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Posted by: Jannika
This shows real expertise. Thanks for the answer.
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Posted by: Antoine Hicks
that was a lot of help thanks
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Posted by: Beth
As for the question "What is/are your weakness(es)?" I like to say that I have been told I do not ask enough questions when new to a job. This is because I don't like bothering other people and I feel as if I should be able to figure the matter out for myself. This makes me appear to be by nature independent and self-sufficient, but I add that I am trying to change my ways and be more willing to enlist assistance, which makes me appear flexible and interested in improving my job performance above all else.
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Posted by: cheru
This is a perfect list. I have conducted many interviews and mock interviews. When I was interviewing prospective hires I would look for all of the items listed. As far as dress is concerned, I simply suggest dressing appropriately for the job title you are applying for. IE: someone applying for a retail position would dress differently than someone applying for a boating position. Wear what u would expect to wear on the job. Whatever the case, be professional in your approach and it will leave a lasting impression. More than your outfit.
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Posted by: Jessica McBrid
This is a great thing for people that were not fortunate like i was in my college class we rolled played and two students was the bosses , one student played the assistant and we had to play it out and these were the things you spoke about we were graded on our interveiw performance, how we answered questions and interacted back and our eye contact. This was a great experience for our hole class. I wish every one had this oppurtunity. But if your reading this it helps me befor an interveiw to practice in the mirrror with eye contact answered and just being prepared all together.
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Posted by: Valerie Clancy
Cecile Peterkin's article is chock-full of good common sense. Thnks for posting it Michele. Valerie
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Posted by: Chuck
I have been on both sides of the fence on jobs and interviews! Dressing in a suit when that is not who you are is wrong! And being judged by someone that thinks you should be a certain way to fit in is also wrong! If you go and interview for a position that you feel you have to be someone you are not, then you are making a mistake. I once interviewed a person and hired him to be a right hand man! Construction. He was dressed in jeans and a regular solid color shirt. He was to be a supervisor and responsible for driving my equipment from project to project and parking it each evening! The first day, he showed for work with flip flops on and a wife beater tank top that showed his Tats and lots of em! He misrepresented himself from the start! He lasted about a month! After he assured me he could manage a very small project, I fortunately returned in time to fix things before I had to demo and start over! When I expressed my concerns, he clammed up and wouldn't speak for a week until he left! He couldn't take criticism at all! My last job (after closing my construction business after the economy tanked) was working for people I used to do work for. I now found myself in a position of not calling the shots for myself but complied with the wishes of the new job! I started getting used from the start! The more skills they discovered that I had, the more they would put on me daily. My pay did not increase, When I started to question my skills and talents they were taking advantage of and their worth, they felt I was complaining. I wasn't complaining but felt I was being used! My point to this is, If you have known skills and are confident in them, don't settle on what they want to give you. They are not giving you anything! You will earn it! Never waver from your expected duties of the job and certainly don't take unnecessary ridicule or personal anger from any employer! Fair is fair, Right is right. If things are not going good,you will most likely not be there for any extended period. File a complaint, don't wait and look for something else!
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Posted by: Pamela Haymond
Wonderful comments, especially from Riant, Tina, Allen and Carol...Having interviewed and hired for dozens of positions over 40 years, I'd like to add how important it is to interview THEM as well, and it doesn't have to be through direct questions. Show up a little early and observe. It's a temptation, particularly in today's market (and I have never seen it worse for employees) to tell them what they want to hear and grab any job you're offered. If you felt the place wasn't for you in the interview, or you didn't like the people, rest assured it ain't getting no better, unless you're the boss- and even if. I've lived to regret this....oh, boy. Try for temp jobs; there are plenty of them, as employers are weeding through looking for that "perfect" (often meaning "utterly co-dependent") employee. Come up with well-thought-out, honest descriptions of your weaknesses. I've heard, "I have a tendency to work too hard," and "I don't have any" (!!!). Into the trash. Keep in mind that any position involving government funding is required to post the job and interview, and there may be many interviews. However, they could very well have already hired from within. You won't be hired; they know who they want, but have to post and interview. In today's awful (and I believe, bordering on abusive) climate, do ask about salary/wages. I have found companies who hedge about this may be waiting to see what your qualifications are, but most likely know what they are offering is not competitive, or they may be outright exploitative. Corporations (and yes, this is political) exist to make money, period, and typically for their stockholders, not you or me. If your budget requires a certain amount, hold your ground.On the other hand, I've been fortunate enough to learn it's far better to lower your lifestyle requirements and do what you love. And what will help others, the environment, small businesses, etc. Happiness is a by-product of love and service. And you can quit without fear if you don't spend every cent you make...employers do know the people they've got on a leash. Lastly, I've been appalled at extensive online applications - I mean an hour- that ask dozens of personal questions, including about friends, feelings and what you dream about at night. And this for a bagging position at the grocery store! My son has run into this many times. It's a clear invasion of privacy, as you are not given the option to refuse to divulge your soul for minimum wage. Don't know what to do about this, other than object and wait for better days. And tell them what they want to hear in this case..Fight on! You're not your job. And live simply. Good luck, you guys.
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Posted by: Melissa Squalls-Johnson
Thanks for all of the helpful advise and all of the great comments made. This is very helpful.
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Posted by: Anisur Rahman
It is good but not all need to give more example. Anis
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Posted by: mjane
It's helpful!
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Posted by: gabrie santiago
Good thing to have such informations. It really help a lot.
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Posted by: Innocent Muwadziripi
The issue of strength and weaknesses always affected me,how can I go about that question,what would they be expecting,which answers do they expect?please help me.
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Posted by: Mary
I agree with T.W. I always ask for a salary range when receiving a call inviting me in for an interview. I don't want to waste my time or theirs if the salary does not meet my requirements. It's very hard interviewing for jobs when you are currently still employed. There are only so many doctors appointments a person can have :)
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Posted by: Abbey Gless
I interview pretty regularly and this is DEAD ON! The main thing we remember when hiring is you can't teach personality, but you can teach the job.
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Posted by: Daniel Gnanamani
It is marvellous.
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Posted by: Rebeque
I always do a bit of research before the interview:mission statement, profit and loss statement (if available), etc. Always cater my resume package to the person interviewing, making sure to include critical requisites from the job posting in my resume. I try to ask at least one question about what the expectations are for the company long term. It works-finally-after 140 resumes!
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Posted by: Susan Heyer
One strength/weakness I have discussed with an interviewer is attention to detail. It can be both.
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Posted by: Cee M.
Okay now that the mistakes made during the interview have been identified how about after....when is it too soon to follow up; or better yet should you (or just wait)?
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Posted by: Patty
For those asking about questions and examples of answers, there are many websites related to this. Just google top 10 interview questions. I printed out the questions/answers and go over them before every interview.
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Posted by: Adrienne Scott
Good advice. Just now learning about LinkedIn. From my experience in HR, dressing your best always made a good impression. Even if you are interviewing for a forklift driver position, dressing your best shows you will put your best foot forward and are willing to go the extra mile to do your best. If you have experience in your field, you (and the interviewer) already know the appropriate and safe attire for the position.
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Posted by: Rebecca
I went on an interview and the employer actually asked me towards the end, "What were you expecting in terms of compensation?" In that case, I had to be honest and say that I wanted at least a certain amount per year for full-time. Afterwards he said, "Oh. I'll have to think about that." What was I supposed to say? Lie and say "Oh whatever you had in mind!" I just felt like being honest was the best way to go. I knew I wasn't asking too much because I said "Well based on some research I did on the average salary for this position I'd expect at least..."
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Posted by: Kirk Clousson
These are good pointers however, most job interviews I have been on are with companies that have NO CLUE what they are looking for in a candidate. Companies interview and then they interview again and their interviewing process continues for over six six months in hope to find a PERFECT candidate which is NOT realistic. I think these companies have too much time on their hands and frankly when I see this behavior with companies I come to the conclusion that I actually don't want to work with them because the way they behave. No integrity.
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Posted by: Mary
Since the author of this article cannot spell and her interview tips widely circulated without the error corrected, it just proves to me that many in the field of journalism, etc. may have used the ten tips to get their job, but don't actually deserve it. That's just my prospective....I mean perspective. Employees should have skills, not just glib ability to schmooze through an interview! That is what is wrong with job seeking today. No focus on the person's proven track record, skills, reference letters.
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Posted by: Riant
One question I like to ask is what the interviewer likes best about their job or that company. It can give them a chance to highlight things their company has done well, and can give you some really good insights. For example, if what really stands out to them is something that's really important to you in a job, it is a good indicator that this is a company you'd enjoy working for. On the other hand, if they can't come up with anything they love, that is a bad sign.Strengths and weaknesses can be a tough question; I have also been asked to describe specifically how I resolved a conflict or handled a mistake I made.And don't forget thank you notes! Even if the interview didn't go well. I have seen this in the hands of second interviewers and had this specifically mentioned to me as a plus by a company who hired me.
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Posted by: Jennifer Sleight
I would also be interested to know what questions are suggested to be asked.
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Posted by: Sharon F
Great advice.
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Posted by: Tina Hillson
They should have expanded on the strengths and weaknesses question. The best answer on the weakness part is that the weakness you share should also highlight a strength and show how you have corrected that weakness. My own was this: I am a firm believer in meeting deadlines, so sometimes I have become impatient when I've had to wait for someone else's input in order to finish a project. I have since learned to redirect this energy into completing other tasks while I wait." This sort of response is a lot stronger than just saying something like "I get annoyed with slowpokes!"
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Posted by: tracey
thanks and thi info is so true.I learned these things at a school I got my certification at.Things I never knew all this time about how to conduct an interview.Very helpful!
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Posted by: Khaukha
This is so far my first time to acces such kind of advice . i hope these will go a long way in addressing my weaknesses and improve on my strength in as far as interview preparations are concerned. Bravo continua!
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Posted by: JESUS ENDERES
thank you very much for the tips,
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Posted by: malek daghighi
Helpful for an ordinary position !
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Posted by: Allen T
Being prepared, being yourself, and asking questions (carefully crafted if needed) to determine if the opportunity is going to be (at least) compatible with your passion and values wraps up my approach to interviewing. I find it very difficult to imagine going through an interview without a primary intent of determining if you would likely look forward to coming to work every day (how aligned is the job with your passion, talents and values), sleep well at night (does the hiring manager have a style, personality, history and value's that you feel you can work with?). Regarding the HR comment... very practical "inside" knowledge for HR industry; however, referencing this type of resource as if it is as obvious as spell checking your resume seems a little misplaced. I am stunned at the variability in the skill and motivation behind HR professionals I have interviewed with. Some appeared completely unskilled, unprofessional, and conveyed no apparent understanding of the value that can be derived during an interview, and some the exact opposite (there is of course this same extreme in every profession). I have to say, I do not discount the attitude, style and "power" of HR professionals during an interview. Good and bad can exist in every organization; however, the existence of bad demonstrates the opportunity for other organizational issues to be present (i.e., no common organizational direction, rebels, etc.).From my perspective, being well prepared means you have at least completed an inventory of your roles, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, accomplishments, credentials, strengths, transferable skills and a characterization of how have succeeded in the past and will succeed in the future (put it all in a spreadsheet... keep it updated). The better your self assessment preparation, the better your resume, cover, confidence and ability to be your confident self during an interview will be. As well as listening during an interview, have a number one purpose of gaining the best understanding of what the opportunity is so you can assess the opportunity and determine (for example) your own on-boarding and short/long term strategies to satisfy your employers needs. Carefully crafted questions should be aimed at determining and demonstrating your interest in the keys to succeeding in the position (any position). Gaining knowledge about the hiring manager, peers, direct reports, major initiatives underway, major issues and urgent priorities, who was in the job last, why did they leave, are they still with the company, etc.) will help you realize and believe in yourself and the value you offer, and give you the best understanding of how utilize the interview process to demonstrate and reveal to the potential employer and yourself the fit and value you offer (or possibly reveal you should perform more research about the specific opportunity).Of course, I am looking for work... so maybe my strategy doesn't fit the current times we are in.
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Posted by: T.W.
Asking about salary is not recommended. But time is a valuable thing and I don't want to take time off work and rearrange my schedule only to find out after the interview that the salary just wasn't there! I've already made this mistake too many times. I think it is ok to at least ask what the for a more precise salary range.
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Posted by: Carol
Having 30+ years working and having had countless interviews, these 10 are good but should have provided more details and at least one example. Polly's comments from an HR perspective are very good. Here are mine from the other side of the desk:Even if you're going to be one minute late for a face-to-face, call and let the interviewer know. Sometimes there are circumstances beyond your control, e.g. flat tire, highway obstruction, and you can ask the interviewer if it would be okay or if THEY would prefer to reschedule. Let them make the call. NEVER be late for a phone interview and turn off call waiting. Nothing is more annoying than to be distracted by the notification of an incoming call and the interviewer can hear the clicks, too. These are more commonplace in today's telecommuting environment.Always dress appropriately. Period. Don't wear casual clothing. Make the investment for a good well-fitting suit and new shoes. Hair absolutely in place and cover those tats and remove your studs (if you have one in your tongue, absolutely remove it - I interviewed someone who kept clicking his tongue stud against his teeth through the entire interview and by the time we were done, I frazzled from the sound). It doesn't matter if you're the only expert in your field, if the interviewer is not open minded to body art, you won't get the job.Listen intently to what the interviewer is saying and respond to questions honestly and openly. But don't tell them too much. Leave them wanting to hear more and let them ask for more. Don't be a Chatty Cathy - that's a big turnoff. Do your homework. Research the company that posted the position. Find out what they do and also what opportunities there are for advancement. Be prepared with your own questions about the job, the company, and even the interviewer. With regard to questions, you can find a lot of good reference material online. Tailor the question to the company.Always bring several clean copies of your resume. If you applied to the position online, there's a good chance the word processing program you used to upload your resume didn't format it the same way for the interviewer. Use good resume paper from the office supply store. It's worth the few dollars of investment. A tip regarding salary: Unless they bring it up, don't mention it until the 2nd or 3rd interview. It's usually the 2nd when the hiring manager will discuss compensation for the position. I call my weaknesses "opportunities" and have had interviewers smile at that. It got me to 2nd interviews many times.As I mentioned, these are my tips from many years of being in the workplace.
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Posted by: Kathie Rinex
Thanks a lot. This was very informative along with the comments made. I haven't interviewd for a job in 20 years. This will be very helpful for me. Thanks again.
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Posted by: ABUBAKAR HUSSEIN YUSUF
Good idea and tips for job seekers
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Posted by: Carol Nosworthy
I, too, would appreciate a list of questions to ask an interviewer.
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Posted by: Stephen Crawford
Very obvious points but great to see them in writing as 10 key potential mistakes.
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Posted by: cella
we dress geans and so and soo, how if you apply housekeeping for interview ?or they must ask question about job you apply.not question not related to our job ,anyway thanks for tips.
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Posted by: gerald
im now prepared for any job interview thank you very much
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Posted by: Polly Booher
I've been in HR about 30 years, and perhaps I am just used to these very important basics, but I am always surprised at the number of people who do not seem to "get it". Presenting yourself honestly yet engagingly is critical. Conservative and clean attire, proper use of language, politeness to everyone, and sufficient curiousity to learn something about the company ahead of time are simply expected. If you have concerns, or just need to practice, go to your local workforce development office and speak with a counselor. They will help you. Being yourself is fine - just be yourself at your best!
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Posted by: Louis
I would agree on most of those suggestions. And definitely do NOT say anything negative about your last job, esp. if you had conflicts with co-workers or bosses. Definitely a done deal that they will not hire you after that! Made the mistake of saying co-workers were "too cliquey, younger, and wasted time" in last job. This would have been a great opp. too. Needless to say, they did not move forward with me. I would go so far as to say GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS is the number two if not number one thing employers these days are looking for. Unfortunately, with the economy being the way it is, they can and do cherry-pick for the absolute BEST potential employees. Too bad it's not as easy as ten years ago, or even five years ago, to find a decent job.
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Posted by: karin
What do you think the top 10 questions might be that are most commonly asked in an interview? Got the strengths/weaknesses part...What else?
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Posted by: Trevor P
It also might be a good idea to remember to listen to the interviewer before butting in. I've interviewed candidates whom, although well qualified, just couldn't manage to keep their mouths shut when I was talking. It made me question their ability to listen to clients when listening is all that's required.
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Posted by: Mollie De Martino
The hardest question you will be asked during an interview is about your strengths and weaknessess, you MUST be articulate and honest. The interviewer will know by your reactions and body language if you aren't. If you don't know the answer to a question, say so and ask about some issue within the question, demonstrating your interest.
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Posted by: Cheryl Jones
It has been years since I've interviewed. Do you have a list of the most commonly asked interview questions?
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Posted by: Anupam Kumar
Good Comments
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Posted by: rakhi vaswani
Thanks for tips Before going any interview i will remember all points
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Posted by: Gulam Mustafa Ali Khan
It's very useful.
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Posted by: Don Ruge
It's implied under number four above but "listening" is an extremely important part of the interview process. Forget about all those fears and worries that are running through your head, be in the moment, focus and listen, really listen to what the interviewer is saying. It sounds easy but sometimes it is the most difficult thing to do!
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Posted by: Marie Bruno-Bouquet
Now I know better about it. Thanks a lot!
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Posted by: LeDonna Sotomayor
If this list is going to be so "bossy" the least it could do with things like the "questions to ask" part could come up with examples? And it sometimes doesn't matter the company you're being interviewed as to the questions you're being asked. I've been asked far-out questions time to time "What's the best customer service experience you've ever had?" at a JCPenny interview? What was this a survey? Why would they bother to ask me THAT? See? Nice...
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Posted by: nicolec
wish my interviewers this morning knew the interview was a two way street.
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Posted by: Cheryl Cade
Helpful article. Thanks!
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Posted by: Lisa Charleston
I feel more confident about job interviews after reading this information. It gives you the frame of mind needed to prepare for a good interview. Thank you for this helpful information.
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Posted by: Susann Major
Give examples of pertinent questions. have difficulty with this on interviews.
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Posted by: Holly Hesse
I couldn't agree more - I was asked the question regarding strength and weakness before - and froze like a deer in headlights - it was ugly - but I learned from it......
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Posted by: Garry Lunn
informative.
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Posted by: Md Abu Yosuf
this a good things for a new job seeker
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Posted by: Casey Kepley
This is good advice. Another thing I have found that is useful is having a web site about you or a web site that relates to your IT job that you are applying for. For example, if your applying for a job building web sites you might want to refer your interviewer to your portfolio of web sites you have built or the web site that tells more about you.
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Posted by: Gordon MacPhail
In most cases you would have to dress for the part except in the case of the Construction industry as well.Like going for a interview with High tech companies sandals would not be the way to go Jeans and work boots lets them know you are ready to work especially if Operating heavy equipment lets face it when was the last time you saw someone in a Bulldozer wearing a suit and tie ! Thanks for the other tips i`ll make sure that they are put to good use ! G
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Posted by: Tom Portel
1)Dress: I wore a silk short sleeved shirt & docker pants: also rode a bike to interview; 2)lack of preparation: I stumbled on 1 question--I don't believe it was worded properly; 3) I asked about salary at the end of interview (as article suggests), but now I believe (as most writers indicate) I should have left it out entirely. The job I interviewed for was a blockbyblock.com: ambassador/cleanup downtown job. I also believe getting hired from an interview is like winning a lottery. Any reply is appreciated. Thanks, Tom Portel
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Posted by: Bharath Kumar
Right post at the right time.Thank you!!!
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Posted by: anonyms
whatever happened to showcasing just who you are to see if you fit in with a company in its offered position. UK jobmarket feels too much like employers want prospect employees to jump through hoops to see how many tricks they'll do to get the job rather than to look at who they actually have in front of them. What's worse it that 80% of the job openings out there are just shit jobs anyway and still they put out the hoops. Ridiculous!!
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Posted by: pyesoetun
Very good , but we need more examples
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Posted by: Triv
Very informative.Thanks!!
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Posted by: RAFIU ADEKUNLE
Thank so much for this write-up, it has changed so many things about my perception of what an interview demands from a potential applicant which ordinarily would not be noticeable
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Posted by: Rebecca Podolski
Michele O'Reggio's hints are highly beneficial to job seekers. Just for clarification, though, in job interview mistake #2, I think she meant to write "prospective boss", not "perspective boss". Thanks.
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Posted by: Marina Medakovic
Why is the salary question so prohibited???We all work for money compensation not for love!!!I remember the time when only idiots did not show an interest in being paid and it was negative mark at the interview of course.The only problem here I see is the lack of jobs and nothing else.
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Posted by: Denise Bailey
This was very informative! Thank you!
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Posted by: Char
I feel so much happier now I understand all this. Thanks!
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Posted by: Dell
This has made my day. I wish all postings were this good.
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