How to Tip the Interviewing Balance in Your Favor

Interviewing is a tricky business. You are prepared to answer just about any question the interviewer asks. But are you ready with questions of your own?

Here are two that have been recommended by interviewing skills training professionals:
  1. Organizational Culture: From what I’ve learned about the company, you are proud of holding to the values expressed in your mission and vision statements. How would you describe the most important feature of your culture? Not only do you demonstrate that you have done your homework, but you are likely to get a more complete and actual picture of what the organization values most to determine if you will fit in and thrive.
  2. Strategic Alignment: If I were to begin the job next week, what would be on the top of the list of my “to do’s”? The interviewer will not only picture you in the position by the way you ask the question but will also give you important clues as to what you would be expected to accomplish.  Follow-up with how your priorities tie to the overall team and corporate strategy and you will get a sense of strategic alignment and position yourself as someone who "gets it."
Asking good questions can help to tip the balance in your favor.

How to Best Navigate Challenging Interview Questions

As a job seeker, you should be prepared to answer a variety of questions…especially the most challenging ones. Interviewers are not necessarily looking to trap you, but they are trying to assess how you handle yourself in unstructured situations.  They want to know how self-aware you are, how honest, and how well you might fit into the company culture.

Take some tips from interviewing skills training professionals on the best way to answer the following questions:
  • How do you think your former colleagues would describe you? Be ready with the feedback you received on your previous position. Did your teammates appreciate your reliability? Did you get kudos for being easy to work with? Did your co-workers come to you for your ability to solve problems? Be prepared with specific examples and be truthful.
  • What is your ideal position? Whatever your ultimate dream job may be, you need to talk about the job you’re seeking as the one you consider ideal for now. Describe why you like the company and specifically how you hope to contribute to the team in a way that aligns with their organizational culture.

Three Awkward Interview Questions and How to Ace Them

  1. What is your greatest weakness? To say that you have none is disingenuous and you will lose points with the interviewer. Think honestly of a trait that you need to improve. Show that you can take constructive feedback and also the responsibility for working on your weakness. Be open and confident, but be brief.
  2. Would you please tell me about yourself? Do not embark upon a lengthy personal history. This is an opportunity for you to bring your most important and relevant accomplishments to light. Stay on track.  Focus on what will interest the interviewer and what will show that you are qualified for the specific job at hand. 
  3. Why did you leave your last job? Keep this positive. Perhaps you are looking for more responsibility. Be honest but avoid talking about any unresolved conflict or bad blood. The interviewer is looking for a candidate who will fit in, not create dissent.