Excerpted from From
Here to There by Larry Stuenkel
These questions
are similar to what you can expect during a real interview. Being
prepared will enable you to think on your feet.
The suggested replies, excerpted from From Here to There
by Larry Stuenkel, aren't intended to give you one correct answer.
Rather, the answers should reflect your personal frame of reference,
based on your motives, goals, work skills and aspirations. The replies
are meant to stimulate your thinking, not to be memorized.
Q: Why didn't you do better in high school? College?
There are several questions like this that are negative in orientation.
"Why have you not found a job so far, and, why are you not making
more money at your age?" They are basically saying you, as an individual,
have not done well. The best way to answer the question is to turn
it around and not be defensive or negative. Take them individually.
Why didn't you do better in school?
Answer: "When I was in high school or college (based upon your
situation) in addition to attending school, I did. .. and I feel
that I did very well." Alternatively, answer: "I suppose I did not
do better in college because I was a lot younger then, my priorities
were not as clear as they are now. Combined with a certain immaturity
factor, I was not as disciplined at that time when compared to my
current work ethic."
Why have you not found a job so far?
Answer: "Mr./Ms. Recruiter, respectfully, I am not looking for
a job, I am looking for a new career assignment to continue to grow
in my career path and I am being very selective about the companies
I am interviewing with and I am running a very methodical job search."
Why are you not earning more at your age?
This is a devastating question, basically saying that you are not
earning as much as their expectations. Although you may be earning
a very fine salary, be careful how you handle compensation questions.
If you were at a company where the salary increases have been minimal
to none in the past years, use that as the reason. Try: "At XYZ
Manufacturing Company, there have not been a high number of increases
in the last three years, but I am seeking to join an organization
where my skills and accomplishments will be rewarded at a level
commensurate with my contributions."
An interesting approach would be to softly challenge the interviewer's
perspective on this question by implying something as follows: "In
addition to my salary of $50,000 a year, I believe I have earned
the respect and confidence, not only of my peers, but of my superior.
I have earned the experience and discipline that comes with 15 years
of diversified and in-depth experience in xyz. And, I believe I
have earned the confidence that accompanies the successes that I
have enjoyed. So, in summary, I think I really have earned quite
a bit for a person of my age."
The key word in this question, of course, is "earned." You have
very nicely taken this piece of vocabulary and given it a positive
twist.
Remember: While some questions might be ego bruising, it is never
appropriate to lose one's "cool." Try to maintain a straight, professional-like
composure.
