| A job interview is one of the last hurdles you need | | | | capabilities with your answers and how your |
| to leap in order to land that job you seek. Even after | | | | contribution to the company will positively impact |
| having written a stellar resume, you will not likely be | | | | their business. |
| offered the position unless you fully prepare for the | | | | The Money Issue |
| interview. | | | | You may be asked to discuss salary. Although it is |
| This requires some practicing of answers to the | | | | wise to wait until a second interview, if the employer |
| more frequently asked questions. There are always | | | | pushes the issue, it is best to be honest about what |
| going to be standard questions that most potential | | | | you expect to earn from the job. If at that point |
| employers ask. The best approach is to prepare | | | | you do not see eye-to-eye, you can simply indicate |
| yourself with some standard, honest answers in | | | | that you need to make a certain amount (whatever |
| advance without sounding "rehearsed" or | | | | your bottom line amount may be). The hiring |
| disinterested with the questions. | | | | manager may be sufficiently impressed with you to |
| Questions You May Be Asked | | | | offer what you ask. |
| One of the initial questions many employers ask | | | | Alternatively, if the feedback on your request is that |
| concerns your previous job history. Although the | | | | they are under budget restraints and cannot meet |
| questioner can read that same information straight | | | | your demand, then this is clearly not a win-win |
| from your resume, the interviewer frequently wants | | | | scenario for each of you. If the salary you |
| you to describe previous jobs in more detail along | | | | communicated was indeed your bottom line offer, |
| with specific responsibilities. | | | | then don't take their denial personally. All companies |
| You may be quizzed on prior experiences, good or | | | | have financial constraints, and there will be other |
| bad, accomplishments, and what you learned from | | | | options for you elsewhere. |
| each position. Questions concerning how you handled | | | | Now it's Your Turn |
| yourself in certain scenarios - typical or uncomfortable | | | | Finally, after the questions from the potential |
| ones - and what you did to improve the situation are | | | | employer have been completed, it is your turn to ask |
| fairly common. | | | | the questions. Come to the interview prepared with |
| Why You Want to Work for This Company | | | | a short list of sincere questions. That alone shows |
| Your reasons for wishing to join this particular | | | | you have interest and some level of initiative. |
| company will almost surely be on the list of inquiries. | | | | You may want to inquire about specific job duties or |
| Be prepared to respond with a clear and confident | | | | the company itself. This is the point to determine |
| answer. Related to that question, you could be asked | | | | whether you think you are a good fit for the job. |
| what sort of work or positions you expect to have | | | | After your questions, the interview will be completed |
| with the company and how far you see yourself | | | | and hopefully, if you are happy with the outcome of |
| going. | | | | the discussion, you will be called back for a second |
| Answers to questions like these can make or break | | | | interview or even a job offer. That is the point |
| an interview, so offer thoughtful and carefully | | | | where you know your advance preparation has paid |
| considered responses. Demonstrate leadership | | | | off. |