How to survive a job interview if you are asked a difficult question
21 July 2008
Read by 2259 persons
It's the moment we dread all night: the killer question, the one that destabilizes and ruins all hopes. Small survival lessons in the face of this judge...
Always answer positively.
If you are told: "I see that you have no experience", answer: "That's true, but I've always loved to learn, and I learn very quickly!"
Use your "life experience" to demonstrate that you have abilities in certain areas, even if you don't have professional experience.
If you are asked what your project management experience is and you don't have any, tell how you organized your wedding or a large family reunion (hiring service providers, setting up a database, a seating plan organized according to the interests of the guests...).
Be confident.
It's not so much what you say as how you say it that matters. Often, the questions you are asked are intended to assess your professional attitude and maturity more than your general knowledge.
Be sincere and behave professionally – even if you don't have the right answer.
Be direct, even when your answer is "I don't know".
Memorize the right answers to the following questions, which are often asked and which are not always easy to answer:
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
R: In a good position in this field, within a growing company, with both things to learn and assets to bring.
Q: Why should I hire you?
R: I have the experience necessary for this position, I understand your needs and I like teamwork – in the office and on the football field.
Q: Why did you leave your last job?
R: I was not able to contribute effectively to the company's development as I would have liked. I am looking for real opportunities for myself and for a company that will make full use of my abilities.
Have a last resort answer ready.
If you are asked THE question you dreaded, take inspiration from politicians: acknowledge the question and then move on. This should sound something like: "I'm glad you asked me this question, which deserves reflection. But I would especially like to discuss…".
We warned you
• Think DRC: Relaxation, Assurance and Calm. You want this job, but the job wants you too.
• Aim for the PIP: be Punchy, have an impeccable presentation and show yourself Curious.
• Avoid accepting an interview just after lunch, it's the time when most people are sleepy and irritable.
Published February 20, 2008
Posted online July 21, 2008
newzy.fr
Always answer positively.
If you are told: "I see that you have no experience", answer: "That's true, but I've always loved to learn, and I learn very quickly!"
Use your "life experience" to demonstrate that you have abilities in certain areas, even if you don't have professional experience.
If you are asked what your project management experience is and you don't have any, tell how you organized your wedding or a large family reunion (hiring service providers, setting up a database, a seating plan organized according to the interests of the guests...).
Be confident.
It's not so much what you say as how you say it that matters. Often, the questions you are asked are intended to assess your professional attitude and maturity more than your general knowledge.
Be sincere and behave professionally – even if you don't have the right answer.
Be direct, even when your answer is "I don't know".
Memorize the right answers to the following questions, which are often asked and which are not always easy to answer:
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
R: In a good position in this field, within a growing company, with both things to learn and assets to bring.
Q: Why should I hire you?
R: I have the experience necessary for this position, I understand your needs and I like teamwork – in the office and on the football field.
Q: Why did you leave your last job?
R: I was not able to contribute effectively to the company's development as I would have liked. I am looking for real opportunities for myself and for a company that will make full use of my abilities.
Have a last resort answer ready.
If you are asked THE question you dreaded, take inspiration from politicians: acknowledge the question and then move on. This should sound something like: "I'm glad you asked me this question, which deserves reflection. But I would especially like to discuss…".
We warned you
• Think DRC: Relaxation, Assurance and Calm. You want this job, but the job wants you too.
• Aim for the PIP: be Punchy, have an impeccable presentation and show yourself Curious.
• Avoid accepting an interview just after lunch, it's the time when most people are sleepy and irritable.
Published February 20, 2008
Posted online July 21, 2008
newzy.fr
