The Interview #2

I was never quite prepared for interviews. I dressed up pretty good, but it was always those questions, which I was aware were coming, that threw me. I realized as I thought about it this morning, what the problem was. I took to the group questions just like I was on Hollywood Squares, and I was the secret square! Or perhaps I saw myself as Paul Lynde. Paul Lynde said, “Comedy is exaggerated realism. It can be stretched to the almost ludicrous, but it must always be believable.”


I was always ready with an answer, but after the comedy routine, they often wanted a “real answer”. To the always asked Management Style question, I usually answered “by Devine inspiration” or I admitted to being a “benign despot”.

I will admit I should have prepared an answer but it was always a bit too much time between interviews when I was looking for work, and I would forget the idea.

The 50 most asked questions in a job interview (from the net) are:

1. Tell me about yourself:

2. Why did you leave your last job?

3. What experience do you have in this field?

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

5. What do co-workers say about you?

6. What do you know about this organization?

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

8. Are you applying for other jobs?

9. Why do you want to work for this organization?

10. Do you know anyone who works for us?

11. What kind of salary do you need?

12. Are you a team player?

13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

15. What is your philosophy towards work?

16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

19. Why should we hire you?

20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made

21. What irritates you about co-workers?

22. What is your greatest strength?

23. Tell me about your dream job.

24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

25. What are you looking for in a job?

26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?

28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor

30. What has disappointed you about a job?

31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?

33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?

34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

35. How would you know you were successful on this job?

36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?

37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

38. Describe your management style.

39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

40. Do you have any blind spots?

41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?

45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.

46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

47. Describe your work ethic.

48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

50. Do you have any questions for me?

I had one interview somewhere in the mid west, where the head hunter apologized about my interview position being right after lunch, I didn’t even know why. She explained that people get sleepy after lunch, I just hadn’t thought about it.

I had flown in from Calgary in the middle of the night, and I was one of many people they had brought in to meet with the whole search committee. After my interview, I was brought back to the motel, packed my bag and was on my way. I’m not sure if I even had a meal in any facility except an airport.

The interview itself, a series of questions from the "50 question bible" above, included the Board Chair in the front row. That’s right; there were so many interviewers that we had rows! My personal goal at this interview was to keep the Board Chair awake. I did not achieve that goal and never got the job, I think, as I’m still waiting for a call back.

I have many of these less than perfect experiences interviewing, and I cherish the experience as much as any other part of the process. You can read about my rich and wonderful experience interviewing in Cleveland if you look at the August, 2009 posts.

I will try and remember a few more over the next few days.

No, I am not looking for a job right now, I’m just enjoying thinking about it.