How many of us has ever stumbled with interview questions that we thought we were prepared for? Did you draw a blank? Were you given a question that was completely unorthodox? Did your response sound good to you but in actuality, you didn’t actually answer the question at all? I am guessing that almost all of us have been there at least once.
The higher the position, generally the more complex are the questions that get thrown at us. This post will assist you with some of the common and uncommon interview questions.
- Why are you seeking new employment?
This question is generally a “go-to” for recruiters. Be prepared for this as it will help them gauge whether if you’re running from a challenge, running to a new opportunity, job hopping or legitimately interested in their organization.
- Tell me about yourself?
While this question may seem simple, it can easily be the most complex, as it sets the pace of the interview. This is your time to shine and stand out to the interviewer(s). Be prepared to present relevant background information. Talk about your prior positions, promotions, percentage increases, titles of those that you directly reported to and extracurricular such as volunteering and mentoring (for example).
Do NOT ramble and go on for too long as this opportunity should take about 1-2 minutes to complete. The longer you take, the more your audience will fade as you are more likely to go over details that they have already read on your resume. Keep it sharp, detailed, factual and intriguing.
- Rate these words in your level of importance, (1) being priority; Finish, Compete, Execute, Heart.
This is a question that has been used and sends interviewees scrambling as they want to give the right answer but are unsure if there’s even a right answer at all! Hint……There’s really no right or wrong answer, however you should be prepared to explain your reasoning. Think over the definition of the words, the difference between them and how it relates to the position that you are applying for, and what the current culture is like within this perspective company.
- Rate these attributes and skills in levels of importance through percentages. Make sure that the total weighted percentage equals 100%; Sales Skills, Product Knowledge, Attitude, People Skills.
This question is easily just as nerve wrecking as number three but perhaps more since there is weighted percentage value attributed to the response. Remember to focus on the job function as well as the overall organization culture and performance indicators. If you are being asked this style of a question, it is most likely due to your role interaction with others (peers & clientele.) If so, do not forget that people often deal with those that relate to them and pay attention to solving their needs, therefore Attitude and People skills generally outweigh the rest.
- What are your weaknesses?
Here’s an oldie but goodie. Weaknesses are often the bane of our existence and to the interviewing process. The key is to recognize a weakness that you have identified and are working on improving, as well as something that will not hinder you from the position in which you are applying. In 2017, it is common that recruiters will inquire about more than one weakness, which can be tricky at times. To learn more about getting around these loopholes contact us (info@lbdfirm.com) as we can assist in identifying the proper ones to use during your interview process.
Now….we have just barely scratched the surface with this interviewing process. Trust us when we say that it can get tricky. Make sure to contact us so we can work together as a team to help you get closer to landing that dream job or to get into that much-needed change in environment.
-LBDFirm
The Lee & Best Development Firm will be hosting a resume review/career coaching consultations pop-up shop every first Saturday of the month starting October 7th, 2017. Please check out the above information as we’ll swing over to start your journey towards your professional success. 
