Job Search for the Rest of Us!: INTERVIEW SERIES PART IV

Monday, January 28, 2013

INTERVIEW SERIES PART IV

MONDAY MISSION

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Interview Series Part I

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Interview Series Part II

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Interview Series Part III

LIAR, LIAR PANTS ON FIRE – NEVER LIE IN AN INTERVIEW!

http://www.morguefile.com/creative/xenia

It is imperative that you are always honest in an interview setting. Not only can even small fibs trip you up during the interview or in subsequent interviews, but it may be grounds for termination after hire. If your past is not perfect you may be tempted to shade the truth to enhance your chances of getting a job. This never works.

Make sure that your career and potential employer choices are realistic considering any blemishes in your background. If your choices are realistic, but blemishes in your background might prove challenging then develop answers to address those areas in a way that seems positive. Honesty in general is important to many employers, regardless of the industry or your circumstances.

18. Have you ever lied? This very open ended question and one that is, ironically, designed to assess your honesty. Everyone has lied. If you say you haven’t – you are probably lying!

Answer this question by stressing your understanding of the importance of honesty. Relate your answer to the industry or the employer as much as possible. Illustrate with an example if you have a scenario in which being honest was difficult for you.

19. Have you ever taken any illegal drugs? If you are not prepared for this question you could blanch or blush whether or not you have ever done so! It is always important to not lie in an interview.

If you can’t answer, “No.” to this question then carefully craft an answer in your own words that makes it clear you do not use or condone use of illegal drugs. Something like, “I do not use illegal drugs, no.” As always…practice, practice, practice.

20. Have you ever stolen anything? Depending upon your industry this may very well be a legitimate question, but typically wouldn’t be asked this way in an interview. Ideally, you will be able to answer, “No.”

If you have an issue that may impact how the employer will perceive you then practice an answer that will make it clear that you know it is wrong to steal and would not think of doing so. For example, “At my last employer, stealing was a major issue. I didn’t steal from them and would not, of course, steal from anyone.”

21. Did you ever quit a job? An employer asking this question is likely trying to determine honesty and how quickly you think on your feet. Unless you have only had one job you have had to quit one or more, of course!

Answer this question by stressing that you “regret ending any good relationship, but you have had to give notice to benefit your career.” This type of response shows your sense of loyalty and that you have goals.

The questions don’t seem so strange, once you know the answers! Good luck on your interview.