Posts tagged How To Answer
Interview Questions for Employers
Jul 9th
Knowing the right questions to ask on an interview can be tough. Knowing when and how to ask them at the appropriate time can be even more challenging. At some point in the interview you know the interviewer will ask “Do you have any questions for me?” and you need to be prepared.
Below are some examples of good and bad interview questions:
- “What do you do, exactly?”
- “How many personal, sick and vacation days will I get?”
- Why is this position vacant?” – This is a seemingly appropriate question, but can appear gossipy. It is best to wait and see if the interviewer mentions why the position is available.
You should be able to determine if you and company/position are a good fit from the questions you ask on an interview. The best way to accomplish this is by asking bold questions.
- How receptive are you to feedback from your employees when you do something they disagree with?
- As a manager, what frustrates you about the people that work for you?
- Is there a project your department is working on now? If so, how are you interacting with your staff on it?
Don’t play it safe by only asking the same general questions as everyone else. If you want to make a memorable impression dig deep and ask questions related specifically to the position and department you are interviewing for.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on July 9, 2012 at 12:27 pm, and is filed under Interview With The Interviewer. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
May 15th
We said it before and we’ll say it one hundred times more, do not say anything negative in a job interview, even if the interviewer is asking for it.
This question, “Tell me about the worst boss you ever had,” is the perfect example of how you can get trapped. The interviewer is asking you to divulge a negative experience or interaction with a supervisor or co-worker.
Try not to fall in to the trap. We’re sure some of you have had bosses that you weren’t too fond of, but try and focus on the positives and steer very clear of bad mouthing.
Here are some answers we would recommend considering:
- “I’ve been lucky enough to have exceptional bosses throughout my career thus far. However, some have taught me more than others.
- “I have never had an awful boss. There were those whose management styles were different than mine. Thankfully, those experiences showed me which styles I work with best.
- Throughout my past experiences my bosses have all been very different. This worked in my favor because it has shown me how versatile I can be in various environments. All of my bosses were very pleasant and taught me something different. For instance…
It’s always a good tactic to follow these answers with specific scenarios. Give some examples of how your bosses differed and how they taught you different things. Change the question around to focus on positive experiences.
Do you have some other answers to this question that you’d like to share with our readers? Please comment on our Facebook page. Thank you!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on May 15, 2012 at 9:07 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
May 1st
If you find yourself interviewing for a job while you’re currently employed, you will, most likely, encounter this question:
“Why do you want to leave your current job?”
Tread lightly here because you should not mention any reasons that may cross over the job responsibilities that match the job your interviewing for.
Pick two things that you feel you have outgrown in your current role. The main reason for your leaving should never be negative.
For instance:
“While I have really enjoyed my time at company, I am looking for a more challenging role where I can learn and grow.”
You also must elaborate on why you are not learning and growing with your current company.
Go to the interview prepared to give specific examples why and how you think you can take these new responsibilities and learn, contribute, and grow within this company.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on May 1, 2012 at 8:05 pm, and is filed under Interview, Interview With The Interviewer. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
Apr 17th
We are trained not to discuss salary in a first job interview. However, that does not mean the hiring manager will steer clear of asking the question:
What is your salary requirement?
Some are truly stumped by this question because they don’t want to say a number and regret it. By committing to a number you run the risk of low balling yourself. This can result in a potential offer that’s not what you want at a company you really want to work for.
Below are some tips to prepare you for this question.
- Go into the interview knowing the answer to this question. Never say, “Oh, I have never really thought about it.”
- Know your market. Research the position you’re interviewing for and note the standard salaries based on job requirements and qualifications
- Don’t throw out any number. Have a conversation about what you’re currently making and what you earned in your previous positions so that the hiring manager can see your growth potential
- Ask questions. How many people will I be managing? Are there any job responsibilities added to this job that aren’t necessarily on the job description? Will I be commuting (some people require added pay to contribute to transportation)
- Make sure your answer isn’t greedy but don’t devalue yourself either. A great way to avoid this is to do your research
You always want to be honest about what you’re currently making and have made in the past. However, if this conversation is taking place during your first interview, don’t say a number! Leave it open ended and express that you’re willing to explore various salaries based on benefits and added bonuses.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 17, 2012 at 5:09 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
Apr 10th
In this week’s edition of “How To Answer,” we would like to focus on strengths you have acquired and utilized in previous roles.
During an interview it is beneficial to have at least 3-4 strengths memorized so you can answer:
“What do you think you can bring to this company?”
Use this question to your advantage by answering with hard evidence proving your great skills and qualities that are unique to you and no one else. This is an opportunity to show that you would be a valuable asset to the company. Here are some reasons why.
Think of a time when you:
- Were a leader
- Handled pressure in a professional manner
- Went above and beyond for a co-worker or client
- Showed loyalty
- Solved a problem with a can-do attitude
Make sure you tie in a scenario to each point above and any others you would like to showcase.
How do you answer this question? What interview questions have stumped you in the past?
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 10, 2012 at 7:19 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
Apr 3rd
Last week’s “How To Answer” blog post got a great response, thank you!
One of our Facebook fans suggested we post about a question that has stumped her in the past.
“Tell me more about yourself.”
This is less of a question and more of a demand.
The question is tricky because:
- You want to make sure you list qualities about yourself, as a person, that match the job itself
- You want to express your interest in the job and it’s responsibilities by explaining some hobbies or past times that complement the qualifications of the role
- You have to be aware of how personal you get with the information you share. Don’t take it too far or the interview could become awkward
In order to hit all the positive points about your wonderful and outgoing personality, you should make a list before the interview. Jot down what you do on your spare time and how that contributes to your persona and work ethic.
For example:
- I enjoy Yoga and Ballet – These activities not only keep me healthy and in shape but it’s a great way to make new friends, engage in a new community, and learn new things (This shows that you’re friendly, active, and open to new things)
- I volunteer once a month with City Harvest – When I work with the people and charities associate with City Harvest I find that I feel fulfilled and proud that I am using my strength and free time to help others in need (This shows that you care about others and are willing to put others before yourself. It also proves that you’re responsible and can commit to tasks and obligations.)
- I belong to a book club that I started – I coordinate meetings and assign books to read once a month. There are 10 girls in my club, a number which has grown from 5 in one year! We have been doing this for over a year and it’s a great way to catch up and share ideas. (This shows that you are a team leader and you take initiative.)
Have you been stumped by an interview question? Please tell us what’s stumped you and you may be featured in next week’s post!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 3, 2012 at 6:25 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
Mar 27th
We would like to start dedicating Tuesday’s posts to how to answer hard interview questions.
There are some questions that stump while others are no brainers.
It’s important to be consistent with your answers, keeping them short and on point.
One candidate asked us how to answer:
“What is your work ethic like?”
This stumped her because she already answered questions with the answers:
- I’m hardworking
- I do not procrastinate
- I am dedicated and committed to being successful
With this particular question we would recommend answering with a specific instance where you showed a strong work ethic. Don’t limit your answer to: “I have a strong work ethic.”
Lengthen your answer with two or three examples of how you exhibited this “strong” ethic.
Stay tuned for next week’s “How To Answer.” If you’ve been stumped by an interview question and need some clarity for your next interview – email – sbellow(at)pyramidcg(dot)com and you could be featured on our blog!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 27, 2012 at 3:07 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Interview, Interview With The Interviewer. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
