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<p><b>Introduction 1</b></p> <p>About This Book 2</p> <p>Foolish Assumptions 2</p> <p>Icons Used in This Book 3</p> <p>Beyond the Book 3</p> <p>Where to Go from Here 4</p> <p><b>Part I: Getting Started with Answering Tough Interview Questions 5</b></p> <p><b>Chapter 1: Understanding the Interviewing Game 7</b></p> <p>Recognising What Interviewers Are Looking For 7</p> <p>Finding Out about Key Skills and Qualities 8</p> <p>Communicating with people 9</p> <p>Influencing others 9</p> <p>Analysing situations 10</p> <p>Solving problems and making decisions 10</p> <p>Demonstrating drive and determination 10</p> <p>Teamworking with colleagues 11</p> <p>Developing quickly 11</p> <p>Being flexible and adaptable 12</p> <p>Planning and organising 12</p> <p>Being aware of the bigger picture 12</p> <p><b>Chapter 2: Doing Your Job Interview Homework 15</b></p> <p>Researching the Company 15</p> <p>Gathering vital information 16</p> <p>Visiting shops and premises 17</p> <p>Linking Job Adverts to Key Skills 17</p> <p>Dressing for Success 21</p> <p>Suited and booted 21</p> <p>Understanding the guidelines for women 22</p> <p>Getting Ready to Go 22</p> <p><b>Chapter 3: Polishing Your Interview Performance 25</b></p> <p>Creating the Right Impact 25</p> <p>Making eye contact 26</p> <p>Using your body language 27</p> <p>Creating warmth by smiling 28</p> <p>Using intonation and inflection 29</p> <p>Building Your Confidence 30</p> <p>Getting Off to a Great Start 30</p> <p><b>Part II: Making Sure You Shine in an Interview 33</b></p> <p><b>Chapter 4: Talking About Yourself 35</b></p> <p>Handling General Questions about Yourself 35</p> <p>Tell me about yourself 36</p> <p>What are your strengths? 38</p> <p>What are your weaknesses? 39</p> <p>What motivates you? 40</p> <p>What are you passionate about? 41</p> <p>What are your biggest achievements? 41</p> <p>What are you most proud of? 42</p> <p>What is your greatest failure? 43</p> <p>Do you have any regrets? 44</p> <p>Why should we hire you? 44</p> <p>Talking About Basic Job Skills 45</p> <p>Would you say that you’re reliable? 45</p> <p>What’s your absenteeism/sickness record like? 46</p> <p>How would you describe your time management skills? 46</p> <p>Are you an organised person? 47</p> <p>Do you work well under pressure? 48</p> <p>Would you say that you’re creative? 49</p> <p>Would you say you’re good with detail? 49</p> <p>How do you respond to change? 50</p> <p>How are you with new technology? 51</p> <p>What software packages are you familiar with? 51</p> <p>How would you rate yourself as? 52</p> <p><b>Chapter 5: Talking about Problems, Perceptions and People 53</b></p> <p>Overcoming Interviewers’ Common Worries 53</p> <p>What makes you lose your temper? 54</p> <p>How do you respond to authority? 54</p> <p>How do you deal with disappointment? 55</p> <p>How do you cope with job stress? 56</p> <p>What’s your attitude to taking risks? 56</p> <p>Ours is a work hard, play hard culture – how do you feel about that? 57</p> <p>Tell me something interesting about yourself 58</p> <p>What would you say your Unique Selling Point is? 58</p> <p>Do you use Facebook and/or Twitter? 59</p> <p>Seeing Yourself As Others See You 60</p> <p>What would your boss say about you? 60</p> <p>In your last appraisal, what was said about your performance? 61</p> <p>How do you think you can improve on your performance? 62</p> <p>What would your colleagues say about you? 62</p> <p>How would your team describe you? 63</p> <p>How do you think your friends would describe you? 63</p> <p>Everyone has some kind of fault – what would other people say your faults are? 64</p> <p>Discussing Your People Skills 65</p> <p>Do you prefer to work on your own or in a team? 65</p> <p>We all have a team role – what would you say your role tends to be? 66</p> <p>Do you have good presentation skills? 68</p> <p>How would you rate your customer service skills? 69</p> <p>How are you at handling conflict? 70</p> <p>We need someone who is tactful and diplomatic – how does that profile fit you? 70</p> <p>How do you take personal criticism? 71</p> <p><b>Chapter 6: Getting to Grips with Questions about Your Work 73</b></p> <p>Responding to Questions about Your Work 73</p> <p>What does your day-to-day job involve? 74</p> <p>How did you get your last job? 75</p> <p>What do you like about your current job? 76</p> <p>What do you dislike about your work? 76</p> <p>How is your performance measured? 77</p> <p>What have you learned in each of your previous jobs? 78</p> <p>Why did you leave each previous employer? 79</p> <p>Are you a good manager? 81</p> <p>Sidestepping Questions about Your Current Company 82</p> <p>How would you describe your current company? 83</p> <p>How would you rate your current line manager? 84</p> <p>What’s your manager’s biggest failing? 84</p> <p>Why do you want to leave your current company? 85</p> <p>What is your current notice period? 86</p> <p>May we approach your referees? 86</p> <p><b>Chapter 7: Talking About Why You Want a New Job 89</b></p> <p>Answering Questions about the Employer 89</p> <p>What do you know about our company? 90</p> <p>How much do you know about this position? 91</p> <p>How would you rate our products / services / website? 92</p> <p>What is it that attracts you to our company? 93</p> <p>How would you rate us against our competitors? 94</p> <p>What do you think our unique selling point is? 94</p> <p>Do you have any concerns about our organisation? 95</p> <p>Answering Questions about What You’re Looking For 96</p> <p>Why are you looking to leave your current company? 96</p> <p>If your current job isn’t challenging you, what could you do to change it? 97</p> <p>Why do you want to work in this industry? 97</p> <p>Who else are you applying to? 98</p> <p>How does this job compare with others you’re looking at? 99</p> <p>Have you received any job offers so far? 100</p> <p>How would you describe your dream job? 100</p> <p>Who would your ideal employer be? 101</p> <p>Evaluating Your Fit with the Organisation 102</p> <p>What do you think you can bring to the team? 102</p> <p>We are a diverse company – how will you cope with that? 103</p> <p>What are your views on corporate social responsibility? 104</p> <p>We’re working towards being an environmentally friendly and carbon neutral company How might you contribute? 104</p> <p>What kind of manager would you like to work for? 105</p> <p>How long do you plan to stay in this job? 105</p> <p>Why should we hire you? 106</p> <p>Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? 106</p> <p>When would you be available to start? 107</p> <p>Deflecting Questions about Money 107</p> <p>How much are you earning at the moment? 108</p> <p>How important is money to you? 108</p> <p>How much do you think you are worth in a job? 109</p> <p>What would you consider adequate remuneration for this role? 110</p> <p>I’m afraid you’re a bit expensive for us 110</p> <p>What would you like to be earning in two years’ time? 111</p> <p><b>Chapter 8: Thriving Under the Pressure Interview 113</b></p> <p>Maintaining Your Composure 114</p> <p>Responding To Leading Questions 115</p> <p>All of us have personality defects – what is yours? 115</p> <p>Why did you not achieve more in your last job? 116</p> <p>How would you respond if I said that you’re not the best candidate we’ve seen today? 117</p> <p>How would you rate me as an interviewer? 118</p> <p>What keeps you up at night? 118</p> <p>Why do you think you are better than the other candidates? 119</p> <p>Responding to Closed Questions 120</p> <p>Do you like regular hours and routine working patterns? 120</p> <p>Do you mind paperwork? 121</p> <p>Have you ever broken the rules to get a job done? 122</p> <p>Do you take work home with you at weekends? 123</p> <p>Do you have any doubts about your ability to do the job? 123</p> <p>Don’t you think you are overqualified for this job? 124</p> <p>Would you have any problems relocating? 125</p> <p>Do you mind travelling? 125</p> <p>Fending Off Weird and Wonderful Questions 126</p> <p>See this pencil I’m holding? Sell it to me 126</p> <p>Who was your favourite teacher? 128</p> <p>If you were an animal, what would you be? 128</p> <p>If you were a cartoon character, who would you be? 129</p> <p>Tell me a story 129</p> <p>Who do you most admire and why? 130</p> <p>If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be and why? 131</p> <p>What is your greatest fear? 131</p> <p>Saying Something Is Better Than Saying Nothing 132</p> <p>Playing for time 133</p> <p>Making a last ditch effort 133</p> <p><b>Chapter 9: Succeeding at Competency-Based Interviewing 135</b></p> <p>Discovering the Rules of the Game 136</p> <p>Spotting competency-based questions 136</p> <p>Dealing with skilled competency-based interviewers 137</p> <p>Dealing with unskilled competency-based interviewers 139</p> <p>Identifying Likely Questions 140</p> <p>Questions about Your Thinking and Planning Skills 142</p> <p>Tell me about a significant project that you managed 143</p> <p>Now give me an example of a project that went wrong 143</p> <p>Give me an example of a difficult decision that you have made 144</p> <p>Talk to me about a mistake you made and what you did to rectify it 145</p> <p>Questions about Leading and Managing 146</p> <p>Tell me about a time you inspired a team 146</p> <p>Talk me through how you coached or developed a team member 147</p> <p>Tell me about an occasion when you had to deal with a difficult team member 148</p> <p>Questions about Your People and Customer Skills 148</p> <p>Tell me about a time that you persuaded someone to change their mind 149</p> <p>Talk to me about a difficult colleague you’ve worked with 149</p> <p>Have you ever had to give someone negative feedback at work? How did it go? 150</p> <p>Tell me about a time you used your personal network to business advantage 151</p> <p>Tell me about a time you sold something to a customer 151</p> <p>Give me an example of a time you exceeded a customer’s expectations 152</p> <p>Questions about Your Personal Effectiveness 153</p> <p>Tell me about a time that you failed to achieve your goals 153</p> <p>How did you respond to the last piece of criticism you received? 154</p> <p>Give me an example of how you have developed yourself 155</p> <p><b>Part III: Dealing with Tricky Questions and Other Situations 157</b></p> <p><b>Chapter 10: Responding to Questions for Graduates and School Leavers 159</b></p> <p>Questions for Graduates 159</p> <p>Why did you choose to go to the university you went to? 160</p> <p>Your university results aren’t very good – why is that? 161</p> <p>Why did you choose your degree subject? 162</p> <p>What have you learnt from being at university? 162</p> <p>Why did you choose to go to university as a mature student? 164</p> <p>How difficult did you find university as a mature student? 164</p> <p>How do you think your degree is relevant to this job? 165</p> <p>I don’t see why someone with your degree would want to work in our field 166</p> <p>What sorts of part-time jobs have you had? 166</p> <p>What did you learn from your part-time jobs? 167</p> <p>What did you most enjoy about your time at university? 167</p> <p>What did you find the most difficult about your course? 168</p> <p>What did you do outside of your studies? 169</p> <p>Why have you left applying for jobs until after finishing your course? 169</p> <p>Why did you choose to study part time rather than full time? 170</p> <p>Questions for School Leavers 170</p> <p>What subjects did you enjoy most? 170</p> <p>What subjects were you good at? 171</p> <p>What subjects were you not so good at? 171</p> <p>Why didn’t you stay on at school? 172</p> <p>Do you regret not staying on at school? 172</p> <p>Why didn’t you go to university? 172</p> <p>In retrospect, do you think you should have gone to university? 173</p> <p>What further education do you think you will need for this job? 174</p> <p><b>Chapter 11: Handling Questions Aimed at Experienced Candidates 175</b></p> <p>Questions for Older Candidates 175</p> <p>How would you rate your progress so far? 176</p> <p>Do you feel that you should have achieved more in your current job? 176</p> <p>I’m concerned because you’ve been with one employer for a very long time – why is that? 177</p> <p>This is a challenging role – are you sure you want to take it on at this stage of your career? 178</p> <p>How have you changed in the last ten years? 179</p> <p>When do you plan to retire? 179</p> <p>Talking about Changes of Direction in Your CV 180</p> <p>Why have you changed jobs so many times? 180</p> <p>Given your background, why have you decided to change career? 182</p> <p>Do you want to change career because you are disillusioned with your current one? 183</p> <p>To what extent are your personal circumstances impacting upon your desire to change career? 184</p> <p>How do we know that you’ll stick with this change of direction? 185</p> <p>How do you feel about starting at the bottom again? 186</p> <p>How will you cope working with peers who are ten years younger than you? 187</p> <p>How will you cope with the drop in salary that changing career necessitates? 187</p> <p>What would you do if you were unable to secure a job in this profession? 188</p> <p>Returning to Work 188</p> <p>You have a gap in your CV – what did you do in that time? 188</p> <p>Are you concerned that your time away from the workforce may put you at a disadvantage? 189</p> <p>Why did your last employer select you for redundancy? 190</p> <p>Have you ever been fired? 190</p> <p>Why have you been out of work for so long? 191</p> <p>If you hadn’t been made redundant, would you have considered work in this field? 192</p> <p>You’ve been working for yourself for some time now Why do you want to work for someone else again? 192</p> <p><b>Chapter 12: Handling Hypothetical and Analytical Questions 195</b></p> <p>Responding to Hypothetical Questions 196</p> <p>What would you do if your boss asked you to do something that went against your principles? 196</p> <p>What would you do if you disagreed with a decision taken by your manager? 197</p> <p>What would you do if your child were suddenly taken ill? 197</p> <p>Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? 198</p> <p>If you spotted a colleague doing something unethical, what would you do? 199</p> <p>What would you do if a colleague came to you in tears? 200</p> <p>How would you react if your boss said that you needed to come into the office for the entire weekend? 200</p> <p>What would you say if I were to offer you this job right now? 201</p> <p>Defining Key Concepts 201</p> <p>How would you define team work? 201</p> <p>What makes for a good working environment? 202</p> <p>How would you define leadership? 202</p> <p>Dealing Effectively with Numerical Challenges 203</p> <p>How many bottles of carbonated water are consumed daily in California? 203</p> <p>How many cars does Pakistan have? 205</p> <p>I have a dinosaur on an island – how many sheep would I need on the island to feed it in perpetuity? 205</p> <p>I’d like you to multiply 8 by 9 and then take 13 away from the result 207</p> <p><b>Chapter 13: Coping with Illegal and Personal Questions 209</b></p> <p>Countering Illegal Questions 209</p> <p>How old are you? 210</p> <p>Are you married? 212</p> <p>Do you have children? 212</p> <p>What are your childcare arrangements? 213</p> <p>When do you plan to have children? 213</p> <p>Are you pregnant at the moment? 214</p> <p>Does your partner mind you being away from home? 214</p> <p>What is your sexual orientation? 215</p> <p>What are your religious beliefs? 215</p> <p>Is English your mother tongue? 216</p> <p>Where were you born? 217</p> <p>Would you mind providing us with your Facebook details so that we can log in to your account? 218</p> <p>Have you ever been arrested? 219</p> <p>Talking about Life Outside of Work 220</p> <p>What do you do with your leisure time? 220</p> <p>Your leisure interests seem very solitary –</p> <p>does this affect your team skills? 221</p> <p>What sports do you play? 221</p> <p>Do you read much? 222</p> <p>What was the last book you read? 223</p> <p>What was the last film you saw? 223</p> <p>Do you keep up with current affairs? 224</p> <p>What newspaper do you read? 224</p> <p>What news story has grabbed your attention recently? 225</p> <p>Talking About Your Health 225</p> <p>You mention that you took a lot of time off last year – why is that? 225</p> <p>How many days did you take off sick last year? 226</p> <p>Do you have any medical conditions that you should tell us about? 227</p> <p>How do you cope with your disability? 227</p> <p><b>Chapter 14: Taking Control in Unusual Situations 229</b></p> <p>Dealing with Panel Interviews 229</p> <p>Handling Hi-Tech Interviews 230</p> <p>Hanging on the telephone 230</p> <p>Handling video conferencing and webcams with finesse 231</p> <p>Getting Ready for Psychometric Tests 231</p> <p>Passing aptitude tests 232</p> <p>Completing personality questionnaires 232</p> <p>Succeeding at Assessment Centres 233</p> <p>Passing in-trays 233</p> <p>Giving great presentations 234</p> <p>Excelling at group exercises 235</p> <p>Being a star in role-play simulations 236</p> <p><b>Part IV: Securing the Job of Your Dreams 239</b></p> <p><b>Chapter 15: Asking Great Questions 241</b></p> <p>Preparing the Right Questions for the Right Interview 241</p> <p>Showing enthusiasm for the job 244</p> <p>Checking out future prospects 245</p> <p>Enquiring about the culture 246</p> <p>Turning Your Questions into a Discussion 247</p> <p><b>Chapter 16: Dotting ‘I’s and Crossing ‘T’s 249</b></p> <p>Wrapping Up the Interview 249</p> <p>Checking next steps 249</p> <p>Making a great final impression 250</p> <p>Taking Notes after the Interview 251</p> <p>Sending Follow-Up Letters 252</p> <p>Ensuring Your References Are Positive 254</p> <p>Evaluating the Experience 254</p> <p>Rating your own performance 255</p> <p>Finding out what went wrong 256</p> <p><b>Part V: The Part of Tens 259</b></p> <p><b>Chapter 17: Ten Cardinal Sins of Interviewing 261</b></p> <p>Turning Up Late 261</p> <p>Getting the Dress Code Wrong 262</p> <p>Being Rude to Receptionists 262</p> <p>Getting Off to a Shaky Start 263</p> <p>Giving a Monologue 264</p> <p>Answering in Monosyllables 264</p> <p>Failing the Luton Airport Test 265</p> <p>Usurping the Balance of Power 265</p> <p>Discussing Money Too Soon 265</p> <p>Having No Questions to Ask 266</p> <p><b>Chapter 18: Ten Steps to Delivering a Great Interview 267</b></p> <p>Research the Company 267</p> <p>Write Out Your Interview Answers 268</p> <p>Prepare Good Stories to Illustrate the Skills the Employer Wants 268</p> <p>Stick to the Truth 269</p> <p>Rehearse Your Interview Answers Out Loud 269</p> <p>Practise a Random Question Interview 270</p> <p>Ask a Friend to Interview You 270</p> <p>Ask for Feedback on Your Delivery 271</p> <p>Be Complimentary and Positive About the Employer 272</p> <p>Mirror the Interviewer’s Body Language 272</p> <p><b>Chapter 19: Ten Top Tips for Projecting a Confident You 275</b></p> <p>Allow Time to Prepare Your Interview Answers Properly 275</p> <p>Rehearse Out Loud Repeatedly 276</p> <p>Think About Your Best Self 276</p> <p>Identify Your Values 277</p> <p>Write About Your Values 277</p> <p>Breathe Right 278</p> <p>Listen to Upbeat Music 278</p> <p>Create a Positivity Ritual 279</p> <p>Strike a Powerful Pose 279</p> <p>Read Books on Confidence 280</p> <p><b>Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Troubleshoot Your Job Search 281</b></p> <p>Make Sure Your CV Showcases Your Best Skills and Experience 281</p> <p>Check Your CV for Typos 282</p> <p>Apply for a Variety of Jobs with Small and Large Employers 283</p> <p>Consider Your Suitability for the Jobs You’re Applying For 283</p> <p>Ask for a Second Opinion 283</p> <p>Reach Out to Friends and Acquaintances 284</p> <p>Ask for Referrals 284</p> <p>Put in the Hours 285</p> <p>Review the Interviews You’ve Attended 285</p> <p>Seek Professional Help 286</p> <p>Index 287</p>

<p><b>Rob Yeung, PhD </b>is a business psychologist specialising in research and consulting in the fields of high achievement and peak performance. He is the author of more than twenty books.</p>

<p><b>Your complete interview survival guide</b></p> <p>In a competitive job market, you need an edge. And this updated guide gives you one. It supplies insight into the interview process and what interviewers are really looking for. It clues you in on the kinds of questions interviewers ask and why. And it provides you with strategies for supplying the best answers to the most common and challenging questions – answers that help you prove you're the best candidate for the job.</p> <ul> <li><i><b>Give them what they want</b> – establish an immediate rapport with interviewers and learn about the most common interview questions, including how to supply the best answer to each</i></li> <li><i><b>Don't get caught off-guard</b> – prepare for questions that address your situation, including leaving school, returning from maternity, and changing career paths</i></li> <li><i><b>Take it to the next level</b> – recognise and deal with the more subtle questions interviewers use to challenge the most promising candidates</i></li> <li><i><b>Leave a lasting impression</b> – discover how to ask questions that impress interviewers, along with advice on how to follow up an interview to increase your chances</i></li> </ul> <p><b>Open the book and find:</b></p> <ul> <li>More than 200 examples of tough interview questions – and answers</li> <li>Proven strategies for combating nerves and projecting confidence</li> <li>Advice on managing a strong online presence and using social media tools</li> <li>Ways to avoid clichéd answers</li> <li>Ten steps to giving a great interview</li> </ul> <p><b><i>Learn to:</i></b></p> <ul> <li>Prepare effectively and polish your performance</li> <li>Make your honest answers sound great</li> <li>Deal with the toughest questions and tricky situations</li> <li>Avoid common pitfalls and traps</li> </ul>

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