17 Tips to Ace Your Next Phone Interview Its easy to understate the importance of a phone interview, dismissing it as merely

the first step in the long job-search process. In reality, a seemingly cursory phone interview is actually the most important step, because without success, the next steps never happen. Follow these phone interview tips and make it your business to secure a face-to-face meeting: 1. Print it out. Have a physical copy of your resume and the job description in front of you during the call. Type up a bulleted list of items you want to cover during the conversation. As each one gets satisfied, cross it off the list. Printouts are necessary in case your Internet access fails. [See 9 Companies Hiring Now.] 2. Have Web access. Its always best to give your full concentration to the interview, listening and answering questions diligently. However, also take advantage of the fact that the interviewer cant see you. Open up the companys website in your browser and have another window open to the search engine of your choice. But be sure to never let the interviewer hear you typing. Invest in a quiet keyboard or practice the art of silent typing. 3. Disable extra phone features. Whether its call waiting or an answering machine for an additional phone line, turn off all your phone accessories. These noises can be a distraction and embarrassment, sabotaging your chances of moving the interview process forward. Most phone companies let you disable and re-activate these features on a self-service basis. 4. Use a landline. Don't allow outside noises or a choppy cell signal keep you from an awesome opportunity. Making the call from a landline leaves less room for misinterpretation and cuts the odds of disconnection to a minimum. Also be sure to use a high-quality phone. Every phone makes your voice sound different; too much treble and you might sound weak, too much bass and you could sound self-important. Find the phone that suits your voice best. 5. Make the call from home. Its important to make the call in an environment with minimal noise and where you can speak at a reasonable volume. The more controlled the space youre calling from, the less room for distractions and other unanticipated events. 6. Give yourself time. Many job seekers make the mistake of trying to fit a phone interview during their lunch hour at work. But what if the interviewer is running a few minutes late? Also, the longer the call, the better youre doing! Make the call at a time where you have a minimum of 30 minutes free. Most phone interviews last only a few minutes, but if you end up hitting it off with the interviewer, the last thing you want to do is have to cut them off. Even if youre interviewing for a low-stress job, rushing will increase stress, so give yourself plenty of time. [See The Best Way to Take Control of Your Job Hunt.] 7. No pets allowed. If you conduct the phone interview from home, do it in a pet-free room. Make sure your cat, dog or bird is occupied and safe in another room, so barking and meowing is out of earshot. As cuddly as they might be, dont give a pet the opportunity to be a distraction during this important phone call. Ive trained my cute Shiba Inu to be accustomed to being locked out of my

home office. The first time I closed the door on him during a work call, he cried like a baby, but he got used to it. 8. Answer the phone with your name. To avoid an awkward start to the call, take charge by answering the phone by stating your name. This lets the person on the other line know exactly who you are and saves them the trouble of asking for you. It also helps to have a pleasantry in your pocket ready to go. Know exactly how you will greet the caller and start the conversation. 9. Smile. Smiling when you speak brings energy and excitement to your voice. When speaking on the phone, your voice actually loses about half of its energy during transmission. Make sure your enthusiasm gets across by overcompensating. Since no one can see you, pretend you're on a soap opera and overact. 10. Watch your body language. Everyone has different phone habits. Some people pace (guilty!) and others sit still as a statue. Find middle ground and pay attention to your interview body language. Hold your body in an upright position and dont be afraid to use your hands to be expressive. If you are the type of person who is on the move when on the phone, give yourself an enclosed area that is large enough so you avoid wondering from room to room. 11. Mute. If you need to take a sip of water or handle a situation outside of the interview, the mute button can be your best friend. On most phones, the person on the other line will never know you hit the button. However, its always a good idea to test mute before the call to see if the person on the other line gets an indication that its been activated. 12. Be honest. If a major distraction occurs during the phone interview, mention it. Your honesty will likely be appreciated; after all, the person on the other line is human too and has likely encountered a similar situation. The worst thing you can do is attempt to cover up something that takes you out of the moment, because it could make you look like you werent paying attention. [See How to Determine What Salary to Ask For.] 13. Be ready. Prepare all of the materials you will need for the interview and be at the location of the call at least five minutes early. The interviewer can call early; in fact, some hiring agents use this as a tactic to test candidates. 14. Convince me. You must convince the interviewer that having you come into the office for a meeting will not waste their time. Make sure that your answers during the call reiterate your experience, interest in the position, and desire to continue the conversation in person. 15. Say thanks fast. Unlike a face-to-face interview, theres no commute afterwards. Send a thankyou note an hour or two after the phone interview. This helps you close the loop and reiterate your interest in wanting to meet the interviewer in person. The goal of a phone interview is to get a faceto-face meeting; dont be bashful about making this request. If you can't send the email right away, make several notes about the call while they're fresh in your mind. These will come in handy when you send the thank-you note later in the day. 16. Dont talk about money. Career coaches always say to hold off on discussing salary until the end of the process. But in reality, the interviewer knows you might attempt to do this and may try to force the issue. After all, determining an employees desired salary is part of the filtering process, which is

why they are conducting a phone interview in the first place. Try to keep your answer vague by telling the employer that you need a better understanding of the total compensation package until you can state your desired salary. Phrases like, Im negotiable, Id rather discuss compensation in person, or I currently make X but am looking to make Y can often get the interviewer to move on. 17. Always be prepared. If youre firing off resumes like cruise missiles, it is possible youll receive an unexpected interview call. If you receive a call out of the blue, dont be afraid to tell them you need t o call back. This will give you time to research the organization, research the person, and make sure youre at a suitable location for the call.

Tell Me About Yourself Job Interview Question You walk into the interview room, shake hands with your interviewer and sit down with your best interviewing smile on. Guess what their first question is? "Tell me about yourself." Do you "wing it" and actually tell all manner of things about yourself? Will you spend the next 5 minutes rambling on about what an easy-going, loyal, dedicated, hard working employee you've been? If this is the case, you stand a good chance of having bored your interviewer to death thus creating a negative first impression. Tell Me About Yourself - Best Answers Because it's such a common interview question, it's strange that more candidates don't spend the time to prepare for exactly how to answer it. Perhaps because the question seems so disarming and informal, we drop our guard and shift into ramble mode. Resist all temptation to do so. Your interviewer is not looking for a 10-minute dissertation here. Instead, offer a razor sharp sentence or two that sets the stage for further discussion and sets you apart from your competitors. Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) Give them "your synopsis about you" answer, specifically your Unique Selling Proposition. Known as a personal branding or a value-added statement, the USP is a succinct, one-sentence description of who you are, your biggest strength and the major benefit that a company will derive from this strength. Here is an example of a Unique Selling Proposition: "I'm a seasoned Retail Manager strong in developing training programs and loss prevention techniques that have resulted in revenue savings of over $2.3Million for (employer's name) during the past 11 years." What a difference you've made with this statement. Your interviewer is now sitting forward in her chair giving you her full attention. At this point, you might add the following sentence: "I'd like to

discuss how I might be able to do something like that for you." The ball is now back in her court and you have the beginnings of a real discussion and not an interrogation process. Be Specific The key is that you must lead with your strongest benefit to the employer. Be specific and don't wander about with some laundry list of skills or talents. Be sure to put a monetary value on your work if at all possible and be ready with details when you're called upon. Give an estimated value to the $$ you've either helped to make or save for your employer. Be Prepared When you walk into an interview, remember to always expect the "tell me about yourself" question. Prepare ahead of time by developing your own personal branding statement that clearly tells who you are, your major strength and the clear benefit that your employer received. The advantages of this approach are that you'll quickly gain their attention and interest them in knowing more. You'll separate yourself from your competitors. You'll also have a higher chance of being positively remembered and hired. nterviewers will sometimes start an interview with an open ended question like "Tell me about yourself." It's a way to break the ice and make you feel more comfortable during the interview process. It's also a way for the hiring manager to get insight into your personality to help determine if you're a good fit for the job. Sharing too much or too little information isn't a good idea. The interviewer doesn't want to know everything about you, but disclosing too little can make him or her wonder why you aren't more open. What to Share With The Interviewer Although it might be tempting to share a list of your most compelling qualifications for the job at hand, a more low-key approach will probably help you to develop a personal rapport with your interviewer. Try starting out by sharing some personal interests which don't relate directly to your work. Examples might include a hobby which you are passionate about like quilting, astronomy, chess, choral singing, golf, skiing, tennis or antiquing. Interests like long distance running or yoga which help to represent your healthy, energetic side are worth mentioning. Pursuits like being an avid reader or solving crossword puzzles or brain teasers will help to showcase your intellectual leaning. Interests like golf, tennis and gourmet food might have some value if you would be entertaining clients in your new job. Volunteer work will demonstrate the seriousness of your character and commitment to the welfare of your community. Interactive roles like PTA volunteer, museum tour guide, fundraiser, or chair of a social club will help show your comfort with engaging others. Avoid Politics and Controversy

Typically, you would steer clear of controversial topics like politics or religion. It's important to avoid any references to topics that would cause concern about your ethics, character, productivity or work ethic. You also don't need to share personal information about your family. There is no need to discuss spouses, partners, children or any other strictly personal information. Transition to Professional from Personal After sharing a few interesting personal aspects of your background, you can transition to sharing some key professional assets that would help you to add value if you were hired for your target job. Consider using phrases like "In addition to those interests and passions, my professional life is a huge part of who I am, so I'd like to talk a bit about some of the strengths which I would bring to this job." Share Your Expertise Then be ready to share three or four of the personal qualities, skills and/or areas of expertise which would help you to excel in the job for which you are interviewing. Ultimately you will want to share several other strengths before the interview is over. Make a list before you go the interview, so you know what you will share. Look at the job description and match it with your skills. Then share the top few skills which make you an ideal candidate for the job. However, be careful not to overwhelm the interviewer with too much information. After mentioning three or four strengths, you might mention that you have several other assets which you would like to discuss as the interview unfolds. At first, you should only mention the asset and allude only briefly to some proof of how you have tapped it to your advantage. For example, you might say that you love to give presentations and that has helped you to generate lots of leads at sales dinners for prospective clients. Later in the interview, you will want to be more specific and detailed in discussing situations, interventions and results flowing from your strengths.

Job Interview Question: What Can You Do for This Company? How To Answer Interview Questions About How You Can Help The Company

1. typical interview question to discover what assets you have that are specific to the company's goals is "What can you do for this company?" First of all, be sure to have researched the company prior to the interview, so you are familiar with the company's mission. Respond by giving examples why your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset for the employer.

Take a few moments to compare your goals with objectives of the company and the position, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other jobs. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company, as well as the job. 2. Why Are You Leaving Your Job? There isn't room for growth with my current employer and I'm ready to move on to a new challenge. I'm looking for a bigger challenge and to grow my career and I couldn't job hunt part time while working. It didn't seem ethical to use my former employer's time. I was laid-off from my last position when our department was eliminated due to corporate restructuring. I'm relocating to this area due to family circumstances and left my previous position in order to make the move. I've decided that is not the direction I want to go in my career and my current employer has no opportunities in the direction I'd like to head. After several years in my last position, I'm looking for an company where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment. I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills and experience in a different capacity than I have in the past. I recently received my degree and I want to utilize my educational background in my next position. I am interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready for a new challenge. I left my last position in order to spend more time with my family. Circumstances have changed and I'm more than ready for full-time employment again. I am seeking a position with a stable company with room for growth and opportunity for advancement. To be honest, I wasn't considering a move, but, I saw this job posting and was intrigued by the position and the company. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications. This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience and I am not able to fully utilize them in my present job.The company was cutting back and, unfortunately, my job was one of those eliminated. 3. Salary Negotiation Before you start talking pay (and salary negotiations) with a prospective employer, you need to find out how much the job (and you) are worth. You will need to take the time to research salaries. That way you will be prepared to get what you're worth and to get a job offer that's realistic and reasonable. Once you know what you should be earning, how do you go about getting it? Start by being very patient. When interviewing for a new position, do your best not to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer. If you're asked what your salary requirements are, say that they are open based upon the position and the overall compensation package. Or tell the employer you'd like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to discussing salary.

Another option is to give the employer a salary range based upon the salary research you've done up front. Once you've received the offer you don't need to accept (or reject) it right away. A simple "I need to think it over" can get you an increase in the original offer. And if you're ambivalent about the position a "no" can bring you a better offer too. I turned down a position I knew I didn't want, regardless of salary, and received three follow-up phone calls upping the compensation package. Be careful though, if you do definitely need that new job there's a risk that the employer may accept your declining the position and move on to the next candidate. When you're considering a job offer, it's important to know the bottom line - how much your net pay will be. You can use these free salary and paycheck calculators to estimate how much you'll bring home in your paycheck: If you are currently employed and want a raise, start by being prepared. Gather your salary survey information, recent performance appraisals that document the job you're doing, and any other relevant information. Be aware of company policy regarding compensation. Some employers are limited by budget constraints and can only give raises at certain times of the year, regardless of the circumstances. Have a clear idea of what you want. Determine the salary range you're looking for and justification for the increase and have both ready to review with your supervisor. Be flexible. Would you consider an extra couple of weeks vacation instead of a raise? I know someone who has regularly taken time-off instead of money and now has six vacation weeks a year... Then, ask your supervisor for a meeting to discuss salary. Present your request, supported by documentation, calmly and rationally. Don't ask for an immediate answer. Your boss is mostly likely going to have to discuss it with Human Resources and/or other company managers. Despite your best efforts, there may simply not be enough money in the budget to increase your salary or compensation package offer. The company may also not want to create inequities by paying one person more than others in a similar position. In that case, you can at least know you tried. Plus, if this is a job you really think that you're going to love, consider whether the company culture, the benefits, and the job itself are worth it - regardless of the salary.

4. What Interests You About This Job? hen you're asked what interests you about the position you are interviewing for, the best way to respond is to describe the qualifications listed in the job posting, then connect them to your skills and experience. That way, the employer will see that you know about the job you're interviewing for (not everyone does) and that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. For example, if you were interviewing for a Human Resources Manager job where you would be responsible for recruiting, orientation and training, you will want to discuss how you were responsible for these functions in your past positions, and why you are interested in continuing to develop your expertise in Human Resources management.

Another example would be if you were interviewing for a Programmer / Analyst position. In that case, you would mention your interest in learning and excelling at new technologies, your experience in programming new applications, and your interest in and your ability to problem solve. In all cases, you will want to convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview, along with your solid ability to do the job. 5. Your Experience When you are asked questions related to the experience that qualifies you for the job, it's important to be very specific about your skills and experience. The best way to respond is to describe your responsiblilities in detail and to connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Tie your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position. That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. Focus most on your responsibilities that are directly related to the new job's requirements. It's also important to be honest and accurate. Don't embellish your job, because you don't know who the hiring manager will be checking with when they check your references. 6. What do you know about this company A typical job interview question, asked to find out how much company research you have conducted, is "What do you know about this company?" Prepare in advance, and in a word, research, so you can provide relevant and current information about your prospective employer to the interviewer. Research the Company Start by researching the company online. Review the "About Us" section of the company web site. If you're a college graduate check with the Career Office at your school to see if you can get a list of alumni who work for the company. That's an ideal way to get an insider's view of the employer, and to get information that might not be available elsewhere. Check the company's LinkedIn page and the company website to review information provided by the employer. Also check to see if you have any connections at the company who can provide you with insight and advice.

Visit the company's Facebook, Twitter and Google+ pages to see what information the company is promoting and sharing. You'll be able to pick up tidbits of information that you may be able to use during the interview. Search Google News for the company name so you can find the most current information available on your prospective employer. Also research the people who will be interviewing you. Review their LinkedIn profiles and Google them to see what information you can find. The more you can discover, the more comfortable you will be talking with them. Create a List

Use the information you have gathered to create a bulleted list of relevant information that you can easily remember during the interview. Taking the time to research will help you make a good impression with how much you know about the company. 7. Why Do You Want to Work Here? typical interview question, asked to ensure that you are seriously interested in the job and the company, and to find out how much you know about the company, is "Why do you want to work here?" Check Out the Company The best way to answer this question is, first of all, to be prepared and knowledgeable about the company. Spend some time researching the company (the About Us section of the employer's website is a good place to start) so you can talk about the benefits of working for this employer. Check out the company's LinkedIn page, as well. If you have a connection at the company, ask them if you can get some insight into what the company is seeking in an ideal employee. Compare Your Goals to the Job Compare your goals with the objectives of the company and the position, then reiterate why you would be an asset to the employer. Let the interviewer know what you can do for the company, if you get a job offer. Even though the question is about why you want to work here, you still need to convince the interviewer that hiring you will benefit the company. Here are sample answers you can use to frame your own response: This company is internationally known for its (widgets), and my experience in the (marketing/planning/production/etc.) of (widgets) has me intrigued by the opportunity this position presents. The businesses in this area are known for their commitment to the community, and I would like the opportunity to participate in making this a better place to live. I am a (widget) connoisseur, and would love the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for (widgets) with customers.

8. What is Your Greatest Weakness? When you're asked what your greatest weakness is there are several different ways you can answer, including mentioning skills that aren't critical for the job, skills you have improved on, and turning a negative into a positive. How Do You Plan to Overcome Your Weakness? When you are applying for an entry level job a common interview question asked as a follow up question to What is your greatness weakness? is "How do you plan to overcome your weakness?"

Here are sample interview answers which you can edit to fit your personal experiences and background: One of my greatest strengths - and a weakness - is my passion for what I am doing. For example, while in college, I had a variety of courses at the same time and had more of an interest in one than the other. I sometimes caught myself paying more attention to one over the other which is apparent in the end results. While it is great that I am so zealous about particular projects, I need to learn how to find that niche in projects that are not as appealing as well. If employed, I will combat this by realizing that all of my assignments, regardless how into them I may be, are all part of a larger goal. All of them help me grow professionally and contribute to the progress of a particular project and the company. Keeping this in mind, I will be able to turn this weakness into a positive.

Non-Essential Skills An alternative approach is to analyze the key skills and strengths required for the position you are interviewing for and then come up with an honest shortcoming which is not essential for success in that job. For example, if you are applying for nursing job, you might share that you are not particularly adept at conducting group presentations. In this case it will be critical to underscore your strength in one to one communication with patients while providing an example of your difficulty with presentations to large groups. Skills You Have Improved Another option is to discuss skills that you have improved upon during your previous job, so you are showing the interviewer that you can make improvements, when necessary. You can sketch for employers your initial level of functioning, discuss the steps you have taken to improve this area and then reference your current, improved level of skill. If you use this strategy be sure not to mention anything that you improved upon that is related to the job for which you are interviewing. You don't want your qualifications for the job to be questioned. Turn a Negative into a Postive Another option is try to turn a negative into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to get projects completed or wanting to triple-check every item in a spreadsheet can be turned into a strength i.e. you are a candidate who will make sure that the project is done on time and your work will be close to perfect. Note that the term "weakness" isn't used in the sample answers - you always want to focus on the positive when interviewing. Sample Answers When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.

Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills. I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend a little too much time checking it. However, I've come to a good balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first time. I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming week, but I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense. Sometimes, I spend more time than necessary on a task, or take on tasks personally that could easily be delegated to someone else. Although I've never missed a deadline, it is still an effort for me to know when to move on to the next task, and to be confident when assigning others work. I had difficulty with calculus during college, but I persevered with tutoring assistance and extra effort and completed 2 levels with a B minus average. I've learned to make my perfectionism work to my advantage at work. I am excellent at meeting deadlines, and with my attention to detail, I know my work is correct. I used to like to work on one project to its completion before starting on another, but I've learned to work on many projects at the same time, and I think it allows me to be more creative and effective in each one.

9. How Do You Handle Stress / Pressure? A typical interview question, asked to get a sense of how you handle on-the-job stress, is "How do you handle pressure?" Examples of good responses include: Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive. I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn't become stressful. I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment. From a personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every evening. It's a great stress reducer. Prioritizing my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done when, has helped me effectively manage pressure on the job. If the people I am managing are contributing to my stress level, I discuss options for better handling difficult situations with them. I find that when I'm under the pressure of a deadline, I can do some of my most creative work.

I'm not a person who has a difficult time with stress. When I'm under pressure, I focus, and get the job done.I find it exhilarating to be in a dynamic environment where the pressure is on. I find a past pace to be invigorating, and thrive when the pressure is on. I've done some of my best work under tight deadlines, where the atmosphere was very stressful. I'm the kind of person who stays calm under pressure, and handles stress fairly easily. It's a good idea to give examples of how you have handled stress to your interviewer. That way, they get a clear picture how well you can work in stressful situations. 10. What is Your Greatest Strength? What is your greatest strength?" is one of the easier interview questions you'll be asked. When you are asked questions about your strengths, it's important to discuss attributes that will qualify you for the job.The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.

I have exceeded my sales goals every quarter and I've earned a bonus each year since I started with my current employer. My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work. I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations.

How Will Your Greatest Strength Help You Perform? As a follow up to being asked about your greatest strengths, you may be asked about how your greatest strength helped your performance on the job. When you respond, relate your strengths to both the job description and your ability to perform at work. Sample Answers My greatest strength is my ability to work with many different people. I enjoy learning from everyone I meet, and in this position I believe that will enhance my ability to perform on the team. My greatest strength is my ability to focus on my work. I'm not easily distracted, and this means that my performance is very high, even in a busy office like this one. My greatest strength is my ability to focus on the job at hand. I'm not easily distracted from the big picture. My organizational skills are my greatest strength. I'm capable of keeping many projects on track at the same time.

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to manage my time well. I am able to effectively anticipate the time needed for a project, and complete on time or ahead of schedule. My greatest strength is my ability to effectively delegate appropriate tasks to my team. I identify the strengths of the people on my team, and help them to utilize them to make the whole team work more efficiently. My greatest strength is my listening ability. I pay careful attention to what Im being told about everything, from specific information relating to current projects, to future projects, even to what my colleagues did over the weekend. I feel that by being a good listener, I am more effective at completing projects, as well as effectively motivating others. 11. When Was The Last Time You Were Angry? What Happened? When the interviewer asks "When Was The Last Time You Were Angry? What Happened?" he or she wants to know if you lose control. The real meaning of the word "angry" to an interviewer is loss of control, and it's important to know how you handle situations when you're angry. Best Answer Anger to me means loss of control. I do not lose control. When I get stressed, I step back, take a deep breath, thoughtfully think through the situation and then begin to formulate a plan of action. 12. What Do People Most Often Criticize About You? he interview question "What Do People Most Often Criticize About You?" is asked to find out how sensitive to you are and how you accept criticism. Best Answers There's no on-going criticism. I'm open to personal and professional growth and welcome the opportunity to improve. If humor is appropriate, this is a good time to use it. Example: I have a teenage daughter - few things I do are okay on her radar screen.

13. Why Should We Hire You? When an employer asks you, Why should we hire you? she is really asking, What makes you the best fit for this position? Your answer to this question should be a concise sales pitch that explains what you have to offer the employer. The best way to respond is to give concrete examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job. Take a few moments to compare the job description with your abilities, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other positions. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and the position. Here's how to prepare your response. Think of the Job Listing

To prepare an answer to this question, look at the job listing. Make a list of the requirements for the position, including personality traits, skills, and qualifications. Then, make a list of the qualities you have that fit these requirements. For each quality, think of a specific time that you used that trait to achieve something at work. For example, if you list that you are a team player, think of a time in which your ability to work well on a team resulted in a successfully completed project. Keep it Concise You want your answer to be brief no more than a minute or two long. Therefore, select one or two specific qualities from the list you created to emphasize in your sales pitch. Begin by explaining what you believe the employer is looking for, and how you fulfill that need. Focus on your Uniqueness The interviewer wants to know how you stand out amongst the other applicants. Therefore, focus on one or two qualities you possess that might be unique, or more difficult to find, in other interviewees. For example, if you are very experienced with a certain skill that the job requires, say so. This is your chance to tell the interviewer why you would be an invaluable employee. Examples of Answers You have explained that you are looking for a sales executive who is able to effectively manage over a dozen employees. In my fifteen years of experience as a sales manager, I have developed strong motivational and team-building skills. I was twice awarded manager-of-the-year for my innovative strategies for motivating employees to meet and surpass quarterly deadlines. If hired, I will bring my leadership abilities and strategies for achieving profit gains to this position. You describe in the job listing that you are looking for a special education assistant teacher with an abundance of patience and compassion. Having served as a tutor at a summer school for dyslexic children for the past two years, I have developed my ability to be extremely patient while still achieving academic gains with my students. My experience teaching phonics to children ages 6 to 18 has taught me strategies for working with children of all ages and abilities, always with a smile. My previous employer often placed me with the students with the most severe learning disabilities because of my history of success. I will bring not only experience, but patience and creative problem-solving, to this position. Why Are You the Best Candidate? Why Should We Hire You Instead of the Other Applicants? Employers often ask a question like "Why should we hire you instead of the other candidates for this position?" as a way to discover the strengths of an interviewee. Since you will rarely know the strengths and weaknesses of the other candidates, this question is really just an opportunity for you to convey what qualifies you most for the job. Compare Your Resume to the Job Requirements The first step in preparing an effective response to this type of question is to carefully analyze the qualifications for your target job. Review the job advertisement and also check the job section of the employer website where there might be a longer job description.

Its actually a good idea to do this before you apply for a job. That way you can tailor your resume and cover letter so they are as close a match as possible to the job. Heres how to match your resume to the job requirements. List the Employers Job Requirements If the employer has provided a detailed list of their requirements and preferences in the job description, then you are ready to proceed to the next step. If not, then search Indeed.com or SimplyHired.com by similar titles and look for ads which clearly delineate what employers are looking for in candidates for those kinds of jobs. Another way to gain a clear sense of employer preferences is to conduct informational interviews with professionals in the field to get their view of what it takes to be successful in that type of role. Also check the skills required for the job. Heres a list of skills that employers seek for a variety of types of jobs. List Your Qualifications for the Job Make a list of the key qualifications for the job which you have uncovered through your research. For each item on your list, review your own work, volunteer and academic history to determine how you can show evidence of that qualification. Write down an example which shows how you have employed that strength to your advantage. Why You Should Get the Job Be prepared to describe the situation, project or challenge, actions you took which showcase the asset and any positive results. Your assets can be skills, areas of knowledge or expertise, personal qualities or relevant areas of experience. Select 5 - 7 of your strengths that correspond most closely to the job requirements, and use these as the core for your answer regarding what distinguishes you as a candidate. You can add a couple of your other special qualities which have generally helped you to be successful in productive endeavors and you will be ready to impress your interviewer. Read More: How to Answer Why Should We Hire You? 14. What Motivates You? There isn't a right or wrong answer to interview questions about what motivates you. The interviewer is trying to understand the key to your being successful in the job he is interviewing for, and wants to make sure it's a good fit. Consider, in advance of interviewing, what actually does motivate you and come up with some specific examples to share during the interview. Sample Answers Your response will vary based on your background and experiences, but, you will want to share your enthusiasm and what you like(d) best about your job. Here are some examples:

I was responsible for several projects where I directed development teams and implemented repeatable processes. The teams achieved 100% on-time delivery of software products. I was motivated both by the challenge of finishing the projects ahead of schedule and by managing the teams that achieved our goals. I've always been motivated by the desire to do a good job at whatever position I'm in. I want to excel and to be successful in my job, both for my own personal satisfaction and for my employer. I have always wanted to ensure that my company's clients get the best customer service I can provide. I've always felt that it's important, both to me personally, and for the company and the clients, to provide a positive customer experience. I have spent my career in sales, typically in commission-based positions, and compensation has always been a strong factor in motivating me to be the top salesperson at my prior employers. 15. What Are You Passionate About? When you're asked what you're passionate about during a job interview it's a good opportunity to share what is important in your life. It's also an opportunity to show your dedication and what's important to you. Your response doesn't need to be work focused, but do be sure that what you share isn't something that could potential cut in to your working hours. For example, you don't want to say that you're a mountain climber with the goal of climbing Mountain Everest or that you're getting ready for the Tour de France or looking to spend the winter skiing in Aspen. Sample Answers: What Are You Passionate About?

One of my greatest passions is helping others. When I was younger, I've enjoyed helping mom with household repairs. As I grew older, that habit grew and I desired to help others as well. I like helping people find solutions that meet their specific needs. I'm passionate about painting. I take an evening art class once a week and try to find time each weekend to paint. Painting is a good way for me to relax and even though I don't have much talent, I do it enjoy it. I lost my father to pancreatic cancer and ever since then, I have spent time volunteering to help raise awareness and funding for cancer research. I volunteer for PanCan, the advocacy group, and I'm part of their volunteer network. One of the things I'm passionate is to assist in finding a cure, however I can. I'm passionate about making a difference. When I'm involved with a project at work I want to do my best to achieve success. I feel the same way about what I do in my personal life. I'm an avid skier and I like to spend weekends and vacations on the ski slopes.

16. What are the Most Difficult Decisions to Make?

here is no right or wrong answer to questions like "What are the most difficult decisions to make?" or "Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it." These arebehavioral interview questions designed to discover how you handled certain situations. The logic behind these types of questions is that how you behaved in the past is a predictor of what you will do in the future. Give concrete examples of difficult situations that actually happened at work. Then discuss what you did to solve the problem. Keep your answers positive ("Even though it was difficult when Jane Doe quit without notice, we were able to rearrange the department workload to cover the position until a replacement was hired.") and be specific. Itemize what you did and how you did it. The best way to prepare for questions where you will need to recall events and actions is to refresh your memory and consider some special situations you have dealt with or projects you have worked on. You can use them to help frame responses. Prepare stories that illustrate times when you have successfully solved a difficult situation. 17. How Did You Handle Challenges When asked the job interview question "How did you handle a challenge?" be sure to include specific examples of how you handled a particular difficult situation. Discuss how you researched the issue and contributed to finding a solution. Examples of good responses include:

During a difficult financial period, I was able to satisfactorily negotiate repayment schedules with multiple vendors. When the software development of our new product stalled, I coordinated the team which managed to get the schedule back on track. We were able to successfully troubleshoot the issues and solve the problems, within a very short period of time. A long-term client was about to take their business to a competitor. I met with the customer and was able to change how we handled the account on a day-to-day basis, in order to keep the business.

18. Describe a Time When Your Workload was Heavy A typical interview question to discover how you manage your work is "Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it." Sample Answers While at the HKL plant, we were faced with a sudden order increase for the j-ball bearing. It was for a new customer. I immediately sat down with the production supervisor, our materials/supply manager, and the union steward. We were able to lay out a workable plan that maximized hourly costs, guaranteed materials were available and, with only a slight adjustment, meet the production deadline. While it was challenging and involved long hours, the pay-off was a signed contract with a new customer.

When I was working on a software implementation team at ABC Company, we took over another company and had to transition many clients to a new product in a short amount of time. It took a lot of planning, time, hard work, and effort, but we were able to complete the project in a timely manner. 19. What Was the Biggest Accomplishment in This Position? Your potential employer will want to know what you accomplished, and what you didn't, in your current or last position. Questions About Your Accomplishments The best way to respond is to give an example of something you accomplished that is directly related to the job you are interviewing for. Review your resume and review the job posting. Find the best match and use that to show how what you accomplished will be beneficial to the company you are interviewing with. When you're asked about your accomplishments, give a specific example of what you did in your last position. If you wrote a targeted cover letter when applying for the job use the information you included to create your response. For example, if you are interviewing for a job at a school where you will need to manage student registration, explain to the interviewer how you registered students for courses, designed and managed registration software, and solved customer problems. Questions About Failure If you didn't fail at anything, say so. If you can think of an example, be sure that it's a minor one and turn it into a positive. For example, if you were working on a project that was behind deadline, explain to the interviewer how you adjusted the workload and the timeline to get back on track and ahead of schedule. Also explain what caused the failure, and discuss what you did to ensure it wouldn't happen it the future. This way you won't leave the interviewer with the impression that you have failed. Job Interview Questions and Answers 20. What Have You Learned From Your Mistakes? When asked the job interview question "What have you learned from your mistakes?" one way to respond is to give an example that turn a negative (a mistake) into a positive. Examples of good responses include:

I think one of the most important things I've learned is persistence. Not to give up too soon, because the solution is probably right in front of me. I have learned to give every person a second chance, because first impressions can often be misleading.

I used to think that there was one best solution to a problem, but I've learned that that kind of thinking limits the possibility of great success.

Everyone makes mistakes. It happens. It's fine to share your mistakes during an interview as long as you are clear that you have learned from it. However, it's a good idea to not mention a mistake that would be critical for success in the new position. If you're asked to give an example of a mistake that you have learned from, give an example from your last position that isn't specifically related to the job requirements for the new position. It's also a good idea to mention something that is relatively minor. Explain, as well, what you learned from the mistake and what you did to ensure it won't happen again.

21. Interview Questions to Ask It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Have interview questions of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply trying to get this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you. Here are questions to ask the interviewer so you can ensure the company is a good match for your qualifications and interests. Interview Questions to Ask the Employer

How would you describe the responsibilities of the position? How would you describe a typical week/day in this position? Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do? What is the company's management style? Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her? How many people work in this office/department? How much travel is expected? Is relocation a possibility? What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected? What are the prospects for growth and advancement? How does one advance in the company? Are there any examples? What do you like about working here?

What don't you like about working here and what would you change? Would you like a list of references? If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start? What can I tell you about my qualifications? When can I expect to hear from you? Are there any other questions I can answer for you?

1. If I were to start tomorrow, what would be the top priority on my to-do list? The answer to this question will give you more insight into the current state of the position, while the question shows that youre invested and interested in learning how you can start things off with a bang. The added bonus lies in the Jedi mind trick: now youve already got your interviewer picturing you as the position holder. 2. What would you say are the top two personality traits someone needs to do this job well? The answer to this will be very telling. Creative and intuitive can be translated to mean you will be on your own, while patient and collaborative could mean the opposite. Not only will this question allow you to feel out whether youre going to be a good fit; it will also get your interviewer to look past the paper resume and see you as an individual. 3. What improvements or changes do you hope the new candidate will bring to this position? This answer can shed light on what might have made the last person lose (or leave) the job, and it also tips you off on the path to success. Asking this shows an employer you are eager to be the best candidate to ever fill this position. 4. I know this company prides itself on X and Y, so what would you say is the most important aspect of your culture? This type of question is sure to impress, as it shows that youve done your research on the company and gives you a chance to gain insight into what values are held to the highest ideal. 5. Do you like working here? This question might take interviewers back a bit, but their answer will be telling. A good sign is a confident smile and an enthusiastic yes paired with an explanation as to why. If they shift in their seat, look away, cough and start with Well, consider it a red flag. Regardless of their answer, employers appreciate getting a chance to reflect on their own opinions, and this turns the interview process into more of a conversation. 6. Is there anything that stands out to you that makes you think I might not be the right fit for this job?

Yes, asking this question can be scary, but it can also be beneficial. Not only does it give you a chance to redeem any hesitations the employer might have about you; it also demonstrates that you can take constructive criticism and are eager to improvevaluable qualities in any candidate.