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Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers is packed with more than 80 example questions and suggested answers. All you need for a successful job interview in this handy, concise and practical guide.
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Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers: How to Handle Interviews and Get the Job You Want
Author: Peter Gerstmann Publisher: PGA Group Edition: 4th Revised Paperback: 144 pages Language: English ISBN-10: 0954263413 ISBN-13: 978-0954263416 Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.4 inches Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.3 x 0.9 cm | | | | |
Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers - P. Gerstmann There are two versions of this publication: a printed paperback and an e-download (digital book) in Adobe format. The publisher states that this book “gets to the point without padding” and “does not talk down to the reader” and this is exactly what makes it so accessible and readable. Full of extremely practical advice, without distracting jargon, this book is a MUST for anyone who is currently job-seeking or changing careers and is equally suitable for first-time job seekers and seasoned executives. Additionally, it is also an excellent reference guide for those who are in the interviewer’s seat as it gives a clear overview of what the interview process is REALLY all about and how it tends to be structured. Even if you have had a series of successful first and second interviews, this book is guaranteed to remind you of fundamental concepts which you may have forgotten during your job search and provides invaluable coaching (and more importantly, insight) with respect to questions like “What are your weaknesses?”, “Why should we hire you?” and “What salary are you looking for?”. Briefly put, the book starts by outlining that interviewers have three broad issues in mind: can the individual do the job, will the individual do the job and will the individual fit in? This sets the tone for the rest of the book and helps you to interact easily and effectively with the advice and information contained. Don’t be surprised to find yourself re-reading whole sections of this book as you continually assess and re-assess your interview performance. This book really gets you thinking critically and strategically about your entire interviewing technique. Crammed with loads of practical advice, this book is exceptional value for money and should be on every job-seeker’s bookshelf. Jem D, Review of Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers, retrieved from Amazon.co.uk - copyright Amazon, all rights reserved Buy now from Amazon.com Buy now from Amazon.co.uk [Top]
Product DescriptionBook Description - Tricky Job Interview Questions and AnswersThis practical and concise guide shows job-seekers, career-changers and first-time candidates how to prepare, and how to adopt the right approach to be better placed for interview success. Emphasised are example questions to ask, and questions likely to be asked, including 80 potentially tricky questions with suggested answers. The optimized Acrobat eBook edition of Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers has an easy to read layout, extensive cross-reference links, and unlimited print permission for those who like to read their eBooks on paper. Buy now from Amazon.com Buy now from Amazon.co.uk [Top]
What makes Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers different is that it: gets to the point without padding; is written by an expert in the field of selection; does not talk down to the reader; has been designed to be highly usable as well as useful, with extensive cross-referencing and a Checklists and Summaries part for those in a hurry or wanting a quick overview or refresher. Buy now from Amazon.com Buy now from Amazon.co.uk [Top]
Several years ago I was invited to develop and deliver a redundancy Job Search Workshop for a multinational corporation in the computer industry. I’m glad to say that the participants were successful in gaining new positions quickly, many with improved pay and conditions, and at a time of economic uncertainty. I wrote Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers in response to requests from many individuals wanting a practical guide to dealing effectively with selection interviews. This latest edition has been enhanced and extended, but in keeping with the original goals of being practical and easy to use. I hope that you too benefit from the wealth of experience that Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers is based upon. Buy now from Amazon.com Buy now from Amazon.co.uk [Top]
The author of Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers, Peter Gerstmann, is Principal Psychologist, founder and owner of PGA Group, an independent professional practice of Consulting Psychologists and Organizational Development specialists. Since 1987, PGA Group have offered effective practical solutions to problems and issues which significantly influence the effectiveness and success of organizations and their people in the key areas of selection, audit, and development. PGA Group’s national and international clients are diverse, range from large to small and are drawn from industry, commerce, government and others. They are often characterized as being innovative, visionary and successful. Buy now from Amazon.com Buy now from Amazon.co.uk [Top]
Excerpted, with permission, from Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers: How to Handle Interviews and Get the Job You Want, Copyright © PGA Group, Publisher, all rights reserved.
9. Areas Very Likely to Be ProbedWhatever the position on offer, there are certain questions which you are likely to be asked or certain situations which will prompt close scrutiny. You are very likely to be asked toward the end of the interview if you have any questions. This special topic is featured, together with extensive example questions, in Chapter 12, What Questions Have You for Us? (page 93). Below are areas which are very likely to be probed by the interviewer: Gaps and the Unexpected [excerpted from Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers] While gaps and unexpected twists in your career history will raise a ‘high-risk’ flag, you may still be interviewed if you are perceived as otherwise being a strong candidate. Nonetheless, you can expect to be questioned closely on these topics. Similarly, doing exceptionally well will attract as many questions as not coming up to expectations. While preparing to interview you the interviewer will be considering what they would have expected in your career in terms of job moves and promotion, given your qualifications and experience, and what has actually taken place. The interviewer will be probing to gain insights into your aspirations, motivations, and your value systems. Questions about your job will reveal your skills, experience and knowledge. Questions about the moves you made and why will uncover how you apply your skills, experience, and knowledge, and what kind of person you are. Therefore, you must be prepared to talk about these areas by thinking through suitable answers which can be delivered positively. For example: Interviewer: ‘What was the reason for the year off before university?’ Interviewee: ‘I wanted to travel to broaden my horizons so I planned and self-funded a working tour of southern Europe. It was a valuable experience because...’ Or, Interviewer: ‘What was the reason for the three-month gap in your employment record?’ Interviewee: ‘If my career was going to develop in the way that I wanted it was important for me to review my total situation and examine my strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, then choose the appropriate sector. I had several job offers which I turned down and that is why there is a three-month break. I’m glad that I did it that way because...’ Your Weaknesses [excerpted from Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers] If asked questions about your strengths, you are likely to be asked questions about your weaknesses too. It would be unrealistic to claim that you do not have any. Remember that negative information has a greater significance for interviewers than positive information. Therefore, you will have to be very careful about how you handle this area. Remember too that you do not have to answer interviewers’ questions, only respond to them (see the section Choose What You Say, Stay in Control (page 45), in Chapter 8, The Right Approach (page45)). You could use the following approach:
Choose a trait about your personality or character which is obviously true Extend that trait until it becomes a fault Put it back in the distant past Show how you have overcome it Confirm that it is no longer a problem Stay silent
For example: Interviewer: ‘Well Mr Roberts, you have told us all about your strengths. What weaknesses do you have?’ Interviewee: ‘Well, I’m the sort of person who likes to get things done and I push myself quite hard. The trouble was, in my first management position, I would push all my subordinates in the same way. Fortunately, I learnt early on that not everyone gives of their best when kept under close supervision, and it was a good lesson to learn.’ Or, Interviewee: ‘I’m the sort of person for whom it’s important to get things right, so I’m a great gatherer of information and details. However, I did learn early on in my management career that it is sometimes more important to make the decision than to go on collecting facts. It’s a difficult balancing act but I manage my need for detail very well now.’ By leading with a strength, the interviewer is pre-conditioned. In the above example, it is important to get things done or get things right, so your weaknesses will more likely be accepted. You probably noticed that the question is phrased in the plural: ‘What weaknesses do you have?’ Only ever admit to one and let the interviewer specifically ask for another. If asked for another weakness, confess to ‘working too hard’ or ‘being over committed.’ Topical Areas [excerpted from Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers] Interviewers often will want to find out about you as a person, not just as an employee. Two popular ways of doing this are to ask you about what you do in your free time (see the section Your Interests below), or what has taken your interest in the news lately. The theory is that your interests and answers will indicate your values, motivations, and possibly your belief systems. ‘Topical’ questions can also show how rounded a person you are, and whether you are able to see beyond the confines of work. Now that you are aware of the rationale of such questions, you can anticipate and prepare your answers. It is very important for you to give pros and cons on both sides of an argument. As well as showing that you are an informed person, you will also show that you:
Are fluent Are balanced Can make a judgement
These talents are useful in the performance of most jobs. Excerpts above taken, with permission, from Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers: How to Handle Interviews and Get the Job You Want, Copyright © PGA Group, Publisher, all rights reserved. Buy now from Amazon.com Buy now from Amazon.co.uk [Top]
Here’s what Sally Johnson enthused after her recent job interview after reading Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers:
“Hello Peter, I’m absolutely delighted to report that I received a call this morning offering me the job! I definitely attribute this success to your wonderful little book, Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers. Although I only read it the night before the interview, the key points were easy to grasp, and I was able to take them on board immediately. I frequently used the techniques you mentioned during the job interview - and found in the end that I actually quite enjoyed the job interview experience. A first for me! The job interview was followed by a test, which I didn’t do too well in. I raised this in the call when they offered me the job, and apparently, the strength of the job interview is what clinched it for me in the end. Thank you so much for the wonderful advice. It’s enabled me to secure a job I know I’ll love, and I know it’ll be invaluable in the future.”
And these satisfied Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers customers wrote:
“Great info! I’m in Human Resources - it’s always interesting to see how job interviewees are preparing.” Dawn Jenkins
“Awesome! Lot’s of people (myself included) need these kinds of guidelines. They helped me think about other things/issues or another approach or way to answer the job interview questions. Extremely useful. Thank you so much.” Liz Sheppard
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In short, Tricky Job Interview Questions and Answers contains:
And, as an added bonus to master your job interview...
60 job interview questions you could or should ask (many candidates fail at this point) 60 job interview questions for college leavers without a track record Tried and tested tips and techniques to ensure your job interview success How to handle special or unusual job interview situations, including panels, assessment centers [assessment centres], psychometric tests, personality tests, ability tests, group exercises, and more What job interviewers are really looking for - three interview questions all job interview questions are based upon How to stay in control and steer the job interviewer away from negatives How to package your strengths and keep your weaknesses out of the spotlight How to head off areas likely to be probed in your job interview Tips for negotiating your salary and conditions Job interview checklists: pre-interview, tips for a smoother job interview experience, job interview pitfalls to avoid
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