57
as appropriate, and then follow up with a and important to the job as a whole, so know something isn’t right.”
relevant example or anecdote. I get it done as quickly and efficiently as “My family would probably accuse me of
I can, which allows me to attend to the being a workaholic because I can’t relax
Q “Do you think attention to detail is more rewarding aspects of the job.” while there’s something that needs doing.”
important in this sort of job?”
“I would say attention to detail was very Criticising yourself A humorous flaw with which most
important in this type of job. If I may give Another sort of negative question appears people would sympathise
an example, in my last position [give an to invite you to criticise yourself: Q “What do you find most difficult to
example of how checking details was deal with in yourself?”
part of the job and, if possible, how • “What is your greatest weakness?” “My passion for chocolate…”
your particular eye for detail saved time, • “What do you find most difficult to deal “Still expecting to wake up and find I’m a
inconvenience and/or money for your with in yourself?” millionaire/rock star/Booker prize winner.”
previous employer].” • “What would you change about yourself
Note how the applicant softens the if you could?” A former flaw you’ve overcome
answer very slightly by saying “If I may Q “What sort of things do you
give an example…” As before, the interviewer isn’t really find difficult?”
concerned with your weaknesses as such; “I would once have said speaking in
Dealing with negative questions what they’re more interested in is how you public and giving presentations was a
If you’re supposed to remain positive and bit of a problem, but since I went on a
upbeat during your interview, showing course last year to improve my skills I find
interest and enthusiasm throughout, what
“What they really
that it’s no longer a problem.”
do you do when the interviewer asks you
want to know is
a question that seems to invite a negative “I used to have difficulty keeping up with
answer? This section looks at how you
if you’re going to
all the filing the job entails. I’ve learnt from
can deal with these questions without:
be a moaner or
bitter experience to do it first thing in the
criticising your job and other people; or morning so that I’m free to concentrate on
criticising yourself.
complainer. Don’t
more demanding responsibilities.”
take the bait.
Criticising your job and other people
Sometimes, interviewers seem to want you
Smile, and give a Read Lynn Williams’ book for further
to be negative about your job or people
neutral answer”
information on how to give the right
you’ve worked with, asking questions like:
answers to those dreaded interview
questions. Lynn Williams’ book also
• “What do you dislike about your react to implied criticism and your degree of
provides interview practice for specific
current job?” self-awareness. All these factors are keys to
jobs, such as management, sales and
• “What did you dislike about your how well you will take direction, or how you
marketing, clerical and administrative
last boss?” will be able to manage in the future.
and customer relations.
• “What are the sorts of things colleagues
do that really irritate you?” The problem is that you are caught
between two difficulties. Either you give an
‘Ultimate Interview’ by Lynn Williams,
They’re not actually interested in what answer that reveals damaging flaws in your
224 pages in paperback, is published by
you disliked; what they really want to character, or you claim, improbably, to know
Kogan Page and priced at £9.99. Visit
know is if you’re going to be a moaner of no imperfections in yourself. How do you
www.kogan-page.co.uk
or complainer. Are you going to criticise give an answer that steers a path between
the company outside work? Don’t take the two? You could try one of the following:
the bait. Smile, and give a neutral answer.
This is the one time you don’t give • a ‘flaw’ that most people would see as
reADer oFFer
examples or anecdotes. a strength;
• a humorous flaw that most people
Q “What do you dislike about your would sympathise with;
To receive a
current job?” • a former flaw that you’ve overcome;
10% DiscoUnt on
Q “What appeals to you least about • a flaw that will have no impact on the
this job?” job you’re applying for.
Ultimate Interview
‘I find that [a routine task that everyone
dislikes, such as form filling, filing, A ‘flaw’ that most people would see as call Littlehampton Book
record keeping, etc] is probably the a strength Services on 01903 828503
least demanding part of my work. Q “What is your greatest weakness?” and mention code MF342
However, it’s one of my responsibilities “I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I won’t rest if I
GradJobs Magazine | Autumn 08
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