviews. I've been in interviews with two people, but one is usually "reading" you and the other asks the questions. It's very unnerving. I've never had a phone interview. But if I did, I would have answers jotted down ahead of time. They can't see you looking down. You want an outline though, not an essay. How obvious, right?! I'd love to hear your opinion on both.
Rhonda, I think you made a good point about the hobbies question. It never occured to me that employers would be thinking that way. It made me rethink some of the answers to my questions. I took the Perfect Interview practice test and one of my questions was "What would you say to your previous employer if he or she was in this room?" I had no idea of how to answer that question. I was not at all fond of my previous employer and I doubt he cared for me much either. I would appreciate any suggestions on how I should answer this question. I was also asked "Have you had any financial problems within the last five to seven years?" I would have answered honestly: My parents support me but I am currently working a part time job. My parents have been struggling financially, however, for about five years. My question to you all, is what is the purpose behind such a question? Do they prefer financially stable or unstable employees? Maybe they feel that financially unstable people would be better workers because they can't afford to lose a job. This is just a theory. Another question I had was "What are your main strengths?" I answered: I am very diligent and punctual. I have a strong desire to succeed and become a valuable asset to the company. I tend to ask a lot of questions so that I may perform at my best ability. I know it sounds corny but what else can I say?! I've only had one interview before for Target, but they haven't asked any questions like this. I hope to hear some feedback from you all. I need all the help I can get :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm. . . About an employer you didn't like. What they are asking, I think, is how much respect you had for your former employer. Also, if you are a "worker-horse" or understand management. I've had employers I didn't like also. I would answer with something along these lines:
ReplyDeleteI respect all of the juggling you had to do as my manager/employer. It was a lot to take in. We never got to know each other personally with so much work going on. You seemed nice even though we didn't seem to have much in common. I wish you luck in your career.
It sounds cheesy, but they just want to know you are not a grudge holder and that you can appreciate management.
The financial security question is very important. Auto insurers also look into your credit history. It's not just to see if you can make payments. It is a risk assessment. If you are the kind of person who manages funds badly, it might mean you are unable to handle the stressors of personal will power. It's all about judgment calls and opportunity costs. They want to know you can make sound judgements and if you can't manage your own money, how are they going to be able to trust you with there company; whatever position you may hold. Does that make sense? You'll have to let me know. I disagree with being a better worker because you can't afford to lose a job. They want to see that you can plan and stick to a regiment. I really like your answer to your strengths. It's really individual and there isn't a specific answer that fits for everyone. However, I would lean more towards saying you ask confirming questions to clarify your understanding so they know you'll use critical thinking before running to them for all the answers. What do the rest of you think?
This is irrelevant to the topic, but is this the posting we need to have done for tomorrow or the prior one on the video interviews?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure. No one posted to the last post before this one was posted.
ReplyDeleteI'm confused as well. I see two separate discussions going on. But anyway...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rhonda, for explaining the finance question. I didn't think of it that way. I'm worried now that I won't see the hidden meaning behind such questions! I didn't realize how sneaky employers can be :)
Sorry about the confusion in the posts. No one replied to last weeks post. I am trying to focus on this week. I also get graded on which week I post to and in a timely manner!
ReplyDeleteEmployers are sneaky. They aren't doing so to be malicious. They want to get to the truth of who you are and how you would handle situations. We are who we have become. Meaning, we take a bit from each job in which we've worked. Good and bad. They want to know what you've brought from the previous job. Are you bring grudges? Are you bringing insight? That is what they want to find out.
Your comments about phone interviews are helpful. Having notes would definitely be a bonus to having a phone interview, as having the notes can be a quick visual reminder when you get stuck on a question. It's a helpful way to have a quick reminder about all the things you wanted to mention.
ReplyDeleteI think the downside of a phone interview would be not being able to see your interviewer's facial expressions and body language. As we learned about in class, your body language accounts for a lot of what you communicate to others. It's hard to tell if they are reacting positively to some of your responses. Also, I think I usually appear fairly confident in an interview even when my voice is a little shaky or I sound nervous. If they only had my voice to go off, they might think I am insecure and very nervous.
Great point about not seeing your interviewer! Non-verbal cues are so important in reading someone and seeing if you are on the right track. I can see that causing anxiety. I would love your opinions on how you think you could avoid this lack of communication?
ReplyDeleteWhen you go in to an interview, most questions are going to be those standard “why do you want this job” questions. To handle these types of interviews well, I would research interview questions and have a prepared answer or idea of what you would answer for each question.
ReplyDeleteHowever, some interviewers also try to slip a few tricky questions in to see how you would react. I would answer these very cautiously, as the interviewer might interpret your answer in their own way. An example of one of these tricky questions might be “What do you do in your free time?” Depending on the employer, I would probably answer this by mentioning the sports I am involved in and extracurricular school activities. Even if you only participate in these events on rare occasions, I think it is best to make yourself sound like an over-achiever than telling them you just sit around the house with your friends.
I’ve only had one phone interview in my life and found it be very easy. I think it was such an easy interview because the employer really needed someone for the job. I have also only had one panel interview in my life. Although I did not get the job because of time restraints, during the interview I tried hard to stand out without being overbearing. I tried to be one of the first interviewees to answer so that I didn’t repeat the answers of the other people.
Talking salary is a touchy subject. I never know exactly when to bring it up. Any advice?
Stephanie- I agree that it's very important to have answers prepared for some of the more standard, basic interview questions. You should know yourself and be able to address your strengths, weaknesses, and what you could bring to the job. I've had some interviews where they asked some very random questions like "if you were a superhero, who would you be?" or "what type of cereal would you be?" While it's nearly impossible to prepare for these type of questions, you can practice with online resources and be able to think on your feet. As addressed in one of my classes, the interviewer most likely cares more about you you sounding articulate and thinking of something on your feet, than the actual content of your answer. A lot of interviewing is appearing professional and calm.
ReplyDeleteThats a really good point, that if you don't know an answer or if your mind goes blank for a minute, don't freak out or be embarrassed. You might just want to take a minute to think or ask the interviewer to re-ask the question if it was lengthy or confusing.
ReplyDeleteI know that in some of my interviews when I just had no answer for a question, I asked them to explain exactly what they meant and not only did it refresh my mind, it also gave me an extra minute to think about what I wanted to say.
That's a good point. It reminded me of one interview I had with my current employer where it was in a very laid-back, informal setting. She just simply sat down with me and just talked to me. I liked this interview style and really felt that she was trying to understand who I was.
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of another tip though. You are being evaluated the moment you walk in the door, not just during the interview. I've heard it's important how you treat the secretary and anyone else you come in contact with before your interviewer. How you would fit into this specific work environment plays a large role in the evaluation of the interview. When I did my interview, I actually had to do a "practice" tutoring session and then received feedback based on the student. This was very different, but I enjoyed this actual working environment as opposed to the one-on-one questions which may not show my true skills.
I'm glad you brought that up! This is very true that you have to be respectable the entire time you are at an interview.
ReplyDeleteThis might be a random story but my friend worked at some business and I remember him telling me that when someone came in for an interview his manager would put a piece of crinkled paper in the doorway near the trash can. He would watch the person walk in and would see if they threw away the paper. If needed, he would base his final decision on if that person picked up the paper.
I always try to hold doors for people walking in to an interview and defiantly always pick up crumpled papers if I see them!
I actually have taken part in a phone interview. I was very concerned during the phone interview because it was hard to read body language and interest in my responses on the phone. During a face to face interview you can usually tell their interest level in your responses. I actually did not recieve even a second interview after the phone interview. I really hope I do not have to do another one any time soon.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the common responses you posted Rhonda, I really appreciate that. One question I always feel stumped by in responding is the hobbies question. I thought they just wanted to make small talk when they asked about my hobbies. I never felt that question really pertained to my ability to perform well on the job. Now that I know their hidden motive to this question, I will feel better prepared to respond. Especially considering that my response would work to my benefit. I have heard that many employers are looking for people like me, who are unmarried and has no children, so I really have no other obligations besides my career. Once I finish school, I will be a very ideal candidate for jobs due to the lack of my family obligations.
ReplyDeleteFemke, how did you feel about your laid-back interview setting? All my interviews have been very incrediably formal. I have had to go all out and wear stuffy suits and heels and it has been some interesting experiences. I can only imagine how a laid back interview would be like. My first interview I was very nervous, but over the years I feel a little more prepared for interviews. The only question I am still not very comfortable bringing up is anything regarding salary. I usually wait for the actual job offer to ask about salaries. Any other time I wait for the employer to ask about salary information.
ReplyDeleteIve been in at least 4 interviews, two for office jobs and quite formal, and the other two were for restaurant jobs and relatively informal. I got each job I was interviewed for and feel like I have always been good in an interview setting, its all about psyching myself out. I always make myself feel super confident before walking in, smile, and try to make them genuinely laugh. Appearance seems almost more important in some aspects, and can definitely send you into the office if they are on the edge about you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in relation to the other questions, I've never had any interview besides an in-person. I definitely agree that the phone interviews leave many interviewees at a disadvantage. As I said before, I take pride in being able to get into a confident character before going into an interview, and on the telephone, that wouldn't come across nearly as strongly.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, no one has posted since I've been home today, but I will find another subject about interviews to touch on. I've never taken a practice interview, I've just learned what I know about the interviewing process through daily interaction with strangers. You never show your true self, unless you're a saint. It's much like meeting any girl's father that I've dated. The impression I've always felt I needed to give off was stable, confident, decisive, and kind. When I meet a girl's father, the most important first impression is always the handshake. It has to be firm and decisive, much like a handshake for an interview.
ReplyDeleteI've had both formal and informal interviews. I kind of went with the flow and always started out formal. Even with the formal interviews, I forced myself to relax so they could see a little bit of myself. A lot of eye contact and reduced fidgeting. It's hard when you are nervous!!! I really enjoyed the laid back interviews, but I still kept my eye on the ball. You know what I mean? I absolutely agree about how you treat the rest of the staff in the company. It plays a role and in smaller offices, they talk about you! Great analogy with the father meeting!!!
ReplyDelete