1. Did you ever make a mistake that cost your company money?
I suppose that asking for name-brand vodka at the Christmas party, instead of the generic swill that they normally serve, doesn't count, right? No, really honestly, I'm delighted to report that I never made a mistake that cost my company money.
2. How many hours a week do you usually work, and why?
I work pretty long hours most of the time. With the extra time, I try to find ways to "add value" to each assignment, both my own and the firm's. When our clients read our reports, I want them to think that no one else could have possibly written them, except for our company.
3. Where do you see yourself in five years as Day Girl?
Depending on the role and the level of the job, you don't have to pretend that you want to still be in it in five years. Most people want to grow in their careers, and five years has become a long time to stay in one position.
Instead explain how the job is the right move for your career growth at this time - and how your excelling at it would make both you and the employer more successful. Show how what you can accomplish, demonstrate and learn in this job takes you closer to where you want to go.
Don't say: In your job - Or - Successfully running my own (insert unrelated field) start-up company.
4. If you knew that things at your company were rocky, why didn't you get out of the company sooner?
I was working so hard to keep my job while everyone around me was being cut that I didn't have any time left over to look for another job. With all of the mergers that have been happening in our field, layoffs are a way of life. At least I gave it my best shot!
5. Why did you take so much time off from work, and why do you wish to get a job now?
When I first had the twins, my husband was working 24/7, and I really needed to be there to raise the kids. But during that time, I really missed working.
Fortunately, I kept my hand in the business during those years by consulting for several of my ex-clients.
6. Tell us why did you leave your last job?
If you are currently employed, this question becomes, 'Why do you want to change jobs?' Explain that the job you're interviewing for is just the career move that you're looking for. It's not that you're moving away from a negative, but towards a positive. You're looking to grow your career in the direction this new position can take you.
If you were fired or let go from your previous job, be honest about what happened, but don't offer up any negative details. Most people lose jobs at some point in their careers. You pick yourself up, learn what you can from the experience, and move on.
Don't say: Because my jerk of an ex-boss had it in for me.
Why is that, exactly? It seems to me that I am probably more qualified to handle this position than anyone, man or woman.
My father's career as a diplomat took our family around the world seven times, and I even spent my junior year abroad in the Far East. I would need far less training than an American man who grew up here and has never worked outside our borders.
8. Do you consider yourself a leader?
Oh, yes, absolutely. I have all of the leadership qualities. I'm extroverted, but I also happen to be a terrific listener. I consider myself a "big idea" person, but I can also be hard-nosed and practical when necessary.
9. What makes you interested in this job?
Employers are always more impressed with candidates who are passionate about working for them specifically - over someone who is just looking for a new gig. Explain what you think is great about the company or the role, and how the job excites you.
Don't say: Because I need the money.
10. Tell me in a minute or less why I should hire you?
Match your relevant qualifications with the job description. For example, for a sales job, Jones suggests saying something like, "I've been preparing myself for a sales position through my courses, part-time job, an internship, and campus activities." You should then describe in detail what you learned from each one. Finally, Jones says to sum up everything with a statement such as "I feel confident that I would excel in this position, which is a perfect match with my background.
