English Part VI
Hello again,
today I’m going to give you some more advice on preparing your job interview. – Let’s go on with a question which could turn out as a ‚killer question‘, because so many candidates are unprepared for it:
Why should I hire you? – By now you can see how critical it is to apply the overall strategy of uncovering the employer’s needs before you answer questions.If you know the employer’s greatest needs and desires, this question will enable you to outsell your competion. YOU will give him better reasons for hiring you than anyone else is likely to. So walk through each of the position’s requirements as you understand them, and follow each with a reason why you meet that requirement so well.
Example: „As I understand your needs, you are first and foremost looking for someone who can manage the sales and marketing of your book publishing division. As you’ve said, you need someone with a strong background in trade book sales. This is where I’ve spent almost all of my career, so I’ve got XY years experience exactly in this area. I believe that I know the right contacts, methods, principles, and successful management techniques as well as any person can in our industry.“
Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)! – Be aware: this could be a trap! Skillful interviewers sometimes make it almost irresistible to open up. Remember: don’t be negative! Stress only the good points, no matter how charmingly you’re invited to be critical. Your interviewer wants to find out how loyal and positive you are, and whether you’ll criticize him behind his back if pressed to do so by someone in his own company. This question is your opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to those you work with.
Can you work under pressure? – An easy question, but you want to make your answer believable. „Absolutely“…. (try to prove it with a vivid example or two of a goal or project accomplished under severe pressure).
Why do you want to work at our company? – This question tests whether you’ve done any homework about the firm. If you haven’t, you lose. If you have, you win big. Try your best in researching your target company: website, the corporate newsletter, advertisements, articles or contacts you know are good sources.
What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced? – This is an easy question if you’re prepared. Have a recent example ready that demonstrates either:
- A quality most important to the job at hand, or:
- A quality that is always in demand, such as leadership, initiative, managerial skill, persuasiveness, courage, persistence, intelligence, etc.
Interested in getting more tips? You can find more in my next blog. Bye for now!
