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