4 Tips to Rock Your Interview

Through my experience interviewing over 2,000 applicants I have realized that many people hear the question, but may not understand the intent.  It seems that many think these are trick questions, or just aren’t sure how to respond.  Here are the top 4 problem questions I have encountered, with some help on how to answer.

Why do you want to work here? – Please do not say “I need a job,” or anything that might resemble that.  Of course you need a job or are looking for one, otherwise you wouldn't have applied for the position.  Right?  What I’m looking for in a response are the things about that company attracted you.  So here’s what you can do when you know that you have an interview.  Look at the company’s website, and pick a nugget or two of information that you can share.  This shouldn’t be something too obvious, but something of interest to you.  When asked this question, you can also share how your Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities make you a good fit for the organization and position.

Can you share a time that your manager made a decision that you did not agree with? – I have noticed many people get stuck on this question.  It almost sounds like a trick question doesn’t it?  I have heard countless times “I always agree with my manager.”  I have also heard a good number of people say “I didn't agree, so I left.”  While these responses may be true, they don’t address the intent of the question.  The interviewer is looking for a time that you didn’t agree with the decision, and the actions you took to come up with ideas, or how you communicated with your manager.  It’s more about constructive problem solving, and how you are responding to situations that you don’t agree with.

Can you tell me about a time when you made a mistake? – This is a good one to think about in advance.  It’s another one that seems tricky.  I have heard countless "no's" to this question.  Many of us don’t like to think about our mistakes, so this can be a tough one.  This question is about accountability, and problem solving.  When you make a mistake, do you own up to it?  It also checks your ability to include the people who need to be involved.  We all make mistakes, so share how you handled yours.

Why do you think you are the best person for the job? – Often this question comes near the end of the interview.  When asked this question, please don’t respond with “I’m not the best,” or “I don’t know who else has applied that might be better.”  You applied for the job, so you must think you're qualified to do it, right?  This is your opportunity to recap the things you talked about at the beginning of the interview, and highlight your responses during the interview.  You also have a great opportunity to share your excitement for this position and company.  Take this opportunity to add in any other Knowledge, Skills or Abilities that you have that are relevant to the job.  For example, unless you are applying for an ice skater job, I don’t need to know that you are an ice skater.  

Many of the behavioral interview questions (i.e. "Tell me about a time ___") are looking for STAR responses: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.  This style of question gives you the opportunity to share a story about a work situation.  So make the most of it.  

What was the Situation?  This is the background for your story.  So, paint the picture for the interviewer.  Remember they weren’t there, so add enough details so they know what was happening.

What Task were you doing?  Set the scene.  Were you working on something, and then asked to do something different?  Were you doing something that led to you making a mistake?  Were you unsure of how to do the task?

What Action did you take?  This is the high point of your story.  Share details about the people you involved and the steps you took to finish your task or solve the problem.

What was the Result?  This is the end of the story.  Was it happily ever after?  How did your actions impact you, your work area, and your company?

Although not generally part of the STAR responses, I think it is very valuable to add the things you learned from that situation.  If you would do something different given the chance to do it again, share that.  It shows that you can be reflective and seek ways to improve.

With some review and practice of these 4 problem questions and your STAR responses, you will be better prepared to shine in your interview.  Go get 'em!

What problem questions have you encountered?  Maybe I can help.