No matter what questions they ask or interviewing techniques they use, job interviewers are trying to uncover four things about you:
1. Can you save my company money or time?
This is probably the #1 thing employers want to know about you. To answer this question, whether asked directly or indirectly (i.e. Why should I hire you?), explain how you were able to save your past employers time or money. For instance, “In my last position as restaurant manager, I was able to renegotiate vendor contracts and saved the business $10,000 over the course of a year.” Have two or three examples prepared before your interview.
2. Can you perform the job?
In other words, do you have the skills, knowledge and experience to get the job done? When you’re preparing for the job interview, reread the job description and come up with a few examples from your past where you’ve succeeded in performing similar tasks. Make sure your answers also explain the positive results you were able to deliver.
3. What are your weaknesses?
Answers such as “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard” don’t help. When asked about your weaknesses, answer the question as truthfully as possible (without sabotaging yourself) so that the interviewer can determine whether you are a good fit for the position or not. It’s also always good to illustrate how you are trying to improve a weak area, such as through a training program or continuing education.
4. Are you a fit for the company’s culture?
This is an area that you really cannot prepare for in an interview. Either you’re a fit for the company’s culture, or you’re not. But be prepared to discuss the kind of environment you work best in. And if you aren’t offered the position because you’re not a good cultural fit, don’t take it personally. Odds are you wouldn’t have been happy there anyway.
If you need some additional help finding a job in Miami Lakes, please contact Future Force Personnel. Since 1992, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers find rewarding career opportunities with great companies throughout the area.