Real Communication. Real Results. | Cornerstone Coaching & Training

Top secret job interview questions | Are you ready to get hired?

by Betty Lochner on May 15, 2012

Kalli's graduation cap

My daughter, Kalli Mae, graduated from Whitworth college this week with a degree in elementary education! I’m so proud of her — now she is launching into the next phase of here life — finding a “real” job. I have been writing a series dedicated to her and new gradatuates everywhere finding themselves thrust into the job market. Here’s my latest installment in my ”Getting a job after college” series.

Last week I shared my top tips for preparing for your interview. I’ve also written about job search tips, how to make a good first impression, and additional ways to find a job, and common interview mistakes.

Now, I’m ready to share my top secret all time favorite interview questions I have used over the years. Some of these are classics – ones you’d expect. Others aren’t. These are the ones you should pay particular attention to. Though they may be worded differently, or have a different slant or tone, you’ll find most of them will show up in your interview in some way.

My Top 10 Top Secret Interview Questions

Okay, so these aren’t really a secret. But, if you explore them a bit, and practice them with someone you trust to give honest feedback, you will be well ahead of the game.

So, here we go — in addition to questions about your resume, qualifications, and skill set, you will most likely be asked a variation of most of these.

Tell us about yourself.
Tell us what you know about this organization.
Why do you want to work here?
How would you describe your work style?
How do you effectively communicate with and relate to people with different backgrounds?
Give an example of a stressful work situation you’ve been in. How did you handle it?
Describe a project you have worked on in a team. What was your primary responsibility in the project completion? What was the outcome of the project?
Is there anything else you want to share with us that will help us in making this hiring decision?
What do you see as your greatest weaknesses?
Why should we hire you?

Here’s a good little video that share some responses to some of the classic questions (1, 3, 9, 10).

What they can’t ask you

Interview questions should only be about your qualifications, skills and ability to do the job. It is illegal to ask questions about nationality, age, religion, marital and family status, gender, health and physical abilities, though they may find some creative work arounds.

What if they ask anyway?

If you get asked a personal question, go with it and show your personality if it’s something you are comfortable answering. If you are not comfortable with the question, you can provide very basic information in response and then move on to another topic. It’s also perfectly appropriate to say “that’s not something I’m prepared to talk about here.” The bottom line: think about what you will say if you get an uncomfortable question BEFORE you get asked it.

A final tip

After you have answered each question, check to make sure that they got the information they need. Ask, “does that answer your question?”, or, “do you want more examples?”

Most hiring managers know that the best candidate is not usually the best qualified, but the best fit for the position. Having the right skill set is just part of the equation. The person needs to fit with the culture and demonstrate a personality that will work with the team.

So, go out there an be yourself!

Do you have a favorite interview question? Please share it in the comments below!

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Betty Lochner is the Owner of Cornerstone Coaching & Training. She specializes in personal and organizational transformation and is the author of Dancing with Strangers: Communication skills for transforming your life at work and at home. It’s also now available on Kindle!

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Are you making these job interview mistakes?

by Betty Lochner on May 10, 2012

thumbs up many Are you making these job interview mistakes? Here’s my fourth installment in my “Getting a job after college” series, dedicated to my daughter and graduates everywhere finding themselves suddenly in the job market. Whether you are a college grad or not, I think you’ll find these communication strategies helpful in your job search.

So, far I’ve written about job search tips, how to make a good first impression, and additional ways to find a job. Now, it’s time to focus on the interview process.

Let’s start with preparation.

I have been a manager of state programs for over 20 years and have held countless interviews for jobs at all levels. I’ve watched some talented people miss the mark by making some basic mistakes. Here are four of the most common job interview mistakes and how you can avoid making them.

1. Expect a crowd.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming it will be a one-on-one interview.

There may be more people than you expect in the room. The days of interviewing with just one person are over. Even for entry level positions, I often have an interview group that include one person from each work group, human resource reps, stakeholders and/or other partners. Or, I have shorter interviews with a variety of groups. Be ready for anything.

2. Do your homework.

Don’t forget to research what organization you are applying for – and remember the full name (not just the acronym).

I am always amazed when candidates don’t appear to have done their homework and are not prepared for basic questions about the organization and position they are applying for. I once asked a candidate what he knew about our program and he pulled out a brochure and read it to me! Find out as much as you can about the organization and the position.

3. Practice.

Don’t show up unprepared, frazzled, confused, or unprepared. Have a pen and paper, an extra resume, and be ready to roll.

Take some time to think about what interview questions may be asked and rehearse your answers. Try your responses out on someone you trust to give you some honest feedback. Ask everyone you know to give you a challenging or unusual interview question to practice. Approach the interview like you are preparing for a presentation. The more you know about your subject, the more comfortable you will be in the interview

4. Be true to yourself.

Don’t try to be the candidate you think they want.

Be yourself in the interview. It’s the best way have a good experience and to feel good about how you did. Answer questions honestly and don’t try to be someone you aren’t. We want the real deal! If you let your personality shine you have a better chance of standing out from others and getting a job that is a good fit for you. Most hiring managers are looking as much or more for a good fit for the team as they are for the required skill set.

What are your favorite interview tips? Please do share in the comments below!

Next week, I’ll share my top secret favorite interview questions!

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To find out more about Cornerstone’s services and offerings visit our website:

http://www.cornerstone-ct.com

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Once is not enough: getting your message heard

by Betty Lochner on May 1, 2012

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. ~ George Bernard Shaw

kid stare1 Once is not enough: getting your message heard

Huh?

Would you like to increase the chances that your message will get remembered? Especially an important one?

Studies show that when we want to communicate a value or expectation, we need to share the message as many as ten separate times before it is remembered and internalized by your audience.

And when I say your audience, I mean anyone in your life — your child, your boss, your spouse, your co-workers, your best friend… anyone.

It’s important that we regularly communicate our values and expectations daily, weekly, and even monthly. Communicating an idea or value only once and thinking “they’ve got it” doesn’t work.

When you want your message to really be heard and even influence behavior in others it will be well worth your effort to use the concept I like to call Take 10. It could also be called say things at least 10 different times so it will be remembered, but I like Take 10 better. Here’s a two-step process to use to make Take 10 work for you:

1) Frequency counts.

Repeat your message at least 10 times. Not all in succession, but at each appropriate opportunity you have. And, always communicate with respect. The appearance of nagging or scolding will reduce the impact of your message.

For example, if you are trying to introduce the expectation of being polite to your child, you should first introduce the expectation. Then, every day remind them of the expectation and what it looks like. Tell them why it’s important and then model the behavior you want to see. Don’t get frustrated or impatient when they don’t respond immediately. Be patient and persistent and say it at least 10 times before you expect results.

2) Keep your message simple.

Make sure your message is uncomplicated, and limit it to just a few major points. You’ll lose your audience if you present important information in a way that isn’t easy to process or listen to. Beware of lecturing, being bossy, or using big words. Keep it simple and tailor it to your audience.

Here’s the bottom line: if you are introducing a new habit, value or expectation that is important to you, don’t expect it to sink in to your audience the first time you say it.

Knowing that you need to communicate important values and expectations more than once, and then doing that, will go a long way toward preventing mis-communication and disappointment in your relationships. Give Take 10 a try!

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To find out more about Cornerstone’s services and offerings visit our website:

http://www.cornerstone-ct.com

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More Job Search Tips for Graduates | It’s all about communication

by Betty Lochner on April 25, 2012

I’ve had graduates on my mind lately. My daughter and her friends are graduating from college soon and while I lament on how fast the time has gone, I am also busy giving out my best job seeking advice – how to communicate to get a job.

After I wrote my last articles on job seeking and interviewing tips, I got the best compliment ever - “I liked it, mom!” I also got comments and additional ideas that has inspired me to share five more important tips with my job seeking friends.

1. Speak with confidence.

When you are networking, talking with recruiters or interviewing for a job, make sure you not only show that you have some good skills, but also that you are confident in your abilities. Don’t doubt yourself or use negative words to describe yourself. Confidence sells.

2. Keep it simple.

Come up with easy and engaging ways to explain your skills and interests in everyday language. If you can’t communicate in a way that is easy to understand, you may miss out on a connection or introduction to someone who has a job lead for you.

3. Try Twitter.

Use a Twitter account to find agency recruiters and hiring managers that tweet about job positions. Use their tweets to not only learn about job openings, but also about their company culture. Follow them, read their tweets and list or favorite them. Retweet their relevant tweets. If they follow you back, Direct Message them and introduce yourself.

4. Tell me About Yourself.

This is by far the most common interview question and one we are usually least prepared for. Develop a good answer to this question, practice it and be able to deliver it with poise and confidence. The biggest mistake people being interviewed make is thinking the interviewer really wants to know about them as a person. Instead focus on what you think will most interest the interviewer and highlight your most important accomplishments in relation to the job.

5. Be patient.

As you go through your job seeking process, don’t be too hard on yourself. It may take longer than you want it to. Your persistance will eventually pay off!

Remember, this is your journey. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others, and look for the learning in everything that happens (or doesn’t happen) along the way!

Good luck out there!

______________________________

http://www.cornerstone-ct.com

For more communication tips and skills:

NEW on Kindle 52 Communication Tips

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Don’t sneak up on your boss: how and when to communicate

by Betty Lochner on April 18, 2012

How and when you communicate can make a huge impact on your success in getting your message heard.

For best results you need to make people comfortable. For example, never approach someone, especially someone you want to impress, from behind. People are uncomfortable when they can’t see you coming.

Here are three easy ways to make people comfortable and set the tone for successful communication. baby steps 300x181 Dont sneak up on your boss: how and when to communicate

1) Beware of Timing.

When you approach someone will impact the way they respond to you. If you approach someone when they are busy or distracted, or interrupt their conversation, you will most likely get a negative response.

2) Be Approachable.

Everyone wants to feel welcome and accepted. The simple act of looking up, smiling, and making eye contact will set a comfortable the tone for open communication.

3) Be positive.

When you use a negative tone, body language, or words, you will get negativity back. People will usually respond to you in the way you model to them. One of the most powerful communication tools you can have is engaging in positive communication.

You can use these tips in any situation. Think about how you communicate with the people and situations in your life – your boss or co-worker, with your children, when you want good service, even in a job interview!

Making people comfortable will break down barriers and set the stage for open communication.

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Betty phot 21 214x300 Dont sneak up on your boss: how and when to communicate Betty Lochner is the Owner of Cornerstone Coaching & Training. She specializes in personal and organizational transformation and is the author of Dancing with Strangers: Communication skills for transforming your life at work and at home. To find out more about Cornerstone’s services and offerings visit:

http://www.cornerstone-ct.com

For more communication tips and skills:

NEW on Kindle 52 Communication Tips

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You Want it When? How to Improve Your Workplace Communication

by Betty Lochner on April 13, 2012

phone keys You Want it When? How to Improve Your Workplace Communication Ever wonder why you can’t get through to someone at work? Or how you can communicate better with your boss and colleagues? Are you new at a job and want to be really successful?

The truth is that having good rapport at work takes some practice. It all starts with thinking through what you do well and then what you can improve on. Start with these tips and you will be well on your way.

1. Be Respectful.

Use the other person’s name. Say “please” and “thank you.” If you are communicating by email, reread it before sending your message to make sure that it won’t be misinterpreted. Pay attention and please don’t multitask! Put your cell phone down, move away from the computer and focus on the person.

2. Talk Less; Listen More.

The best communicators are also the best listeners. Make a conscious effort to truly hear what the other person is saying. Stay in the moment – don’t interrupt or think about how you will respond until you have truly heard what they are saying.

3. Check for Understanding.

Paraphrase to make sure you are clear about what has been said and let the speaker know that you care about what he or she is communicating. Say something like “What I hear you saying is . . .” or “Did you mean….” to make sure you understand.

4. Be Clear and Succinct.

Make sure that the information you need to convey—whether it is spoken or written—is clear and succinctly communicated. Use language that is specific and unambiguous. Avoid acronyms and academic “big” words. Plain talk is always best.

5. Pay Attention to Body Language.

Pay attention to non-verbal communication cues including tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures and eye contact. Make sure their body language matches what they are saying. If it doesn’t, ask why. Say something like “you say you are okay with this, but you look angry….” And, make sure that you are using good, positive body language. Relax, stay open and smile!

6. Be Aware of Who You are Talking To.

Communicating with your boss, co-worker, or customer may require a slightly different communication style. With your boss, pick the right time, and ask for what you need and what you expect they can reasonably deliver. For a co-worker, be direct, transparent, and open-minded. And if a customer calls with a problem, listen carefully, apologize even if it wasn’t your fault, and offer a solution.

7. Use the right medium.

More and more of our workplace communication is done via email, voice mail and text messaging. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these, depending on the message and the audience.

Texting can be especially effective when a quick question or answer is required without further explanation or repeated follow up, e.g., “What time is the budget meeting?” But don’t text when it cannot effectively communicate your message. It is not effective when you need to share difficult, complex, or sensitive information. For that, go with face-to-face!

8. Improve Meeting Productivity.

Do your part. Ask for, or provide an agenda, hold to the appointed start and end time, and have the right people in attendance. Use the time efficiently and talk about next steps.

9. Use the power of appreciation.

Tell people what you appreciate about them. Send them a note of thanks when they do something for you. Acknowledge hard work and be quick to share credit for anything that someone else had even a small part in. Tell their boss they did a good job. Remember birthdays, bring food to share, look people in the eye and say “thank you.”

10. Be Positive.

Regardless of the conversation, keep it positive. Even the harshest feedback can and should be delivered in a positive, supportive, team-centric manner. Always stay focused on behavior or performance and not the person’s character.

Now, take an honest look at your own communication skills and then choose at least one of the above tips to improve upon. The work you put into improving your communication skills will pay dividends for you both at work and at home.

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