The Best Answers to Tough Interview … - offer

11. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Tell a story about how you first became interested in this type of work.
Point out any similarities between the job you're interviewing for and
your current or most recent job. Provide proof that you aren't simply
shopping in this interview. Make your passions for you work a theme
that you allude to continually throughout the interview.

"I've always wanted to work in an industry that makes tools. One of my
hobbies is home-improvement projects, so I've collected a number of
saws manufactured by your company. I could be an accountant
anywhere, but I'd rather work for a company whose products I trust."


12. How do you stay current?

Demonstrate natural interest in the industry or career field by
describing publications or trade associations that are compatible with
your goal.

"I pore over the Wall Street Journal, the Times, Institutional Investor,
and several mutual fund newsletters. And I have a number of friends
who are analysts."


13. Why do you think this industry would sustain your interest in
the long haul?
What expectations or projects do you have for the business that would
enable you to grow without necessarily advancing? What excites you
about the business? What proof can you offer that your interest has
already come from a deep curiosity-perhaps going back at least a few
years-rather than a current whim you'll outgrow?

"The technology in the industry is changing so rapidly that I see lots of
room for job enhancement regardless of promotions. I'm particularly
interested in the many applications for multimedia as a training tool."


14. Where do you want to be in five years?

Don't give specific time frames or job titles. Talk about what you enjoy,
skills that are natural to you, realistic problems or opportunities you'd
expect in your chosen field or industry, and what you hope to learn
from those experiences. You shouldn't discuss your goals in a fields or
industry unrelated to the job you're applying for. This may sound
obvious, but too many candidates make this mistake, unwittingly
demonstrating a real lack of interest in their current field or industry.
Needless to say, such a gaffe will immediately eliminate you from
further consideration.

"I'd like to have the opportunity to work in a plant as well as at the
home office. I also hope to develop my management skills, perhaps by
managing a small staff."


15. Describe your ideal career.

Talk about what you enjoy, skills that are natural to you, realistic
problems or opportunities you'd expect in this particular job or industry,
and what you hope to learn from those experiences. Avoid mentioning
specific time frames or job titles.

"I'd like to stay in a field related to training no matter what happens. I
was too interested in business to work at a university, but I believe that
teaching is somehow in my blood. I've been good at sales because I took
the time to educate my clients. Now I look forward to training the new
hires."



16. Tell me something about yourself that I didn't know from
reading your resume.

Don't just repeat what's on your resume. Think of a talent or skill that
didn't quite fit into your employment history, but that's unique and
reveals something intriguing about your personality or past experience.

"You wouldn't know that I've managed my own small portfolio since I
was sixteen, but I believe that it's important for you to understand my
interest in investment sales. I've averaged a 12 percent return over the
past eight years."



17. Tell me what you know about this company.

Describe your first encounter or a recent encounter with the company or
its products and services. What would be particularly motivating to you
about working there as opposed to working the same type of job in a
different company? The recruiter will look for evidence of genuine
interest and more than just surface research on the company. Reciting
the annual report isn't likely to impress most recruiters, but feedback
from customers and employees will.

"I served as an intern to a restaurant analyst last summer, so I followed
all the steak-house chains closely. What you've done especially well is
focus on a limited menu with great consistency among locations; the
business traveler trusts your product anywhere in the U.S. I'm
particularly interested in your real-estate finance group and expansion
plans."


18. What have you learned about our company from customers,
employees, or others?

Describe how your interest has grown from personal dealings with the
company representatives. Think creatively in preparing for job
interviews. For example, prior to your job interview, speak with
retailers or workers at other distribution points about the company's
product line. What can they tell you? Give one or two examples of what
you've learned to explain why you're interested in this company. What's
the most compelling example you can describe to prove your interest?

"I actually called several of the key accountants mentioned in your
brochure. Two of the customers I spoke with explained why they
continued to buy from you year after year. Your distribution operation
is phenomenal. Are there any service improvements you think could
still be made?"



19. Tell me what you think our distinctive advantage is within the
industry.

Describe things you believe the company does very well, particularly
compared to its competition. Explain how the financial strength of the
company is important.

"With your low-cost-producer status and headquarters operation in a
low-cost area of the country, you seem in a better position to be able to
spend aggressively on R&D, even in a down year compared to your
closest rival."


20. What other firms are you interviewing with, and for what
positions?

Often the candidate will try to impress the employer by naming some
large firms in unrelated industries with completely different types of
jobs. This is a big mistake! What employers want to hear is that you're
interviewing for similar jobs in the same industry at similar firms (such
as their competitors). This illustrates that you're committed to finding a
job in your field of interest and are likely to be a low-risk hire.

"Actually, I've definitely decided to pursue a career as a restaurant
manager, so I'm applying for restaurant management-training
programs. I've recently had interviews with several other large
national fast-food chains, such as Super Burger and Clackey's
Chicken."

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