Excelle

The "Tell me about yourself" question always get me. I have really got to work on that one. The article was great and very helpful. Thanks so much and the comments are very helpful as well.

Shonee2, the best way to handle the "Are there any questions?" question is to ask if there is anything you may have left out or if one of your answers needed clarification. I got a list of questions to ask an interviewer from the Colorado Workforce on the back of a "pocket resume". That was the last question on the list. it was very helpful at my last interview. In fact, the HR director said that she had never had an applicant ask that before. I got the job!

Too funny and too scary!! I just had a job interview last week, have not heard back yet and was dreading to read this article - but now I feel better! At least a little bit!

I greatly enjoyed this article. It gave me some pointers to keep in mind. I have also had people who have done these sorts of things and I, too, kept a small notepad which frequently was my only way of keeping my sanity!

??? How does one realistically answer the age old interview question of “What do you see yourself doing in 5 (10, etc.) years?” Generally the question is referring to an employment goal of some sort. At the age of 58 I have no interest anymore in being Captain America in the workforce. I’m not interested in scaling the corporate walls to any ceiling, glass or otherwise. I intend to work for the next 20+ years if possible as I actually enjoy the challenges, routine and camaraderie of co-workers. For me to tell the truth that I’m happy doing what I’m doing at this age – after all that’s why I applied for the job isn’t it? – always seems to make the face of the interviewer gloss over. It’s ridiculous for me to say that I see myself running the world get out of my way. Does that mean I’m not capable? No. Does that mean I won’t roll up my sleeves and do whatever is needed to move the project/department/company along? No. But let’s get real.

Also, as an HR person please tell me what’s up with the idiot question…….”If you could be any kind of animal what would you be?” Honest to Pete. As my eyebrow raises high over the top of the frame of my glasses I want to blurt, “Cheetah. Now watch me run out of here you nut!”

Very helpful. I would offer one point to the interviewer that really would be helpful to the applicant. If the applicant really tried, seemed interested, but wore inappropriate clothing (maybe they are unemployed and cannot afford to get that new suit right now!) or got too comfortable and talked too much, you can help without compromising your company, and I have done it. Say, "I enjoyed interviewing you today, but I'm considering three other applicants who are more qualified than you are. In future interviews, something that might help to get you the job would be maybe to tone down your outfit, wear something more (whatever), or talk less about your personal issues. Maybe when you have more experience at another company, and can add more to your resume to be more qualified for this position, you should reapply in a couple of years (whatever time frame). I would consider hiring you at that time." In the meantime, no one is offended, no one is going to be sued (you already said you have other more qualified applicants), and the person gets valuable information to help them land the next job so they CAN be more qualified in two years. And, who knows, will YOU be there to hire them in two years? Give them a chance at it.

I must say this is a WONDERFUL article, and I plan to use it to my advantage. Thanks!

Fantastic article! I am going through interviews now and these are great tips for anyone.