What's are the worst traits interviewers find in candidates at a job interview? Too timid? Too confident? Any thoughts would be really appreciated.
119070
When going on an interview, interviewers (HR reps) hate wrinkled clothing, not smiling, interrupting their sentances, one-word or short answers, untamed hair, unpreparedness, bad breath, smelling of smoke, lazy attitude, lack of enthusiasm, chewing gum, nervous habits (biting nails, tapping feet, looking around). \nMake sure you are prepared, allow enough time to get there, give well thought out answers and try to stay relaxed. \n\nGood luck!
642277
Skills are important, but more importantly are behaviors that can not be taught.  I am not talking so much about personality, but behaviors.  For instance, it's difficult to train someone to be honest, energetic, calm under stressful situations, non-dogmatic with respect to their opinions, etc.  From a behavioral standpoint, past performance is a good indicator of future performance.  Hence, questions in the interview are designed to see how you behaved in a situation in the past.  For instance a question might be, tell me a time you had a disagreement with you boss about what to do in a particular situation.  What did  you do?\n\nThe answer could be, Well my boss wanted me to do something a certain way, even though I knew it was wrong, so I did it my way anyway.  Definitie No No answer\n\nThe better answer is.  Well my boss wanted me to something a certain way, even though I knew it was wrong.  I told him that I thought it was wrong and gave him/her some alternatives on how to do it.  He/she insisted I do it their way, so I did.
408407
Stand out from the crowd. You have to make yourself attractive and you should exhibit self-confidence in your interviews. Besides, most companies prefer descent-looking applicants than untidy, gruesome ones. You must also show respect to your superiors.
214417
Not at all!  This is an open question that let's you sell yourself to the interviewer.  Don't look at it as having to tell about your personal life.  Point out things about yourself that are positive, and that will be an asset to their company.  No interviews are really "fun", but this is a question that is allowing you to take the lead of the interview, and tell what YOU want them to know about you.  Do not discuss anything that would cast doubt on your ability or that you are questioning the job.  Toward the end of the interview, they will ask if you have any questions, and you can clear up any questions you have at that time.
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I've interviewed many many people for jobs, so I can talk about what I'm looking for.\n\nFor your best quality, talk about things that are work-oriented. Some examples:\n   -you are good at working with people\n   -you are able to organize a group of people to work on projects\n   -you are able to focus on your projects and assignments. \n   -you have great attention to detail\n\nThe key is, you have to be believable. It's best if you have specific examples to back this up. If you tell me that you are a great people person but you seem really shy and can't put a sentence together, I might not believe you.\n\nThe greatest weakness question is trickier. You do want to put a positive spin on it, but you also don't want to sound like you're just trying to make yourself look good. I usually look for someone who has a clear awareness of their weakness and has a plan or goal of overcoming it. For example, if you are a shy person, say so, but talk about what you are doing to help overcome your shyness. I like to hear when a person is taking active steps to address their areas of weakness.\n\nFinally, if they ask you if you have any questions, ask questions that really show that you have done some research about the company and the position you're applying for. Ask specific questions about the work environment, the type of work you'd be doing, or what direction the company is heading. It's best to show that you know something about the company. And if you can't think of anything else, ask the interviewer what they like and dislike about working there.\n\nRemember, be comfortable and be yourself. I can usually tell when someone is faking it.\n\nGood luck!
638774
Don't feel bad, interviews are scary. The key is to practice, practice, practice.  Go to your local workforce office and sign up for a job readiness class. Ask for assistance in filling out applications, doing a resume and interviewing. Here are a couple of links that might help. Keep in mind that the process can also be very unsettling for the person interviewing you. Be confident, prepared and friendly. Good luck.
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Every interview has a unique focus, but some questions are asked so often, it makes sense to do all you can to prepare for them. In order to be successful, you need a strategy -- not scripted answers. Your goal should be to emphasize your past experiences that best fit what each interviewer is looking for.\n\n\nTell me about a time when you faced a major obstacle at work.\n\nIntent: Similar to the proudest achievement question, this is a behavioral interview question focused on an event. In this case, the interviewer is interested in your ability to overcome a major hurdle.\n\nContext: Pick an example that illustrates a significant obstacle that best demonstrates how you work and that had a positive, tangible outcome. Obstacles might include business problems, a difficult objective, key people who stood in your way or lack of resources. Once you have your example, explain the steps you took.\n\nResponse: You could include the analysis you performed and the resulting strategy, the process you took, the key actions performed, your arguments or anything else that clearly demonstrates how you achieved your goal. A great response technique for this kind of question is to break your answer down into phases or steps: "First, I... Second...."\n\nHow do you deal with conflict?\n\nIntent: Conflict is part of any workplace, and the reality is that you often can't get ahead or perform well in your job unless you can deal with conflict at a basic level. Do you avoid conflict or face it? Do you think it through, or are you emotional? Do you use constructive techniques to resolve the situation?\n\nContext: There are different forms of conflict of course: the everyday interpersonal sort, disagreements in direction or strategy, and conflict over resources. You should describe how you handle conflict at an appropriate level. If you are a manager or executive, for example, pick a reflective example.\n\nResponse: Consider offering a specific example to demonstrate how you resolve conflict.\n\nTell me about yourself.\n\nIntent: Such an innocent-sounding question, but it is a bit of a trap. The interviewer wants to see how you present yourself, but this is not an offer to recite your resume.\n\nContext: This question, which when asked always occurs at the beginning of the interview, is a predictable opportunity to craft an engaging, intriguing executive summary of who you are professionally and why you are there. While there is no hard-and-fast rule as to how long it should be, let's say it should last up to a minute. If you are given this opportunity, turn it to your advantage to establish momentum.\n\nResponse: The stronger the connection you can make between your background, knowledge and interests, and the job at hand, the more compelling you will be as a candidate. If there is something notable about your personal life that adds to your candidacy or helps explain your career trajectory, add it. Otherwise, leave personal details out at this stage unless invited to do so.\n\nHow would you describe your work style? \n\nIntent: This is a fairly open-ended question. At a basic level, the interviewer is interested in hearing how you both understand and articulate how you work. However, there may be a requirement for someone highly organized, or the team may have a specific way of working, and the interviewer wants to see if you fit.\n\nContext: You may not have thought about this too carefully before. How do you best operate? What's the optimum work situation for you? There are two sides to this: how you work and in what kinds of work environments do you work best. Are you highly structured? Do you focus on one thing and get it done, or move multiple projects forward concurrently? On the environment side, do you do best in fairly structured workplaces, or do you thrive in chaos?\n\nResponse: Like any other answer, being specific and backing up your answer with a brief example works best. You could use the past week as an illust
328191
How good are you at reading people?\n\nIt's both an art and a skill.  Of course it is important to ask the right questions, and have the right questions asked back in return-- the resume and background has to be there as well.\n\nStill-- reading a person.  Get that part of the interview down, and you'll have no problems...
506316
Some General Job Interview Tips\nDo not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.\nWear suitable interview clothes.\nTake copies of your CV with you.\nArrive on time for your job interview.\nAny applications handed before the interview begins, are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your Cv and Cover Letter.\nAlways greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.\nHave a good firm handshake.\nLook alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.\nWait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.\nStress your achievements.\nAlways conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humor.\nBe enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.\nAnswer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60 second limit.\nAvoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.\nDo not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.\nDo not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research before hand.\n\nmore info on http://www.cvtips.com/job_interview.html
615809
You get nervous because you are worried about the interviewer judging you. Believe in yourself. You are young, let me tell you something I learned: Nobody is perfect. Even the people that you look up to the most, everyone has some weakness or way that they are just as human as you. Your mom, your dad, the president of the company. All of them have something that they are not good at. Don't think that the interviewer is better than you, don't compare yourself to anyone. You are right where you are suppost to be. \nJobs come and jobs go, don't let your job define you. I have worked for large corporations and I have owned my own businesses. I have interviewed people and been interviewed. This is just what I have learned so far.\nThat is my advise, take what you like and leave what you don't.
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This is actually a really great question.\n\nBody language can tell so much about a person.  Whether they are confident, afraid, sad, angry...\n\nIf you want to attract people to you--whether at an interview or another social situation, it is important to present an "openness" about yourself.\n\nWhen you see someone who has long hair and it hides their face, what do you think?  Scared--Low self-esteem?\n\nWhen you see someone who has their arms crossed across their bodies (except for when it's cold out) what you think?  Standoffish? Angry?\n\nThe best way to know what is going on inside someone is by their posture.  \n\nIn an interview--sit on the edge of your chair with your face turned toward your interviewer.  You may cross your legs at your ankles if you are female or hold them ankle to ankle (in a sexually neutral position).  Never spread your legs or hold your hands in your crotch.\n\nDo not cross your arms as this gives a defensive pose and makes you physically and psychologically unapproachable.\n\nLean into the person you're talking to.  Don't lean back with your arm thrown over the back of your chair--this could mean over confidence or cockiness.\n\nAt a party, don't stand against the wall.  If you are nervous, attach yourself to someone who you know and tell them you are nervous and ask them to introduce you to one person.  You immediately know one person and thereby know one more.\n\nGood luck!
496129
Here are some common questions I've been asked during interviews (try to have answers prepared for them):\n\n1) Tell us about yourself.  (They don't want to hear about your hobbies or personal life - unless it relates to the job.  They want to hear something about you that would be beneficial to their company)\n\n2) What are your strengths/weaknesses?  (Always try to put a positive spin on your weaknesses or at least say that you are taking the initiative to improve in this area.)\n\n3)  Tell us about a time when you've made a mistake at work.  (You need to emphasize what steps you took to correct it or how you've learned from it.)\n\n4)  What has been your greatest accomplishment?\n\n5)  Why do you want this job?\n\n6)  Why should we hire you  / How will you benefit our company?\n\n7)  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?\n\n\nAlso, dress professionally and be well groomed.  Have a firm handshake - no one likes a limp one.  No heavy perfume or cologne (it makes some people sick - your interviewer might be one of them).  Try not to fidget.  Smile and make eye contact when answering questions.  Nod to show you're listening when they are speaking.  Once the interview is over, thank them for taking the time to meet with you.\n\nAs a follow up, I usually mail them a thank you letter (samples can be found on monster.com).\n\nIf you have time, you might want to research the company you are applying for so that you know something about it.  If you know absolutely nothing about their organization, they'll wonder why you want to work for them.\n\nGood luck!
106253
You never know what an interviewer will ask.  Bad interviewers are as tough as good ones, because bad ones will not give you a chance to show off what you've got.\n\nThe main tactic in an interview is to do most of the talking.  You are there to brag about yourself and convince them that they need you.  Be honest.  If you don't know an answer, say "they did not teach us that, but I can learn about it if you need me to."\n\nIn my toughest interview, the man kept refuting my answers with research.  I stuck to my guns and gave my reasoning.  Later I found out that as soon as I left the room, he said, "he's the one."  I felt like a whipped dog, but I had actually impressed them.\n\nShow enthusiasm--firm handshake, smile, act excited about what you do.\n\nThe novice interviewer will start by saying "Tell me about yourself."  I love this one, because I take over and give a dissertation about how I work, my philosophies, my qualifications, etc.\n\nIf you get the interviewer who won't ask anything, you need to find a way to work in what you want to say.\n\nThe main thing--go in with notes to look at.  That is acceptable, and makes you look organized and professional.  Jot down the main points that you want to make.  Also, have a pen, and jot notes when they speak to you.\n\nOf course, dress professionally.  Practice a firm handshake with men.  Do not just put your hand out--push your hand forward so that they don't accidently grab your fingers.  Do not give them a limp handshake.  Look them in the eye.  Smile.  Do not wink or flirt.\n\nIf they are soft-spoken, speak softly with them (but firmly).  If they are louder, match them.\n\nHave a resume ready and offer it when you first meet.  Have another copy in front of you with your notes.\n\nDon't expect anything, because you can't know what to expect.  Just be prepared, and go in there and have fun.\n\nIf you don't get this one, the next time try to line up more than one interview.  It is less disappointing than doing one interview at a time, because you still have something in front of you.\n\nKnock 'em dead!
252531
I would start by saying that I don't believe I am actually 'weak' in any area. I acknowledge certain areas that I believe I can improve, (and then pick some relatively unimportant or irrelevant areas that have nothing to do with the nature of the job I am being interviewed for). This way I send them a message that I am the kind of person who tend to work on and improve my weaknesses.
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There are no stupid questions on a job interview. You are there to sell yourself...and a lot of questions are used to determine if you have the right personality to work the job or jobs available.  \n\nPersonality will doom you faster than any other reason on a job inteview...Always take everything seriously as usually there is motivation behind even the "dumb questions"
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(m)\n\nDefine in detail how you want to perform in the interview: Describe to yourself in words the way you want to be.  How would you look and sound to a neutral observer? e.g. I see myself in an interview room sitting by a desk.  I look relaxed, and I am smiling, alert and energetic.  I am paying close attention to the other people in the room.  My posture is upright and I am making conversation easily and effortlessly. I exude confidence. \n\nMentally rehearse the interview from the perspective of an observer: In your imagination visualize yourself at the interview comfortable and at ease meeting people, feeling relaxed and confident. Pretend that you are observing yourself from the other side of the room.  The trick here is to imagine events unfolding in vivid 3D with rich colors.  For many people, making the image large and close also helps to make it feel more realistic.  Have fun playing with the image until it seems as real as watching T.V. or a movie screen.  \nTake care also to introduce sounds - maybe the scratching of a pen on paper, the squeak of a moving chair or the sound of your own voice exuding authority and confidence.   You can make sounds come to life by turning up the volume as you imagine that you are listening to full, resonant sounds in the room so that it is as if you are really there. Introduce feeling as well - sense the atmosphere in the room, the  temperature and mood, and soak up the aura of success that you exude in the imagined picture. \n\nThen introduce different scenarios for different types of people you may encounter. Imagine talking to someone who is putting you under pressure!  See yourself politely dealing with everything thrown at you.  What will you do if you are left sitting there facing a wall of silence?  See yourself acting decisively and without fear to move onto the next opportunity to create rapport.  Picture yourself at ease whoever you talk to, it is especially important to consider worst-case scenarios and to visualize yourself handling each challenge with unstoppable confidence. \n\nMentally rehearse the interview from your own perspective:  When you are pleased with the imagined performance you are producing, step inside the image of yourself and run through the scenarios again as if YOU are now doing it.  See, feel and hear it as if it is really happening. This time, you are looking out into the world from your own eyes, so your arms are directly in front of you with people facing you, as you feel your clothes on your body.  Allow it all to unfold in great detail - make it as real as possible by letting your imagination free to create a rich and colorful panoramic view of a successful day.  Finally, pay special attention again to feelings, really spend time imagining yourself feeling exactly the way you want to feel, and then crank it up and double the intensity until it could not possibly get any better. Then, imagine it even better again!  \n\nSet up a peak performance signal:  Ask yourself - what signal will you use as a reminder to use your ability to perform in this way?  I use the feeling of sitting on my own and getting tense as my mind goes blank.  The signal can be something you see, feel or hear inside or outside yourself and it must happen at or close to the point of wanting to speak to someone.  Other examples include seeing yourself surrounded by a group of strangers, hearing someone ask you your opinion, or the feeling that you want to be more outgoing even as you feel yourself getting more self-conscious right now - why not use self-consciousness to trigger better communication skills! \nImagine the signal happening and visualize yourself performing at your best in the interview. \n\nSome final points. Like anything in life it takes time to get really good at mental rehearsal. Using this visualization technique for twenty minutes a day will train your brain to perform new behaviors. The results will astound you.  \n\nJudge mental rehearsal by trying it out
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This is a wonderful question for a college interview.  Only YOU know what your true bad qualities are, if you have any?\n\nYou want the interviewer to know that you can identify your short comings.  So it is important to find something about yourself that may be considered a bad quality, if not by yourself then others. \n\nBut I would suggest to identify small quirks NOT major crises.  You don't want to appear as unable to manage situations.\n\nSome negative qualities may be:  \n\n"I set my car "trip set" button to measure the miles between destinations and it drives my friends crazy".  (reason for this quirk would be to establish that you always plan ahead, that you measure your goals for the most expedient way to accomplish them)  then add that you feel that while some may see this as a bad quality I see it as being time efficient.\n\n"I think I may ask too many questions, I have been told since childhood that I just talk too much."  (reason for this is to establish that you are inquisitive)\n\n"I know I am the loudest person in the room." (reason for this may be to denote I AM important)\n\nBut basically look for small negatives that can been seen as strengths.\n\nAlways be positive, but not arrogant.\n\ngood luck tomorow........\n\n\nAnna M.