55 most frequently asked interview questions

Dan Johnston from PPR Career shared the following list of frequently asked questions on a job interview, as well as advice on what to be prepared for.
1. Tell me about yourself. Use “Picture Frame Approach”
Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, don’t ramble. Touch on these four areas:

* How many years, doing what function
* Education – credentials
* Major responsibility and accomplishments
* Personal summary of work style (plus career goals if applicable)

Prepare in advance using this formula:

1. “My name is…”
2. “I’ve worked for X years as a [title]”
3. “Currently, I’m a [title] at [company]”
4. “Before that, I was a [title] at [company]”
5. “I love the challenge of my work, especially the major strengths it allows me to offer, including [A, B, and C]”.
6. Second, help the interviewer by focusing the question with a question of your own: “What about me would be most relevant to you and what this company needs?”

2. Did you bring your resume?
Yes. Be prepared with two or three extra copies. Do not offer them unless you’re asked for one.

3. What do you know about our organization?
Research the target company before the interview. Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Do your homework, and you’ll score big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends that work there. “But I would love to know more, particularly from your point of view. Do we have time to cover that now?

4. What experience do you have?
Pre-interview research and PPR Career will help you here. Try to cite experience relevant to the company’s concerns. Also, try answering this questions with a question: “Are you looking for overall experience or experience in some specific area of special interest to you?” Let the interviewer’s response guide your answer.

5. According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?
(Is this person mature and self aware?)
Be prepared to define success, and then respond (consistent record of responsibility)

Popularity: 55% [?]

Three top tips to get a job in the USA

Three top tips to get a job in the USA
by Sacha DeVoretz

In the American market, your resume and job interview needs to both SHOW and TELL your qualifications as visually as possible. It’s your job to give energy to your resume and make your skills come alive in the mind of an employer.

As a foreign applicant, you are automatically at a perceived disadvantage as there are many Americans with the same qualifications and experience who are acclimatized to the US workplace ethos, ready to be hired - today. That’s why you need to counterbalance this prejudice: to prove yourself, your worth, and that you are worth waiting for.

Think about a job you really want and how you would show that you are right for the job. How you would tell your story? Here are some tips:

“SHOW” YOU CARE: You must know everything you possibly can about the company BEFORE you apply. Do your homework. Most companies today have a corporate website with the details of the business’s history, philosophy, product lines, achievements and marketing focus. Read through the entire website and tailor your resume and cover letter to the strengths, pride and products of the company. What do you see as their short and long-term goals? These are answers that employers love to see and hear – that you’ve actually put some thought and research into their business. SHOW them that you understand their firm and care enough to think about their needs; and think about how you can help their product or trade lines for them by hiring you. Make your case!

Popularity: 33% [?]