Think About Hiring Yourself to Interview Your Best

Like most job candidates you are probably concerned about being able to answer interview questions. You might resort to reading book after book about the most frequently asked interview questions or cruising numerous web sites to find interview questions. However you may be overlooking the easiest and most effective method of preparing for interview questions – consider hiring yourself.

In preparation for your interview, ask yourself this question;
“If I were  hiring someone for the position for which I am interviewing what would I want to know about them?”
Make a list of these questions and develop answers for them. I is helpful to organize the questions into the three basic interview question categories. These are:

1- Can you do the job and do it well?
Questions in this category are typically about background, experiences, skills and education that you have shown or acquired in prior positions and prove you can do the job. Develop a list of questions that elicit information about exactly what you have done on previous jobs.

2- Will we like you, will you fit our culture and will you take supervision?
Questions in this category are focused on your personal qualities and job success factors that give insight into how you work with others and if you are likable. Develop a list of questions that elicit answers about your work style, strengths/weaknesses and your preferred work culture.

3- Are you interested in and motivated for this position?
The questions in this category explore if you are interested in the work required in the position and if you will apply yourself and work to improve your skills and performance. Develop a list of questions that elicit your career interests and where you see yourself  in the future.

Using your knowledge of the position and the above three categories, you should be able to develop a comprehensive list of questions and answers. Even if you are not asked the exact questions, your preparation will inform you about how to focus the answers to the questions you are asked.

Develop an Interview Presentation to interview your best