The questions we HATE being asked & how to tackle them Part 1

Let me start off by saying thank you to those on my personal FB page and the The Official Ken Coleman Community who volunteered those interview questions that most of us HATE being asked. You taking the time to read my work means so much! Some of them I would have definitely voted for myself. But not to fear, consider this blog the playbook you can use to prepare for the next time you are faced with the following questions!

I love a blog post that keeps things short and sweet, so this will be a two part dive into the questions you've submitted. Let's do this!

Tell me about yourself

The solution: The interview is happening because the employer needs a problem solver. Your answer therefore should be a nice summary of the value you bring as the solution- provider. After this initial question, all others will provide ample chance to describe your value in detail. Briefly summarize your relevant experience and key skills. Your answer should also include why you want the job. What draws you to this type of work? This is the winning combination for this type of question.

Some wonder if this is an invitation to share more personal facts about yourself, like being a mom or what your favorite hobbies are. Brief, surface-level, non-controversial sharing is fine but not essential.If you do share, no more than a sentence or 2. Your answer is like a slice cake. That personal fact is a nice cherry to have at the top, but it's all about the quality of the sponge and the frosting, that is your professional value and your why.

Example (Nicole is interviewing for an Employer Relations Specialist for a large staffing firm):

"I have 5 years experience as a Staffing Recruiter for temp-to-hire administrative and manufacturing roles. Among my strengths are interviewing candidates for best matches, and a knack for ABC HR software which I've used to run payroll for over 10 staffing clients. What I enjoy the most is forming new relationships with the leaders behind businesses and through in-person networking, I was able to add 3 new staffing clients to our branch last year. That's why I'm drawn to this current position. I love being that resource that helps busy business owners realize that they can overcome the challenge of finding the right hires."

Where do you see yourself in X years?

The solution: This is one of the questions that I personally find hard to answer when put on the spot! Most of us are so focused on getting hired for the position we applied for, we the future is barely on our minds.

The hiring manager appreciates a candidate who is not only informed about the company, but has given some thought to other ways in which he or she can be a problem solver in the long term. There also tends to be an expectation that people seek professional growth. They want to hear about it, and see if it's an expectation they can meet down the road.

Research the company. Are there any projects that are currently being worked on? What work matters to them? Then, do some soul searching as well about your skills and goals. Do you want to advance? Are you planning to learn new skills? Maybe you see yourself in the same role, but working with a broader scope of people, data or things for the company. Now combine your aspiration and your research to create your own professional growth plan.

Example (Mariah is interviewing for the position of Medical Assistant for Next Chapter hospital. She is also in nursing school):

"In the next 5 years I see myself working in your new pediatric cancer center ward shortly after its completion as a Registered Nurse. I am currently a Nursing student and by then I would have graduated, and I want to specialize in pediatric cancer care. It is important to me because of my own personal loss in the family to cancer. I also have always enjoyed working with children and I cherish my past baby sitting experiences. This future opportunity would provide the best chance for me to advance in a field I'm passionate about."

I really hope that this first dive into those dreaded interview questions really helps someone out there! Job search can be intimidating, but YOU can conquer it and tell employers why YOU are the one. As you embark on that next chapter, remember that you do have control in finding that dream career. Please let me know what you thought about the advice above, and if there are anymore questions you can think of.