*ahem* AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

[firecat88]

So...I've been in the process of trying to find a job (which, yes, does genuinely make me want to scream and run around in circles in a panic). My resume's done, I've got some potential things lined up with IBM if it all works out, so the next logical step is preparing for an interview. @_@ I've done some research on my own about questions that come up during interviews, but I'd love to hear some input from y'all about what I can expect and such. So if anyone has advice or wants to share what it was like for you during your interviews, I would love to hear from you.

[Pixilated]

I just finished a three-day job-finding workshop and of course interviews were one thing they covered ...

1) "Tell me about yourself" -- we saw a funny video (wish I could remember how to get to it!) about an interviewee who was asked this and promptly launched into the entire story of her life, leaving the interviewer to slowly sink into a coma ... Keep it focused on only the relevant work, said the workshop coordinator. Ditto for "Describe your background for me."

2) "What's your weakness?" We were told to make it something that is actually not a bad thing, if that makes any sense, and also to mention how we're trying to improve. For example, "I get really discouraged when I lose a sale. Usually I go to a senior staff member or the site manager to ask how I could have done better."

3) "What do you know about our company?" If your answer is "Nothing" ...

4) "What did you like least about your previous position?" Be careful that it doesn't turn out to be something that's part of the position you're applying for (e.g. "I hate midnight shifts!" when the job involves shift work ... including midnight shifts).

5) Coordinator also suggested questions the interviewee should ask at the end -- two very important ones are, "When can I expect to hear from you?" or something similar, and "May I please have a business card?" because he also emphasized the importance of immediately going home and writing a thank-you note for the interview.

6) Be sorta prepared for a bizarro question or two, although these are not something every interviewer uses. Example: "What kind of tree would you like to be and why?"
The interviewer is less interested in the content of your answer than in seeing how good you are at thinking on your feet.

Good luck!

[Grendus]

Once piece of advice I was given is to watch out for variations on the classic questions. For example, what are your three greatest weaknesses. Most people have that first one down to a science, but the second and third are much less polished which gives them a better idea of what you really think of yourself.

[KhirasHY]

Never forget the #1 rule: lie!

Well, I'm not really joking. Honestly, I'd say about 80% minimum of the interview questions I've been asked are only there to see if someone is actually dumb enough to admit to them. For instance, to get my current job, they asked "have you ever stolen from a workplace?" Seriously, you think I'm really going to answer yes to that, even if I had done so? I haven't, btw, but still.

Really, an interview is just to see what kind of a BSer you are. Most of the questions aren't even all that important. That could just be an opinion

[JambaBamba]

When I work on prepping candidates I always tell them a couple things.

1. The night before think up 4 or 5 accomplishments you're proud of in your career. Detail it out in your head (or write it down if it helps). This will help you when they ask you about a time you had to handle a difficult customer, or how you work on a team or any of those types of questions. Also, we always think of the bad things about ourselves first so if you fill your mind with times you rocked you'll feel more confident in the meeting.

2. When handling a difficult question do the following:

1. Take a breath (seriously, your brain works better when it gets oxygen and when people get nervous they take shallow breaths)
2. Ask yourself, based on what you've been told and already know about this job, why are they asking you this question.
3. If you aren't 100% sure what they're asking, ask a clarifying question: "When you're asking me how if I've ever had to deal with a difficult customer are you asking me how I've resolved an issue with a customer or a time when I assisted a co-worker who was having trouble solving an issue"
4. Answer confidently and use an example (from one of your accomplishments if possible)

3. Ask specific questions to the interviewer: Instead of "So tell me about X company" ask "What do you feel separates X Company from it's competition".
Ask what would be your top 2 priorities if you were to start tomorrow. Ask what skills the interviewer feels are the most necessary for this position.

4. When it comes to negative questions Keep It Short and Simple.
Don't bad mouth or be negative if possible. If you hated your last boss and quit because they were a complete oxygen thief you don't have to paint that picture. "I liked Y company but I feel that I need to learn more and am looking forward to an opportunity where I can grow and work with new people." If you have to say anything (i.e., small industry or a known event) keep it short. "Yes, unfortunately Manager and I didn't always see eye to eye on customer safety and I felt that I would have more options to learn from someone else".

5. BE YOURSELF! Yeah, most important one. If you have to be someone else to get the job then that job isn't for you.

6. Small ones: Make eye contact (at least 40% of the time). Smile. When the interviewer is talking lean your upper body forward some (it's a sign you're interested in what they're saying). Use something called mirroring. If the person you're interviewing with tilts their head, tilt yours the same way. They have their hands on the table. Put yours.

7. The money question (I deal with a lot of executives so if this doesn't apply to you then ignore it). When you get asked the money question don't give a range. The seller (you) always thinks the high number and the buyer (them) always thinks the low number. No one wins. We use the phrase "You know, Interviewer, after hearing so much about X company I'm really excited about this opportunity and I'm sure if I'm the right candidate you'll make me a fair offer". If they press say "Currently I'm at $X (or I was previously at $X) but if I'm the right candidate I know you'll make me a fair offer".

8. Before you get to offer stage have 3 numbers in your mind. The first is your happy dance. This is the one that if they offered you you'd literally dance. The second is your walk away number. If the number is lower than this you will not accept the job. Somewhere in between there is your happy number. It's where you'd like to be and you wouldn't hesitate to accept it. Have the numbers in your head before you get to an offer. People second guess their worth and accept a low offer and then feel pissed and stuck 6 months into the job.

Sorry that got so long...good luck!