It's futile for job seekers to try to anticipate all the questions they may be asked in an interview, because few interviews follow a "typical" line of questioning.
Instead of guessing what you will be asked, consider what you need to know, about the job, about the manager and about the company. Research the company's competition. Read profiles of the top managers -- ideally, the people who will be interviewing you.
And have your own questions ready. What will be expected of you in this position? Ask about the last person who held this job -- what he was good at and what he wasn't. If you were hired, what would the supervisor hope you would have achieved after six months on the job? How about a year?
Find out from people in other departments -- the people you would be working with -- what their expectations are for the position.
When you talk to someone from human resources, ask about benefits, compensation, tuition reimbursement, retirement and 401(k) vesting and other benefits.
And with everyone you meet, determine the culture of the organization. Ask people how long they have worked at the company and what makes them want to stay. Find out what they think the company is good at and what it should improve.
Handling the tough questionsJob seekers can be asked almost any question, even those that seem inappropriate. You might be asked questions that try to get at your age. Most interviewers will avoid asking how old you are, but they may inquire, for example, if you have children.
Then there are the "bad cop" interviewers. I remember being asked once, "What do you plan to do to fix the mess this industry is in?" Of course, no one person can fix an industry.
Take those questions for what they are worth. No matter how ridiculous the question is, respond respectfully and sincerely. If the question is unrealistic, make sure your response shows that you are not unrealistic. Sometimes you can use humor to lighten the situation. Unless you really feel the answer will be harmful, be forthcoming. Always, be honest.
Before you leave…Don't be afraid to "close the sale." Ask:
- Where you stand in the selection process. What's next? When should you expect to hear from the company?
- Whether there are other candidates and how you compare.
- How soon the company expects to make a decision.
- If there is anything else you can provide to show your qualifications or demonstrate your interest in the position.
And always, follow up with a thank-you note.
Next week: Don't let poor social skills sabotage your shot at a job.
