ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

JOB INTERVIEW PROGRAM

One important key to success is self-confidence
An important key to self-confidence is

PREPARATION

Before the interview, think about the needs of the job and how your personality could be a
fit.
Avoid using a yes or no answer, but explain your response.
Concentrate on the complementary skills you have that match the job requirements.
Use technical terms that show you know the field.
Avoid a discussion about salary until you have established a solid base for your
qualifications
Be enthusiastic during the interview, even if the job is not a match, you may be referred to
another area if you leave a good impression

The comprehensive lists of these following interview questions and

answers will help you prepare for success in your job interview.
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
Bisa ceritakan mengenai diri Anda?
Mungkin pertanyaan di atas tampaknya mudah tetapi pada kenyataannya tidaklah semudah yang
Anda bayangkan. Yang pasti Anda harus menyadari bahwa pewawancara tidak tertarik untuk
mengetahui apa yang Anda lakukan di akhir pekan ataupun dari daerah mana Anda berasal.
Pewawancara berusaha mengetahui Anda secara profesional. Siapkan dua atau tiga poin
mengenai diri Anda, baik pengalaman kerja maupun sasaran karir Anda dan tetap konsisten.
Rangkum jawaban Anda dengan mengungkapkan keinginan Anda sebagai bagian dari perusahaan
tersebut. Bila memiliki jawaban yang mantap maka hal ini dapat membawa Anda pada
pembicaraan yang memperlihatkan kualifikasi Anda.
Strategy
o Try to be as much clear, precise and frank.
o Dont repeat information from CV
o Dont give fake information
o The interviewer wants to know how well suited you are to the job and how you can benefit
the company. Spend no longer than two minutes answering this question. By analysing the
job description and carrying out detailed company research in advance, you will have a clear
idea of the ideal candidate. Focus on your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments that
relate to the advertised position. Remember that the company has a problem and they are
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looking for the best solution. Prove to them that you can solve their problem better than
anyone else.
o Use READ information that stands for
Relevant: First, sift everything you say through the relevance filter. Ask yourself, is
the information Im sharing important to the interviewers? Will the information make
them think more or less favorably of me?
Experience: Provide a quick overview of years of experience or most important
companies worked for, along with position titles and responsibility highlights.
Academics: Mention impressive institutions, degrees, certifications, or alumni
networks associated with your education.
Deliverables: Translate your experience into value by offering one or two results.
Example
o Before Answer
I graduated from college, went to work in the late 70s for an advertising firm; then went to
another firm; then started my own business, which was really great because it met my needs
to be flexible and raise my kids, plus be my own boss.
o After Answer
Id be happy to. Before I do that, Im wondering if youd tell me a little more about two or
three key strengths youre looking for in the ideal candidate. After the interviewer responds,
say Great, it sounds like were definitely on the same page. You asked about my background.
With virtually 20 years of experience, the last seven as a creative director at Smith & Jones
Agency, I offer three key strengths that I believe are closely aligned to your needs for the
position. First, Im an excellent advertising strategistmy skills in this area have delivered
an ROI of 10:1 on marketing funds, which as you know is well above average. Second, Im an
excellent project manager; have numerous contacts with artists, copywriters, and printers;
and am able to bring projects in on time and on a shoestring budget. It wasnt unusual for
me to save $5,000 on printing costs when our total budget was $25,000. Third, I have a
strong creative background. Many of the campaigns I directed earned national advertising
awards. Based on our chats thus far, Im confident that my skill set would be a close match
for what you need. And, Id love to hear more about what you need for this position. For
instance, what do you consider the most pressing projects or issues Id be tackling in the first
90 days on the job?

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR COMPANY?

Strategy
o Be informed!
o You should find out as much as you can about the company's organisational structure; its
financial history; its range of products, goods or services; its aims and objectives; its
philosophy and culture; its trading methods; its history, current position, career
opportunities, and future developments; its competitors; its training programmes; its
attitude towards its customers; its market share; its achievements; and any problems it may
have.
Example
o Before Answer
I know your company has a reputation as a great place to work. Tell me more.
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o After Answer
I understand from my research that the company is one of the leading regional widget
manufacturers, and that your top competitors are Acme Widgets and ABC Widge-co.
Vernon Reynolds founded the company 60 years ago and his son has been at the helm
since 1990. Under his direction, youve added fiber-optic widgets and expanded your
distribution from two states to seven. Ive spoken with several people outside the
company to learn a bit more, and everything I heard was positive. Im really interested
to learn more about this new device that youll be launching in the near term. One of
the customers I spoke with mentioned that theyre anxious to get that item shipped. Is
this the most important project that youre working on to date, or is the other initiative
involving plastic-coated widgets a higher priority?
Ive done a little homework and here is what I know about your company. It is one of
the biggest / the most famous .... company in ........ It's built / established in ..... Kinds of
the product your company produces are ..... and your primary customers are ....... Your
head office is in ..... and your branches offices are in ..... And everything Ive seen and
heard makes me want to be a part of this company where I can give my best
contribution to work and achieve my goals.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THIS COMPANY?

Mengapa tertarik bekerja di perusahaan ini?
Pertanyaan ini merupakan salah satu alat bagi si pewawancara untuk mengetahui apakah Anda
mempersiapkan diri anda dengan baik. Jangan pernah datang untuk sebuah wawancara pekerjaan
tanpa mengetahui latar belakang perusahaan. Dengan memiliki informasi yang cukup mengenai
latar belakang perusahaan tersebut maka pertanyaan di atas memberikan kesempatan kepada
Anda untuk memperlihatkan inisiatif, dan menunjukkan apakah pengalaman serta kualifikasi yang
Anda miliki sepadan dengan posisi yang diperlukan.
Strategy
o Be informed
o Do some research about this company and relate it with your carrier goal and career plans.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?

What is your greatest strength?
What strengths do you bring to the position?
What are your outstanding qualities?
Strategy
o Give some backs up of examples
o Use Adaptive Skills such as
The Minimum
Have good attendance
Meet deadlines
Am honest
Get along with supervisor
Arrive on time
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Get along with coworkers

Follow instructions
Am hardworking, productive

Other Adaptive Skills

Coordinating
Intuitive
Problem-solving
Results-oriented
Decisive
Team player
Mentoring
Working well
Multitasking
with
people from diverse
backgrounds
Friendly
Discreet
Patient
Ambitious
Quick-learning
Spontaneous
Good-natured

Eager
Persistent
Assertive
Loyal
Steady
Helpful
Efficient
Physically strong
Capable
Mature
Tactful
Humble
Energetic
Practical
Cheerful
Methodical
Proud of work
Imaginative

Enthusiastic
Competent
Modest
Reliable
Independent
Expressive
Tenacious
Well-organized
Motivated
Resourceful
Industrious
Flexible
Thrifty
Natural
Responsible
Conscientious
Formal

Example
o Before Answer
Colleagues tell me I have excellent communication skills, am a people person, and am a
quick learner. Im sure all of these skills would be of value.
o After Answer
I have a number of strengths that would be of value to the position. As it relates to what
weve discussed, Id point to three key factors. Number one, Im an excellent
researcherIve developed qualified business leads using traditional and online
research methods. Approximately 40 percent of those leads were converted into new
business.
Number two, Im known for building relationshipsIve quickly established loyal and
trusting relationships with key accounts, networking contacts, and referral sources.
And number three, I know how to deliver revenue increasesthroughout my career I
have set new records for group and convention business at boutique hotels, as well as
major-brand properties like yours. In my last position, I increased overall sales 45
percent and increased the average sale 17 percent. May I ask, what kinds of goals are
you targeting for the next three to six months?
I pay close attention to details which does result in a higher quality of work and saves
additional time down the road, though it does take more time up front and sometimes
overtime.
I am a person who likes to meet deadlines and deliver what I promise and sometimes I
can get a little frustrated with my fellow co-workers if Im waiting on them in the last
hour before something is due.

I have a solid background in Accounts Receivables, great problem solving abilities and I
get things done with little direction. And then elaborate a bit on your specific skills, but
dont turn this answer into a book. Keep it short and move on.
I have great communication skills and can work with many different types of people of
varying personalities and skill levels. I am motivated, disciplined, and focused and am
determined to get my job done well and on time.
I meet deadlines. I deliver what I promise. As a result, Ive always made my managers
look good.
Im good at giving constructive criticism to my coworkers and this honestly is something
I really proud of and have found essential to have open working relationship.
I consider myself to be very consistent. I have proven myself to be someone who can be
counted upon to do what is expected.
Im very proud of my determination and ability to get things done. At the same time, Im
very proud of my analytical and problem solving skills. These skills combine to give me
unique ability to solve problems and then implement the solution.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?

Apa kelemahan utama Anda?
Rahasia dalam menjawab pertanyaan di atas adalah dengan berkata jujur mengenai kelemahan
Anda, tapi jangan lupa menjelaskan bagaimana Anda mengubah kelemahan tersebut menjadi
kelebihan. Misalnya, bila Anda memiliki masalah dengan perusahaan terdahulu, perlihatkan
langkah yang Anda ambil. Hal ini memperlihatkan bahwa Anda memiliki kemampuan dalam
mengenali aspek yang perlu diperbaiki dan inisiatif dalam memperbaiki diri Anda.
Strategy
o Be honest, frank, and to the point
o Do not blame anyone when giving reason to the weakness
o Provide steps to solve your weakness
Example
o Before Answer
Im a perfectionist and sometimes get impatient with people who dont put in a 110 percent
effort.
o After Answer
I have come to realize that, as a manager, my greatest strengthwhich is my analytical
skillcan sometimes be my greatest weakness if I over-rely on my logical, rational side
and dont factor in the human equation. What Ive done to counter this is to make sure I
ask for input from team members who offer different perspectives. This has worked well
to bring a balanced, 360-degree analysis to situations. For instance, there was a
situation with XYZ Co. where we needed to make cutbacks. It was clear from a business
perspective that at least three people in the department needed to be laid off. I sought
input from several of my direct reports before making a final decision, and their
thoughts helped me to see some options that would achieve our financial goals without
jeopardizing morale and stability. I can offer you more details on how that worked out if
you would like.

I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, Im now taking
steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your
planner and how you are using it.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?

Why Are You The Best Candidate For This Position?
Why are you the best person of this job?
Mengapa kami harus mempekerjakan Anda?
Ini peluang Anda untuk menjual diri Anda. Uraikan dengan singkat dan jelas kelebihan yang Anda
miliki, kualifikasi Anda dan apa yang dapat Anda sumbangkan bagi perusahaan tersebut. Hati-hati ,
jangan memberikan jawaban yang terlalu umum. Hampir setiap orang mengatakan mereka
merupakan seorang pekerja keras dan memiliki motivasi. Berikanlah jawaban yang
memperlihatkan keunikan yang Anda miliki.
Strategy
o Provides advantages : personality traits, transferable skills, special training, prior experience,
or anything else.
o The interviewer wants to know what unique quality makes you the best person for the job.
To differentiate yourself from the other candidates, you must show that you have
researched the company thoroughly and studied the job description. You should be
prepared to demonstrate clearly how your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments
match the employer's specific needs. It is important to convey genuine enthusiasm for the
post.
Example
o Before Answer
Im an excellent case manager who is great with people. I have the degree and certifications
youre looking for, and this sounds like a great place to work, with people I can really
connect with. Id be more committed than anyone.
o After Answer
As a case manager with more than 15 years of experience, I have a unique combination
of counseling, teaching, and client advocacy work with high-risk youthall of which
youve indicated as important to the position. Ive outlined a number of specific
successes in each of those three areas during the course of our conversation. Beyond
those successes, Id have to say that I have a heart for working with this population. If
you dont mind me sharing a personal storyTen years ago, I had a nephew who
committed suicide. Had there been services available to him like your organization is
offering now, he might still be alive. That experience has motivated me to become great
at what I do. I have letters from parents whove thanked me for making a difference in
their childs life, and that is my greatest reward. Given my experience and commitment,
I dont think theres anyone who can bring you more knowledge, resources, or passion
for seeing your clients succeed
For example: You should hire me because Im the best person for the job. I realize that
there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an
additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence.
I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .
Ive got much experience that will help me here
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Because Im good at what I do

Our discussion here leads me to believe this is a good place to work
You need someone who can produce results and my background and experience are
proof of my ability. For example ..

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?

Prestasi apa yang dibanggakan?
Rahasia dari pertanyaan di atas adalah dengan menyeleksi dan memilih secara spesifik prestasi
yang berhubungan dengan posisi yang sedang ditawarkan. Walaupun Anda pernah menjuarai bola
basket pada waktu kuliah, tetapi ini bukan merupakan sebuah jawaban yang diharapkan. Berikan
jawaban yang lebih profesional dan lebih relevan. Pikirkan kualifikasi yang dibutuhkan oleh
perusahaan tersebut dan kembangkan contoh yang memperlihatkan bagaimana Anda dapat
memenuhi kebutuhan perusahaan.
Strategy
The answer to this question is not limited to your career achievements only. If you have real
significant achievements in your university days that show leadership, innovativeness or creativity,
then highlight it. Tell it in a way that sounds like youre telling it to a colleague and not to someone
you are trying to please. Engage the emotion of the interviewer while you tell your shining story.
Smile while you tell your story as it makes your achievement more significant and worth telling.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LIFE AT COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

(or even your time in your previous job)
Strategy
The question is an opportunity for you to demonstrate the qualities that the interviewer is seeking
in for the job, so orientate your answer towards these expectations (without distorting the truth
obviously).
In your answer, emphasise the positive behaviour, experience and achievements (ideally backed
up with examples and evidence) which will impress the interviewer because of its relevance to the
role requirements.
The interviewer is looking for the same capabilities and behaviour in your college (or university or
previous job) life that they want in the job.
Your emphasis should be on your achievements, and how you achieved them, that are relevant to
the job requirements.
Interviewers with special interest in behaviour and personality may also use a question like this to
assess your self-awareness and maturity, in the way you consider your answer and relate it to your
own experience and development.

WHAT DO CO-WORKERS SAY ABOUT YOU?

Strategy
o Be positive and offer proof.
o Use work-relevant words like good communicator, reliable, decisive, resilient, energetic,
team member when answering top interview questions like this.
Example
o Before Answer
My boss would describe me as accountable, intelligent, loyal, and willing to go the extra
mile.
o After Answer
Ive got a few documents in my binder here that will give you an idea of what my boss
thought of me. Some of the terms she uses are accountable, intelligent, loyal, willing to
go the extra mile. I believe she would confirm that I am someone she could depend on
to do whatever needed to be done. For instance, when our company was hit by a
computer virus and the system was down for 24 hours, we had hundreds of customer
orders that couldnt be processed. She made the decision to manually process orders for
key retail accounts so that they could receive the merchandise they needed for an
upcoming three-day weekend. Although my primary responsibility as an account
specialist was to track sales and analyze trends, I offered to help in whatever way I
could. My boss and I, along with two sales reps, worked in the warehouse until after
midnight to process the priority orders so that they could go out the next morning. The
accounts were aware of the computer problems and, although they understood the
situation, werent happy because of potential lost business. Some were threatening to
go to our competitor if we hadnt made this extra effort. Our midnight vigil went a long
way toward customer goodwill.
I know they considered me to be hard working. In fact, the other team members often
thanked me for the extra hours I put in.
I know that I was initially considered intolerant if I felt they were not putting in the same
amount of effort as I was. I realized it was better to encourage them to meet our
deadlines by offering help where needed. This has worked much better for all of us.
My boss would describe me as hard working, loyal, friendly and committed. He would
say that I work well on my own initiative and deliver what he wants on time and to a
high standard".

HOW DOES THIS POSITION FIT INTO YOUR LONG-TERM

CAREER PLANS? (OR WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 TO
10 YEARS?)
Strategy
o Be relevant / refer to the position and the company you are interviewing with.
o Don't discuss your goals for returning to school or having a family, they are not relevant and
could knock you out of contention for the job. Rather, you want to connect your answer to
the job you are applying for.
o Avoid giving specific time frames or job titles.

o Focus on realistic career opportunities you could expect in your industry and what you hope
to have gained from these opportunities.
Example
o Before Answer
Id like to be in your position in five years. [This may be a good answer if the interviewer is
your potential manager and is looking to groom a successor so that he, too, can climb the
corporate ladder. However, unless you know it to be the case, this response can be a bit of a
risk, not to mention a clich.]
o After Answer
I dont have a crystal ball, but I can tell you whats most important to me for the future. I
want to continually add to my skills, take on new challenges, and contribute value to the
company. Im not certain what shape that will take, but I believe it will involve using my
strengths in the areas of __________, ___________, and _____________. [These should
be strengths that are required in the position for which youre interviewing.] I know that
this position often branches out into either _____________ or ____________. At this
point, Id be open to either track, depending on where the company might need me
most. In the meantime, I like preparing for planned happenstance meaning that I
will develop myself in a manner that attracts opportunities.
My boss would describe me as hard working, loyal, friendly and committed. He would
say that I work well on my own initiative and deliver what he wants on time and to a
high standard".My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can
continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as
I can.
I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization, like this
one. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in (related)
professional associations. Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on
from a technical position to management. In the XYZ Corporation, what is a typical
career path for someone with my skills and experiences?
It is an uncertain world and one can't predict what is going to happen. However, my
hope is that I will have contributed to the success of the company and grown both
personally and professionally within my position
I want to develop new skills and abilities also make the most of my opportunities. This
position will give me the opportunity to learn more about managing a work team, this is
a goal of mine. I would like to be recognized as an individual who has really added value
to the company
I want to learn and grow within my work, to increase my responsibilities and skills. I
enjoy a challenge and would like to know that I am constantly meeting new challenges.
My goal is to be the best at whatever level I am working at within the company
I want to make the most of my abilities and potential. By always doing my best I can
ensure that there will be opportunities to increase my value and to grow in ways that
benefit both the company and me
I want to continue to gain experience and be a top -performing employee in a big
company such as this one. I want to contribute as much as possible to the company's
expansion and success

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM GOALS?

Example
o My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on
additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.
o I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization, like this one. I
plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in (related) professional
associations.
o Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from a technical position to
management.
o In the XYZ Corporation, what is a typical career path for someone with my skills and
experiences?

WHATS YOUR SHORT TERM GOAL?

Example
o Short term I just want to get a job.
o Bills are beginning to pile up. In the short run, I need to find work so I can keep up to my
obligation
o Short term, Id like to find a position that is a good fit and where I can contribute to
accompany s bottom line

HOW WILL YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

Example
o I plan on gaining additional skills by taking related classes and continuing my involvement
with a variety of professional association.
o I will continue my professional development by participating in conferences, attending
seminars and continuing my education.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU IN YOUR JOB?

What interests you most about this job?
What are you looking for in a position?
Strategy
o Relate to your background and work experiences,
o try to make your motivation relevant to what this job can provide
o Point out the new challenges and experiences you look forward to in the position and why
you are qualified to handle them. Align your interests with the attributes they are looking for
in the right candidate.
o There are many different motivators.
Challenge, achievement, recognition, learning opportunities, increased responsibility,
coaching or mentoring others, team involvement and interaction, task complexity and
variety are all possible answers to top interview questions about motivation.

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Example
o I was responsible for several projects where I directed development teams and implemented
repeatable processes. The teams achieved 100% on-time delivery of software products. I
was motivated both by the challenge of finishing the projects ahead of schedule and by
managing the teams that achieved our goals.
o I am motivated by the challenge of difficult tasks and projects.My previous manager gave me
more and more responsibility as I proved myself, I found this very motivating.
o It is important for me to meet the customers needs. I give the the best service and when I
exceed their expectations or get positive feedback it motivates me.
o I like to know that I am growing as an employee. Learning and using new skills is a big
motivator for me.
o I want the challenge of selling a new product. I consider strategy development one of my key
skills and I would like to be able to use it to the fullest in developing strategies for selling this
product
o I get great satisfaction from training new staff members and helping them develop and
succeed. I am excited by the sort of training programs I would be running in this position....
o Im looking for an opportunity to apply my skills and contribute to the growth of the
company while helping create some advancement opportunities for myself
o Im looking for an organization that will appreciate my contribution and reward my efforts
o Im looking for a position that will allow me to make money to support my lifestyle. Im a
hard worker and will give a concerted effort to earn the money I need
o I was responsible for several projects where I directed development teams and implemented
repeatable processes. The teams achieved 100% on-time delivery of software products. I
was motivated both by the challenge of finishing the projects ahead of schedule and by
managing the teams that achieved our goals.
o I've always been motivated by the desire to do a good job at whatever position is.

WHAT SKILLS ARE THE MOST CRITICAL TO THIS POSITION?

Strategy
Consider the technical skills specific to the position such as knowledge of accounting principles
and practices for an accountant position, human resource management principles for a HR
position, understanding the sales cycle for a sales position etc.
List the competencies required for successful job performance. Competencies or behaviors
commonly required in the workplace include problem-solving ability, use of initiative,
resilience, adaptability, organizing and planning and team work. Describe to the interviewer
how your experience is relevant to these requirements and how you have successfully
demonstrated these skills in your previous positions.
Example
After carefully reviewing this job I would focus on these key skills as the most essential to
success. The company is going through considerable restructuring and as a manager I would
need to properly manage any changes with my team. My communication, motivation,
negotiation and conflict management skills are key to this. In my last job I had considerable
experience in these areas when .................

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DO YOU WORK BEST BY YOURSELF OR AS PART OF A TEAM?

Strategy
Most jobs require both, to varying degrees.
As with all answers to job interview questions, think about the position you are applying for. Are
the interviewers looking for a team worker? Did they mention this in the advert or is it implicit in
the job description?
Basically, the interviewer is asking if you are a team player. If your answer is with others, then the
interviewer will think you cant work alone and if you answer alone, then the interviewer may
think you have some personality issues working with other people. Your response needs to show
that you can work well in a team atmosphere and still shoulder individual responsibility, as well.
Before you answer, make sure you know if the job requires you to work alone or not.
Example
o If a team player is required, tell the interviewers that you work well in a team. Give an
example if you can. You might say:
"I prefer to work in teams. I find that better decisions are reached when people work
together and share ideas. Of course I'm happy to work alone when required too."
o If the job is mostly done alone, you might say:
"I work very well by myself because I'm self motivated, organised and conscientious. I'm
comfortable working in teams though and recognise that this is better in some situations".
o I enjoy working alone when necessary as I dont need to be constantly reassured of my
work. But I would prefer to work in a group as I believe much more work can be
accomplished when everyone is pulling together.
o Teamwork
In the Department I work for the assistants work together as a team. We know what needs
to get done and we help each other to accomplish that. I organized a seminar and the
others just chipped in and helped me with numerous tasks and also I help them to meet
their deadlines. We have a common goal and we work together to meet the challenge.
How about you? Do you work as a team? Do you work well with others? You have to
answer these questions for yourself.

ARE YOU APPLYING FOR OTHER JOBS?

Where else are you interviewing and for what positions?
Strategy
o Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what
you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
o This is an awkward interview question and although candidates feel that interviewers
shouldn't ask it, they do! So be prepared for it. Be brief, concise and straightforward. Avoid
trying to use this as an opportunity to impress by naming big firms in unrelated industries
or that are offering different types of jobs. Employers want to hear that you are going for
similar positions in the same sort of industry. This confirms your commitment to the job
they are interviewing you for. You can rather answer in general terms.

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Example
o I have focused only on jobs that offer me the same sort of opportunities and challenges
that your organization does in this particular industry. I recently interviewed with XYZ
organization for a similar position.
o If you have not been for any other interviews you can deal with this interview question in
this way. I have concentrated my job search on positions that offer the same sort of
responsibilities and challenges as this position and with similar organizations. To date I
have sent my resume to a number of organizations, including XYZ Company and ABC Inc,
and we are in the process of setting up interviews.

HOW LONG WOULD YOU EXPECT TO WORK FOR US IF HIRED?

Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: Id like it to be a long time. Or As long
as we both feel Im doing a good job.

WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU: THE MONEY OR THE

WORK?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
This is not a fair question is it? We would all love to get paid a Trump-like salary doing a job we
love, but that is rare indeed. It is fine to say money is important, but remember that NOTHING is
more important to you than the job. Otherwise, you are just someone looking for a bigger
paycheck.

ARE YOU WILLING

WEEKENDS?

TO

WORK

OVERTIME?

NIGHTS?

This is up to you. Be totally honest.

WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO RELOCATE IF REQUIRED?

You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it
may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of
problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

TELL ME ABOUT A DIFFICULT PROBLEM YOUVE HAD TO

DEAL WITH
Bagaimana Anda mengatasi masalah?
Tidak mudah memberikan jawaban bila Anda mendapatkan pertanyaan seperti di atas, terutama
bila Anda baru lulus dan tidak memiliki pengalaman kerja. Pewawancara ingin melihat apakah
Anda dapat berpikir kritis dan mengembangkan solusi tanpa melihat jenis permasalahan yang
Anda hadapi, bahkan walaupun Anda tidak memiliki waktu yang cukup dalam mengatasi masalah

13

yang dihadapi. Gambarkan langkah-langkah yang Anda lakukan dalam memprioritaskan pekerjaan.
Hal ini memperlihatkan bahwa Anda bertanggungjawab dan tetap dapat berpikir jernih walaupun
sedang menghadapi masalah.
Strategy
Dont stress over this question. What you want to convey to the interviewer is how you go
about solving problems.
If you give them the satisfactory information about how you worked with the employees, or
even worked out your differences with others, your chances of being hired as a team leader
increase.
Example
o Before Answer
My work is full of difficult problems, including a workload that only the Bionic Man could
manage, customers who are demanding, and computer equipment and software so
outdated that tech support no longer provides support for it. Once, I had to get a report out
and the system kept crashing.
o After Answer
I have a formula for challenging situations. First, I take the attitude that every problem is
perfectmeaning, the problem has surfaced so that I or others can make some change for
the better. Second, I step back and get some perspective on the situation. Third, I generate
ideas about how to solve it, which often involves collaborating with others, and then
prioritize the options. If the solution is something that needs approval from my supervisor, I
present the options and recommendation to her. Finally, I implement the solution. Let me
give you an example.
When I worked as a service technician for ABC Electronics, my quota required making 15
service calls a day. This was a challenging task in itself, yet I always made my quota, even if it
meant working well into the evening. Then, after ABC merged with XYZ, we were given the
additional responsibility of selling maintenance contracts. In the past, I had joked that if I
had to depend on sales for a living, my family would starve. So, you can well imagine that at
first, I wasnt selling any maintenance contracts. My quota was seven contracts a day.
I recognized that I needed to follow my advice about every problem being perfect, so I
started thinking about what needed to be done. First, I asked my supervisor if there was
sales training support. She said there wasnt a budget for it. I then went to one of my
coworkers who was selling contracts left and right, and he gave me some good pointers. I
also bought some of Zig Ziglars books on sales and motivation, and those helped as well.
I realized that the biggest problem wasnt with the quotait was with my mindset. I
changed my thought process from, Im taking these peoples hard-earned money to this
will be a valuable service for a number of people. When that attitude was in place, coupled
with some tips from my coworker, things started to turn around. The first week, I sold four
contracts; the second week, I was up to 10; and, by the end of the quarter, I was hitting
quota regularly. This put me in the top 20 percent for sales among a team of 30 technicians.
What I learned from this is that sales had been difficult because I thought it was difficult.
Once I changed my thinking, everything else changed. I just had to believe there was an
answer, and then find resources to help, and then put it into action.

14

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU MANAGED A STRESSFUL

DEADLINE OR SITUATION
Strategy
o The interviewer wants to know whether you can work well under stress. There are several
themes you can address when you get a question about stress
o Setting goals, priorities, and boundaries
o Getting organized and streamlining processes
o Using the right technology and tools
Example
o Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way
to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad
stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive.
o I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn't
become stressful.
o I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging
environment.
o From a personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every evening. It's a great
stress reducer.
o Prioritizing my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done when, has
helped me effectively manage pressure on the job.
o If the people I am managing are contributing to my stress level, I discuss options for better
handling difficult situations with them.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE.

Strategy
Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping
skills (stress tolerance). You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an
example that relates to the type of position applied for.
This is a common interview question, but one that is actually pretty easy to answer. Obviously
you dont want to say that you cant handle pressure in the workplace. Every job will have some
level of pressure for you to deal with so even if you dont like pressure you have to answer
positively. Any answer you give should be between working well under pressure to pressure
being a must for you to succeed. Find your comfort level and answer appropriately. Variations
any of these example answers would be acceptable, going from least to most comfortable with
pressure.
The interviewer wants to know whether you are able to perform under pressure and cope with
difficult situations. Show that you can stay calm under pressure and are able to plan to reduce
stress.
Example
o Before Answer
Sure. There was a situation where my writing team had to update a 400-page publication
for our boiler line. The project got off to a bad start because the engineers kept making
changes. Every change meant that wed either have to rewrite or put the project on the
15

back burner while they figured out what they wanted to do. Meanwhile, one of our writers
had a little too much to drink one Saturday night and wrapped his car around a telephone
pole. Another writer, who was eight months pregnant, went into labor early. So we were
down to just two people. I took charge and told my boss wed just have to put all our other
projects on hold and get permission to skip all the production meetings. I also told her wed
need to work from home to be more productive. We worked like dogs, but we got it all
done.
o After Answer
Id be happy to. Our four-person writing team was working on updating a 400-page
publication that was to accompany the release of our next-generation industrial boiler
line. Normally we schedule two months to do an update, which gives us plenty of
breathing room and allows us to work on other projects at the same time. In this
particular situation, we had some hurdles to clear. To begin with, the engineers made
a necessary change to the product, which delayed our start by two weeks. Then, two
weeks into the project, one of the writers was in a bad car accident (thankfully, hes
recovered now) and another one who was pregnant went into labor six weeks before
her due date. With half a team, we had just six weeks to do what we normally would
do in eight weeks.
As the lead writer, I took the initiative in suggesting some strategies to manage the
deadline. We reviewed our other concurrent projects and divided those into A and B
priorities. I went to my director and asked if the B priorities could be outsourced or put
on hold. She offered the help of a freelance writer to write sections that didnt require
a lot of technical knowledge.
I said it was certainly an option, but I was confident we could make the deadline if we
were freed up of some of these other projects and given the okay to work from our
home offices where there would be fewer interruptions.
I outlined daily and weekly goals and adjusted the production schedule accordingly.
Because the files were quite large with JPEG photographs, I researched and
implemented a Web storage system to share files so that we wouldnt have to rely on
e-mail, which had been problematic in the past. My writing partner and I put in a few
70-hour work weeks to get it done, but we made the deadline, and we felt such a
sense of accomplishmentlike we could handle anything that might be thrown at us in
the future. The extra effort allowed our sales department to introduce the boilers at
the industrys largest trade show and beat the competition, who didnt release their
comparable upgrades until the following season. The sales department conservatively
estimated a 12 percent gain in market share because of the timing of the product
release. I have a copy of the manual here in my briefcase if youd like to see some
writing samples.
Stress is a great motivator for me because it helps me in getting things done" or "I
work out twice a week to relieve stress.
Cite past examples of stressful events. The interviewer, however, is more interested in
the manner in which you cope with stress. Explain how you use problem-solving,
decision-making or time management skills to reduce stress.
I worked for a manager who used to yell at me when he was under pressure to meet
deadlines. (Situation)
I got upset the first couple of times and then I decided to talk to him about it. I
empathized with the stress he was under and suggested that he communicated his
expectations clearly to me on a daily basis so that I knew exactly when he needed

16

something and I could also give him feedback on progress. We arranged an early
morning feedback meeting every day. (Action)
This helped as we were able to sort out issues immediately and anticipate likely
problems. (Result)
The level of pressure doesnt bother me, I achieve my goals regardless
I work well under pressure, I find that pressure really focuses my attention
I thrive under pressure, it drives me to succeed
I prefer working under pressure, I find that I do my best with a lot expected of me
under tight deadlines
I hate pressure, it causes bubbles of nitrous oxide to enter my bloodstream and gives
me the bends (only if you are applying to be a scuba diver)

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME?

Strategy
This interview question is asked by every interviewer and is usually the last question asked. It is
also the easiest for you to answer because you know it is coming and you have prepared ahead
of time.
The exact types of question you ask are pretty open. They could be about the job itself, the
company or benefits of the job. Some questions about the job could be what you would be
working on, what opportunities for advancement there are or how your role would fit in with
the rest of the organization. Questions about the company could be along the lines of asking
about the companys future direction, values or comparison with the rest of the industry. And
finally, you might want to ask about some of the benefits the company offers. Even if you
already know the answer to any question you might have, giving the interviewer an intelligent
and well thought out question shows that you are being proactive and genuinely interested in
the
position.
I will finish the way I started, with one of the most common questions asked in interviews. This
directly relates to the research you have done on the company and also gives you a chance to
show how eager and prepared you are. You will probably want to ask about benefits if they
have not been covered already. A good generic one is how soon could I start, if I were offered
the job of course. You may also ask what you would be working on. Specifically, in the role
youre applying for and how that affects the rest of the company. Always have questions ready,
greeting this one with a blank stare is a rotten way to finish your interview.
Examples of questions to interviewee
You may choose some of these questions that you need to ask
1. How would you describe the responsibilities of this position?
2. Whats the company management style?
3. Who does this position report to? If Im offered the position, can I meet him or her?
4. How many people work in this office / department?
5. Is relocation a possibility here?
6. How does one advance in this company?
7. When can I expect to hear from you?
8. I want to ask about the working hours and the working days in this company.
Would you tell me about it?
9. Is overtime expected?
10. If Im accepted in this company, will I get health insurance?
17

11. Do all employees get medical allowance / insurance? How much is it?
12. Do they also get meal and transport allowance?
13. Does the company have a certain policy about employees promotion?
14. How is the companys policy about the employees promotion?
15. Does the company review the salary periodically or based on employees performance
(prestasi)?
16. Is the salary increase based on performance or length of service?
17. Does the company provide a training program for its employees? How long will it be?
18. What kind of insurance does the company give to the employees?
19. Are all employees here insured by the company?
20. What about the annual leaves (cuti tahunan)? How many days does each employee get it?
21. If a new employee stationed at a branch office, is there any possibilities to be station at the
head office?
22. May I know more specifically the duties and the responsibilities of a new employee here?
23. How long is the probationary period for a new employee? Will he/she get salary during
that time?
24. How long is the probationary period it self?
25. What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
26. What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this
position, and within what time frame?
27. How is one evaluated in this position?
28. What would a typical working day be in this position?
29. What type of internal and external training do you provide?
30. What are the most important skills and attributes you are looking for in filling this
position?
31. What will be the measurements of my success in this position?

DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO TO CONTROL MISTAKES IN YOUR

WORK (ATTENTION TO DETAIL)
Strategy
In asking this behavioral interview question the interviewer wants to know if you are able to
accurately complete your tasks with close attention to all aspects of your work.
Show that you are concerned with maintaining accuracy and check your work for errors.
Example
In my last position I had to make all the travel arrangements for my manager. (Situation)
I listened carefully, noted down what she needed and then read it back to her to confirm that I
had it right. I would also follow up with a detailed email to check again.
Once I had made the arrangements I would set up a time to give her feedback and check I had
everything she needed.
I then followed this up with an email with all the confirmed details. (Action)
This was time-consuming for both of us but it meant that no errors were made in the
arrangements. It would have been more frustrating and costly not to have made such thorough
checks" (Result)

18

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME THAT YOU WERE NOT SATISFIED

WITH YOUR WORK PERFORMANCE. WHAT DID YOU DO
ABOUT IT? (WORK STANDARDS)
Strategy
All interview questions around work performance are designed to explore whether you set high
standards for yourself and strive to meet these standards. What do you consider to be a "high
standard"? Show how you attempt to attain high performance standards and correct substandard
performance.
Example
My performance review rating was lower than I had expected or wanted. (Situation)
I met with my manager to establish a plan of action for improvement and set very specific targets
to be met on a monthly basis. I worked hard to meet these targets and constantly monitored my
performance. I also asked for regular feedback about my performance. (Action)
After six months, my boss conducted another review and my rating was much higher. (Result)

DESCRIBE A SITUATION IN WHICH YOU HAD TO SCHEDULE

YOUR ACTIVITIES TO MEET AN OBJECTIVE (PLANNING AND
ORGANIZING)
Strategy
The interviewer is exploring your ability to set objectives and schedule and prioritize your activities
appropriately. Show how you are able to establish a course of action, allocate resources
accordingly and plan tasks to reach objectives.
Example
I had to complete a training report every month. This involved collating and presenting a large
amount of information. (Situation)
I scheduled all the data collecting tasks. Each department was given a monthly deadline to submit
information to me and I scheduled reminders to be sent out before the deadline. I set aside a time
in my diary each month to collate all the information and check it. Then I allocated time for
drawing up and presenting the report. (Action)
This worked well and I always comfortably met my deadline.(Result)

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU RECEIVED NEGATIVE

FEEDBACK FROM YOUR MANAGER OR SUPERVISOR. HOW DID
YOU HANDLE THIS? (RESILIENCE)
Strategy
The interviewer is looking at your ability to handle disappointment and rejection. Show how you
handle criticism whilst maintaining enthusiasm and performance.

19

Example
I had worked hard on a presentation to a potential customer. My boss told me that he was
disappointed in the quality of the information I presented and that the customer had not been
impressed. (Situation)
I was surprised as I felt I had prepared well but I asked my boss to go through the presentation
with me again and explain exactly what the problems were. He pointed out outdated information
and I realized that I had not used the most recent financial information in my preparation. I
researched the updated information and asked if I could rework things and prepare a new
proposal for the customer. He agreed. Once I had sent the proposal I followed up with the
customer to ask if he had any queries or wanted to discuss anything with me. (Action)
We didn't get that particular contract but the company has asked us to submit a proposal for some
other business. (Result)

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME YOU HAD TO QUICKLY ADJUST

YOUR WORK PRIORITIES TO MEET CHANGING DEMANDS
(ADAPTABILITY)
Strategy
In this sample interview question the interviewer wants to know if you can effectively perform in
different environments and with different tasks, people and responsibilities. Show that you can
adjust your actions to meet changing demands and tasks.
Example
I was in the middle of drawing up my departmental budget when I was asked to put together a
costing for a big project we were tendering for. (Situation)
I made an outline of the information I needed immediately for the costing and assigned a portion
to each of my staff. I spent the next couple of days drawing up schedules of the tasks that needed
to be carried out to complete the costing and meeting with staff members to brief them and get
feedback. I was then able to re focus on completing the budget on time. (Action)

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?

Example
o I measure professional success by the standards of the company of which I work, the
feedback I receive from my peers, supervisors and subordinates.
o Personally it is to know Im regarded as a good husband / wife / son / daughter and
member of society.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE LIFE AND WORK?

Example
Being organized help me balance my professional life and personal life. Consequently I can be
fully engaged while Im at work. For those unexpected times, I have a good back up systems of
child care of my children.
20

BEFORE WE ARE GOING ANY FURTHER WHAT KIND OF

MONEY DO YOU NEED TO MAKE?
How much is your expected salary?
Berapa gaji yang Anda harapkan?
Pertanyaan ini merupakan pertanyaan yang tersulit terutama bagi mereka yang tidak memiliki
pengalaman kerja yang cukup.Yang perlu Anda lakukan sebelum wawancara adalah mencari tahu
pasaran gaji untuk posisi yang ditawarkan agar Anda dapat memberikan jawaban atas pertanyaan
ini. Beritahu pewawancara bahwa Anda terbuka untuk membicarakan mengenai kompensasi bila
saatnya tiba. Bila terpaksa, berikan jawaban yang berupa kisaran angka, bukan angka tertentu.
Strategy
If you get this question, that means you performed well in the interview. Now they want to
know if they can afford you. Normally, the best way to handle this is to let the company decide
on your compensation depending on your qualifications. Negotiable is the short answer but
phrase it in a such a way that says, its up to you. By not saying any expectation, you dont
drive away a potential job offer if your expectation is beyond their budget, neither do you
inadvertently drive down a potentially high salary offer. If the interviewer really pressed, just
mention your last previous salary then let them decide. However, if you will not accept any job
lower than your expectation, then by all means, say the minimum salary that you expect.
Example
o I feel worth at least $.... Rp.
o My salary requirements are negotiable. Your firm has a reputation of compensating
employees fairly. And I trust you would do the same in my case. Im very interested in
finding the right opportunity and will be opened to any offer when I do so.
o Money is not very important or even the most important to me,
o but it's important thing to be able to pay the bills but the work environment is even more
important to me. Im sure what makes me happy is having a satisfying job that provide
challenge and of course this generally will result in appropriate salary.

WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR JOB?

One of the questions that is typically asked in an interview is "Why are you leaving your job?" or
"Why did you leave your job?" if you have already moved on. If you were fired from your job, use
these answers to respond. If you left of your own accord, review these suggestions on how best to
answer and tailor your response to meet your particular situation. Be direct and focus your
interview answer on the future, especially if your leaving wasn't under the best of circumstances.
Don't Badmouth Your Boss
Regardless of why you left, don't speak badly about your previous employer. The interviewer may
wonder if you will be bad-mouthing his company next time you're looking for work. I once
interviewed a person who told me that her last employer was terrible. They didn't pay her enough,
the hours were awful and she hated the job. That company happened to be my company's biggest,
and most important, customer. And there is no way I would have hired someone who felt that
way, justified or not, about our valuable client. So, she gave up any opportunity of getting the job
as soon as she answered the "Why did you leave?" question.
21

Prepare answers to typical job interview questions, like this one, in advance. Practice your
responses so you sound positive, and clear, about your circumstances and your goals for the
future.
Example
o I found myself bored with the work and looking for more challenges. I am an excellent
employee and I didn't want my unhappiness to have any impact on the job I was doing for
my employer.
o There isn't room for growth with my current employer and I'm ready to move on to a new
challenge.
o I'm looking for a bigger challenge and to grow my career and I couldn't job hunt part time
while working. It didn't seem ethical to use my former employer's time.
o I was laid-off from my last position when our department was eliminated due to corporate
restructuring.
o I'm relocating to this area due to family circumstances and left my previous position in
order to make the move.
o I've decided that is not the direction I want to go in my career and my current employer
has no opportunities in the direction I'd like to head.
o After several years in my last position, I'm looking for an company where I can contribute
and grow in a team-oriented environment.
o I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills and
experience in a different capacity than I have in the past.
o I recently received my degree and I want to utilize my educational background in my next
position.
o I am interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready for a new challenge.
o I left my last position in order to spend more time with my family. Circumstances have
changed and I'm more than ready for full-time employment again.
o I am seeking a position with a stable company with room for growth and opportunity for
advancement.
o I was commuting to the city and spending a significant amount of time each day on travel. I
would prefer to be closer to home.
o To be honest, I wasn't considering a move, but, I saw this job posting and was intrigued by
the position and the company. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and an ideal match
with my qualifications.
o This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience and I am not able
to fully utilize them in my present job.
o The company was cutting back and, unfortunately, my job was one of those eliminated.
o I have always wanted to ensure that my company's clients get the best customer service I
can provide. I've always felt that it's important, both to me personally, and for the
company and the clients, to provide a positive customer experience.
o I have spent my career in sales, typically in commission-based positions, and compensation
has always been a strong factor in motivating me to be the top salesperson at my prior
employers.

22

HOW DO YOU EVALUATE SUCCESS?

Example
I evaluate success in different ways. At work, it is meeting the goals set by my supervisors and
my fellow workers. It is my understanding, from talking to other employees, that the GGR
company is recognized for not only rewarding success, but giving employees opportunity to
grow as well. After work, I enjoy playing softball, so success on the field is catching the winning
pop-up.

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR THIS COMPANY?

Example
o A typical interview question to discover what assets you have that are specific to the
company's goals is "What can you do for this company?"
o First of all, be sure to have researched the company prior to the interview, so you are
familiar with the company's mission. Respond by giving examples why your education,
skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset for the employer.
o Take a few moments to compare your goals with objectives of the company and the
position, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other jobs. Be positive
and reiterate your interest in the company, as well as the job.

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME THAT YOU WORKED CONVEYING

TECHNICAL INFORMATION TO A NONTECHNICAL AUDIENCE.
Strategy
The Interviewer wants to know how you relate to people outside your area of expertise.
Example
While I worked for Mr. Smith in the accounting department, I was selected to explain the
financial section of the employee's paycheck to all new hires. After my first two sessions, I
realized I needed to reframe my information so the new hires would have an accurate
understanding of the impact of their decisions as it related to their pay. I worked with
colleagues in human resources and marketing, and developed a training outline that was
implemented at the other locations throughout the company.

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME THAT YOU WORKED WITH DATA,

INTERPRETING DATA, AND PRESENTING DATA
Strategy
If you are in a non-technical profession, this question is designed to see if you are comfortable
with information not directly related to your position.

23

Example
While at the GHI corporation, one of my job assignments was to work with the IT department
to prepare the annual meeting brochure complete with financial data, graphs and related SEC
requirements. I became proficient at designing graphs that gave an accurate picture of the
financial data, as well as editing the legal information into a more readable format.

WHY DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL AT THIS

JOB?
Strategy
The interviewer is concerned as to whether you see this as a career move, or stop-gap
employment.
Example
As my resume reflects, I have been successful at each of my previous places of employment. My
research of your company, the job description outlined, and the information we've exchanged
today, lead me to believe I have the skills and experience for which you are looking; and I'm
eager to be a contributing employee.

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME THAT YOU PARTICIPATED IN A

TEAM, WHAT WAS YOUR ROLE?
Strategy
Companies, for the most part, do not want "Lone-Rangers" - - they are looking for employees
who will adapt to the company culture and get along with others.
Example
In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required
a different kind of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was
invaluable. I continued to grow as team member while on my sorority's debate team and
through my advanced marketing class where we had numerous team assignments.

WHAT SPECIFIC GOALS, INCLUDING THOSE RELATED TO

YOUR OCCUPATION, HAVE YOU ESTABLISHED FOR YOUR
LIFE?
Example
I want to be working for an excellent company like yours in a job in which I am managing
information. I plan to contribute my leadership, interpersonal, and technical skills. My longrange career goal is to be the best information systems technician I can for the company I work
for.

24

HOW HAS YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE PREPARED YOU FOR

A BUSINESS CAREER?
Example
I have prepared myself to transition into the the work force through real-world experience
involving travel abroad, internship, and entrepreneurial opportunities. While interning with a
private organization in Ecuador, I developed a 15-page marketing plan composed in Spanish
that recommended more effective ways the company could promote its services. I also traveled
abroad on two other occasions in which I researched the indigenous culture of the Mayan
Indians in Todos Santos, Guatemala, and participate din a total language immersion program in
Costa Rica. As you can see from my academic, extracurricular, and experiential background, I
have unconditionally committed myself to success as a marketing professional.

PLEASE DESCRIBE THE IDEAL JOB FOR YOU FOLLOWING

GRADUATION
Example
My ideal job is one that incorporates both my education and practical work skills to be the best
I can be. Namely combining my education in finance with my working knowledge of customer
service operations, entrepreneurial abilities, computer skills, and administrative skills. I want to
utilize my analytical expertise to help people meet their financial goals. This is exactly why I am
convinced that I would be a very valuable member of the Merrill Lynch team.

WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO CHOOSE THIS CAREER?

Example
My past experiences have shown me that I enjoy facing and overcoming the challenge of
making a sale. Without a doubt, once I have practiced my presentation and prepared myself for
objections, I feel very confident approaching people I don't know and convincing them that
they need my product. Lastly, I like sales because my potential for success is limited only by
how much of myself I dedicate toward my goal. If any profession is founded on selfdeterminism, it surely must be sales.

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?

Example
I knew that I wanted to pursue information systems technology about my sophomore year in
college. It was then that I realized that my that my hobby (computers) was taking up most of
my time. My favorite courses were IT courses. I also realized that I was doing computeroriented work-study that I enjoyed so much I would have done it for free.

25

WHAT SPECIFIC GOALS HAVE YOU ESTABLISHED FOR YOUR

CAREER?
Example
My goals include becoming a Certified Financial Advisor so I can obtain a better working
knowledge of financial research analysis, which would allow me contribute to my client base as
a better financial consultant since I would have that extra insight into the companies they are
seeking to invest in. Also this is the foundation block to advancing my career to portfolio
manager or even branch office manager.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO ATTAIN YOUR GOALS, AND WHAT

STEPS HAVE YOU TAKEN TOWARD ATTAINING THEM?
Example
I've already done some research on other workers at Merrill Lynch to see how they achieved
similar goals. I know that Merrill Lynch encourages the pursuit and will reimburse for tuition of
a graduate degree. I plan on pursuing a MBA to give me an even more extensive knowledge of
business and financial analysis.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IT TAKES TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS

CAREER?
Example
I believe successful salespeople put forth that extra effort that turns potential clients into firsttime customers. Salespeople who attend to the details by doing whatever it takes to win over a
prospective customer distinguish themselves from the countless others who don't go to any
extra effort. Second, I think that if you label success as an attainable goal, you will never
consistently remain successful. You can only succeed if you learn all there is to learn about your
product, your competitors, and personal selling. Since this learning process is continuous, it's an
unattainable goal. With good reason, salespeople should not consider success an attainable
ending point but an objective that will always linger slightly beyond their reach.

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE OR EVALUATE SUCCESS? GIVE ME

AN
EXAMPLE
OF
ONE
OF
YOUR
SUCCESSFUL
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Example
Last semester I was hired by by university's Council for Student Activities. The group negotiates
contracts of entertainers, sets up sound equipment, markets the entertainers to students, and
generally decides what kind of programming should be done. When I got hired, I didn't know
the first thing about how fill any of those responsibilities. I decided, however, that I wasn't
going to fail. Four months later, I have become the Webmaster for the group. I also write our

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campus newsletter and created Game Night, a student competition of table games. That event
yielded the biggest audience ever for a non-concert event.

DO YOU HAVE THE QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL

CHARACTERISTICS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR
CHOSEN CAREER?
Example
I believe I have a combination of qualities to be successful in this career. First, I have a strong
interest, backed by a solid, well-rounded, state-of-the-art education, especially in a career that
is technically oriented. This basic ingredient, backed by love of learning, problem-solving skills,
well-rounded interests, determination to succeed and excel, strong communication skills, and
the ability to work hard, are the most important qualities that will help me succeed in this
career. To succeed, you also need a natural curiosity about how systems work -- the kind of
curiosity I demonstrated when I upgraded my two computers recently. Technology is constantly
changing, so you must a fast learner just to keep up or you will be overwhelmed. All of these
traits combine to create a solid team member in the ever-changing field of information
systems. I am convinced that I possess these characteristics and am ready to be a successful
team member for your firm.

WHAT
HAS
BEEN
ACCOMPLISHMENT?

YOUR

MOST

REWARDING

Example
A recent satisfying accomplishment I was sent to one of our branch banks that was notorious
for not growing their loan base. The branch had logged $75,000 in new loans in an 18-month
period prior to my arrival. Having a reputation as a "hired gun" when it came to loan production
I was successful in the solicitation and booking of $700,000 in my first six months at the branch.

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