Sell yourself during the job interview – How to battle the questions

Sell yourself during the job interview

How to battle the questions

By: Victoria Hong

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – If there’s a job you want, you only get one chance to sell yourself and that’s during the interview.
The key is to be enthusiastic and prepared, prepared to give the right answers to key questions that are likely to come up during the interview.

When teaching his interview workshop BET-C career center director Joe Sullivan preps job seekers for what to expect.

He said be prepared for some common questions:  First, tell me something about yourself?

“When getting questions that broad, maybe what you want to do is come back with another question. ‘I’d love to, where would you like me to begin?’ So can qualify question to see if employer wants to talk about work experience, education or some personal things as well,” said Sullivan.

Most employers will also ask what you know about their company, and that is why you should always research the company, its products, its mission/brand, as well as goals and recent developments; you must be prepared.

Another common question:  What is your primary weakness? Always take a positive attribute that may become a weakness in extreme, such as perfectionist, acknowledge it and show you’re working on it.

Sullivan said, “So can take positive attribute and say I have to be on guard that I don’t take to extreme and because I already recognize that you kind of showing I already work on it.”

“What are the questions that are commonly asked?  What are your responses to questions?  What question do you ask employer?  And once kind of polish your response and work on questions, you should sit down with spouse, friend, neighbor and practice,” said Joe.

Always follow up after an interview with a thank you note, some question if a card or typed formal letter is more appropriate.

“When doing workshop 10-15 years ago, I was told to send card and all aplied to one company.  The interviewer called and asked who teacking the workshop?  They should be sending out type written letter on the side of conservatism,” said Joe.

Copyright WIVB.com

Featured Career Expert: Alison Doyle, About.Com

Alison Doyle is a job search expert with many years of experience in human resources, career development, and job searching, with a focus on online job searching, job search technology, social media, and professional networking. She has covered job searching for About.com since 1998.

Alison is the author of Internet Your Way to a New Job: How to Really Find a Job Online (2009) and the About.com Guide to Job Searching (2006).

Experience:

Alison worked for many years in Human Resources. She has also worked in a college career services office, developing information technology resources to assist constituents with job searching.

Alison has been quoted or mentioned in many major online and print publications, including The New York Times, CNN.com, Newsday, NY Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, MSNBC.com, ABCNews.com, The Christian Science Monitor, The Arizona Republic, FastCompany.com, Employment Digest, Bankrate.com, HireVue.com, Kiplinger.com, LinkedIn, Mashable.com, TypePad, WashingtonPost.com, Consumer Reports, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the syndicated Careers Now column.

She has also been featured on the radio shows InfoTRAK, Blogtalkradio, Career Success, Women Aloud, Something You Should Know, and The Job Search Solution, as well as many local radio stations.

Alison is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Education:

Alison holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and has completed several years of employee benefit and and information technology coursework.

From Alison Doyle:

“You’ll find tips for locating job listings, finding employers, networking, and other ways to find the right job. Some of the topics I cover include online job searching, writing resumes and cover letters, references, unemployment, and interviewing skills.”

Media Contacts: Email Alison for interviews.

References:

  • About.com Careers and Job Search LinkedIn Group
    Networking with career experts and plus job search advice and resources.
  • Alison Doyle’s Personal Blog
    Commentary and career advice, and using your connections to build your career.
  • Press
    Media mentions and coverage.
  • Internet Your Way to a New Job
    Online job search, professional branding, networking, and career building strategies and techniques.

For more information about Alison Doyle, please visit this link.