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GENERAL INTERVIEW

Welcome to your interview. Did you have any trouble finding our location?

Why do you ask??

I was able to plan my route ahead of time, and it was easy. Thanks for asking!

It's kind of hard to find haha!

No.

Sorry I'm late. My Google Maps screwed up my route!

Explanation

Job interview candidates are often nervous, especially in the moments leading up to an interview. It is natural to be nervous and excited. Preparing with for your interview at Candidate Club will help prepare you and build your confidence before the big day.

1. While waiting, it is best to sit or stand where asked, and focus on steady breathing - in and out.

2. Leave hands out of pockets and in the open air. With an increased heart rate and nervousness, hands will naturally sweat more than normal. Leave your hands open and in the open air to help keep them dry. You will likely shake hands with one or more people at the beginning of your interview.

3. Walk into the building and reception area with a smile. Smiling builds your confidence, calms your nerves and starts your first impression off right.

4. Make sure to be friendly to the reception desk and anyone you might encounter before the interview. These professionals often give insight to others in the organization about your behavior and their impression of you.

5. While it's important to be friendly, keep any small talk to a minimum. This will help you avoid rambling, which happens with nervousness, and saying things you haven't planned to say.

Explanation

1. While waiting, it is best to sit or stand where asked, and focus on steady breathing - in and out.

3. Walk into the building and reception area with a smile. Smiling builds your confidence, calms your nerves and starts your first impression off right.

5. While it's important to be friendly, keep any small talk to a minimum. This will help you avoid rambling, which happens with nervousness, and saying things you haven't planned to say.

Tell me about yourself. How do you like to spend your time?

A brief summary of your background, a healthy/active hobby, an example of how you spend time volunteering, and how you stay relevant in your career after hours (studying, reading, networking, etc).

Go into detail about your favorite hobby.

"Well I like to do a lot of things. Sometimes I'll go to the gym or meet up with friends at the local bar. I really like TV and also Netflix."

What you like to do on weekends, especially with your friends when your significant others are having their own weekend. Focusing on the laughs you had and what great friends you have.

"I like a grab a drink with friends and/or shopping."

Outside of work, what have you done to grow professionally?

"Let me think...not too much outside of work."

"I've done some work from home after hours."

"I stay up-to-date on our industry through journals and articles. I also attempt to read one book per month and am looking into an industry networking group."

Explain the TV shows you have watched that are similar to your industry.

Explanation

Employers will favor candidates that show an active interest in their job, company they work for and industry. Some job candidates quickly reveal that they only care about clocking in, getting paid, and clocking out.

Taking time to learn more about your company, competition, and the past, present and future of your industry will make you more valuable to any employer and positively impact your career.

Explanation

Taking time to learn more about your company, competition, and the past, present and future of your industry will make you more valuable to any employer and positively impact your career.

Can you name any professional achievements that you are proud of?

Example 1: Share how you helped a coworker.

Example 2: Share how you were passed over for a promotion, and how it went to a total idiot instead.

Example 3: Share how you helped the company as a whole.

Example 4: Share a time you were recognized for a professional achievement.

Explanation

When asked to share professional achievements, you are handed a moment to shine in front of your perspective employer. This is your chance to showcase your hard work, how others see you, and exhibit humility all in one answer.

Candidate Club's interview simulators give you the opportunity to prepare answers to questions like these before your interview. Think back on work you've done, or if you haven't been employed yet, think back to groups you've belonged to, or times at school.

Prepare an answer that highlights a peer, co-worker, customer, manager, company, etc. That you have impacted, and been recognized for. Give specific examples and remember to be humble in your answer.

Explanation

Prepare an answer that highlights a peer, co-worker, customer, manager, company, etc. That you have impacted, and been recognized for. Give specific examples and remember to be humble in your answer.

What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?

What's the most important thing you learned in school?

"I did not have the opportunity to attend college, but something I've learned is that ______."

"I didn't go to school."

"The importance of being on time to all things."

"How to fit into an organization, and work with others to succeed."

Other

Please Specify:

Explanation

A question like "Tell us what you learned from ____" is seeking to find out how you process information and utilize new experiences.

The question here is not about learning from mistakes, but instead, "what can you gather from important experiences".

Good examples are learning how to work with groups of peers, timeliness, completing assignments even when you don't know the purpose, turning in work that you are proud of, and the importance of learning expanding your view of the world.

Explanation

A question like "Tell us what you learned from ____" is seeking to find out how you process information and utilize new experiences.

The question here is not about learning from mistakes, but instead, "what can you gather from important experiences".

Please give us an example of ideas you've had or implemented.

An idea that you brought to a manager and was implemented.

An idea you have that was great, but no one would listen to.

A new idea you have that you had to work to convince others of, but worked great in the end.

Share that you haven't had any new ideas.

Explanation

Businesses value employees that bring in new ideas. That could be many things - internal initiatives for employees, new products, new processes, ways to save money, perks, benefits, new ventures, the list goes on.

If you have brought anything like this to the table, you can mention it during the interview. Make sure to avoid statements that sound like you pushed your idea too hard, or were too radical. However, if you are forward-thinking and have taken initiative at a prior job, that can help you stand out from other candidates.

Explanation

Tell us about what experience you have in this industry?

"I don't have any experience in this industry."

"This industry has interested me for many years, and I'm passionate about joining it and making an impact."

"I specifically studied this industry because of my life-long interest."

"Although I don't have any experience in this industry, I'm eager to start, can help impact your business by bringing outside experience from _____ industry."

"I never really thought I'd work in this industry, but here we are!"

Explanation

This is not a trick question. A hiring company will want to know what past experiences a potential employee can bring to the table. They will be curious to hear if you have worked for their competition, customers or potential future clients.

Capitalize off of any prior experience you have and prepare to speak about what you bring to the table for a new employer through exposure you've had in the industry.

If you don't have any experience in the industry you work in, think deeply about the experience that you DO have. Outside experience can be just as valuable as inside experience. Connect-the-dots between your past, present and future and express how this benefits your next employer. Make that clear in your interview and you will stand out from other applicants.

Explanation

Capitalize off of any prior experience you have and prepare to speak about what you bring to the table for a new employer through exposure you've had in the industry.

What were the responsibilities of your last position?

Talk about how you carried the weight of your co-workers.

Bring up all the times you did your bosses job for your boss.

Review the job description from your last job, highlight your biggest focus, add new items, and align this with current duties for new position.

"I just basically did the normal stuff the job needed."

What are your top three strengths?

List out hobbies and extracurricular activities.

1. Strength for proposed job 2. Strength from last job 3. Personality strength.

Name several facts about yourself to impress the interviewer.

Only three??

Explanation

Strengths and Weaknesses:

Being asked the strengths and weaknesses questions gives you the opportunity to show your tact in conversation, as any decent candidate is going to carefully navigate through the “weakness” answer. You want to accurately represent yourself and give truthful answers without throwing yourself under-the-bus. Prepare for this question with the following guide.

Top Three Strengths:

1. Strength for proposed job

2. Strength from last job

3. Personality strength

Bonus: Something that fits in company culture

Explanation

Strengths and Weaknesses:

Top Three Strengths:

1. Strength for proposed job

2. Strength from last job

3. Personality strength

Bonus: Something that fits in company culture

What are your biggest weaknesses?

"Well, I was kind of late a couple times for my last job."

State that you don't have any weakness.

1. Something that you are correcting 2. A weakness that does not interfere with job 3. A real weakness.

"I get bored easily and it's hard for me to pay attention."

Explanation

This is the #1 question that job candidates make major mistakes on. There are many nuances that reveal major red flags for Hiring Managers.

Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Stating that you don't have any weaknesses.

A surprising amount of job candidates say this. They think that any weakness is going to disqualify them from the job. OR the job candidate actually believes they are close to perfect.

Any candidate that states that they don't have any major weaknesses is going be quickly disqualified from the job. No one is perfect, and people who might think they are perfect and without weakness are out of touch with reality.

2. Taking too long to answer.

A job candidate that has to think hard about any weaknesses is second-worst to one who thinks they don't have any. This long pause is also a red flag to Hiring Managers.

How to Ace the Weaknesses Question:

Have a prepared response.

It is important to quickly answer this question without thinking too hard. Right now is the time to write down.

1. A weakness that does not interfere with job

This could be something like, "I have a serious sweet tooth and if there is a box of cookies around, I can't stop eating them. To deal with this, I don't buy junk food so it isn't around at home."

"I injured my knee while running. The problem is that I am so dependant on my runs that I kept doing it, despite my injury. This was foolish...I hate to admit it, but also hard to stop my exercise."

2. A weakness that you are correcting

Nobody is perfect, and most people have some bad habits/weaknesses. There is nothing wrong with having a weakness. In fact, a person with a weakness that they work hard to correct is something to be admired.

Working to correct a weakness shows high levels of self-realization and discipline.

An example might be, "I have high energy levels, and in the past, a result of that has been impatience with the pace of things. To fix this I started meditating every day, and it is making a huge impact on harnessing that energy and learning how to use it for good!"

"At my last job I had some new ideas for products we could offer customers. It turns out that I was sharing my ideas at the wrong time and was a little too opinionated about how quickly we could implement things. I learned the importance of learning the right time and place to share these ideas, and that feedback on my ideas should be taken with grace. I'm so glad I had mentors that were willing to work with me, and I am practicing the art of patience and good timing as a result."

3. A real weakness

If you don't have ANY real life examples like those above, you can try and use humor to move past this question. Use light hearted, funny examples like these:

"If I watch a movie I love, I can't help but quote it during my favorite parts. Unfortunately, those who watch movies of me don't think I'm such a great actor..."

"If a song by The Beatles comes on, I find myself singing along...even if I don't know the words so well. I think I've ruined a couple songs for family members..."

The biggest takeaway from the question, and how to answer is to display:

1. Self-realization

2. Self awareness

3. Humility

4. The discipline to identify weaknesses, and work to fix them.

If take the advice and insight from Candidate Club's Interview Simulators, practice and use it during your interviews, you will stand out from other applicants in the interview process and be closer to receiving a job offer.

Explanation

This is the #1 question that job candidates make major mistakes on. There are many nuances that reveal major red flags for Hiring Managers.

Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Stating that you don't have any weaknesses.

A surprising amount of job candidates say this. They think that any weakness is going to disqualify them from the job. OR the job candidate actually believes they are close to perfect.

2. Taking too long to answer.

A job candidate that has to think hard about any weaknesses is second-worst to one who thinks they don't have any. This long pause is also a red flag to Hiring Managers.

How to Ace the Weaknesses Question:

Have a prepared response.

It is important to quickly answer this question without thinking too hard. Right now is the time to write down.

1. A weakness that does not interfere with job

"I injured my knee while running. The problem is that I am so dependant on my runs that I kept doing it, despite my injury. This was foolish...I hate to admit it, but also hard to stop my exercise."

2. A weakness that you are correcting

Working to correct a weakness shows high levels of self-realization and discipline.

3. A real weakness

If you don't have ANY real life examples like those above, you can try and use humor to move past this question. Use light hearted, funny examples like these:

"If I watch a movie I love, I can't help but quote it during my favorite parts. Unfortunately, those who watch movies of me don't think I'm such a great actor..."

"If a song by The Beatles comes on, I find myself singing along...even if I don't know the words so well. I think I've ruined a couple songs for family members..."

The biggest takeaway from the question, and how to answer is to display:

1. Self-realization

2. Self awareness

3. Humility

4. The discipline to identify weaknesses, and work to fix them.

Where would you like to be in your career five years from now?

Continuing my success and responsibilities at your company while growing professionally.

I want to be managing people.

Running the biggest program in the region.

I work hard and follow the money. I intend to pursue jobs that pay well and push me to be the best I can.

Explanation

Correct Answer: Continuing my success and responsibilities at your company while growing professionally.

Explanation: Answer "I work hard and follow the money. I intend to pursue jobs that pay well and push me to be the best I can."D may be truer to your intentions, which is fine. But this answer provides no benefits to the company you are interviewing with. It positions you as a risk, and not committed. If you are treated well, answer A is the best possible outcome for you and your potential employer.

Explanation

Correct Answer: Continuing my success and responsibilities at your company while growing professionally.

Can you describe a time when your work was criticized?

From my experience, critical attitudes bring negative vibes to the workplace. I avoid both being critical and people who are critical.

My ex-boss was always criticizing my work, so I quit.

I always do my best work that is complete and performed at a high standard. The work I do doesn't require a critique, saving you time and energy.

I believe that all work can be improved, and my best work has benefited from another set of eyes...I can recall I time when reviewing work with my boss and her critique helped transform my good work into a fantastic finished product.

(In your own words) can you describe a time when your work was criticized?

Why are you leaving your current/last job?

The company is struggling, and I want to work for a business that is financially stable.

I think it's important to challenge myself, and it's time to try something new and exciting!

First, my boss doesn't know how to do his job, and I should be doing it for him - or even the CEO's job. Second, I follow the money, and this pays better.

That's a great question....I always explore new opportunities, and you guys called me....

There are many things that I like about my current job, but this position at your company would better utilize my talents and the culture here matches my style so well.

Explanation

Correct Answer: There are many things that I like about my current job, but this position at your company would better utilize my talents and the culture here matches my style so well.

Answer "The company is struggling, and I want to work for a business that is financially stable." Many companies go through tight times financially. It might be smart for you to look for something better, but you don't want to look like the person that is first to leave during a bad year. Answer "I think it's important to challenge myself, and it's time to try something new and exciting!" Sounds good, but you sound like a risk of leaving any job as soon as you hear about something new, or get bored.

Explanation

Correct Answer: There are many things that I like about my current job, but this position at your company would better utilize my talents and the culture here matches my style so well.

What did you like least about your last job?

There was too much drama with the co-workers.

My boss had no idea what he was doing.

The position did not fully utilize my skill and talent.

The leadership was making decisions I don't agree with, and no one was listening to me!

Explanation

Correct Answer: The company did not fully utilize my skill and talent.

History has shown that a candidate that complains about their past employer, boss or coworkers will continue to do so and see most situations in a negative light. This type of candidate is quickly put at the bottom of the stack - they tend to be more problematic overall.

Explanation

Correct Answer: The company did not fully utilize my skill and talent.

What interests you in this position?

How do you build rapport with co-workers, customers or clients? How do you quickly build trust?

"What does rapport mean?"

"If it's there I just let it happen."

"I ask questions, actively listen, focus on eye contact and finding common ground."

"We had a customer who actually went to the same bar as me, so we ended up drinking together and building a relationship."

"If people don't trust me, that's on them, not me."

What do you know about our company?

"Not a lot...what can you tell me about it?"

"To be honest, I haven't really had to time to my research. I know you are in the ___ industry."

"I'm excited to learn even more today, but through my research I learned that since 1959 you've been in the business of _____. And your company mission state of ____ reflects your commitment to that area."

"Aren't you the guys that were all over the news because of that CEO scandal a couple years back? I saw THAT!"

Why should we hire you?

I really want to work here and I'm passionate about this company.

My skills match the requirements for this position, while my values align with those of your organization.

Because I have great qualifications and have quite a few interviews with other companies.

I lost my job 4 months ago and really need the money.

Explanation

Correct Answer: My skills match the requirements for this position, while my values align with those of your organization.

We work because we need the money - that's what motivates us to get out of bed in the morning. While this is true, remember that your motivation should be directed towards the company and presented in a way that benefits them (no company hires people to help the people, they hire people to help the company).

Explanation

Correct Answer: My skills match the requirements for this position, while my values align with those of your organization.

Why Do You Want To Work Here?

I like it here.

My skills line up with your requirements and your values match what I'm looking for in a company that I thrive at long term.

I really need to earn more money.

You guys seem cool and your benefits are the best I've seen.

Explanation

Everyone has different reasons for their motivations for leaving a current job, and seeking a potential one.

You may be seeking new employment for "negative" reasons. Management at your current job is awful, you were laid off, negative work environment, terrible co-workers, etc.

You want to leave all of this behind you in your interview. There are multiple reasons for this. One is that Human Resources people believe that “drama begets drama” or “people who complain about drama are the ones who create it.” So when you mention anything negative, it will be assumed that you are part of the problem, even when you are entirely innocent. This is not unfair - this is simply the way the world works. In my experience, the people who complain most about their coworkers are usually the cause of most problems.

This, however, is not the most important aspect of motivation. Whether your current job is the best or the worst - it doesn’t matter. You want to channel all of your motivation into one factor - the company you have applied for.

Explanation

Everyone has different reasons for their motivations for leaving a current job, and seeking a potential one.

You may be seeking new employment for "negative" reasons. Management at your current job is awful, you were laid off, negative work environment, terrible co-workers, etc.

In one short sentence, what qualifies you for this position?

How do you deal with confrontations in the workplace?

There has been a bunch of drama at every job I've had. I am so over it. I stay out of it.

This hasn't been an issue for me - I've been fortunate to have wonderful co-workers. If a problem were to arise, it's important to communicate, apologize and work through things.

I have found it's best to get several different opinions from co-workers and utilize their advice and experience to help move forward.

I slowly explain my point of view so the other person can understand that I am I right.

People learn pretty quickly not to mess with me. It doesn't end well for them.

What salary are you seeking?

I need at least $X0,000 per year.

What do you want to pay me? I have goals set for my career and moving up the pay scale is one of them.

I never divulge my salary.

At this point in the process, I am most interested in learning the details of this position and how I can help your company continue to be successful.

Explanation

At some point in the interview process salary must be discussed. It is beneficial to you if the other party (company hiring) first shares salary information.

For example: you hope to earn between $45,000 - 50,000 per year, but your potential employer shares that the position starts at $55,000. If you start by sharing your range of $45-50k/year, they may offer you $48k/year when they otherwise would have offered $55k/year. If possible, delay answering this question once or twice by continuing to ask other questions or shifting the subject.

At the end of the day, you want to build a relationship with this company and not be difficult, so keep in mind that revealing your salary is not the end of the world, but simply a little better to hold off on.

Explanation

At some point in the interview process salary must be discussed. It is beneficial to you if the other party (company hiring) first shares salary information.

Are you interviewing for any other jobs?

No I haven't had any other responses.

Your company is what I'm most interested in, and I'm ready to move forward with this position.

Yes I have quite a few offers, so it's best to make an offer soon.

I kind of just applied for this and some other jobs. We'll see what happens.

What questions do you have for us?

"How much are you going to pay me?"

"How many people are you interviewing?"

"What does the onboarding process consist of?"

"Can I come in an hour later on Fridays?"

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