Typically, an interviewer, once past the opening question, “so tell me about yourself”, will proceed to validate your “speech” with questions about your background. Interviewers want to see consistency here. This part of an interview is where most of the time is spent. Why? Because your past is a strong indication of your future and as such, a strong indication of what an employer can expect from you while on the job. Get ready to get thoroughly questioned. I am sure you can recall my previous comments with regard to thorough questioning. No matter what, keep smiling and stay positive. Please refer to the job interview questions you will be asked and you will see how this link neatly ties into what you are about to read.
Why are you thinking about leaving your current job?
This question reveals your attitude very quickly. Many job seekers go negative on their current employer. This is not a valid reason to leave a job and will turn your interviewer off instantly. If you have some criticisms about your current employer, choose your words carefully. A better approach is to write out your “ideal next job” and then explain to the interviewer what you are looking for in these terms. Here’s an example:
“There is much I enjoy about my current job, but my potential for growth is somewhat limited because of the company’s position in the market and their growth plans.”
Simple. Be sure and practice your response a few times and be sure to hold your eye contact when you explain this to your interviewer. If you sound too eager or too desperate to leave your current position, you interviewer will sense this and ask more questions on this subject. If they do, be consistent with your opening response. So what if your boss is a jerk. It wouldn’t be the first time this has happened to someone and your interviewer will see no value in you if you get into this type of conversation.
Are you still employed at the last organization listed on your resume?
This question is asked for a reason. Too many job seekers try to mislead prospective employers about this. If you misrepresented this on your resume, consider this a lesson in the value of coming clean. Chances are that a good employer will cut you out of the running if you have misrepresented yourself here. If continue down this path and do not come clean, this is grounds for immediate termination by your employer.
If you have come clean about your previous job and you are currently unemployed, get to the point quickly and turn it into a positive. Here’s an example:
“Yes, I was let go. My boss and I did not get along well. We have different styles. I am someone who takes initiative and who likes to be trusted with getting the objectives done and done well. Bob values structure, details and reporting. I didn’t see this coming when I took the job. I certainly understand that reporting and other management controls are important. I think I interpreted his demands as personal attacks and showing lack of trust in me. I misinterpreted. Bob was just doing his job and I have learned a valuable lesson.”
There are other questions under the section “Questions About Your Background” within the article job interview questions you will be asked that I will cover off over the next several weeks.
Be mindful that you should rehearse, but not memorize your answer(s). Include positive words and phrases and include that what you don’t know, you will learn quickly. This is not an easy process, but it gets easier as you spend more time tuning your message.
Ready? The odds are stacked against you. You can still come out the winner by paying close attention to the details of interest of your prospective employer including the opening question, “so tell me about yourself”. The organization has a requirement. Someone has to get the job. It may as well be you.
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