Perfect Phrases for the Perfect Interview

Winning answers to the toughest interview questions

Index Getting ready for the interview

1) WORDS 2) Prepare for follow up questions

Lets Start the Interview General questions – getting to know you Career Goals Industry Savvy Job hopping / Working for a problem company Dealing with conflict Time Gaps in your resume Lacking experience Salary Leaving current job Joining ABC co

Getting ready for the interview 1) WORDS – the words u choose to write your

resume, during the interview, salary negotiation & offer acceptance reveal info about yourself. So you should be aware of KEYWORKS used in your industry Sources for keywords / phrases Company web sites Trade magazines / journals PR material / press news released Job postings / job descriptions Classified ads in newspapers After all, experienced professionals write these words, so

you can use these words to let them know you are on the same wavelength.

2) Prepare for follow up questions Make a list of projects you were particularly

proud of in your last jobs Make a list of motivating experiences from

your last jobs Make a list of your achievements /

contributions from your last jobs Make a list of problem solving / crisis

management situations

Getting ready for the interview

Lets Start the Interview

General questions – getting to know you

Q] Tell me about yourself A] Give a brief summary about your total

work experience, your educational background and current profile for e.g.–I have 3+ yrs of exp in HR, mainly in advertising / retail industry. I studied from Mumbai University and am currently pursuing further studies in HR. My Last / current job has been with ABC company as a HR manager.

Q] Describe yourself / your strengths A] Use keywords such as

Well Balanced person, known for my positive attitude

Organised & Reliable, dependable Strong ability to solve problems, ready to take

up any challenging tasks Team player – have the ability to work with all

types of people Flexible and adaptable to new situations Remain calm in chaotic situations

General questions – getting to know you

Career Goals Q] What are your short term &

long term career goals OR where do you see yourself 3 years from now?

A] One thing I have learned is to stay flexible to opportunities. I know that whatever I do, I will continue to take on additional challenges and responsibilities.

Industry Savvy Q] What relevant industry experience do

you have? OR What can you bring to this job from your previous experience?

A] My knowledge & experience in this industry is around 5 years. I have built strong relationships and contacts throughout my career that would help me add value.

Job hopping / Working for a problem company

Q] You have jumped from job to job in past few years OR you have quit your job after only a year. What was the reason?

A] Unfortunately, the company I was working for was going through some tough economic times. I was hoping for things to turn around coz I really loved my job. But that hasn’t happened, so I decided to move forward in my career.

Dealing with conflict Q] How do u resolve a conflict situation

that arises at work with your colleagues / boss?

A] I usually get along well with everyone, but there have been times when disagreements do creep up. I think the best way is to talk it out with that person. We must treat each other as professionals and respect each others point of view.

Time Gaps in your resume Q] Your resume shows that you had/have

a 6 months gap where you didn’t work. What was the reason for that?

A] I did take time off for personal reasons. I wanted to study further / pursue some other interests / deal with family obligations. I was lucky to be able to take a sabbatical from work. I am now ready to resume my career with new energy and excitement.

Lacking experience Q] Judging from your resume, I doubt that you will

be able to step into this job since you lack experience in this similar field. What makes you think you can do the job?

A] I have worked effectively in different industries and have been able to make a smooth and quick transition always. My ability to learn quickly has made a huge impact on my career. There are some skills that I feel I can transfer to any job that I do, such as excellent communication, great rapport with people, calm under pressure, ability to multitask and having the right attitude.

Salary Q] What salary expectation do you have in mind?

Would you consider taking less pay than your previous job?

A] I would need to know more about the position, your salary structure, before I can put down a figure for the same. Opportunity is valuable to me, so I am always willing to look at the bigger picture. I would want to be fairly compensated for the work I do, but at the same time I can be flexible when it comes to the bigger picture.

Leaving current job Q] Why are you leaving your current job?

A] I have set some career goals for myself to become part of a bigger team, where I can contribute from my past experiences, and add value to the organization.

Joining ABC co Q] Why do you want to work for our co? A] While researching your company, it

looked like a good match for the kind of place I want to work for, as well as your expectations from this position. Hence I wanted to find out more about the opportunity.

All the bestBe prepared with the RIGHT

phrase for every situation…every time!!!

•References – Perfect phrases for the perfect interview by Carole Martin•PPT by Munira Thanwala