HEARD IN THE LUNCHROOM

Anticipating Interview Questions

Taking part in an employment interview is nerve-racking for even the most experienced professionals. But the proper preparation can help you remain calm under pressure. Anticipating the types of questions you’ll be asked and knowing how to answer them thoroughly could be particularly beneficial.

Following are some questions interviewers commonly pose:

• ‘Tell me about yourself.’ Prepare a 15-second “sound bite” that describes your professional achievements and qualifications in two or three sentences. Offer a brief description of what you would bring to the position and why you would be a good fit. 
• ‘Tell me about your career.’ This is an excellent opportunity for you to explain what’s made you an effective employee, the range of talents you offer and why you want the job. 
• ‘What are your major accomplishments and/or strengths?’ In response, review several projects you’ve handled that demonstrate your aptitude for the job, highlighting how those projects positively affected your company.   
• ‘What are your weaknesses?’ Answering this question is always difficult. It’s best to be honest by addressing a skill that you need to enhance, such as your organizational abilities. But also note steps you are taking to improve in this area — by enrolling in a seminar offered by a local professional association, for instance.
• ‘What interests you about our firm?’ Here’s where research can pay off. You can discuss the company’s business, why you would like to work there and how your qualifications are a match with the firm’s needs.

Missing Your Boss?

Contrary to popular belief, employees don’t relish time away from the boss, according to a survey by Robert Half. Nearly half (48 percent) of workers polled said their jobs would be more difficult if they did not work in the same office as their supervisors. Similarly, 58 percent of managers surveyed said it is important that all staff members work in the same location.

But because of technological advances such as wireless Internet access, as well as today’s global economy, many professionals do work in different locations than their supervisors. If you are in this situation, here are some tips to help you stay connected with your manager and colleagues:

• Provide frequent status reports. Establish a schedule for giving updates to your supervisor so he or she is aware of your workload. At a minimum, offer a weekly status report detailing tasks completed and in progress.
• Pick up the phone. While e-mail is an effective communication method, using the telephone can sometimes be more efficient and help strengthen ties with your manager and coworkers.
• Highlight your accomplishments. When you don’t see your supervisor regularly, tooting your own horn becomes even more important to get proper credit for your achievements.
• Meet face to face. Take advantage of all opportunities to meet in person with your manager and colleagues. These discussions are imperative to stay connected, avoid miscommunication, and ensure you stay top of mind for desirable projects and promotions.

Heard in the Lunchroom^SM is provided by Robert Half, the world’s largest specialized staffing firm and a leading authority on workplace and management trends.  For more information, visit www.rhi.com.