10 Popular Interview Questions - What's the Hidden Meaning?

Interview Preparation is essential if you want to be offered the job but many organisations start an interview with popular interview questions which seem easy to answer. However some of the most innocent popular interview questions can get a candidate to relax and 'open up' revealing personal information about themselves which they should not have shared. In an interview there's no such thing as an innocent interview question even if you're asked it by an assistant on the way to or from the interview room! Depending on the organisation, the ten popular interview questionsbelow might be asked in a slightly different way but the motivation behind the questions is the same. Interview preparation will ensure that you always have a good interview answer to hand.

Q1. What have you been up to since you left your job?

Saying, 'I've had a chance to catch up on all the chores to do around the house' is not a good interview answer. An organisation wants to employ people who are energetic, self-motivated, and determined. The longer you have been out of work the more important it is for you to show that you have managed your time well. This might mean volunteering for work where you can use your skills and abilities, attending courses so that you upgrade your skills, and being active in a business or professional network.

Q2. How long have you been looking for a job?

Unfortunately it is true that the longer you are out of work the more difficult it is to be offered a job and you lose interview self-confidence. With this popular interview question the potential employer wants to know whether there something wrong with the candidate that has been out of work for a long time. When there's a chance that you might be 'out of work' for a considerable time it is important to give yourself a deadline and then consider taking a job which might be a contract position, or a job in another area of the country. Even consider a job where you're over qualified. All jobs at every level can be used to promote a candidate so don't feel that taking a job below your qualifications means that this will be held against you in the future. Being seen as a pragmatist and a hard worker will help you to stand out against the competition for a job.

Q3. Why do you want this job?

This is a very popular interview question but saying, 'because you saw the advert is not a good interview answer', even if it's true. It's a buyers market and a potential employer wants to employ a person who is keen and enthusiastic to work with them. If they find a candidate who's genuinely interested in their company then they believe that they're more likely to stay and succeed in the new job. The candidate who prepares for the interview by reading up on the organization and demonstrates an understanding of their strategy, management team and current issues is more likely to capture the interest of the interviewer. Find something specific about the company that complements your own experience and ambitions. It is even more impressive if you've 'gone out of your way' to understand the organization such as talking to other employees or their customers. To interview brilliantly check out these 27 Interview Tips.

Q4. What do you consider to be you greatest achievement?

In an interview, candidates tend to smile and nod a lot. The potential employer is interested in getting to know the 'real' you and whether you're going to fit within the culture and role of their organisation. Asking about your achievements is a popular interview question. The achievement you choose to talk about says a great deal about you and your personality. A good interview answer is to choose an accomplishment that relate to the position you're applying for. If this isn't obvious pick an accomplishment that required some of the same strengths that will be needed for the job. If you're applying for a leadership position in a task goal orientated culture then the interviewer is going to be impressed by someone who is motivated by achieving a project or goal and inspires others around them. In an entrepreneurial organisation a 'creative mind' will be more appreciated. The ability to 'think on one's feet' will be considered critical to a high level of success within their organisation.

Q5. What salary did you earn in your last job?

Companies will frequently find different ways to ask an interview question to determine the candidate's salary requirements. Your last salary is a good way for them to determine whether they can afford you. If the salary the organisation is offering is considerably lower than your previous salary they'll have concerns over whether you will stay in the job. If this is the case, then a good interview answer is to convince them that you are prepared to live on a lower salary and why. Sometimes, companies will ask the candidates, 'what salary do you require? If this is too high for their budget they will look at other applicants. A good interview answer is to say that you are willing to start on a lower salary with bonuses driven by targets. This gives them savings on their budget and a safety net if the candidate does not achieve as well as expected.

Q6. What do you think is your weakness?

One of the most important tasks of the interviewer is to find a candidate who they would like to work with and who is likely to get on with other people in their organisation. Candidates often try to answer this popular interview question with a positive trait disguised as a weakness. For example, 'I'm a bit of a perfectionist' or 'I tend to work too hard and expect others to do the same'. An interviewer is looking for someone who has a level of maturity and self-awareness as this is an important trait for creating empathy and working with people. To stand out from other candidates a good interview answer is to mention a genuine weakness, and then emphasize what you've done to overcome or manage your weakness. This is evidence of a truly confident person who takes personal responsibility for themselves.

Q7. Give me an example of when you found working with someone difficult?

By asking this popular interview question, the interviewer is acknowledging that we can all have a problem working with people some of the time. This is a popular question for revealing any prejudices that the candidate might have. Today it is essential that an interviewer employs a candidate who is comfortable working with people from a diverse range of ethnic, cultural, ages and religious backgrounds. A good interview answer would be to mention a specific person who you found difficult to work with rather than a group of people. Give a specific example such as a person resisting change on one project. Importantly, demonstrate the difficulty and how you resolved the issue.

Q8. What will you be doing in five years time?

Ambition and drive are great qualities in a candidate as it demonstrates energy to persevere and reach goals even in tough times. However, an organisation also wants to see signs of stability and loyalty to employers. If your CV shows that you've moved every eighteen months or so the interviewer is likely to need reassuring that you're not going to 'jump ship' to a competitor in a year from now. A good interview answer is to talk about the opportunities you've researched within their organisation and your ambitions to excel within it, particularly if you can refer to employees within their organisation. Setting Clear Objectives before you go for an interview is useful otherwise you can waste time applying for jobs you're unlikely to get.

Q9. Why are you the best person for the job?

As with answering all the other popular interview questions try and appear confident and likable. A poor interview answer is to just say that you're better than any of the other candidates. You don't know the qualifications or experience of the other candidates! A good interview answer is to focus on three to five specific reasons why you should be hired and briefly substantiate your claims. Remember, to tell the interviewer that you're really enthusiastic about being offered this job and determined to demonstrate the contribution and value you can make to their company. Knowing how to sell yourself is an interview is very great interview skill.

Q10. Is there anything you want me to ask you?

Many firms now ask a similar open ended question. This is not a trick question but just gives the candidate a chance to speak on their own behalf. If you think that there have been any problems in the interview, this is your chance to go back into an area which you think the interviewer may have doubt about you. It is not a good interview answer to say, 'no' as this can show that you're not interested in the job. It can also give you a chance to reiterate a strength which you think is important and might distinguish you from other candidates.

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Job Interview - Best Prep Questions

As professional recruiters, we have learned over the years there one question we can ask of almost any job candidate prospect to determine their level of willingness to cooperate with the hiring process, and their ability to adapt their preconceptions of the hiring process to the practical aspects of a professional job search. Everyone answers that one question pretty much the same. The question: "Who can present your credentials best, you - the person who actually lived your experiences, or me?" Well the obvious answer is "you," the person who lived your experiences. But that is the wrong answer. Which illustrates why so many folks have difficulties with job interviews, often wondering later why things didn't turn out better. Why would your recruiter be a better person to present your credentials than yourself? Because a recruiter will organize your credentials so they appear as a solution to the employer's needs. Typically, when job candidates present their own resume and supporting credentials in an interview, they present their background in a way that is the most flattering, not necessarily the most effective or logical for getting the job at hand. This article reviews how a job candidate can organize and present their credentials in a job interview so it is to their best advantage. The best way to prepare for a job interview is by learning which questions will likely arise in a job interview, and having some predetermined answers for those questions - answers that both illustrate your skills and successes and present your experiences as the solution to the job you seek.

Often, face to face interviews are preceded by a telephone screening, whereby a key Human Resources or other representative contacts the job candidate directly by phone to ask some basic questions. While the strategies described herein apply to phone and on-site job interviews, the objectives differ. In the telephone interview, the objective should be to quickly illustrate your interest in the job and skills you bring to bear so as to generate a job interview. With the face to face interview, the objective should be to lead to a job offer. Attempting to get a job offer differs from actually getting the job. A job candidate who asks for the job offer by selling themselves to the company as the best fit and most motivated candidate, will likely leave the job interview with an offer in hand.

MOST IMPORTANT JOB INTERVIEW CONSIDERATIONS:

DON'T BE ON TIME - BE EARLY

It is important you arrive at the interview 20-30 minutes early. Obviously, being late sends a negative message about you to the interviewer. Many interviewers don't meet with candidates who arrive late. Plan ahead. Investigate traffic patterns relative to the time of your job interview. Don't expect the interviewer will be sensitive to delays caused by traffic congestion or an unexpected traffic accident. They expect you will allow for those eventualities, just like they do.

DRESS & LOOK PROFESSIONAL

Women: A skirt, dress or dress-suit or pant-suit are the most appropriate for the female candidate. Make sure your clothes are neat, clean and well pressed and make sense. Avoid controversial garb, anything too revealing or too trendy. You want to look professional, not like you are there to get a date or express a fashion statement.

Men: A dress suit, shirt and tie is the most appropriate clothing for the male candidate. Make sure your clothes are neat, clean and well pressed. Avoid flashy colors, jeans, T-shirts or tennis shoes. Wear your hair neat (including facial hair), clean and well groomed.

Oh yeah, and please cover tattoos and body piercings. While your private friends may enjoy the current fad of body art, most likely, a new employer isn't impressed, in fact, may look upon those expressions as somewhat immature - regardless of how you may feel about them. If such corporate attitudes are uncomfortable for you, find another prospective employer who is more open to such un-requested expressions of personality. Otherwise, be professional, dress professional, behave professionally.

PREPARE

Have a pen, notepad and extra copy of your resume and references with you. Make notes of questions you want to ask that relate to the job and company. Put those items in a place that will be easy for you to get to when you need them in the interview. If you currently use a daily/weekly planner, bring that with you too. You should try to arrive at your interview well rested, with a clear mind and a plan for presenting your credentials and supporting materials like references.

GREET JOB INTERVIEWER ENTHUSIASTICALLY

Smile, be friendly, not nervous, offer a solid handshake and say something friendly, like: "Good morning, pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the opportunity to visit with you today." Show your enthusiasm about the opportunity to work for their company. Remember, they are interviewing you for a job that requires specific skills and genuine enthusiasm -- if you don't express that at the interview, they many not be convinced you have the stamina required for the job.

DON'T HIGHLIGHT NEGATIVES

For the job interviewer, it is all about filling the job with the right person. Believe me, most job interviewers don't want to hear about your antique tin can collection, or how you landed that elk last year on your vacation. An interviewer wants your undivided attention on their job needs. Your personal habits distract from that focus. Such personal comments may include topics like: smoking, chewing gum, nervous finger or feet movement, tapping a pencil or a fork, humming, whistling, stretching, cleaning finger nails, clearing your throat, excessive "ums" in conversation, or focusing too much time on unrelated topics. Don't make negative remarks about your past or present employers or workmates. Negative remarks will not help your cause, and will seem as though you are blaming others for poor results.

RESEARCH THE COMPANY THOROUGHLY

Learn as much as you can about the company and the duties of the job position which interests you, like income range and associated benefits. Family and friends are sometimes sources of information about the company you seek for employment. But don't rely on hearsay, try to talk to someone in the company about the requirement and expectations of the job you seek. And utilize more than one source of comments about the company you are considering. Any positive things you learn about the company, make sure you mention them to the interviewer as a way to express your long term interest in the job you seek. Be prepared to answer questions about why you want to work for their company, offering sensible reasons that are practical in results.

PREPARE TO ASK QUESTIONS

You don't want to confuse the interviewer with too many questions. Remember, they are interviewing you, so be prepared to answer all their questions smartly. But challenge the interviewer with some of your own questions - determine those questions before you arrive to the job interview. Keep good eye contact when you ask your questions. Don't get into lengthy discussions. The idea is to engage the interviewer, to show them you can take charge when required and get the information you need. You should strive to create a list of questions that go to the heart of the job you seek.

KEEP A GOOD ATTITUDE

Be confident and knowledgeable and you will express a good attitude. But don't seem over confident in your abilities. Remain relaxed, answer questions sincerely. Be interested in the job and the company. Lighten up some and use a little humor! Your job interviewer should be made to feel you really want the job and their company. Show serious interest so that you will be considered a serious candidate. Do not mention offers of interviews with other companies, unless asked.

SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO EXPECT

When answering questions that have a pre-determined answer, remember to offer a straight forward and immediate answer, and keep it simple. Avoid yes/no answers, unless you are offering an example to illustrate your answer. In fact, as much as possible, try and offer your key answers in a format of : Strategy-then-example. In that sense, if you were to discuss aspects of how to build a team of your workmates, you could answer with a short comment about your overall strategy of how to build a team, then follow that up with a quick real-time example of how you recently utilized that strategy and the results you got. Something like - "I build a team by making sure everyone involved understands our mutual goals, the timing, and their influence on those goals. When I did that last Spring, as we were introducing a new product, the goal was to sell more product by training team members to up-sell the new product to existing customers - we increased sales over 20-percent in one month."

"TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF"

Most people feel their personal lives are important, so when this question is asked they talk about everything from their children to their wives to their religion and even their favorite hobby or television show. Job interviewers want to hear some of that, or they don't feel they did a proper interview. But, the truth is, the job interviewer is more interested in getting the right skills and experience for the job. So keep your personal comments superficial, and in answering those personal questions, spin your answers in a manner that your answer reflects the skills and knowledge required for the job. After all, you are interviewing for the job, not a hobby partner.

"WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS"

This is your primary time to express how your experience and skills match up to the requirements and needs of the job you seek. Be specific, but don't spend an hour. Keep your words simple. Write out as many of the answers as possible before the interview, so you can be comfortable when you explain your skills. Again, be brief and use examples.

WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

Mature thinkers tend to know their weaknesses. That is why most job interviewers ask this question. Will you admit you have weaknesses, and if so, how do you manage those? Is the weakness too major to allow you to be successful in the job you seek? Meaning to say, know in advance how you will answer this question. For instance, many hard workers are accused of working to many hours. Sometimes it's to do with the workload, sometimes it's just a matter of poor time-management. So if you say you are accused of being a "workaholic," temper that answer by admitting you do work hard, but that you always maintain a reasonable workload for you and your team, so you and your team (if there is one) are active, but you are not really behind in your work. So admit a weakness or two, but express how your results don't suffer.

DESCRIBE YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE?

If you are seeking a management oriented position, describe your management style. Is it more hands-on? Is it analysis based? Do you delegate and verify results? Whatever your style, describe it specifically, not generically. Don't offer hourly-wage answers, offer management oriented answers; hourly wage answers include comments like: "I'm always to work on time; I always get my work done; I get along with others;" and such. Those are the attributes a manager expects of the people who report to them. Make your answers relative to management. Describe your ability and success when you delegate; your success with smart, accurate analysis and reporting and how those reports lead your activities; outline strategies you use to motivate or influence team members. Be detailed, but in short answers.

"WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR CURRENT JOB?"

There is nothing wrong with leaving one job for a better one. Make sure the interviewer sees you as being in that mind-set. If there are serious issues afoot in your current or recent job, don't spend time discussing those, keep the focus on how you are a good match for the job at hand, and how you are motivated to improve and advance. A good response might be something like: " I am always looking to better myself. I heard positive things about your company and this job in particular, so I wanted to explore my options".

"WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FIVE YEARS"

This isn't a trick question, like most people believe, having two sides: 1) To show how ambitious are you. 2) Are you loyal. It's okay to say you want to advance, if that is the case. But do it politely, a good generic response may be something like: "I want to be a better manager than I am now." Or, "I would be actively working towards promotions in this company."

OTHER QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED TO ANSWER:

Obviously, there are too many hiring scenarios to try and cover all pertinent job interview questions here. But, there are some basic questions that may likely arise, and for which you should generate pre-fabbed answers, so you can offer an intelligent and job related response if such questions come up in conversation. Write out your answers to each of these questions.

How will you be an asset to our company (good opportunity to mention prior achievements, without being boastful.)

Why did you pick this industry?

Describe a unrelated leadership role that you held.

What has been your greatest challenge in your career?

Give me an example of a problem that arose in your job, and how you solved it.

Tell me about a project you initiated and the results.

What types of situations put you under pressure and how did you deal with it?

Give me a situation in which you failed, how did you deal with it?

How do you work with difficult people?

What was your greatest accomplishment?

What challenges are you looking for in a position?

What motivates you?

If I asked people who know you to describe you, what three words would they use?

Describe a situation where you had to work with someone who was difficult. How did you handle it?

What traits are most important for a good manager?

Tell me a about a team project of which your are particularly proud of. What was your contribution?

What type of environment appeals to you the most?

What characteristics are most important in a good manager? How have you displayed one of them?

What makes someone a good leader?

What are your expectations of a good employer?

What do you do in your spare time?

The whole idea here is to leave nothing to chance. Literally write out your answers in advance. Most job candidates do not follow this good advice, believing they already know how best to present their credentials. Don't make that mistake. Organize your answers in advance, put them in perspective of how your skills and know-how best fit the job for which you are interviewing. By organizing these simple tasks to prepare for your job interview, you will greatly increase your odds of getting hired. Don't leave your next great job to chance. Prepare for it now.

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How to Prepare for a Teacher Interview

1. Step 1
   First begin by reading sample teacher interview questions. Since most teacher interviews ask similar questions, you can this about your answers beforehand. You can find questions by doing a Google search for "Teacher Interview Questions". You can also find 50 questions and answers in "Guide to Getting the Teaching Job of Your Dreams" at www.iwantateachingjob.com.
   
   A few of questions that are common at teacher interviews include things like:
   - Describe your classroom management philosophy.
   - How much homework do you give each night?
   - Why do you want to teach at this particular school?
   - What are your weaknesses as a teacher?
   - How do you communicate with parents?
   - Describe how you use differentiation in your classroom.
   
2. Step 2
   Read each interview question you think they might ask and think about how you might answer each question. You don't want to memorize your answers, but know how to develop an appropriate response for each question.
   
   Some people prefer to write down sample answers or "study" sample interview questions with a partner. Whether you're practicing alone, on paper, or with a partner, the real purpose of the activity should be to prepare yourself for every type of question that might be asked and allow you to think of possible answers.
   
3. Step 3
   Next, familiarize yourself with educational jargon. Use the Internet to find a list of words, acronyms, and phrases that may be mentioned in the interview and be sure you know what they mean.
   
   For example, be sure you know and understand how to talk about topics like: differentiation, ESL, IEPs, state standards (if you're in the USA), NCLB, block scheduling, team teaching, and multiple intelligences.
   
   When you're asked a question with a bit of educational jargon in it, you don't want to be the candidate that says, "Huh?".
   
4. Step 4
   Prepare a good teaching portfolio! Many teachers DO get jobs without a portfolio, but having one can give you a definite edge oer the other candidates. A portfolio allows you to show off what you have done in the past. It proves that you have actually done the things you're talking about.
   
   Be sure you stuff your portfolio with lots of student work samples, assessments you've made up yourself, pictures of students engaged in hands-on learning, parent newsletters, photos of the bulleting boards in your classroom, your teaching philosophy, and your classroom discipline plan.
   
   When you're asked about these things at the interview, you can simple reach into your portfolio and SHOW them what a great teacher you are.
   

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Acing your interview for employment

Anyone who has ever been through the task of an interview knows that it can be one of the most stressful events we have to face. There is the possibility of rejection, being underqualified, and if you can believe it, being overqualified. This article is a resource tool to help you ace an interview on your first attempt, assuming that you have the experience and education that the prospective employer desires.

There are many things that you should prepare for prior to the interview. Pick out the attire that you will be wearing before hand. Try it on to make sure that it still fits properly, that there are no loose seams, hanging threads, or any holes. A suggestion for picking the proper attire for an interview for men would be dark dress pants, a light colored shirt with a monotone tie, and a light-weight, non-wrinkling sports coat. For women, I suggest a pant or skirt suit in a solid color with a white blouse, or a very plain dress in a solid color. Try to keep to darker hues of color such as blacks, navy or grey. It will not be a good first impression to dance into an interview wearing a neon green mini-skirt. If the outfit needs any mending, do it while you have the outfit out. Replace any buttons, fix hems, and iron the outfit. Hang it in a spot where it will not get wrinkled, and possibly have the outfit dry cleaned prior to the day of the interview.

Secondly, you should see how long it will take you to get to the interview beforehand. Leave around the same time that you think you will have to leave the day of the interview, just to see what traffic is like. Take the exact route as the one that you will be taking the day of your interview, timing the trip. This will help you plan your day accordingly, so you know how much time to give yourself for traveling. The day of the actual interview, leave the house in enough time that you will be a few minutes early. It is much more appropriate to be early than right on time, or worse, being late. Nothing makes me think less of a prospective candidate than when they are late for an interview. It shows a lack of interest in the position and that the candidate is unreliable and irresponsible. Make sure you are on time.

Research the company that is hosting the interview. This is a very wise maneuver on your part, seeing as many prospective employers are curious as to whether or not you have learned anything about the company. With most companies having web sites, this information is very easy to obtain. Try to find out what the company does, how they operate, and if at all possible the responsibilities of the job for which you are applying. Use some of this information as a stepping stone to the questions that you can ask the interviewer. This is also a critical part of the interview that many people overlook. When I ask prospective candidates if they have any questions, and they don't, I tend to wonder why that is. Some questions that you may find easy to ask the interviewer are:

1. What types of responsibilities are involved with this position?

2. How is the work delegated between the various departments?

3. What departments are linked to this department, and will I be working directly with them?

4. Will I be required to further my education upon becoming an employee?

5. Will I be notified regardless of whether I get the job?

Prepare yourself for the interview. Figure out how you are qualified for the position. Do you meet the requirements set out for the position? Be fully prepared to sell yourself to the individual conducting the interview, that your skill levels meet, if not exceed those required. Relate your skills and experience to the questions that the interviewer is asking. Another angle that many interviewers are coming at now is a strengths and weaknesses angle. Be honest about both of these, it is much better to tell the interviewer the truth, than getting hired for the position and not being able to meet the requirements. Know why you want to work for the company, and what interests you about the position. Know exactly what you have put on your application or resume, so when questioned about it, you know what the interviewer is talking about.

On the day of your interview, wake up and shower or bathe. Try to relax, enjoy the morning, and read over any information that you have compiled about the company. Get ready, saving your clothing for the end as to avoid wrinkles. Women, keep your makeup and hair style to a minimum. Make yourself look professional, and respectable. Men, I suggest clean-shaven and a haircut prior to the interview. If you have facial hair and want to keep it, have it professionally trimmed. Take a few deep breaths, and be on your way, thinking to yourself, "I am qualified, and I will get this job."

TIPS FOR THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW

Once you arrive at the company, announce yourself to the receptionist and inform them of who you are there to see. When you meet the interviewer, shake his/her hand firmly, and thank them for seeing you. During the interview, if you don't understand a question that the interviewer is asking, ask them to re-phrase it. Answer the question directly, without going off on a tangent, and try not to answer with one word statements; elaborate on your short answers. Sell yourself; after all, you have the interviewer window shopping, get them to buy the merchandise. Eye contact is another safe route to take. I enjoy interviewing candidates that are not intimidated by my position. You should feel comfortable with your surroundings. Avoid negative answers, and as a word of advice, DO NOT bring up salary and benefits unless the interviewer brings them up first. Try to have a ball park salary range for the position that you are applying for, but wait for the interviewer to mention it first. After the interview is over, shake the interviewer's hand once again and thank him for his time. Ask what the next step in the process is, and when you can expect to hear from them. As soon as you get home, personally write the interviewer a thank-you note for the experience, adding you anticipate hearing from them soon.

These are all tried and tested methods to ace an interview, and with the proper experience and education, you should soar through the process. If you do get hit with rejection, keep your head up, and get back on track. Follow the techniques and before you know it, you will be happily succeeding in your new career.

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Follow Up Letter After Interview

 In most cases, by the end of an interview we are told that we would hear something for the organization on a particular date. However, the date comes and goes but nothing happens. In such situations, the best way to remind the organization or to know the status of their decision making process is to send them a follow up or thank you letter. Sending follow up letters after job interview is a great way to express appreciation and thanks to the employer for the conducted interview. The main purpose of this follow up thank you letter after interview is to reiterate your interest in the position and the organization. Besides this, by sending an interview follow up letter you can also remind the employer about your qualifications or achievements that fit best for the job position you have applied for. In case you forgot to mention or ask something during the interview, you can do that in your follow up or thank you letter. A follow up or thank you letter can either be handwritten, hard copy typed or e-mailed. For a more formal or professional approach, one can send a hard copy of the follow up letter, while to add a more personal touch, hand written letter can be a good option. You can also send the letter through mail if you have your means of contact with the person you want to thank, i.e. the employer's e-mail id. Now if you are thinking what should be the actual format or template for follow up letter after interview, then need not worry as here comes an example for interview follow up letter.

Sample Follow Up Letter After Interview

Given below is an example of a follow up letter after interview which can help you frame your own letter. Learn more on letter writing.

Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Date Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, Thank you for giving me an opportunity to interview with (organization's name) on (date). I enjoyed interviewing with you and anxiously looking forward to be a part of your management team. The entire management trainee program you defined looks quite challenging and rewarding. Considering my qualifications and prior work experience in this field, I think I would complement your management trainee program and would surely live up to your expectations. I have enclosed a copy of my qualifications and a list of references that you requested. Along with my enthusiasm for performing well, I would also contribute to the technical and analytical skills required to get work done in the most productive and profitable manner. I am looking forward to hearing from you once the final decision regarding this position is made. Please feel free to contact me for any necessary information on the reference address given above in the letter. Thank you again for sparing your valuable time from your busy schedule. Yours sincerely, Signature (Typed name)

 

The guidelines given in the article for writing a follow up letter after interview will help you create the most appropriate interview follow up or thank you letter. You can also add your inputs to make it more personalized. However, it is essential that you give the organization time and not hurry to send the letter as your eagerness can make you look too desperate for the job which can affect you in a negative way. I hope the aforementioned information on writing a follow up letter proves to helpful to you all. All the best!
By Kanika Khara
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Top 10 questions to ask your prospective employer in an interview

You've landed the job interview, and it's going well. There's that awkward pause as the interviewer runs out of steam. The guy who could be your future boss asks, "Do you have any questions?" This is your chance to find out what you need to know about the job and the company and impress the interviewer with your interesting and thoughtful questions. Here are ten questions to help you find out what you need to know.

So, what should you ask? Here are ten great questions for you to use.

- What are the top three qualities an employee needs to be successful in this job?

- What would I do during a typical workday?

- How will I be trained or introduced to the job?

- What is a typical career path from this job?

- What are some of the goals and challenges your group is likely to face in the next year?

- How would my job performance be evaluated?

- What are some of the things that you like about working for this company?

- Who would I work with?

- What hours do people typically work?

- What are the next steps?

Let's look at what you can learn from these questions. In most cases, there's no right or wrong answer - you just need to be able to assess if you are comfortable with the answer.

- What are the top three qualities an employee needs to be successful in this job?

If the interviewer says he values attention to detail, good writing skills, and the ability to juggle several tasks at once, you've learned a lot about his expectations. You'll also be able to assess if the job is a decent match with your skills.

- What would I do during a typical workday?

Ok, it's obvious why you would want to ask this. But watch out for a possible problem - if the interviewer says, "Well, every day is different," he may not know what he wants. There may be confusion about responsibilities. If you get that answer, say, "Tell me about the sorts of things I might do over a typical week or month."

- How will I be trained or introduced to the job?

Understand if you're on your own on day one or if there's a plan for getting you up and running successfully.

- What is a typical career path for this job?

This may not apply to some types of jobs.

- What are some of the goals and challenges your group is likely to face in the next year?

You're looking for two things here - information about what's likely to happen, and whether people are thinking about the future. A company is more likely to be successful if its staff is thinking ahead.

- How would my job performance be evaluated?

There should be a clear answer to this. If there isn't, you may be at the whim of an arbitrary boss. Most companies have a process for performance evaluations.

- What are some of the things that you like about working for this company?

If the interviewer can't come up with a couple of things he likes about the company, you may want to learn more before accepting a job offer.

- Who would I work with?

Find out about the people you might work with - is it a large group, or small? Are they your peers? Are there any people you can learn from?

- What hours do people typically work?

If most people work 7 AM to 3 PM, and you like to roll in at 10 AM, you may have a mismatch. You may also want to explore how much people work - is this strictly eight hours a day, or are you expected to work a lot of additional hours?

- What are the next steps?

You want to find out if there will be another round of interviews, if you'll hear back by a certain date, and what the hiring process will be.

Doing a job interview is a two-way street. Your potential employer wants to learn about you, but you should learn as much as you can about the job and people you'll be working with. Use these questions to help you figure out if the job is right for you.

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Dress up for your interview

Getting ready for an interview can be hectic because many times you don’t know how to get that perfect look. This is quite important because many times you are unable to succeed in your interview in spite your great efforts and performance because of a bad impression of your dress code.

The following list shall give you a good idea of how to dress for a job interview:

1. Suit – You can wear a conservative two piece dark grey or dark blue business suit could be an ideal wear on the day of your job interview.

2. Shirt – A white, long sleeved dress shirt that is neatly pressed and if it has a good fit it would be the best.

3. Tie – Try to go for a plain colored, non distracting, conservative dark blue or dark red neck tie made of 100% pure silk.

4. Tie accessories – A classic silver tie bar will ensure that your tie is held at its place during the interview process so that you are not forced to adjust it several times that could also make you nervous during the interview process.

5. Shoes – Wear clean and polished conservative dress shoes, black lace ups if possible could be a great choice.

6. Socks – Dark socks, black would be ideally suited for the interview.

7. Belt – The belt should match the color of your shoes so try to go with a black one if possible.

8. Hair – Make sure that you get a well groomed hairstyle before the interview and also be aware that short hair always fares best in interviews.

9. Beard – The beard needs to be shaved off.

10. Mustaches – Mustaches could lead to a negative impact but though you have one try to keep it clean and trimmed.

11. Fingernails- Keep your fingernails clean and trimmed because you are judged from top to bottom by the interviewer.

12. Rings- No other rings except wedding and college rings are acceptable.

13. Earrings and piercing- If you have earrings and other visible body piercing, you should take it off on the day of interview.

14. Body odor and fresh breath- Always make sure that you don’t smell badly and chew some gum before the interview but never during the interview.

15. Perfumes and colognes – Keep your perfume and cologne to a minimum.

16. Briefcase – Take along a brief case with notepad and pen for any kind of notes you may have to take during or after the interview.

To avoid any sort of inconvenience try to make all arrangements one day in advance of the interview.

For more details, log on to tying-neck-tie.info

Olivia Andrews, writer of tying-neck-tie.info is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones.

By Olivia Andrews

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Watch out for ILLEGAL Interview questions!

by Nathan Newberger

I’ll quickly cover the following:

A) Why Employer Ask Illegal Interview Questions.
B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.
C) Tips on How To Respond to Illegal Interview Questions.

Job Interview Fact
U.S. law prohibits certain types of questions and you are by no means required or obligated to answer these questions. These questions are prohibited for a reason: to keep employers from unfairly trying to weed you out as a possible employee.

A) Why Employers Ask Illegal Interview Questions.
The interview is where you get your chance to sell yourself directly to the employer. During the interview the employer is obviously trying to learn more about you and how you may or may not fit in the company.

The main reason why an employer might purposely slip in some illegal questions is basically to try and get information to keep you from getting a job. Most illegal questions revolve around personal information and asking them is usually not related to the job and is often discriminatory in nature.

Another reason some employers ask illegal questions is because they just don’t know any better. Many interviewers are not trained at all and simply don’t know what is legal versus illegal. Please keep this in mind, it may just be a poorly trained, inexperienced or just curious interviewer and not meant to be harmful or discriminatory at all.

B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.

Illegal questions generally fall into 4 categories:

1. Disabilities & Physical Skills
2. Personal Background
3. Race, Creed, or Color
4. Family & Relationship Items

10 Sample Illegal Questions:

1. How tall are you?
2. Are you a US Citizen?
3. How old are you?
4. Are you really a man?
5. Are you Chinese or Japanese?
6. What religion are you?
7. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?
8. Have you ever been arrested?
9. Are you married?
10. How many children do you have?

C) Tips On How To Respond To Illegal Interview Questions.
First and foremost, avoid reacting in a hostile fashion remember that you can always decide later to decline the job offer. Your goal during the interview is to try and get the job offer.

Response 1:
Go ahead and answer the question. If you don’t feel uncomfortable and you think your answer is in your favor, why worry? Go ahead and answer the question and make no mention that you think its improper or illegal. Just remember that you run the risk of harming your candidacy if you give an answer not favorable to what the interviewer has in mind.

Response 2:
Refuse to answer the question. You are within your rights but in a delicate and sensitive area with regards to the potential job offer. You can say politely that you don’t feel comfortable answering the question and ask to move on. You may even want to mention to the interviewer that the question is illegal and doesn’t pertain to the job. The key here is to be as tactful as possible. But keep in mind, you may come across as confrontational or not a "team player" in the eyes of the interviewer. CONCLUSION
Generally speaking, its better not to confront or debate the interviewer about the legality of a question. But if you have any uncertainty about the questions, you should be alert to any pattern of discrimination especially if you notice several illegal questions. Try and remember the questions and speak the employer’s HR director and get answers to what may have happened. 

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How To Handle The Job Hopping Question

by Nathan Newberger

The Career Landscape Has Changed

As the economy changes and pink slips pop up, the once optional choice of changing jobs has become a mandatory step towards the top. Times change: 15 years ago employers may have easily rejected a good candidate who held five jobs in eight years. Today, in the wake of company mergers, corporate acquisitions, dot.com shutdowns, mass lay-offs and restructuring, hiring managers are more forgiving of job hoppers. They are realizing it is more of the norm. While today’s employers may be less weary of job changers than their predecessors, some may still have misgivings. That is why you must come prepared with confident, reassuring answers to tricky questions like:

The Tough Interview Question: quot;Why have you switched jobs so often?" 

What Is The Interviewer After?
When interviewers ask such an uncomfortable question, they are usually looking or one of the following:

1. A reason to choose you. Valid reason(s) for your jumping jobs.
2. A reason to eliminate you from the selection process. Any red flags that indicate you are the problem and will not last long at the company.

Popular Reasons For Switching Jobs Often
To receive the employer’s approval and acceptance of your reasons for changing careers, formulate an acceptable response to counter the job hopping issue. Some popular reasons for switching jobs include:

1. Taking care of domestic demands, death/extended illness in immediate family, etc.
2. Moving because of spouse’s job, desire to travel, climate, family, etc.
3. Continually seeking more satisfaction in the workplace
4. Experiencing different jobs to determine where true interests lay
5. Working in positions that were only temporary (internships, summer jobs, campaign work, etc.)
6. Wanting more responsibilities, more money, more respect, more prestige, more flexibility, etc.

Be Honest With Your Answers
Don’t try to leave employment skeletons in your closet because sooner or later, they will invariably come back to haunt you. Be bold. Take full responsibility for whatever leaps you made in your professional past and explain why you did what you did and how you’re a better candidate because of such actions.

In your answer, try to:

1. Tie Your Work Together.
   If you worked in different capacities, relate those duties to the position you’re applying for.
   Answer Example:
   "Since I worked in public relations, marketing and promotions, my communication skills continually improved in various mediums which would aid your advertising firm."
2. Explain Why This Time Will Be Different.
   If you always had to leave jobs because your husband was in the military, say how his retiring will change your pattern. If you jumped whenever another offer looked better, say how you have learned loyalty, stability and commitment take precedence over money.
   Answer Example:
   "After I graduated from college, I wanted to test my talents in many different fields but now I know that my true passion is for architecture."
3. Reveal How Your Checkered Career Path Can Benefit The Company.
   List how your skills, experience and education improved in each of your previous jobs and that such a varied background can bring a fresh perspective to the current position.
   Answer Example:
   "Since the film and music industries are so closely related, I feel my experience in the recording and commercial music business helped me acquire unique contacts and skills that will improve your film production company."

CONCLUSION
Each counter to the job hopping question will vary based upon individuals and their unique experiences. Not everyone has a perfect career history but that doesn't mean you are at a disadvantage. Use the above tips to better handle this situation during your next interview.

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Avoid Potential Interview Disasters

by Nathan Newberger

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid minor mishaps which could ultimately blow an interview. Become familiar with these 7 potential interview disasters so you can prevent them from obstructing your path to that ideal job. 

1. DON'T ARRIVE LATE
Showing up late is both rude and inconsiderate. Is this the first impression that you want to leave with a potential employer? Map out your route and try it out before the interview. Plan on being at least half an hour early to your appointment. This will provide a buffer to protect against wrong turns, traffic jams and all the other mishaps that may befall you. If you arrive early, you can use the time to calm your nerves.

 

2. DON'T SAY THE WRONG NAME
Many a nervous candidate has been known to accidentally call the interviewer the wrong name. In order to avoid this disconcerting faux pau, find out who you will be speaking to before the interview. Memorize the name(s). If this information is not available prior to the meeting, then write the person’s name on your notepad as soon as you sit down for the interview. If you do slip-up, do not make a huge fuss. Apologize quickly (and sincerely) and move on.

3. DON'T SAY THE WRONG THING
Choose your words carefully. Avoid impulsive answers; the first thing that pops into your head may not be the best response. Remember, it’s ok to pause if you need some time to think. Feel free to say "that’s a good question; let me take a moment to think about it." This demonstrates that you think before you speak. Is your everyday speech peppered with expletives or other potentially offensive phrases? If so, take care to avoid these during your meeting.

4. DON'T BECOME SPEECHLESS
Interviews are stressful situations for even the most qualified candidates. This tension can lead to candidates "freezing up" during the meeting. Alleviate some of the expected stress by practicing mock interview questions. Have a friend conduct simulated interviews. If possible, have him/her conduct the interview in a variety of manners including reserved, rushed, and disinterested. This way you will be better prepared for whatever the interview may bring.

5. MONITOR YOUR INTERNAL SYSTEM
Nature has a funny way of acting up at the wrong moments. Fortunately, you can help prevent these unwanted incidents. Avoid the awkwardness of a growling stomach by eating a few hours before the interview. Be careful in what you eat and drink in the 24 hours prior to the interview. Do not overindulge; an upset stomach or hangover is formidable distraction.

6. DON'T BE TOO MODEST
The interview is no place for humbleness. Too much modesty can make you appear introverted or lacking confidence. Don’t be afraid to be your own cheerleader. Prior to the interview, make a list of your accomplishments both personally and professionally; practice talking about them. Have a friend listen to your answers as you practice. This will help prevent you from crossing the line between justifiable pride and boasting.

7. DON'T LACK ENTHUSIASM
No one wants to work with a stick in the mud. With this in mind, how can you prevent from appearing lukewarm? Smile and maintain eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Avoid speaking in a monotone. Be positive in your responses.

CONCLUSION
By preparing yourself against these potential interview disasters you are one step closer to getting the job of your dreams. Remember sometimes it really is the little things that make the difference. 

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Bouncing Back From A Bad Interview

by Nathan Newberger

Nobody is perfect. Nobody lives a perfect life or always has a perfect day. And it is absolutely possible that one of those not-so- perfect days may happen to coincide with the day of a job interview.

Even though we do not like to admit it, we sometimes perform poorly during job interviews. The easiest thing to do is pout, sulk, complain, and whine, but those things don’t really help your job hunt. What is worse, a bad reaction to a sub-par interview, may carry over into future interviews, and make your job hunt much more difficult. Instead, you can make the most of the situation, by recovering quickly. These tips should help you get on your way. 

Mind Your Manners
One of the worst things you could possibly do after a bad interview is chock the whole thing up as a loss and not follow standard post- interview procedures.

There are too many factors you cannot foresee:

1. Often times, a bad interview in your mind wasn’t that bad in reality. For all you know, it might be the best one your interviewer has had in a long time.
2. You cannot read the mind of you interviewer, you cannot be absolutely certain about what the interviewer is looking for, and you cannot be absolutely certain about the impression you make. So, you cannot assume you have slim chances.
3. Not getting selected for one particular position does not rule you out of the running for future possible positions.
4. One interview may not be your last interaction with a company or an interviewer. So make the best possible impression. Be sure to:
   • º   Be courteous and maintain composure as you leave the interview
   • º   Send a thank you letter, note, email, or other form of correspondence.

Make a List
Even the worst of the worst interviews can still have some value. To really benefit from the interview-gone-bad, try the following:

1. As soon as you get out of an interview you would classify as "bad", create a list of every aspect of the interview that made it "bad". Spend as much time as you need on the list so that you can capture every problem; but make sure you create the list right after the interview, so everything is fresh in your mind.
2. Next, create a list of every possible solution to the problems you just listed. This should be an ongoing process.
3. Continue adding to your problems list. New interviews might reveal new problems. Over time, you will come up with solutions to those problems as well.
4. Continue adding to your solutions list. Ideas can come to you at anytime and you may happen to come up with better solutions to problems you already solved.

Check It Twice
The use of lists really helps you to recognize problems and figure out solutions to them. To truly get the most out of them, however, the lists need to be used as constant reminders.

1. Post your lists on a wall, the refrigerator door, or a mirror. Put the lists in a spot where you will see them regularly. Let them serve as a constant reminder of your ongoing self-improvement.
2. Study your lists in between and especially right before interviews. Your lists should be as important as any background research you do on a company. The test of how much you learn is your next interview.
3. Take your lists with you to an interview. Immediately after the interview, examine your lists. Note problems that reoccurred, problems you overcame, solutions that occurred, solutions that did not work, and any new problems that emerged. Your lists should be ever changing.

CONCLUSION
You will not always have the interview of a lifetime. But you will find that the more effort you put into learning from interviews, the fewer interviews you will need before you find a job.

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5 Skills You MUST Convey During The Interview

by Nathan Newberger

No, it's not time to throw your resume in the trash and start a "new age job search". But one thing that any job seeker must understand is that the showcase of talents does not begin and end with the resume. There are many "secret" abstract, often called "soft", skills that employers keep an eye out for.
This article discusses the five key "secret skills" that interviewers examine and how to demonstrate them in an interview situation.
These five skills are:
1. Organizational
2. Critical Thinking
3. Communication
4. Interpersonal
5. Multi-Tasking

1. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Unless you are applying for a job as a mad scientist, organization is an essential skill for any job. Employers can get sense of how an individual will handle large workloads by how organized that person is during the interview. Moreover, a person that makes a sincere effort to stay organized is an employee that will take a job seriously and make a sincere effort to get things done. The best way to display these skills:

• •   Dress professionally and neatly for an interview.
• •   Keep supplies or materials on hand if you think they might be pertinent to the interview.
      This can go beyond pen, paper, resumes, and business cards depending on
      the position you apply for.
• •   Organize your thoughts before the interview. Preparation for typical interview questions
      will reflect a sense of general readiness.

2. CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Nobody wants a mindless drone for an employee. If they did, they would buy a robot. Employers want people that can think on their feet and respond. They are looking for people that won't come crying with every little setback. They are looking for problem solvers. Having critical thinking skills means that you can come through in the clutch. The best way to display these skills:

• •   Prior to the interview, prepare of a list of anecdotes or previous jobs that required critical
      thinking to solve a problem. When applicable, bring these examples up in the interview.
• •   Talk your way through the answers. Let the interviewer understand your train of thought
      when responding to questions. This can also buy you a little extra time if you are
      unsure of how to answer.

3. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is the number one fear in America, but making an impact requires these skills. Unless you can communicate ideas to others effectively, you may not come across as very confident. This is precisely why so many employers ask for individuals with good communication skills, often including public speaking.

The best way to display these skills:

• •   Practice speaking, or answering interview questions in a mirror. This will get you used
      to speaking aloud and let you see the things you may be doing wrong.
• •   Practice interviews with another person, so you can learn to keep cool when reacting to
      another person's comments.
• •   Stay calm and ALWAYS MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. It's hard to disagree with a confident
      person. Once you SEEM confident, you hold all the cards.

4. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Along with being able to communicate your own ideas well, you have to be receptive to other ideas and work constructively with them. Companies need versatile team players: people that will work hard on their own and increase the depth and effectiveness of a group effort. The best way to display these skills:

• •   As in the case of critical thinking, it is a good idea to prepare a list of examples in which
      you were part of a successful team effort. These items may not be on your resume, but
      could come up in an interview.
• •   When possible, reflect back on cases where you coordinated a team effort. It is one
      thing to work well in a group, but it is even better when you show that you can
      also lead and take charge of a group.
• •   Don't be afraid to mention troubles within a team that you had to overcome. A group of
      people will not agree on everything 100% of the time. Being able to work
      through problems and succeed is paramount.

5. MULTI-TASKING SKILLS
Businesses are always happy to drive down costs, and the best way to do this is by hiring fewer individuals who can multi-task. It is often the case that one efficient employee can do the work of two typical employees. Employees are paid for the hours they work, and employers want to get the most out of what they pay. An employee that can complete multiple tasks at once is the solution.

The best way to display these skills:

• •   When discussing previous positions held, include situations where you worked on
      multiple tasks at the same time.
• •   Prepare a list of projects that required you to separate tasks into clusters that could be
      addressed simultaneously. Be ready to explain the thinking behind your separation
      system.
• •   Show a willingness to take on many responsibilities. Any worker can pick up one or two,
      but if you can pick up more without getting spread to thin, you become a valuable asset.
•  

CONCLUSION
The resume will always be around and serve as your primary means of communicating skills with a prospective employer. But remember that you are more than just a list of skills on a piece of paper. The interview lets the employer see whats not easily determined from a resume and also your chance to shine. Mastering the art of showcasing your "secret skills" will let an interviewer know you are person they need to hire.
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How To Answer The TOUGHEST Interview Questions!

WHAT THE INTERVIEWER IS AFTER

Few interview questions invoke as much dread as "Tell me about your greatest weakness?" Keep in mind that by asking this question that the interviewer is trying to determine if you engage in self analysis and how you handle difficult questions.

These 5 quick tips will help you to successfully navigate this interview hurdle on your way to landing your ideal job.

  5 Tips To Help Answer - "TELL ME ABOUT YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?     TIP #1 - MENTION THE DOWNSIDE OF A SKILL.
This strategy is successful because you actually answer the weakness question by showcasing a skill. For example "I am very committed to customer service. Sometimes this leads to my spending quite a bit of time with customers. At times this causes me to fall behind in other areas."

TIP #2 - SHARE A WEAKNESS THAT YOU ARE WORKING TO OVERCOME.
This tactic is successful because it shows that you are committed to self-improvement. An example of this is “I am not really comfortable presenting before an audience. I have joined a public speaking group in order to overcome some of my nervousness.” Another example is "I currently only speak English. I recognize that the world is getting smaller day by day and I am studying Spanish in order to be better prepared for the future."

TIP #3 - USE A WEAKNRESS THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE JOB.
While it is usually preferable to answer with the downside of a skill or a weakness you are working on, sometimes, the best tactic might be to use a weakness that is unrelated to the job. This way you can honestly answer the question while not casting doubt on your ability to fulfill the job requirements. Examples include "I am a terrible cook" or "I cannot dance." This strategy is useful if you are trying to inject a (quick) humorous story into the interview regarding some mishap related to the weakness.

TIP #4 - DO NOT PRETEND TO BE PERFECT.
It is never a good idea to answer this question by saying you have no weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses. By saying you have none, you will appear arrogant.

TIP #5 - DO NOT GIVE A CANNED OR COMMON ANSWER.
This will make you will seem phony and insincere at worst and unimaginative at best. An example of a very over-used answer is "I am a perfectionist." Say this or something similar and be prepared for the interviewer to (inwardly) roll his/her eyes and subtract points for originality.
When talking about your weaknesses, always clearly communicate both what you are doing to overcome the weakness and that you are confident that your efforts will be successful. 

 

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Job Interviews - Job Seekers Behaving Badly

By Lorraine E. Wright

A few months ago, I had coffee with my friend who was acting as a hiring manager for a busy medical business. Let's call her Suzette. I asked her if she had any interesting stories about interviews she'd done. Suzette proceeded to tell me stories about applicants who behaved so inappropriately, that if I didn't know her so well; I would have sworn she was making them up. Let me share a few of the more entertaining ones with you.

1. Surprise! Applicant A walked into the office, and handed her resume to Suzette. Suzette inquired, "Didn't you see in the job posting that the application was to be made by e-mail or fax only?" Miss A replied, "Oh yes, but I decided to come in anyway because I was certain that if you met me in person, you'd love me and want to give me the job." She proceeded to give Suzette a big sales pitch about how great an employee she'd be. Suzette's comment: "If she wouldn't even follow the specific directions in a job posting, how was I going to get her to follow directions in the office? Also, she was pushy." She didn't get the job.

2. Why are you even here? During the interview, Suzette asked Applicant B if she knew about the company, and if she'd done any research beforehand to find out about them. The response: "Oh no, I'm much too busy to be bothered with stuff like that." Wrong answer! Suzette's comment: "If she was so uninterested in us that she couldn't even bother to find out what we did, why did she even show up for the interview?" She didn't get the job.

3. Pushy much? Applicant C strode into the office for her interview like she owned the place. After answering a few questions, she asked, "So do you mind if I look around?" As she walked around she fired off more questions. "How much vacation will I get? What is the pay? Is this where I'll be sitting?" She acted as if getting the job was a given. Suzette's comment, "If she was that pushy and aggressive at the interview, how was I going to manage her once she worked for us?" She didn't get the job.

4. How do you spell incompetent? Rather than fax or e-mail a resume as requested, Applicant D sent Suzette a text from her cell phone. It read something like, "Can't email resume. Cmputr brkn. Wn can u meet me?" Guess what? She didn't get the interview, let alone the job.

So what have we learned, other than that some people need to attend Remedial Interviewing 101?

a. Study the job posting to be sure you respond exactly as requested. Don't think that faxing a resume instead of mailing it will impress the employer with how innovative and unconventional you are. The employer will just think you either can't read or can't take direction or both.

b. Nothing is more insulting to a hiring manager than to make time in their busy schedule to interview someone, only to find out that person simply couldn't be bothered to spend any time researching the company. At the very least, find out what the company does, and if you know the name of the hiring manager and the president, that's a big plus.

c. At the interview, be confident but not pushy. Be on your best behaviour and don't assume you'll be offered the job, unless the hiring manager tells you it's yours.

I'm guessing that anyone taking the time to read this article would never dream of committing the job interview faux pas of the applicants mentioned here. Still, we can all improve, so do a little research. Don't be another hiring manager's horror story!

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