How to Answer the Toughest Interview Questions

How to Answer the Toughest Interview Questions

By Caroline Levchuck


You know they're coming: Those seemingly unanswerable questions that pop up during job interviews.

You can't clam up. And you don't want to stutter and stammer. So what's a job seeker to do?

The 'Future' Question

Otherwise known as the "big picture" question, the future question goes something like this: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

The best tactic: Talk about your values.

Don't get too detailed about your specific career plan. Instead, discuss things that are important to you professionally and how you plan to achieve them. If growth is a goal, mention that. You can also talk about challenge, another value that employers prize in their employees.

The 'Salary' Question

Most people will tell you that whoever answers this question first loses. But that's not necessarily true.

When an interviewer asks your salary requirement, try first to gently deflect the question by inquiring about the salary for the position.

If the interviewer presses you for a number, give a range. To decide on a range, think about the salary you want, your salary at your most recent position and the industry-standard salary for the job.

The bottom line: The salary question is one of the most important, so you should prepare for it in advance and plan what to say.

The 'Why' Question

There's a fine line between boastful and confident. And you need to learn it.

When an interviewer asks you why they should hire you, you're going to have speak confidently and honestly about your abilities. But you should avoid sounding overly boastful.

Aim for earnest and prepare by practicing. That's right: Stand in front of the mirror and acknowledge your abilities and accomplishments to your reflection. Tell yourself: I have a very strong work ethic. I have integrity. I have excellent industry contacts. I aggressively pursue my goals.

It's sometimes hard to praise yourself, but after a few sessions you'll sound sincere.

The Seemingly Silly Question

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? What if you were a car? Or an animal?

These type of questions can bring your interview to a screeching halt.

First, don't panic. Pause and take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that there's no "right" answer to these questions. The job isn't hinging on whether you choose to be a spruce versus an oak.

Interviewers usually ask these questions to see how you react under pressure and how well you handle the unexpected. It's not so important what type of tree (or car, or animal) you choose as that you explain your choice in a way that makes you look favorable.

So, be a spruce -- because you want to reach new heights in your career. Or be an oak -- because you plan to put down roots at the company. Either way, you'll get it right.

Getting Started in Training/Human resource management

This is question and answer from the ASTD website. The question is relevant to many of our readers. The answer provides good knowledge and information for many of us. Enjoy reading.

If you have any comments or questions, feel free to post them here. We will attempt to address all questions to the best of our ability.

Getting Started in Training/Human resource management

Question:

I finished my MS in Management three weeks ago. My major was organizational behavior and development. My BS Degree is in psychology.

I am six years out of high school, and the only job experience I have is working as a sales associate in retail during a few summers. I went straight from college to graduate school. I did not have an internship during school; but I did participate in a semester-long HR field research project in conjunction with a local organization, SHRM, and my school.

Relevant classes that I have had included: Human Resource Management, Coaching for Leadership, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Development and Change, Team Design and Development, Learning Psychology, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. My ultimate career goal is to do work in coaching, or a related field such as leadership/management coaching. I figure that my best bet is to start out trying to get an entry-level job in training. My main weakness, of course, is having no professional experience. Here is my question: do you know how I should go about getting a job in training and development?

I joined my local SHRM and ASTD chapters. I apply for jobs posted on the Atlanta SHRM and ASTD sites, and I also apply for jobs posted in the Atlanta classified and on Monstertrak. I am networking the best I can. The career services at my school are not very good, although I have tried visiting their multiple times for advice (the main thing they could do for me was give me tips on how to improve my resume).
Thank you for your help.

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Answer:

You have certainly started your job search campaign with a number of appropriate activities. However, there are some additional activities you can engage in to gain greater visibility and increase your chances of obtaining your desired training position.

• Attend ASTD & SHRM functions. Although during the summer the chapters may not hold monthly meetings, other activities may take place, such as special interest group (SIG) meetings, and summer social events. Participate in those functions you think are appropriate and do some networking. You will find that after attending a few functions, you will know some people and they will recognize you.

• Volunteer. Introduce yourself to chapter leaders and let them know of your interest in becoming involved in chapter activities. This is a good time to do this as plans are being made for the coming year and committee and task force members are being appointed. Strongly consider volunteering to staff the registration table for chapter events as this is a good place to meet people, be visible, and usually comes with a perk of free or reduced fees for the event.

• Talk with your professors about job leads. It is not unusual for professors to have a small consulting practice and as a result learn about position openings. Many times they are asked to refer some good candidates.

• How about checking with your school Alumni Office to see if it has an alumni resource bank. You can look for graduates in your field of interest or from companies that value workplace learning.

• Resume review. Lacking job experience, your resume should reflect your potential and capabilities and be demonstrated through your academic experience and achievements. Ask a couple of chapter members that you have gotten to know if they would critique your resume. Do they feel it projects your ideal professional image?

• Chapter career service programs. Many chapters provide mentors, a resume critiquing service, a job support group, etc. Make use of such programs. You will meet other people who are also seeking employment and thus, not feel so alone in this matter. If a job support group does not exist, select one of the chapters and see if you can organize the group.

• Job interviews. If you have had some job interviews, how do you feel about your performance? Do you feel comfortable and confident about job interviews? Find out if the University Career Center does job interview simulations. If your ASTD or SHRM Chapter has a job support group, suggest a presentation on job interviews as well as a job interview practice session.

You are realistic about where you can start as an entry-level position. As you grow as a T&D/HRD specialist and gain more experience, you will learn if coaching is truly your ultimate career goal. If so, you will need additional training/certification to make a successful transition.

Good luck!