同娃娃们谈谈面试问题 (再续)

[专业修理师]

BEHAVIOR-BASED INTERVIEWING

In a full course of onsite interviews, it would be unusual in this day and age for you not to get asked some behavior-based questions. These questions are based on the idea that past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior. Behavior-based interview questions will ask for specific examples of how you have behaved in certain situations. This line of questioning works on evaluating your ability to do a job by looking at how you have handled similar situations in the past. Interviewers will base their line of questioning around the job description and ask questions related to it.

Some examples of behavior based questions are:
1. Tell me about a problem person that you had to deal with on your last job. Tell me exactly what happened and how you handled it.
2. Give me an example of a situation where you had to exert leadership to get a problem resolved.
3. What was one stumbling block that you had to overcome in your last job? How did you do it?

These can be tough questions to think of responses for if you are not expecting them. Expect them and plan for them. Keep in mind, your interviewer is looking for specific examples---not generalizations. Be ready to explain the situation or problem and be prepared to describe the action you took to solve the issue and the results of those actions. Be concise but thorough.

The best way to prepare for these types of open-ended questions―since you won’t know exactly which questions you will be asked, think of examples from past work and life experiences where specific skills were demonstrated: i.e., leadership, follow-through, personality conflict, ethical issues, etc….

Know that your interviewer will be looking for both positives and negatives. Everyone has both. Be prepared to discuss your successes and failures.

Fielding questions on salary requirements is particularly difficult for many candidates. The odds are said to be 6,000 to 1 that you will guess the exact figure a potential employer has in mind.

When salary questions are raised you can say that you are open to it and you believe the company will budget a fair offer but you really have no idea upon the budget, you would appreciate if the interviewer could help at this point. KICK THE BALL TO HIM! You should use this advantage wherever possible by avoiding the conversation altogether. You most likely will not be asked to interview unless there is a way for the employer to make it worth your while.

It is also in your favor to postpone the discussion of money for as long as possible so the employer sees all the ways you can help them solve their problem. Your objective is to convince them that your salary is
an "investment," not an "expense."

If asked directly about your salary requirements, and are cornered and forced to give an answer, use a trick from the industry people use in salary negotiations. This can be done by asking the following: "We've discussed my qualifications, skills and background. Where do you think I should fit in your salary range?" This puts the question back to them and forces them to give you a number or range. If this is higher than you had expected, great! You can smile all the way to the bank every payday.

If your current salary level is significantly lower than the offered amount or range, do not tell them your current salary level! You can tell the interviewer your current salary level is competitive. Normally, anything over a 7-10% salary increase will be considered high, unless you are working from a low base or are looking at a major career move.

It is best to ask for 24 hours to get back to the employer on expected salary level. This allows you time to think about the overall opportunity, confer with friends in the field! Likewise, if an offer is made during the first interview, ask for 24 hours to respond.

Accepting or rejecting an "on-the-spot" offer may damage our ability to improve on that offer or keep the lines of communication open. Remember, once you have committed to a specific salary, it absolutely kills the further posibility work on for the best possible salary level at least a period of time.

NOTE: For contracting position interviews:
* Never discuss salary with the company when you are interviewing for a contracting position. Explain to the interviewer that you will actually be the employee of another company and that you negotiate with that company on salary. The company you are interviewing with will receive your services, but they do not determine your salary. The company you are interviewing with will be billed by the company you are the employee of, and that rate is negotiated between the two companies.

As a contractor, you will usually earn a higher hourly rate than a comparable permanent employee. If you are being considered as a possible permanent hire following the contracting assignment, do not disclose your hourly rate. This may knock you out of contention for conversion from contract labor to permanent placement since your rate may be out of line with the company's salary structure. Again, leave the money matters for careful consideration!!

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Body Language and Attitude

The expert tells that your visual impression or body language, as well as your attitude, are just as important as what you actually say when it comes to the overall effect you have on others. Generally, it is important to convey the image of a person with whom the interviewer would like to work. Enthusiasm, interest level, sincerity, openness and warmth create the "chemistry" that often makes or breaks a hiring decision.

We all need to be aware of the little things that others see in our facial expressions, postures, energy levels, and gestures. Generally, you should be dynamic and friendly, but one notch less than the person interviewing you. It is obvious that interviewers prefer those who smile vs. those who frown, so smile!

However, your facial expressions should change to reflect the mood of the conversation. Nodding agreement encourages others to talk and lets them know that you understand what is being said. Your head should be held erect (not tilted or stiff) during the interview. Remember: no talking with your hands!

Eye contact is one of the best aspects of body language. Comfortable eye contact with the interviewer sends a message of trustworthiness, confidence, and credibility while encouraging open discussion. On the other hand, poor eye contact often reflects a lack of self confidence, low self image, and lack of enthusiasm. It is particularly important to maintain 10 to 15 seconds of eye contact when first meeting a person.. Do not stare into the other person's eyes: this makes them very nervous! That "serial killer death stare" has its place in life, and it's not here! Maintain eye contact, but make sure it's comfortable eye contact. The best way to change your eyes is to smile! It softens your eyes and shows confidence.

Volumes have been written about a firm (but not crushing) handshake. In our society, a handshake is a nonverbal message that we are genuinely happy to meet or see the other person. A limp version of this greeting sends a very weak message to the other person. It is important that our grasp reflects the interest and enthusiasm we want to convey. No more than two shakes are ever required, and only one is preferred for most business meetings. Again, be sure that your purse or briefcase is in your left hand to accommodate a sudden introduction.

When shaking hands, use what it known is "equal pressure". Give back what you are given. If it is firm, be firm. Be very careful of the "killer grip". Some of the interviewers you will meet may have health conditions (arthritis, carpal tunnel, etc.) or may have had surgery on their hands that a killer grip will cause great pain and harm.

Also, practice shaking hands with your left hand. Since ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was passed there are more and more handicapped people in the workforce. The odds of you being interviewed by a person without a right hand or arm are greater every day, so get into the practice of shaking hands with your left hand just in case the situation demands it.

Never offer your hand first. Let the interviewer offer his hand if he wishes to shake hands.

Never sit until asked to do so by an interviewer and, when you do, use what is known as the "chair forward" position. Sit erect with both feet on the floor, then bring your shoulders just a few inches in front of your hips. This gives you just a slight forward tilt. In body language this translates to: "I'm interested in what you are saying".

Don't fidget or change positions too often. Tapping your fingers, wringing your hands, looking at your watch, or twirling your pen will only distract from the image of a professional communicator who is concentrating on the very serious task of evaluating career opportunities. Keep your hands below the level of the table if you have "nervous hands" and never raise your hands up to your face level! Picking anything is a kiss of death at an interview! Also, keep the fly-away hair nailed in place before coming to the interview!

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(To be continued)