The Best Answers to Tough Interview … - offer

21. Do you believe you're overqualified for this position?

Most people don't expect to be asked if they have a great deal of
experience. This question could quite easily catch a candidate off
guard, which is exactly the interviewer's intention. The candidate
doesn't hesitate in answering this question and shows complete
confidence in his or her ability.

"Not at all. My experience and qualifications make me do my job only
better, and in my opinion, my good design skills help to sell more books.
My business experience helps me run the art department in a
cost-efficient manner, thus saving the company money. Finally, I think
I'm able to attract better freelance talent because of all my industry
contacts. My qualifications are better for your company, too, since
you'll be getting a better return for your investment. Again, I'm
interested in establishing a long-term relationship with my employer,
and if I did well, I would expect expanded responsibilities that could
make use of even other skills."


22. What would you do if one of our competitors offered you a
position?

The interviewer is trying to determine whether the candidate is truly
interested in the industry and company, or whether he or she has chosen
the company randomly. Contrast your perceptions of the company with
its competitors, and talk about the company's products or services that
you've encountered. In the long run, which players do you believe are
most viable and why? This is also a good place to ask the interviewer
for his or her opinion.

"I'd say no. I'm not interested in other players in this industry. I want to
work for Nike because I won a number of races wearing the Nike brand.
Because of my positive experience with Nike, I know I'd be convincing
selling your product to retailers."



23. What's your dream job?

This is your ideal chance to sell your aptitudes that fit the job
description. Show an interest in finding new ways these skills can be
put to use in a new job with additional responsibilities. Tie in the
industry, size of company, or other factors where appropriate.

"My dream job would include all of the responsibilities and duties in
this position you're trying to fill. I also thrive in a fast-changing
environment where there's business growth. Your plans call for
expanding internationally during the next year, and this would satisfy
one of my ultimate goals of being involved in an international
corporation."



24. What motivates you to do this kind of work?

The interviewer will want to know about your belief in the products or
services of the company. Use personal experience to demonstrate your
interests and strengths. In an interview for your ideal job, you'd be
highly motivated to get paid for working at something you liked. The
interviewer will want to know if your natural interests are compatible
with its particular job.

"I've been fortunate in my own schooling; I had wonderful teachers. I
want to be that same kind of teacher-who not only encourages kids to
learn but also sets an example that inspires others to want to teach. In
the long run, that's our best chance of turning around the quality of
education in this state."


25. Why should I hire you?

Don't repeat your resume or employment history. Offer one or two
examples to explain why you're talking to this particular company.
What's the most compelling example you can give to prove your
interest? This question often remains unasked, but it's always in the
back of the recruiter's mind. Even if this question isn't asked, you
should find an opportunity to use your prepared response sometime
during the interview, perhaps in your closing remarks.

"My uncle had a company that was a small-scale manufacturer in the
industry, and although he later sold the business, I worked there for five
summers doing all sorts of odd jobs. For that reason I believe I know
this business from the ground up, and you can be assured that I know
what I'd be getting into as a plant manager here."


26. What are your strengths?

Describe two or three skills you have that are most relevant to the job.
Avoid cliches or generalities; offer specific evidence. Describe new
ways these skills could be put to use in the new position. If you have to
talk about weaknesses, be honest without shooting yourself in the
foot-avoid pointing out a weakness that could be a major obstacle in
landing the job. For example, it might be wise to mention you barely
have the required work experience for the job; the interviewer has
surely noticed this much, and then you can explain how you're qualified
nonetheless.

"My strengths are interpersonal skills, and I can usually win people
over to my point of view. Also, I have good judgment about people and
an intuitive sense of their talents and their ability to contribute to a
given problem. These skills seem to me directly related to the job. I
notice that you require three years' work experience for this job.
Although my resume shows I've only two years' experience, it doesn't
show that I took two evening college courses related to my field and
have been active in one of the professional societies. I also try to gain
knowledge by reading the industry's trade journals. I'm certain that my
combined knowledge and skill level is the equivalent of that of other
people who do have three years' of work experience. I'm also currently
enrolled in a time-management course; I can already see the effects of
this course at work on my present job."



27. How do you explain your job success?

Be candid without sounding arrogant. Mention observations other
people have made about your work strengths or talents. This question is
similar to the question "What sets you apart from the crowd?"

"I never assume our customers are satisfied with our product, so I do
my best to follow up with every customer. This feedback has provided
valuable insight into the quality and characteristics of our products.
The customer, as well, always appreciates this follow-up, especially
when something hasn't gone right and you still have the opportunity to
correct it on a timely basis. In addition, I'm able to pass on information
to our design and production units to help improve both process and
product."


28. Would your current boss describe you as the kind of employee
who goes the extra mile?

Be ready to offer proof that you persevere to see important projects
through and to achieve important results. Share an example that
demonstrates your dependability or willingness to tackle a tough
project. If you describe "long hours of work," make sure you
demonstrate that the hours were productive, and not just the result of
poor time management.

"Absolutely. In fact, on my annual evaluations she writes that I'm the
most dependable and flexible person on her staff. I think this is mostly
because of my ability to juggle and prioritize. Would you like an
example?"


29. Tell me about a time you didn't perform to your capabilities.

This question forces the candidate to describe a negative situation. Do
so in the context of an early career mistake based on inexperience; then
demonstrate the better judgment you now have as a result of that
learning experience.

"The first time I had to give a presentation to our board, I failed to
anticipate some of their questions. I was unprepared for anything other
than what I wanted to report. Now my director and I brainstorm all the
what-ifs in advance."



30. How do you manage stress in your daily work?

It might be helpful here to describe a stressful project you've worked on
and the specific actions you took to organize each step and see the
project through. How do you keep yourself calm and professional under
pressure?

"I try to get out for lunch at least once during the week to clear my
head. I also have a personal rule that stops me from reacting to a
problem until I feel calm about it. I think, then act-but I've learned to do
that over time."

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