CAREER SEARCH TIP #2

The “Interview” is an integral part of the job search process, for both the job seeker and employer.  In today’s “buyers’” market, hiring decision makers are digging in deeper into a candidate’s ability to meet the demands of the position and to be successful.  One tool interviewers use is the “Situational Interview Question.”  These are questions asking the candidate to describe a situation and what he/she did about it.  For example:

• • “Tell me about a time you were confronted with an angry customer.”
  • “Tell me about the biggest project you worked on.”
  • “Tell me about a time you disagreed with a decision your boss made.”

In responding to these types of questions, it is not sufficient to simply ‘tell the story.’  You should not only explain the situation and how you handled it, but be sure to emphasize the results you produced AND the benefit to the company.  By emphasizing the results and benefits, you are demonstrating your VALUE to the company.. the higher your value the higher the chances are of receiving an offer.