​By the time you step into a room for an interview, nothing should come as a surprise. You should be familiar with the company, its strategic goals, the people you’re meeting and your own strengths and weaknesses. Like an athlete training for game day, the interview is a chance to show all your preparation and let your skills shine. To show up ready, here are six ways to prepare for your interview. ​Research the company and interviewers  ​​Prepare a scouting report for yourself. What positions do the people interviewing you hold? Check their LinkedIn profiles or get information from your contacts about them. Find out which issues the company is grappling with and identify the company’s top strategic objectives. ​​Bring supporting materials  ​​Show, don’t just tell. Bring a portfolio of your work, even if you haven’t been asked to. If you are interviewing for a higher level position, perhaps you can also bring a draft of a 30-60-90 Day Plan. It must outline what you intend to do when hired, and demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are the best candidate. ​​Prepare answers to common questions Some questions are asked by almost every interviewer you'll encounter. Here's how to answer the most common interview questions.  ​​Polish your presentation  ​​It’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it. Pay attention to how you are going to carry your body posture. If you don't display confidence and professionalism during the interview, you will lose a competitive advantage. Practice how you’re going to present eye contact, handshakes and even your listening.  ​​Conduct a mock interview ​​Your answers may make sense in your head, but how do they sound when you communicate them? The career center at your college more than likely will have services to conduct a mock job interview. If this service isn’t available, rehearse your answers with a friend during each step of the interviewing process. ​​Have questions Finally, when interviewers give you the opportunity to turn the tables, don't waste it. Know in advance what you want to ask. Here are interview questions to ask hiring managers.  ​​Preparing for job interviews includes knowing as much as you can about the company, as well as knowing what you have to offer to help it be more successful. Be prepared. Be confident. Be ready. ​​

​There is a lot to hold in your head when you are interviewing for a job, from saying the right answers to negotiating your salary. On top of all that you want to give off an air of confidence and make a strong first impression. So instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on the basics. Here are three key principles to keep in mind.  Connect with your network ahead of time  Your first impression actually starts before you enter the door. It begins with your reputation and what others think of you long before you open your mouth. To help build your brand, connect with your network and ask them about the role and your job.  At this point, you may want to ask your network to put in a good word for you. But rather, focus on learning about the role and how it fits with your strengths – don’t make it all about you. The impression you give off simply by caring and wanting to learn more about the role makes an impact. Express your gratitude for them helping you understand the opening and how you might fit. As a benefit, your extra interest and eagerness will likely find its way back to the interviewers.  Breathe and pay attention to your body language  If you try to control every last mannerism from handshakes to eye contact, you’re likely to come across as either robotic or nervous. Instead, breathe and relax. Let your body language come across as at ease and confident and the rest will flow.  Say thank you  Much as first impression starts before they meet you, it also concludes after you leave to close the loop. In a thank you note, say what made you feel connected to the position and how the interviewers helped you understand the role. This isn’t a replacement for a first impression, but instead can reinforce what others thought of you. You don’t need to say too much to remind people about you and help cement your brand.  When you are finished with an interview process, resist the urge to second guess yourself. Remember it’s not just one thing that makes or breaks a first impression – it’s multiple elements over time. Focus on building your reputation, and first impressions will start to become second nature.  

​Although well-designed job interviews are very useful recruitment tools, the typical job interview is far too improvised and unstructured to predict candidates' future job performance. This includes situations where interviewers ask random, arbitrary questions to candidates, and where there's no pre-defined algorithm or scoring card to interpret candidates' responses. As a result, too many interviews are a waste of time. Unsurprisingly, scientific research shows that the majority of candidates engage in deliberate tactics of manipulation during job interviews, including impression management, deception, ingratiation, and showing off. And who can blame them? After all, it pays off to impress your interviewers, even if such impressions are uncorrelated with future job performance and therefore an invalid signal of your talent or potential. It is perhaps for this reason - the fact that bragging and boasting are so pervasive during job interviews - that recruiters and hiring managers love to ask candidates about their greatest weakness - and there's no shortage of suggestions on how to answer this question. Yet few guidelines take into account the vast amount of academic research on impression management and deception, which is no doubt critical to enabling candidates to pick the right answer and craft their message in the most effective way. To this end, here are a few points to consider before you decide on how to answer "your biggest weakness" question:​1. Act surprised:Regardless of the quality of your response, it will be stronger if it doesn't seem rehearsed. Inevitably, this requires some acting, since you probably already expect interviewers to ask you this question. However, the more prepared you seem, the less credit they will be able to take for asking the question (which equates to making them feel less competent), and the less truthful your answer will seem. In line, research shows that both verbal and non-verbal communication that seems authentic is generally linked to more positive perceptions of personal attributes, including job potential. Therefore, your ability to pretend that you are thinking on the spot - or, even better, that you have been put on the spot - and have been forced to sincerely report on your biggest weaknesses, is likely to make a better impact on your interviewers than seeming prepared or scripted would. For the same reason, you should avoid common cliches.2. Avoid common cliches:There's clearly a logic to most of the popular suggestions for answering the "what is your greatest weakness" question. For example, "I'm too much of a perfectionist" and "I'm too self-critical" represent attempts to mask positive and sought-after traits (perfectionism and self-awareness) as defects. The desired effect here - assuming fake modesty works - is to even make your defects seem impressive, for they are not even common as virtues. On the other hand, answers such as "I have little tolerance for selfish people" or "I don't enjoy working on projects that are not aligned with my personal interests or values" are somewhat more risqué, but hardly make you stand out (the majority of people in the world, including the interviewers, feel the same way). Then there is the worst category of answers, such as "I'm too honest" or "I care too much about others", which signal an inability to fake honesty, let alone be honest, or understand the actual question. In any event it is safe to assume that being original is as important as seeming honest and self-critical, and you are more likely to achieve this if you don't recycle the common cliches.​3. Avoid being brutally honest:Whether you lack self-awareness or not, there are few reasons for telling interviewers exactly what you think about your greatest weaknesses - and, in any event, that is not what interviewers are interested in finding out. Rather, they want to evaluate your ability to portray a believable degree of fake modesty, ideally with some degree of self-awareness, while you are still selling yourself for the job. Note that if interviewers like you, the last thing they will want is that you "hang yourself" by providing them with a ruthless self-catalogue of flaws. You don't do it on a first date, unless you want it to be your last date - so why do it on a job interview? It is probably even better to say "I have no weaknesses" (which is a terrible response), than to go over the real list of actual weaknesses people would mention if they were not just honest with themselves, but also the interviewers: e.g., I tend to dislike my bosses; I've never been too interested in work; I tend to dislike many of my colleagues; if there's a way to do things with minimum effort I usually will; I' not a morning person (or an evening person); I'm usually grumpy during meetings; I can't deal with authority; I generally see work as a burden and wouldn't do it if I could avoid it. And if you think these statements are not emblematic of what the average person really thinks about their job, manager, or careers, then just google "my boss is", "my job is", or "my career is" to find out. To be sure, we shouldn't blame people for being in jobs or careers they dislike, or working for someone they despise - but such realities would no doubt be deemed part of an applicant's weakness during a job interview if they were mentioned (and they are a far cry from the rosy picture applicants actually report when asked about those very feelings).  ​4. What you should actually say:First, you will probably get bonus points for highlighting the things your interviewers already identified as weaknesses. And even if you are a strong candidate, they will almost certainly have spotted some gaps or flaws in your CV and background. Why is this a smart strategy? Because it demonstrates self-awareness - the ability to know how other people see you (yes, self-awareness is really about other-awareness) - and because you are in effect reassuring interviewers that there's probably no other obvious weaknesses they are missing out. Plus they will feel good about having guessed or identified your flaws, and having given you a killer question that made you confess them. In essence, this strategy makes them look good and feel good about themselves, without weakening you beyond what they thought... and arguably strengthening you because you are aware and honest about it. In contrast, failure to mention the things that they perceive as your weaknesses will make them suspicious that you are trying to hide them (this equates to dishonesty), or that you lack self-awareness. As confirmation bias research shows, people are generally interested in attending to events that support their prejudices and preconceptions, so you should just give interviewers what they want. Just like all other humans, most interviewers have a stronger need to protect their beliefs and misconceptions, than to accurately judge facts and reality. Second, use this instance to highlight the distinctive elements of your character and style. When identifying the core ingredients of your personality, you will inevitably find that all of your natural strengths can be weaknesses in other contexts. For instance, if you are introverted rather than extroverted, it is obvious that you are not naturally wired to connecting with new acquaintances, or that highly sociable or "extroverted" environments may seem taxing to you. By the same token, extroverted people who function well in such settings will find it harder to concentrate while working alone or pay attention to details. The same applies to any personality trait, so you can tell interviewers what you are naturally like by pointing out the things you don't like, or where your natural strengths are actually more of a liability. This will not only reveal truthful personal information, it will also help them understand how best to deploy your talents. Third, whatever weakness you report, explain how you are planning to mitigate it - or, even better, what you have been doing to self-coach it and contain it. We all have flaws and limitations, but it's our ability to keep them in check that determines our true potential.​This article is contributed by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a Professor of Psychology at UCL and Columbia University, and the Chief Talent Scientist at ManpowerGroup* This content was first published to Forbes.com on October 30th, 2018. 

​​The thoughtful post-interview thank you note matters more than ever in an era of e-communication.​The human brain is programmed to compresses experiences into three phases: The beginning, the peak and the end. In the case of job interviews, we often put emphasis on the first impressions and how you present yourself in the interview. The final handshake is an afterthought. But how you follow-up afterward can play a crucial role in how you are remembered. Sending a proper thoughtful thank you note can make all the difference. Here are tips on how to make the most of a post-interview thank you.  ​Put it on paper It’s easy to dash off a quick thank-you note via email right after you leave an interview. But an email is apt to get lost in the pile of electronic communications, especially if it’s not urgent. Instead, take the time to write your thoughts down on paper. In today’s electronic-dominated communication, a tangible paper note has the power to cut through the clutter. Writing out your note on paper will also have the benefit of forcing you to be more thoughtful about what you’re writing.  ​Personalize it A thank you note can be forgettable or memorable. The difference is personalization. Instead of a generic “thank you for your time,” tell the person what you appreciated about your meeting. What quality about the encounter stood out in your mind? Was there a moment that demonstrated why you want to work there? What do you want the interviewer to know you took away from the interview? Assume others are also sending a thank you note, and personalize yours so it stands out as unique. ​Don’t copy and paste If you’re sending more than one thank you note, take the extra time to personalize each one. You sound disingenuous if your recipients compare notes and realize you copied and pasted.  ​Be real but be neat Writing out your note in longhand is a small window into your personality. Penmanship may be a dying art, but making sure your writing is legible and neat will help put your best (type)face forward. Hurried chicken scratch writing won’t reflect well on you. Take care especially to make sure your signature is readable, so they know who sent the note.  ​Extend your thanksYou don’t have to thank just the people with the loftiest titles from your interview. Who else helped you? Did you have a receptionist help with your scheduling? Did you privately talk with any current employees to get a sense of the workplace culture? Take a moment to thank these people, too. Not only is it a nice gesture, these connections can put in a good word for you. Sometimes it’s people on the periphery that can make all the difference in a close decision. ​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

Acing the employment interview requires that job candidates take the time to prepare. Tough interview questions force job seekers to think on their feet. And by participating in mock interviews, answering the toughest interview questions, any job candidate can survive even the most difficult and harrowing employment interview. In our popular blog post series, Answers to Tough Interview Questions, we deconstruct each of the seven questions, and provide a possible answer.​Why are you looking to leave your current position?The interviewer is trying to determine if a job seeker is unhappy or dissatisfied with her current job, and if the possibility exists that the same issues will arise if she is hired. For job seekers who are currently unemployed, the interviewer wants to know why you were laid off.​Why are you interested in this position/our company?The interviewer is really interested in what value you can add to the prospective employer and how your credentials can support the organization’s direction. He is also trying to discern if the job candidate is interested in the position and/or the company for the right reasons.​What makes you the best candidate for this role?The interviewer is trying to determine if the job seeker has the proper credentials, knowledge and experience for the job. She is also assessing the candidate’s self-confidence and ability to perform in the role.​Tell me about a specific situation where you failed.The interviewer is trying to determine if the job seeker is forthright when admitting to failure. He is also trying to discover if a job seeker learns from her mistakes, and if she is taking enough, too little, or too many risks on the job.​Tell me how you handle conflict at work.The interviewer is trying to determine if the job seeker is level headed and fair when dealing with workplace conflict. Conflict is unavoidable in the workplace so the interviewer wants to know if you manage conflict in a constructive or destructive manner.​When responding to questions in an interview, remember to keep it short (no longer than two minutes for each question), keep it positive and keep it truthful. Any job seeker who takes the time to practice answering each of the seven tough interview questions will find that the employment interview is less daunting and harrowing.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​In our series of answers to tough interview questions, “Tell me about a specific situation where you failed” is the tough interview question that we are tackling today. In our series, we delve into what the interviewer is trying to uncover. For today’s question, the interviewer is trying to determine what lesson you learned from a mistake. It is a given that people make mistakes, and that adversity is the best teacher. Try to emphasize that, along with acknowledging openly that you made a mistake, that you can articulate what you learned from it. The interviewer wants to know that you already made that mistake, learned from it, and that it won’t happen again on their payroll. Answer to interview question, “Tell me about a specific situation where you failed.” “As a senior finance executive, I have been involved with 12 mergers and acquisitions, in three Fortune 500 companies, over a period of 25 years. About 15 years ago, a key member of our integration team became critically ill and was off work for most of the integration, another accepted another position midway through the process. We fell behind and were pressured to meet the original timeline despite having two fewer persons. To save time, I decided to eliminate steps in the integration process, which ended up adding an additional $2 million to the cost. We completed the process on time, but exceeded the budget. Immediately after that experience, I created a checklist, which outlines all the critical steps necessary to integrate all systems. Since then, whenever I am asked to accelerate the integration process, if it will jeopardize the organization, I build a case for why we shouldn’t and that has worked so far.” In this response you are not only demonstrating how you failed, but you are also demonstrating that a positive came out of a negative. And the interviewer can clearly see the lessons that you have learned from the failure. In addition, your response to interview questions needs to be specific and succinct, as well as truthful and positive. Candidates who relate a particular situation to the interviewer for each question will be far more effective and successful than those who respond in general terms. The best way to answer tough interview questions is to briefly describe the situation and be specific about the action you took. The response offered to the fifth tough interview question, “Tell me about a specific situation where you failed” is only a guide, and therefore it is the job candidate’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​In our series of answers to tough interview questions, “Tell me how you handle conflict at work” is the tough interview question that we are tackling today.In our series, we delve into what the interviewer is trying to uncover. For today’s question, the interviewer is trying to determine if the job seeker is level headed and fair when dealing with workplace conflict.​Answer to interview question, “Tell me how you handle conflict at work.”“As a senior finance executive, I have been involved with 12 mergers and acquisitions, in three Fortune 500 companies, over a period of 25 years. For each merger and acquisition that I was involved in there were always conflicts in deciding which companies to merge and acquire, and how best to integrate the acquired companies into the existing one. In one situation, our CEO desperately wanted to acquire a company to get access to its technology, and was adamant about doing so. When I performed the due diligence, I discovered that doing so would put our company at risk. Our CEO did not respond very well to the news and refused to listen to me, but I remained calm throughout the meeting.After the meeting, I approached another senior level executive who went to university with our CEO, and I explained to him that the company that our CEO wanted to acquire for its technology was embroiled in a dispute about who owned the patent, and that the key people working on the technology had quit the firm. I inquired if having the conversation in a different environment would help and he indicated that the CEO loves to play squash. I invited the CEO to play a game of squash. After the game, the conversation turned to work and I was able to successfully make my case this time.”In the response you are demonstrating that you possess political and business savvy. You didn’t lose your calm when the CEO refused to listen to your point of view. Instead, you gathered information on how you could create an environment where the CEO would be more likely to listen to you. Your response to interview questions needs to be specific and succinct, as well as truthful and positive. Candidates who relate a particular situation to the interviewer for each question will be far more effective and successful than those who respond in general terms. The best way to answer tough interview questions is to briefly describe the situation and be specific about the action you took.The response offered to the seventh tough interview question, “Tell me how you handle conflict at work.” is only a guide, and therefore it is the job candidate’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​​In our series on answers to tough interview questions, today, we will tackle, “Why are you interested in this position/our company?”As is true with many of the toughest interview questions, there is usually a question hidden behind the question asked. In this case, when asked, “Why are you interested in this position/our company?” the interviewer is really listening for what you know about his/her organization, what value you can add to the bottom line, and how your background and experience can support the organization’s direction and strategy.  To answer this question first requires conducting research on the company.  The firm’s website, of course, is the starting point, but the successful applicant will likely have used a variety of sources to come up with a richer understanding of the company’s current position. (Link to Best Websites for Company Research for the Job Seeker). Your response to the question must demonstrate first that you have a sense of, and secondly that  you can contribute to the organization’s strategic initiatives.​Answer to interview question, “Why are you interested in this position/our company?”​“My research shows that you are growing through mergers and acquisitions, and your organization has recently acquired three companies, whose culture is very different from yours. As a senior finance executive, I have prepared several organizations, including XYZ, ABC, and ACME Materials,  for mergers and acquisitions, as well as played an instrumental role in merging and acquiring firms and overseeing the integration. I have firsthand experience on what pitfalls to avoid, therefore, I feel that my background can really help with these specific  strategic growth initiatives.” Your response needs to be specific and succinct, as well as truthful and positive. Candidates who tell the interviewer about particular situations that relate to each question will be far more effective and successful than those who respond in general terms. The best way to answer tough interview questions is to briefly describe the situation, what specific actions you took, and the effect – financial and otherwise -  on the situation, and the positive result or outcome.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​There is no shortage of information on how to ace a job interview, and it is overwhelming when you take stock of the all the interview questions you must know how to answer. If you attempt to practice all of the recommended questions, you will never be prepared for the interview.​Based on his over 20 years of experience hiring employees at all levels at multiple Fortune 500 organization, Russell Tuckerton distilled his knowledge and understanding to identify seven tough interview questions that job candidates must get right. In a series of seven blog posts, we will provide a sample answer to each of the seven tough interview questions.​Answer to interview question, “Why are you looking to leave your current position?”“Like many organizations in the media industry, XYZ Media is going through major restructuring and downsizing. Unfortunately, this has meant the elimination of many positions, including my own. I am disappointed, of course, because I am proud of many of the contributions I made. However, I now have an opportunity to put my skills and experience to work in a new setting such as your organization.”​When drafting your statement, consider these three points:1. Keep It Short- Generally, the more you try to explain, the more difficult your explanation becomes. You will be prepared to answer follow-up questions, but only if they are asked.2. Keep it Positive- Negative statements about your former boss or organization will only hurt you.3. Keep it Truthful- A number of factors result in someone leaving. Pick the reason that is most positive and easiest to explain.​The response offered to the tough interview question, “Why are you looking to leave your current position?” is a guide, therefore it is the job seeker’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​“Why should we hire you?/What makes you the best candidate for this role?” is the tough interview question that we are tackling today.In our series on answers to tough interview questions, we delve into what the interviewer is trying to uncover. For today’s question, the interviewer is trying to determine if the job seeker has the proper credentials, knowledge and experience for the job. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the value that you are adding to the organization if they hire you.Answer to tough interview question, “Why should we hire you?/What makes you the best candidate for this role?”“Through my in-depth research, I have discovered that XYZ is in growth mode, and has recently acquired three companies. As a senior finance executive who has been involved with 12 mergers and acquisitions, in three Fortune 500 companies, over a period of 25 years, based on my experience, I guarantee that I will be able to successfully integrate your newly acquired companies into the existing business. I have written several case studies on the proper steps to take for the smooth integration of acquired companies, and these case studies are used in top business schools. Because of my expertise in the area, I am frequently asked to speak at international conferences, which has always benefitted my employers. I know without a doubt that I can successfully perform in this role. Do you have any follow-up questions I can address on this?”In the response you are demonstrating that you are both qualified to successfully perform in the role, and able to give your prospective employer visibility internationally. You are demonstrating how you can add value to the organization. In addition, your response to interview questions needs to be specific and succinct, as well as truthful and positive. Candidates who relate a particular situation to the interviewer for each question will be far more effective and successful than those who respond in general terms. The best way to answer tough interview questions is to briefly describe specific situations from your work history, and to also be specific in describing the action you took.The response offered to the tough interview question, “Why should we hire you?/What makes you the best candidate for this role?” is only a guide, and therefore it is the job candidate’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

To perform exceptionally well in a job interview, the job candidate has to be prepared. The best way to do that is to put together a list of possible interview questions, then have mock interviews, where you video record your responses to dissect later. In the series on Answers to 7 Common Interview Questions, here is a possible response to “What questions do you have for me?” Let’s start off by saying that it’s unacceptable to say you do not have any questions for the interviewer. During a job interview, it’s a conversation. The employer is checking you out and you should be doing the same thing.As a rule, do not ask about salary and benefits until an offer is made, or if the hiring managers specifically opens that door. Don’t expect to ask all 15 questions because not only would that be overkill, but there wouldn’t be enough time to do that. A better approach is to think about the position that you are interviewing for, what information would you like to know that you cannot find elsewhere?These days with the prominence that social media plays in our lives, it is very easy to find information on organizations and the people that work there. Although, you will find 15 sample questions to practice with, in the interview, perhaps you could focus on the following four questions if they make sense for the position that you are applying for. What particular achievements would equate to success at this job? What would success look like?What are three key things that really drive results for the company?Corporate culture is very important, but it’s usually hard to define until one violates it. What is one thing an employee might do here that would be perceived as a violation of the company’s culture?In the recent past, how has the company acknowledged and rewarded outstanding performance?The above questions to ask the interviewer work because you need to know what success looks like for the company and for yourself, so you know which direction to take. These days, as more people are moving toward having career conversations, it’s fair game to understand how you will be rewarded for stellar performance. And in every organization, there are many unwritten rule. These are hard to figure out because they are unwritten, so it’s best to ask the question, so you know what behaviors to avoid.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​To perform exceptionally well in an employment interview, the job candidate has to possess effective interviewing skills. ​One of the best ways to prepare for an interview, is by holding mock interviews, answering the seven commonly asked interview questions. In the series on “Answers to 7 Common Interview Questions,” here is a possible response to “What do you look for in a boss?” For today’s question, the interviewer is trying to determine the job seeker’s personal leadership style, to find out if it aligns with the organization’s culture. It’s also a way to discover if the interviewee is promotable - that’s if he or she is leadership material. Another way to ask this question is, “Tell me about your current boss.” ​It’s a well-known fact that the most common reason for someone to leave a job is because of the people they work with. People quit people, they seldom quit jobs. In the event that you are leaving your job because you cannot get along with your boss, do not say that in the interview. No mention of major personality flaws either. Focus on your boss’ strengths, because everyone has strengths. Everyone is good at something. Your response to “What do you look for in a boss” should be short, direct, cover four to five traits, and should take no more than two minutes to answer. A possible answer to the question is below.​“I’ve found I work well with a lot of different management styles. Now, having said that, I think it’s admirable for bosses to show interest in their direct reports, know each team member’s strengths and weaknesses, listen to what team members have to say, and give praise when appropriate. It’s very important to me that an ideal boss is approachable, someone who speaks plainly. I’d also like to know that I can talk to my boss about any workplace situation without feeling scared or fearful of his reaction. And my ideal boss provides timely, and honest feedback.” ​The response above will take less than two minutes to deliver, but it touches on several traits of the greatest leaders. That’s the kind of person who you’d ideally want to work with. Since interviews are a two-way street, when you get the opportunity to ask questions, make sure you ask questions such as, “Tell me what you like best about your job” and “What’s your management style?” Additionally, also pay attention to non-verbal cues since this gives important insights into the boss’ personality. ​The response offered to the common interview question, “What do you look for in a boss?” is only a guide, and therefore it is the job candidate’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​​To perform exceptionally well in a job interview, the job candidate has to be prepared. In the series on Answers to Common Interview Questions, here is a possible response to “Tell me about yourself.” This question is usually the ice-breaker that sets the tone for the interview. For today’s question, although the interviewer is asking you about yourself, she is expecting you to tie in your response to the job that you are interviewing for. She is not interested in where you grew up or any of your hobbies. It’s not really about you, it’s about the company’s needs. Provide a complete understanding of your background and your aspirations as they relate to the prospective position. So throughout your response to this common interview question, focus on your knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences that will be likely the most relevant. ​The hiring manager has your resume, so in your response, incorporate some vignettes, and try to relax. Here is a possible answer to, “Tell me about yourself.” ​“I am currently the social media manager where I manage over 100 accounts for the organization. My main goal was to attract a large segment of Millennials who would likely buy our products. As a Millennial myself, I understand what’s needed and my team and I were able to successfully develop and implement a social selling campaign. At the end of the campaign, we had 1 million Facebook likes and 2 million Twitter followers. Likes and followers are important, but we sold $10,000,000 worth of products to our target group.  And while I enjoy what I do tremendously, your organization will allow me to dig deeper into social selling and expand into lead generation. This will allow me to grow my expertise.”​The answer works because it is giving a glimpse into the candidate’s background and her aspiration. Her response demonstrates how she is the answer to the organization’s problems in a very non-arrogant way. She is simply presenting the facts. Remember that the response offered to the common interview question, “Tell me about yourself” is only a guide, and therefore it is the job candidate’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​To perform exceptionally well in an employment interview, the job candidate has to be prepared. ​In the series on Answers to 7 Common Interview Questions, here is a possible response to “What is your biggest weakness?” For today’s question, the interviewer is trying to determine how honest and self-aware a job seeker is. The hiring manager is also trying to identify any big red flags. The one response you don’t want to give is “I do not have any major weakness.” Now, having said that, this doesn’t mean you need to wear your heart on your sleeve, talking about every weakness that you have. Here is a possible response to the question, “What is your biggest weakness?”​“I am an introvert, so in large meetings, I tend to remain quiet, especially when more extroverted co-workers monopolize the conversation. A couple of coworkers, with whom I work closely, and trust their feedback, mentioned that when I do not speak up in meetings, not only does it make me look as if I never have anything worthwhile to say, but I deny others the opportunity to benefit from my ideas and insights. I had never really thought about it that way before. I have been seriously working on this weakness to become more comfortable speaking in front of large audiences. I recently offered to chair a committee to raise funds for United Way. And when I am in other meetings, before the chair moves on to another topic on the agenda, I indicate that I have something to say. It still feels a little bit uncomfortable for me to step outside my comfort zone, but I feel better knowing that I am being heard.” The above answer works because public speaking is one of the biggest fears that people have. In fact, it ranks above going to the dentist. You have stated your weakness, but you have also provided two ways that you are working on your greatest weakness. The hiring manager sees that you are very self-aware and honest. The response offered to the interview question, “What is your biggest weakness?” is only a guide, and therefore it is the job candidate’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​To perform exceptionally well in an employment interview, the job candidate has to be prepared.  ​For today’s question in our series on Answers to 7 Common Interview Questions, let’s take a deeper look at how to answer the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”   When the interviewer asks this question, they are trying to understand your career goals and possibly your career path. They want to know if your goals and expectations for career growth are a good fit, and aligns with the organization’s goals. Organizations want to hire employees who will likely stick around, those who are motivated and proactive about their careers, and those who are serious about success. For the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years,” you can quickly derail the interview if the interviewer believes that you are overly ambitious, think you can move up quickly and start running the place. Before providing a possible answer, it’s worth mentioning that the question can be asked in several other ways such as: 1.What is your ideal job at this stage in your career?2.What’s most important to you in your career?3.What are you looking for?4.What are your long-term career goals?5.How do you define success? Your response to “Where do you see yourself in five years” and any other variation of the question, should be short, direct, and take no more than two minutes to answer. Most importantly, you should be honest and specific about your future goals. Seriously think about the position, and realistically where it can take you. In your response, be sure to emphasize your interest in working for the company for a long time. A possible answer to the question is below.​ “I always strive to be the best at what I do. Although I have the core requirements for the position, and will hit the ground running, I want to work for an organization where I’ll have opportunities to develop my skills, work on interesting projects that will stretch me, and with people, whom I can learn from. But most importantly, I want to work for an organization where I can build a career.”​The above answer shows that you are enthusiastic, ongoing learning is important to you and you are a team player. You are motivated and ambitious, but not too ambitious to make the hiring manager believe that you are after her position. Before going to any job interview, make sure that you practice mock interviews with a friend or even in a mirror to hone your interviewing skills. That’s the most effective way to ace the interview. Remember that the response offered to the interview question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” is only a guide, and therefore it is the job candidate’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​To perform exceptionally well in an job interview, the job candidate has to be prepared. ​The best way to do so, is to put together a list of possible interview questions, then have mock interviews where you video record your responses to dissect later. In the series on Answers to 7 Common Interview Questions, here is a possible response to “Tell me about a time when….” In the majority of interviews, hiring managers ask what are called behavioral interview type questions because they want find out how you behave and deal with specific types of situations. Some of the questions include:Tell me about a time when you failed.Tell me about a time when you managed a conflict.Tell me about a time when you dealt with a difficult customer.Tell me about a time when you missed an important deadline.Tell me about a time when you learned from a mistake.You get the picture? When you are answering the question, talk about what happened and what you did to resolve the situation. Here is a possible answer to the question, “Tell me about a time when you learned from a mistake.”​“About 15 years ago, I was in charge of developing a new suite of products for the company I was working for. Our team was getting pressured to add a lot of extra benefits that we were told the customer wanted. Because the company offers premium products and competes on impeccable customer service, I relented, even though I thought we should create a minimum viable product to let customers test.  Because of all the extra benefits and functions, production costs went through the roof. Fortunately, we recovered all the costs because the products sold well. But the customers didn’t value the extra benefits and functionalities that we spent time creating. Today, when developing new products, the team quickly creates a prototype – a minimum viable product, that we test. Based on feedback, we then create the product. This saved us a lot of time and money.”​The response above works because the candidate clearly outlines the problem and how she recovered from the mistake. Remember that the response offered to the interview question, “Tell me about a time when,” is only a guide, and therefore it is the job candidate’s responsibility to tweak the advice offered.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​Acing the job interview takes preparation and practice. Here is an answer to “What would you do in your first 90 days in this position?”To perform well in an employment interview, you have to be prepared. You should know about the company, be familiar with their products and services, surmise their challenges and understand their key competitors. Having this information will set you apart from your competition, and show that you're serious about the position.  Beyond that, the best way to prepare for any interview is to put together a list of possible interview questions, then have mock interviews where you can practice your responses. In the series on Answers to 7 Common Interview Questions, here is a possible response to “What would you do in your first 90 days in this position?” For this question, the interviewer is trying to find out how you solve problems and set goals. This is a great opportunity to establish to a company that you can manage your time, quickly get up to speed, and hit the ground running.  Generally speaking, during any employment interview, a hiring manager is looking for responses to the following basic questions: Do you understand what the job entails?Can you perform the job?Will you perform the job?One way to address this question, if by presenting a 30-60-90-Day plan for your first days on the job. If done correctly, this will demonstrate that you understand what’s required of you, and that you have the skills and experience needed to do the job successfully. Even if you are not asked this question during the interview, it’s good to go through the process of creating a 30-60-90-day plan prior to the interview. There will be many opportunities in the interview to present your plan to the interviewer, and it will demonstrate that you're serious about the position and have come prepared.  Possible answer to the question, “What would you do in your first 90 days in this position?” ​“I am delighted that you asked this question because I have created a 30-60-90-day plan based on my understanding of the role. The first thing I’ll do is to meet with my boss to get a clear understanding of her expectations and the challenges and projects that are most important to address.  I will learn what my boss expects from me, and how she measures success in the role. Next, I will meet with members of the team, and other coworkers to understand how the position fits in with the larger team. Finally, I will take the time to complete training on all aspects of the position, so I have the knowledge needed to get to work.” ​The above response works because you are demonstrating your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get to work in a professional, proactive manner. ​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​Acing the job interview requires that job candidates take the time to prepare. By participating in mock interviews, any job candidate can survive even the most difficult and harrowing job interview. In our blog post series, Answers to Common Interview Questions, we deconstruct each of the seven questions. Click on the question to view a possible answer.​Tell me about yourself.This question is usually the ice-breaker that sets the tone for the interview. Provide a complete understanding of your background and your aspirations as they relate to the prospective position. So throughout your response to this common interview question, focus on your knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences that will likely be the most relevant. What’s your biggest weakness?The interviewer is trying to determine how honest and self-aware a job seeker is. The hiring manager is also trying to identify any big red flag. The one response you don’t want to give is “I do not have any major weakness.” Where do you see yourself in five years?The interviewer is trying to understand your career goals and possibly your career path. That means they want to see if you have realistic expectations for your career. Do you understand the role and what it entails? They want to know if your goals and expectations for growth are a good fit, and aligns with the organization’s goals. What do you look for in a boss?The interviewer is trying to determine the job seeker’s personal leadership style to find out if it aligns with the organization’s culture. It’s also a way to discover if the interviewee is promotable. Tell me about a time when….?In the majority of interviews, hiring managers ask what are called behavioral interview type questions because they want to find out how you behave and deal with specific types of situations that spring from tell me about a time when….? The ellipses could represent - you made a mistake, resolved a conflict, or satisfied a difficult customer. What would you do in the first 90 days on the job?The interviewer is trying to find out how you solve problems, set goals, and whether you are an overly ambitious person, who sets unrealistic goals. You also want to emphasize in your responses that the first 90 days in a position, is also a time that you will get to know your team and your boss. What questions do you have for me? It’s unacceptable to say you do not have any questions. During an job interview, it’s a conversation. The employer is checking you out and you should be doing the same thing. Think about the position that you are interviewing for, what information would you like to know that you cannot find elsewhere? Questions about what success looks like in the role, and any about culture are good bets.  When responding to questions in an interview, remember to keep it short (no longer than two minutes for each question), keep it positive, and keep it truthful. Any job seeker who takes the time to prepare answers to each of the seven common interview questions and the seven tough interview questions will find that the job interview is less daunting and harrowing.​This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

​30 seconds is all you have to make an excellent first impression. Why not make the most of that time by being mentally prepared before you walk through the door?Make a Strong StartBe sure to arrive 10 minutes early, and park in a location that won’t limit your interview time. Turn off your cell phone. Treat everyone you meet with respect, starting with the receptionist and others you encounter. Have positive body language and good posture. Maintain eye contact.It’s GO timeGreet your interviewer with a warm smile and a firm handshake. This is your opportunity to market yourself, so focus on your strengths and attributes without sounding boastful or arrogant. Be confident and clear that you want the job, and the reasons why you are a strong fit for the position and the company. Show your interest in the company by asking questions about the position, the culture and management style. The homework you do ahead of time should help direct the questions you ask. Be positive, even if you discover that the role is different than your expectations. Continue with the interview, and re-evaluate when it is over.Conquer the CloseYou’ve asked all the right questions, and provided strong answers. Now it’s time to conclude the interview like a professional:Reiterate your interest in the position and the companySummarize your strengths and competencies in relation to the job requirementsAsk for the job, or for the next step depending on what seems appropriateAsk for your interviewer’s business card.Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. Be sure to smile and give a firm handshake.After the interview is over, dive right into your follow up, which presents additional opportunities to market yourself and secure that job.

​Move Closer to the Job OfferToday’s interview follow up is more than a thank you note. Think of it as a process that keeps you in contact with your potential employer. Through this ongoing contact, you have additional opportunities to demonstrate your strengths and your value to the company.The LetterThe first step is a follow-up letter, sent within 24-48 hours of your interview. Send an individual letter to each interviewer. You can use a similar letter, but find a way to personalize each one. Address each interviewer by name and title. Use the medium — email or regular mail — that is most appropriate for that company. If you use regular mail, choose a high-quality paper and envelope.Some tips to make an impact with your message:Start the letter by thanking the interviewer for his/her time.Review the important points of your conversation to bring your interview back into focus for the interviewer and to show you were attentive.Summarize your strengths, skills and the ways you can add value to the company.Express enthusiasm for the company and your desire for the position.Ask for the job, if appropriate.Keep your letter concise, upbeat, and of course, free from spelling or grammatical errors.Next StepsIf you provided references to your interviewer, make a point of contacting each person to alert them to a potential call from the company. After 10 days, follow up with a phone call to ask where the interviewer is in the process, and if you can provide any additional information. Take this opportunity to remind the interviewer of some unique quality or strength you can bring to the job. Finally, continue your job search.If You Don’t Get the OfferIf you are not offered the position, turn a negative into a positive by asking the interviewer if you can bring him/her into your network. Ask for referrals to other contacts. Your proactive steps demonstrate your networking skills and may earn you some insight into another job opening.