| A fairly common job interview question is, "Who is | | | | success and amazing ability to overcome challenges |
| your hero, and why?"The intent of this question is to | | | | and obstacles. Most people would have no problem |
| find out more about you -- your character, | | | | with that. But what if the person interviewing you is |
| personality, and values. If you anticipate this question | | | | a woman who thinks Lance is a total jerk for putting |
| and prepare your answer in a way that shows the | | | | his career ahead of his family and leaving his wife for |
| traits you most admire in others -- and more | | | | a rock star? It might not be fair, but this interviewer |
| importantly, that you have in common with them -- | | | | may think you are a jerk for admiring Lance! Do you |
| you'll turn this question into another great opportunity | | | | think she's going to hire a jerk?People have opinions |
| to blast your competition out of the water!But | | | | about people they think they know. You won't know |
| there's a right way, AND a wrong way to answer | | | | what those opinions are. So the safest bet is to |
| this question.Here's the best way to develop your | | | | name a hero they can't possibly know or object |
| answer.First, decide which personal traits would be | | | | to.Sample Answer:"My hero is my father. He taught |
| best to highlight for the position. For example, if | | | | me to always do the right thing; to value others and |
| you're applying for a job as a firefighter or police | | | | help them whenever I can; to plan ahead, work hard |
| officer, you'd want to highlight traits such as courage | | | | and do my best in any situation; to be a lifelong |
| and integrity.Here are some other traits that | | | | learner; to smile and keep a sense of humor even |
| employers are looking for: leadership, honesty, | | | | when things get tough; and to love, support and |
| creativity, dedication, generosity.Next, craft your | | | | protect my family."Remember, all interview questions |
| answer to include the traits you want to highlight.Be | | | | can provide an opportunity to highlight not only your |
| careful about naming a celebrity, sports star or | | | | qualifications, but also your character and values. Plan |
| politician! Why? Because interviewers are people, and | | | | ahead, give great answers, and win your dream |
| people have attitudes and biases that you'll be | | | | job!Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job |
| unaware of.Suppose you named Lance Armstrong as | | | | Interview Success System and free |
| your hero because of his total commitment to | | | | information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times. |