An Interview Dialogue

AN INTERVIEW DIALOGUE The responses of three applicants to the same questions asked of them in an interview. Consider their answers carefully. Good morning, my name is Ms Martin. You've applied for the Laboratory   Assistant's position right?  A. Yes. B. Yes Ms Martin, I have. C. Yes Ms Martin. When I saw it advertised I thought it would really suit me.

Can you tell me why you replied to our advertisement?  A. I .... I 'm not really sure .... ahh .... B. Well, I've always enjoyed science and felt that this position would offer me an opportunity to extend my skills in this area. C. I think that I'd be really good at this kind of work. In fact I learn so fast that I'd be looking for promotion very shortly.

Do you know exactly what you would be doing as a Laboratory Assistant?  A. Well, I don't really know for sure, but I think it's got something to do with helping out the scientists in the laboratory hasn't it? B. A Laboratory Assistant helps to maintain scientific equipment, keeping a check on the supplies in the store, and preparing the chemicals for experiments. C. Oh, a Lab. Assistant helps make sure that all the experiments are done properly.

What sort of student do you regard yourself as . . . did you enjoy studying while you were at school?  A. I wasn't the best student. I didn't really like study all that much, but I did it when I had to B. I suppose I'm a reasonable student. I passed all my tests and enjoyed studying subjects that interested me. C. I'm a really great student I didn't have to study much because I always seemed to get by without worrying too much about it.

What were your favourite subjects at school? 

A. I liked Science-it was O.K. . . well, at least the bits I understood were O.K. B. Maths and Science were my favourite subjects at school. I also enjoyed doing History. C. I'm afraid that I only liked the ones I was good at. The others were so boring that I found them to be a thorough waste of my time.

Do you have any further plans for further study?  A. I hadn't really thought much about it . . .I don't know what courses I could do. B. Well, I've thought about doing the part-time Chemistry Certificate course at Technical College. I think I would really benefit from doing that. C. Well, if I had to do it I suppose I would, but now I ve finished school I'd much rather try to get my social life back into full swing again.

Suppose our company wanted you to attend an institution to further your  skills.... How would you feel about this?  A. Attend a what? B. If the course would help me improve my prospects for promotion and help me to be better at my job I would definitely do it. C. Attend a course? When? I hope it would be in the day time? Would I get time off from work to attend it? I hope it's not at night-my social life would be ruined.

Have you ever had a job before?  A. No I haven't. I've never really been game enough to get one. B. Yes. I have worked part-time at a take away food store-the one just round the corner. . . C. No. I've really been too busy, what with all the study I've had to do to get a good result. . .

We have a lot of other applicants for this position. Why d o you think that you deserve to get the job?  A. I can't think of any special reason-I suppose I'm no different from most other  people. B. Well, I've found out a lot about this type of work and my research suggests that I would be quite capable of doing the work involved. I also think that I would be able to handle any training course reasonably well. C. I reckon I'd probably be the best applicant you're likely to get for the job.

Now, do you have any questions you'd like to ask me about the position?  A. No thank you. I don't think so. B. Yes. Ms Martin, could you tell me what hours I'd have to work, and for whom I'd be working? C. Yes. . . What's the pay like?

I think I have asked you everything I wanted to. T hank you for coming along to the interview. A. Thank you Ms Martin. Goodbye. B. Thank you. When will I know if I am successful? C. Oh, think nothing of it. . . Could I see where I'll be working?

Interview Winners:

a) Do speak with confidence  b) Do be specific c) Do talk positively d) Do research the company/industry e) Do sound ambitious Interview Killers:

f) Don’t be cocky g) Don’t offer irrelevant information h) Don’t sound negative i) Don’t show up unprepared  j) Don’t be vague 1. Can you tell me something about yourself?

1) “I grew up in Michigan, with two brothers and one sister. Then I went to college in Atlanta. . . .”  g  2) “Um, well. I’m not sure where to start.” i (But you can save by following up with: “What aspect of my  background are you interested in?”) 3) “I’m a quick learner and a hard worker. For example, last month I taught myself Quark Xpress so I could complete a report in time for a visit from the shareholders.” a, b, c

2. What has made you want to leave your current position?

1) “I find my boss extremely difficult to work with.” h 2) “While I really like my job and I’ve been able to take on more responsibilities, responsibilities, there’s no room for me to advance at my company.” a, e 3) “It’s been three years and I haven’t been promoted.” h, f  4) “I’ ve always admired your company. I was particularly impressed by what I read in Sprocket News about the success of your new ad campaign.” d  3. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

1)”With a greater sense of responsibility, maybe supervising a department or overseeing larger projects such as the design of my own product line.” a, b, c 2) “I’d really like to be doing what you do.” f  do.”  f  3) “I haven’t really thought about it, but I hope to have a better idea of what I want to do by then.” h, i 4. What’s your biggest weakness?

1) “I often take on too many responsibilities, which makes me feel overwhelmed.” h 2) “I’m such a perfectionist that I become really impatient when other people don’t work as hard as I do.” f  do.” f  3) “I can’t do long division in my head.” g  head.” g  4) “I get so caught up in projects that I try to do everything myself.” myself.” h 5) “In the past, I felt nervous about speaking up in groups, but since I’ve started giving presentations at department meetings, I am now much more confident.” b, c 5. What’s your greatest strength?

1) “I don’t like to brag, so let’s go on to the next question.” f  question.” f (You (You can save by saying: “But my last review commended me for . . .”) 2) “I perform well under pressure. For example, when the team leader on the January sales drive was sick  for a week, I worked with her over the phone, helping to make our deadline.” a, b 3) “I am not afraid to be unpopular if that’s what it takes to get the job done.” f, done.”  f, h 4) “I’m always there for my friends. They know they can call me, even late at night.” g  night.” g  6. Do you usually prefer working with others or on your own?

1) “Though I wouldn’t want to spend my entire day at meetings, I think you get the most done when you have a combination of brainstorming with others and working individually. For instance, instance, when my group was told last year that we had only forty-eight hours to complete our entry for the Sprocket of the Year  contest, we came up with individual proposals and then worked on the best one, putting together the winning Sprocket.” a, b, d 

2) “On my own, I’m a firm believer in the saying, if you want the job done right, you should do it yourself.” f, yourself.” f, h 3) “I like doing both. After all, there are times when you need to buckle down and hammer away on your  own, and times when it’s important to be part of a team.” a, c 4) “I’m the team member who usually ends up leading everyone else. For instance, last year, after my boss made a mess of an account proposal, I took it over and made it presentable.” h, f  5) “I enjoy working on a team.” j team.” j 7. Can you describe the qualities you think a good boss possesses?

1) “Someone who is accessible to employees and is open to their ideas. For instance, my boss asked everyone for ways in which our standard Sprocket could be improved. She read through all of our suggestions and ended up following many of them, including one of mine.” c, b, e 2) “Well, I can tell you what a bad boss is like because my last one was a good example of that.” h 3) “Someone who realizes that employees are people and is willing to let you take a mental health day off  when you need one. For example, my car was stolen and my cat was sick . . .” i, g  8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

1) “I really like sports. Right now I’m on the company softball team, and I’m thinking about joining the community volleyball league this winter.” b, c 2) “What spare time? I’m so wrapped up in work that I just flip through a few magazines before I go to sleep.” f, sleep.” f, h 3) “I like cooking and I’ve just learned how to make crepes. I’m hoping to master soufflйs next.” b, e 4) “I just got engaged, so nearly all my time is taken up planning for the wedding. You know, taffeta or  silk? Band or DJ? And we’d like to start having kids soon, so I’ve been thinking about preschools . . .”. .”. g,  g, i 9. What attracts you to this company?

1) “I’ve heard the people here are really fun.” g  fun.” g  2) “I love your product, I am particularly impressed with the pockets-size Super Sprocket that doubles as an espresso maker for your car.” c, d  3) “I’ve read that this business is the one to get into.” j into.”  j 4) “This company is the best in the field, for instance, I couldn’t help noticing that your Sprocket ’97 line is already on store shelves.” b, d  10. Why are you the right person for this job?

1) “Because of all my experience. Ever since I worked in a bookstore in college, I’ve been balancing books and watching the bottom line.” a, b, e 2) “What can I say? I’m available, and I’ll work hard.” g, hard.”  g, h

3) “With my background working for a competitor, I’m aware of what this position requires and I know I have what it takes.” a, d  4) “You’ll have a hard time finding anyone better than me.” f, me.” f, j WHEN IT’S ALL OVER: Thank the interviewer and emphasize your interest in the job. Then go home, peel off your hose, write out your thank-you note and BREATHE. BREATHE.