I need a little help please.

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:32 pm

Hey guys I'm preparing for my interview and I thought maybe my hogs.net family could help. Could each of you post the hardest interview question you have ever been asked or the hardest one you have ever asked if you are in the position to interview for employment?

Thank guys. Your questions will help me prepare, the more I see the better! Thanks! ;-)

cvillehog · Post by **cvillehog** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:39 pm

What is an example of a time when you have made a mistake and caught it?

tazlah · Post by **tazlah** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 5:38 pm

What did you like about your last job?

What didn't you like about your last job?

Provide an example where you showed initiative on a previous job.

Do you have any questions for us?

And....

From BossHog:
Why should I hire you for this job?

Good Luck and Breathe!

taz

redskincity · Post by **redskincity** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 6:03 pm

How did you find out about this job.

What made you apply for this job and why?

What type of pay are you looking for??

Are you willing to travel?? (Say yes get and get foot in the door.)

joebagadonuts · Post by **joebagadonuts** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 6:41 pm

what is your greatest strength?
what is your greatest weakness?

i absolutely HATE these questions. they're asking you to say something bad about yourself, which is always difficult. so, for the 'weakness' question, you should try to spin it into something positive. such as, i'm often impatient with my progression within a company-i can see where i want to go, and i have the desire to get there and understand that it takes time, but that's sometimes difficult to wait for.

wormer · Post by **wormer** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 6:56 pm

NikiH-
The greatest weakness question is a killer. They are literally trying to make you hang yourself.

What you want to do is give and example of something that is unrelated to the job you are interviewing for and ALSO turn it around to be a positive.

Example: "Hmm...My biggest weakness? I'd say it's probably a fear public speaking.

However, I have tried very hard to over come it and actually gave a speech to a large group not too long ago that went great! "

REDEEMEDSKIN · Post by **REDEEMEDSKIN** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 6:58 pm

I actually find it helpful to switch roles with the interviewer. For instance, you should ask the interviewer about their experience at the job and what THEY like about working for that organization, company,m etc. They might squirm a little bit, but it'll definitely give the interview a more personal feel.

Also ask THEM how long THEY've been there, and how THEY have developed. You might find out that the place is not the right fit for YOUR talents.

wormer · Post by **wormer** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:00 pm

One last thing- Many, many companes are going to what is called "Behavioral Interviewing".

You have seen some example above, but it is basically a lot of, "describe a time when" or tell me about a situation where" that kind of stuff.
Here are what seem to be some decent links:

http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_behavioral.html

http://www.quintcareers.com/behavioral_ ... ewing.html

wormer · Post by **wormer** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:01 pm

Good call REDEEMEDSKIN.

cvillehog · Post by **cvillehog** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 8:35 pm

And, of course you'll ask them why the position is open. Is it a new position, or did someone leave the job? Why did they leave? Promotion, or something else?

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 12:05 am

You guys all rock. I'm now prepared for traditional and behavioral interviews. ROCK ON! I will let you all know how it goes. BTW They called me back today to let me know they received my applications from headquarters for two other positions within the Department of Social Services. I have another interview on December 1st if need be. The person told me that basically I get three shots to get in. Awesome!

REDEEMEDSKIN · Post by **REDEEMEDSKIN** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 1:12 pm

cvillehog wrote:And, of course you'll ask them why the position is open. Is it a new position, or did someone leave the job? Why did they leave? Promotion, or something else?

Exactly!!! Make THEM wiggle and squirm to try to find "appropriate" answers to questions you might have rearding them as suitable employers for YOU. Your services are valuable, and you want to make sure it's going to a place where they'll be valued and enhanced.

tazlah · Post by **tazlah** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 9:32 am

Well??????? How'd the interview go?????

[-o<

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 11:31 am

Thanks for asking Taz it was not at all what I expected. It was 3 low level employees with a photocopy of questions their supervisor made up. They didn't make eye contact because they were all too busy writing down word for word what I said. It was so very odd. But the one guy assured me not to worry because it how all 1st state interviews are conducted. He said they will choose 4 to move on to the second interview and they will call "you" within two weeks. The way he said that made me feel confident. LOL So we will see if I'm one of the final 4 out of the 20 interviewed. I'll let you guys know. Thanks for the support! ;-)

REDEEMEDSKIN · Post by **REDEEMEDSKIN** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 11:42 am

Did you get to ask them any questions or were they "no frills" type of people?

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 11:49 am

Nope I did and it was funny. He asked if I had any questions and I said yes. They were all 3 kind of shocked. I suppose I was the first to say yes when he said "Oh you do??" So I asked them loads of questions and seemed to pt them on the spot. It was someething they took note of though. So hopefully even in an interview that was basically boring and non eventful I stood out. Thanks for that bit of advice.

REDEEMEDSKIN · Post by **REDEEMEDSKIN** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 12:17 pm

AHA! Works like a charm! Glad I could help.

Most likely, they'll remeber you for your steadfast resolve and courage to be able to ask THEM questions in what most people would consider a high pressure situation.

Rock on, NikiH!

wormer · Post by **wormer** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:37 pm

I would think this would bode well for you as well. It likely left them felling you were sharp and intuitive. Both of which are good qualities in a worker. It certainly sounds like it made you stand out from the others which is usually good as well.

Those who had no questions may look a little more like lunk heads now.

Do I have any questions? Umm...duhh...nope.

Good luck the rest of the way!

welch · Post by **welch** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 12:35 am

Niki, any news?

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 9:10 am

Her next interview is next Monday. After that, the waiting begins :lol:

She is perfectly qualified and she is confident and I don't think it will be a problem.

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 10:51 pm

I actually am interviewing for 4 jobs within the Division now. It is just a waiting game. I am a finalist for the first one and the other 3 have a combined interview process that began today. In a week I will know if I made that cut and what the outcome was for the first one. Darn state jobs are all red tape but I'm getting in there one way or the other. I've already made a couple of friends! ;-)

REDEEMEDSKIN · Post by **REDEEMEDSKIN** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 12:58 pm

Been away for a while, but just wanted to pop in and congratulate you, in advance, for GETTING ALL FOUR JOBS!!!! :lol:

So long as they all allow you to log on to this site, you should be able to survive. He he.

welch · Post by **welch** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 6:25 pm

Here's to two outcomes by Monday:

- Redskins have beaten Giants

- Niki gets Job # 1, and can choose among Jobs 1, 2, 3, 4 in a few days

SkinsJock · Post by **SkinsJock** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:52 pm

I second that welch!

The opportunity of 4 is a bit of an accomplishment in it's own right! Or am I missing something?

all the best Niki and "go skins"!