As you move from the rapport-building
stage to the content stage of the interview, your non-verbal communication
of confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity remain highly important.
But what you say must be impressive also. While there is no "right"
answer to any question, there are some guidelines that can help you
formulate strong responses.
 |
Be concise.
Give answers that are clear and direct. Avoid rambling. |
 |
Be specific and provide
examples that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.
One excellent technique is to tell a "story" that
(1) describes a specific
situation in which you were involved.
(2) explains your role and what action
you took, and
(3) illustrates the results you achieved.
|
 |
Be positive and highlight
your strengths.
Help the employer understand your qualifications in order to
conclude that you are the right person for the job |
Traditional versus Situational Interviewing
Techniques
The continuing competitiveness of the job market has resulted in
the increased use of the situational or behavioral style interview.
Rather than ask, "What are your strengths?" an employer presents
the candidate with a situation that could occur on the job and asks
the candidate to describe how he or she would handle the situation.
Or, the employer could ask the candidate to describe in detail how
he or she actually handled a specific situation in his or her past.
Traditional interviewing focuses on getting factual information
from the candidate grades, work experience, leadership activities,
and special skills. Situational or behavioral interviewing requires
a candidate to describe situations or past behaviors that demonstrate
specific competencies that the employer has determined are necessary
for success in that position or organization. You should be prepared
for both interviewing styles. Being prepared with specific examples
to demonstrate your skills and experiences will help you remain
calm and able to answer both types of questions effectively.
Responding to Interview Questions
As the interview progresses, the employers will ask you a variety
of questions to determine interest and competence. When answering
the question, make sure your answers are clear, concise, and followed
by an example, and you maintain strong eye contact.
Listed here are Sample Interview
Questions typically asked by employers.
In addition to preparing answers to the typical set of questions,
it is good practice to informing yourself about the company you
will be visiting.
Responding to Challenging Questions
Questions of special concern to many candidates include technical
knowledge, illegal questions, salary expectations, or work accommodations
for physical/emotional impairments.
For highly technical positions, it is common for interviewers to
ask the interviewee to define technical terms, write code on the spot,
or evaluate/read a technical design schematic. Be prepared for this
type of question. If you don't know the answer, it's better to say
so than to attempt to circumvent the question. |