Interviews make many young candidates nervous, and rightly so. Until you’ve had enough practice at something, it’s likely to make you a bit wary!
However, knowing what questions you might be asked and your answers to them should make you feel at least slightly less anxious. In a recent interview, Linda Matias, author of “201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions: The Ultimate Guide to Handling the New Competency-Based Interview Style,” offered five questions likely to come up—and how to answer them:
1. Your degree isn’t in the field of _______. Describe how your college education has prepared you for a career in ________?
For various reasons, many entry-level grads don’t pursue a career in their given degree. That doesn’t mean that you aren’t qualified for the position. This is proven by the fact that the interviewer had knowledge of your major (from reading your résumé) and he or she invited you in for an interview regardless. So don’t sweat it. Your degree in a different field isn’t a deal-killer. That said, if you come across as insecure or apprehensive in responding your behavior will be used against you. When answering this question, speak about your college experience, concentrating on the parallels between your studies and the qualities needed for the open position.
2. Name the leadership traits you acquired through your college career that will help you succeed in this position.
Rely on the part-time jobs and college-related leadership activities you participated in during your college career. Sample leadership traits include being a forward-thinker, inspiring, and imaginative.
3. I’m interviewing ten other candidates for this position, all who are just as qualified as you. Why should I hire you over them?
Balance your response with the mention of hard skills (i.e., knowledge and abilities pertinent to the position) and soft skills (i.e., problem solving, self-management, time management).
4. Who was your favorite professor?
The interviewer is trying to determine the type of manager you’ll work well with. For example, if you choose a professor who had extended office hours, the interviewer may assume you are looking for a supervisor with an open door policy. Or if you choose a professor who checked that assignments were completed, the interviewer may assume you like to be micromanaged. Simply answer this type of question plainly. There isn’t a right or wrong answer.
5. Were you the type to cram before a test or did you study well ahead of time?
The knee-jerk reaction to this question is “study well ahead of time.” This is because most jobseekers believe employers are looking for candidates who are “planners.” However, that isn’t always the case.
For example, the hiring organization may have a reputation of changing strategy at the last minute. This requires employees to think on their feet and come up with a new concept quickly. A person who crammed during college acquired the necessary skills (i.e., work well under pressure, meet tight deadlines) to succeed in a fast-paced company.
That said, this is another question where there isn’t a right or wrong response. Answer honestly, and let the chips fall where they may.
For more career advice, visit my new blog at HeatherHuhman.com.
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