Job interview - how do you answer this question?

[slackerinabox]

You shouldn't say what they want to hear, BUT you should spin what you say into something positive that they'd like to hear. Remember, you're selling yourself to the company. Here are some other things to avoid:

1. "What's your greatest weakness?" Never say something like "I work too much" or "I put in lots and lots of hours until a problem is solved." Pick a weakness that maybe you've had in a past opportunity but won't really be relevant or important to this opportunity and explain it. In my case, I always mention public speaking to large groups of people because my roles generally don't entail too much of that. I always do mention, however, the steps I've taken to improve.

2. "Why have you jumped around so much?" We've already covered that; just be sure to spin it properly. Being laid off is an acceptable answer for switching jobs. The problem occurs, however, if you've been laid off too much; if you've had lots and lots of jobs and been laid off from every one, that might be a red flag.

3. Many times, interviewers will try to force you to say bad things about your previous companies or bosses. Don't fall for this. Never say anything negative about previous bosses or companies. Always say things like "They gave me a great opportunity" and "I learned a lot of things from my boss."

Thanks very much for the suggestions - will read and reread on my way to the interview

 

[BoberFett]

Turn the question around on him and ask him why the position would be one where an employee would get bored?

If this is web related, are they hiring you to update the pictures of the CEOs kids on his personal page every couple weeks? Or do they want a dynamic website that changes to reflect their growing business using new technologies and providing more information and expanded services to the customers?

If they want a boring website, the person maintaining it will get bored. If they want an interesting website, the person maintaining it will remain engaged.

 

[GrumpyMan]

I would tell him that boring is a state of mind, and I don't live in that state, I live in Texas.

 

[OlafSicky]

If the job includes health benefits I wouldn't hire you if you have a wife and a baby infant. There is too much of a risk that health benefits will go up. It's probably even worse than hiring a fat single person. They might be lazy but they won't have sick kid medical bills etc.
As far as job hopping in the 20's not much worry there at least you tried a few things.

 

[BoomerD]

I thought you were selling NYC real estate?

(do I have the wrong poster?)

 

[DrPizza]

Turn the question around on him and ask him why the position would be one where an employee would get bored?

If this is web related, are they hiring you to update the pictures of the CEOs kids on his personal page every couple weeks? Or do they want a dynamic website that changes to reflect their growing business using new technologies and providing more information and expanded services to the customers?

If they want a boring website, the person maintaining it will get bored. If they want an interesting website, the person maintaining it will remain engaged.

That's the first thing I thought as well - turn that question around. Question opportunities for growth, advancement.

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

It seems like "family-men" get priority over the young & single that don't have any of that. With having to hold down a steady-stable job & take care of their family & all.
So if you feel during interview you can edge that in, go ahead.
I had an employer outright ask me if I was a family man & was kind of confused but ended with no. I'm sure that would have played a role in final outcome, but I got the job regardless of that.

 

[slackerinabox]

**Update**
Got an offer today! Thanks guys!

 

[Miramonti]

Nice work. :thumbsup:

 

[bobdole369]

major taboo to mention children or even being married...

It's because hiring managers do not want to even know. It is illegal to discriminate based on marital status, or that you have young'ns, so they literally do not care and do not want to know.

I always answer the "why are you going to stay here" with a challenge of my own. Basically "If I have no reason to go anywhere then there is nothing to worry about. If I'm paid a living wage and you provide a good work environment I have nowhere to go."

 

[slackerinabox]

Nice work. :thumbsup:

THANKS!

By the way, I just blurted out my daughter as an aside and didn't dwell on her nor did I get melodramatic as if I'm expecting special consideration