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The purpose of this section is to provide strategies for answering the difficult questions.
Depending upon the type of job, level of job, or title of the interviewer, the actual questions
may vary or be tailored toward a particular industry or occupation. The following should
provide you with a solid foundation on which to build exceptional responses.
Because the interview process can create anxiety, it’s always a good idea
to practice these answers prior to attending an interview. By doing so, you’ll
establish a greater level of self-confidence, improve your performance in
the interview, and give yourself a better chance of getting a yes. These selected interview
answers will provide you with a competitive edge.
Articulate your strengths in these areas:
1. Your personal background
2. Your achievements and accomplishments
3. Your employment history
Communicate to the interviewer that you are:
A hard worker who likes to start early, and looks to do more than just the minimum required.
• Your interview answers should demonstrate that this new opportunity
will provide you with a strong sense of purpose, motivation, and
accomplishment.
• If you are unsure about a question, ask for clarification!
• Always speak positively about former employers.
• Be completely honest with all of your answers.
• Turn questions about your weaknesses into answers of strengths.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your long-term goals.
• Demonstrate flexibility and give examples of your ability to work
with all types of people.
• Demonstrate that you are a person who is organized and
disciplined.
• Use anecdotes or examples to illustrate your statements whenever
possible.
• Be poised, confident, and incorporate your personal experiences
in your answers.
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Section 16 – Answering Difficult Questions