Spin a Negative
Make it more positive:
"The directions you gave me were wrong/terrible."
Something like:
"So sorry I'm late. This is a complex place to find."
Name one common interview question.
Answers vary
Make this statement more professional:
"I often need a lot of time to get stuff done."
Something like:
"I am a thorough and thoughtful worker."
Name two items of clothing that would not be good interview attire.
Ex. overalls, stilettos, sweatpants, hoodie, tuxedo, hat, jeans, t-shirt, super tight/baggy clothes
What social norms are expected upon introduction/entering the room?
1. greeting
2. hand shake/nod
3. small talk
Ex. nice to meet you, thanks for having me, appreciate the opportunity, good to be here
Make it more positive:
"My previous boss was super mean and micromanaged everything we did."
Something like:
"I have experience working with a variety of management styles."
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Something important to the job that likely sets you apart from other candidates without putting others down
Make it more professional:
"I couldn't stand my old coworkers."
Something like:
"I've had experience with a wide variety of professionals and have been able to figure out ways to work with everyone."
Name two items of clothings that would be appropriate interview attire.
Ex. button down shirt, slacks, blazer, leather shoes, professional skirt or dress,
Do you need to say your full name upon introduction? Why or why not?
No, It is written in your application/too formal
Make it more positive:
"The customers were often stuck up and rude."
Something like:
"I know how to work with customers who have very high expectations for service."
Can you identify a professional weakness of yours?
State an honest weakness in a positive way or explain how you've improved on it/what strategies you've used.
Make it more professional:
"I left my old job because they worked me too hard and I didn't get paid enough."
Something like:
"I felt like I wasn't valued enough and was ready for something new."
OR another legitimate reason like:
"I wanted a shorter commute."
What hygiene should have been performed right before or at least the same day as one's interview?
Ex. brush teeth, deodorant with antiperspirant, brush/comb hair, shower
At the end of the interview, people pack up, stand up and start walking toward the door. What should you do?
Do the same
Make it more positive:
"I got pretty bad grades one semester."
Something like:
"I kept up an overall high GPA."
Tell us about yourself.
State some information about you that is relevant to the job/what brings you to the interview.
Make it more professional:
"I've never really had a job I loved."
Something like:
"I'm looking forward to finding a job that better matches with my skills and passions."
How can you show interest in what the interviewer is saying nonverbally?
Ex. nod, head tilt, raise eyebrows, smile, take notes
Would there be any reason to take out your phone at an interview?
No, only to schedule a follow up interview
Make it more positive:
"I don't work well in groups."
Something like:
"I can work collaboratively but feel I do my best work on independent tasks/projects."
What questions do you have?
Ex. specifics about the role, benefits, what current staff like about the job, staff retention, next steps/decision timeline
NOT salary, how you did, something personal or off topic
Make it more professional:
"So what's this job all about?"
Something like:
"Can you tell me more about the open position?"
What might you be expected or helpful to bring with you?
Ex. pen, folder/notebook, resume, recommendation letters, brainstormed questions
Is it okay to use humor in an interview?
For the most part, no
Best to keep it relatively serious and professional