Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

How to handle nightmare interviews

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treesAre you afraid of nightmare interviews? These come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe your interviewer grills you for hours and hours or expects you to sit through five or six rounds of interviews with team after team. Or maybe your interviewer doesn’t crack a smile or provide any nonverbal feedback the entire time. Some job seekers have gone to interviews only to be kept waiting for hours to meet the potential employer.

A common (and perhaps not unfounded) fear among job seekers is the seemingly bizarre interview question that comes out of nowhere like an apparition.

For example, what if the interviewer asked: “What would you do in the event of a zombie apocalypse?” Instead of stiffening like a zombie and bemoaning all the “normal” interview questions you prepared to answer, think about the reason for the question. Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop explains why interviewers may ask this question and what they’re looking for when they ask it:

“This question is great, because it tends to reveal a lot about the candidate without them even knowing what they are revealing. Based on their response, we can infer whether they perform well under pressure and think quickly on their feet, whether they are a planner, what their priorities are and, most importantly, whether or not they had fun with the question. The last point is invaluable. The way they respond, not necessarily their verbatim response, is what indicates a fit (or not) with our own company culture – something we value highly.”

Norwegian Cruise Line is known to ask those applying for marketing coordinator positions: “Do you believe in Bigfoot?” And what if the interviewer asked you: “Would you rather fight one giant monster or 100 small monsters?” Consider CEO of Konnect Public Relations, Sabina Gault’s, reasoning behind this scary question:

“We use this question to gauge how candidates tackle obstacles and tasks. If they say they would rather fight one giant monster, we figure they are better suited to take on bigger projects. If they choose 100 small monsters, this usually means the candidate is good at multitasking and taking on many tasks at the same time. More than anything, we really are looking to see if the candidate has the ability to think outside of the box and on their toes. There really isn’t a right or wrong answer; we are really looking more at the candidate’s reaction to the question.”

Keep these key facts in mind when formulating answers to interview questions that seem off the wall. Interviewers want to know:

Are you comfortable asking questions, and can you think critically? Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification regarding the question. For example, Joe DeProspero, vice president of finance at Dave & Buster’s, explains that the company values a candidate who understands how to probe critically and get at the root of the specifics of such a question.

He notes how these questions help the company, “see if someone can think critically, whether they are comfortable enough to ask probing questions and if they can think on their feet. During the hiring process, I am looking for candidates who ask important follow-up questions to my question, such as ‘Why would you want to know this?’”

DeProspero also explains: “Often times, in finance, what someone asks for is not necessarily what they need. by asking questions, we can help them to better understand if we recognize the underlying issue. Above all, I look for a candidate’s eagerness to answer the question, as this is the way they will approach every task given to them on the job.”

If you need to reply to a brain teaser: It’s OK to stop and think before you answer. It’s also fine to ask for clarification if there are any details you don’t understand. The interviewer is trying to learn how you would act as an employee. Try to answer the question in a way that showcases the skills you have for the job. If the position is mathematical, use math skills. If demonstrating your creative side is more important, go that route.

When you’re prepared and know what to expect, your interview doesn’t have to be as scary as a scene from “The Shining.”

Originally appeared on U.S. News & World Report.

Never say these things in interviews

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http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-job-interview-sticky-notes-image28983875Interviews are probably the most challenging part of the job search process. You need to be ready for anything, including weird interview questions. You don’t want to blurt out something inappropriate and send all of your hard work down the toilet. Avoid these inappropriate comments during your interview:

1. I’m really nervous. There’s nothing wrong with feeling nervous. It’s natural to be a little uneasy at an important interview. Don’t tell the interviewer if you have butterflies in your stomach, though. Your job in the interview is to portray a confident and professional demeanor. You won’t win any points by admitting your nerves or blaming them for any failures in your performance.

2. I don’t really know much about the job; I thought you’d tell me all about it. This is a big job seeker mistake, and it can cost you the opportunity. Employers spend a lot of time interviewing, and they expect candidates to have researched the jobs enough to be able to explain why they want the positions. Otherwise, you could be wasting everyone’s time by interviewing for a job you may not even really want. Asking questions is important, but don’t ask anything you should know from the job description or from reading about the company online.

3. My last boss/colleague/client was a real jerk. It’s possible (even likely) that your interviewer could prod you into telling tales about your previous or current supervisor or work environment. Resist the urge to badmouth anyone, even if you have a bad boss. It is unprofessional and the employer will worry what you may say to someone about him or her down the road. Instead, think about ways to describe past work environments in terms of what you learned or accomplishments you’re proud to discuss.

4. My biggest weakness is (something directly related to the job). “What’s your weakness?” is one of the most dreaded interview questions. There’s no perfect reply, but there is a reply you should never say: Never admit to a weakness that will affect your ability to get the job done. If the job description requires a lot of creativity, and you say your creativity has waned lately, assume that you’ve taken yourself out of the running. Choose a weakness not related to the position and explain how you’re working to improve it.

5. @#$%! Granted, profanity seems to be much more accepted in many workplaces today. However, an interview is not the time to demonstrate that you can talk like a pirate.

6. Just a minute; I really need to get this call. It’s amazing how many hiring managers and recruiters report that interviewees answer their phones and respond to text messages during in-person interviews. Turn off your phone during interviews and you will not be tempted to reach to answer it.

7. How much vacation time would I get? Never, ever ask questions in an interview that may make it appear that you’ll be overly focused on anything other than work.

8. Can I work from home? Even if you’re pretty sure the company has a lenient work-from-home policy, the interview isn’t the best time to ask about it.

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9. Family is the most important thing to me. This is true for many people. However, you do not need to explain how devoted you are to your family during your job interview. It is unlikely to win favor, even in organizations with a well-known family-friendly environment. You want your potential employer to envision you being totally devoted to his or her needs.

When in doubt, pause before you say what’s on your mind. If you wonder if it’s okay to ask, assume it’s better to avoid the topic altogether.

Appeared on AOLjobs.com.

How to decide between two job offers

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Keppie CareersWhen it rains, it pours. Sometimes, it seems as if you’ve been looking for a job forever with no results, then, all of a sudden, you’re being offered an interview with another company when you are in the midst of negotiating an offer. Lucky you! However, even if it’s an enviable position, it can be stressful to navigate this challenging, new terrain. How can you decide between two job offers?

This is a tricky situation, as you don’t want to put your existing invitation in jeopardy. There’s no perfect solution to this. No general advice can address every possible situation or circumstance, so consider your options carefully.

What should you do if you have an offer in hand and have a chance to interview for another job? Consider the following, and make the choice that is right for you.

Your options.

Assuming you haven’t signed a non-compete and have no legal reason why you cannot work for another organization, nothing stops you from interviewing for a new job at any time – even if you’ve already accepted an offer. If you’re still negotiating and have not signed an acceptance, you can still consider other offers.

Inform the second company.

You may want to let the second company know that you are already considering one offer and ask about the timing for their hiring process. If you believe it is worth interviewing for the new opportunity, you can try to request the organization that has made you an offer to give you more time to consider joining them.

Beware of repercussions.

Be aware, companies can rescind their offers at any time, so if you stretch things out too much with the first company before knowing if you’ll have a chance at the second company, the hiring authorities at the first company may decide to cut you loose. This is a “the bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” scenario. In other words, if you have one offer, you don’t want to risk everything for the possibility of another unless the reward is big enough to be worth that risk.

Assess your standing.

You’ll want to assess your standing in being offered this role. Do you have the sense that you are a perfect fit, and they’ve been searching for someone with your skills for a long time? Or, are you more likely one of many people who are well suited to the job?

If you must make a decision before you have a chance to know your standing for the second potential opportunity, decide how much of a risk you are willing to take in hopes of landing the second job. If it’s worth the risk, you can let company #1 know you are interviewing for company #2 and see if that may inspire them to provide a more competitive offer if you are a highly competitive candidate.

If company #1 improves its offer once it knows you are being considered for company #2, your best bet is to continue and finalize negotiations with that company or assume you may lose the offer altogether unless you are the perfect candidate they’ve been waiting to meet. Only you can decide if it is a risk worth taking.

Originally appeared on AOLJobs.com.

What NOT to say at a job interview

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Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 10.34.28 PMInterviews. They’re a necessary evil for both job seekers and employers; no one seems to love them. There’s lots of advice out there about what to say and what not to say in an interview. Today, we’re going to explore the topic of what you wish you COULD say in an interview, but shouldn’t – that is, if you want the job.

Why do you think I am looking for a job? My boss is a real jerk.

It’s common knowledge that one of the biggest reasons people leave their jobs is because their boss or manager is difficult (at best) or horrible (at worst). The interviewer may even assume you have a bad boss. But, that doesn’t give you the green light to say anything about it.

Why? Because no one wants to hire the person who is going to be bad mouthing him or her in another year’s time. Dissing your current or recent boss is a big mistake. It’s a huge red flag that is unlikely overlooked in the hiring process. Throw your boss under the bus (figuratively) and you can kiss the new job potential goodbye.

You will not believe the things going on behind the scenes at my job. My employer makes T.V. shows like Scandal seem tame.

If you’re effectively fleeing a shady operation, a toxic workplace or your employer regularly seems to sidestep ethics in favor of profit, it’s great that you’re interviewing. What is not great is if you discuss your experiences with your interviewer.

That’s not to say you should never consider being a whistle blower. Although, you wouldn’t want to take on that role without first considering all of the possible ramifications, and consulting an attorney. It’s just that spilling your guts about all the wrongdoing at your current or past office, even in hushed tones, while looking behind you to see if anyone else can hear what you’re saying, is bad form for an interview.

Could you BE less prepared for this interview?

Career coaches are always harping on how important it is for job seekers to be prepared for interviews. Meanwhile, many employers, especially the ones who don’t have many opportunities to interview candidates, often seem totally clueless when it comes to what to ask. Some don’t appear to have even reviewed your resume. What a waste of time!

However, your best recourse is to take advantage of an unprepared interviewer and volunteer information you want him or her to know. Do not wait for someone to ask you about the best accomplishment that qualifies you for the position – you make sure to fit it into the conversation. And, no – you can’t suggest the interviewer may want to prepare better the next time if you want a chance to advance in the process.

I know you aren’t going to hire me because I’m twice your age.

Ageism is alive and well, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get a job with a younger boss. If you could be the interviewer’s mom, it’s likely clear to everyone in the room. Instead of focusing on the age difference, make a point to avoid highlighting the generational gap. For example, also avoid colloquialisms such as, “When I was your age” or “Back in my day.”

Let’s cut to the chase: what does this job pay?

It would save so much time if employers and candidate could always be upfront about salary expectations. Unfortunately, it’s usually a guessing game, where each sizes up the other and hopes for the best. Under most circumstances, it is not appropriate to bring up salary until you’re offered the job, so this is just one more on the list of things you wish you could say at the interview.

If you have a lot of hostility or secrets to keep while you’re interviewing, consider practicing what NOT to say as equal in importance as planning what TO say at an interview. You’ll be glad you did.

Originally appeared on AOLJobs.com.

 

Crazy interview questions

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Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 10.19.37 PM“If you could throw a parade of any caliber through the Zappos office, what type of parade would it be?” 

How are you supposed to reply to such an off-the-wall interview question? Do you even want this job? Someone applying for a position with the Zappos Family as a customer loyalty teammember was faced with such a quandary; the question is number one on Glassdoor.com’s list of “Top 25 Oddball Interview Questions for 2014.”

Glassdoor.com’s team of data scientists compiled this list, which is not in any particular order, based on questions shared during the past 12 months as part of the Interview Reviews feature on Glassdoor. This feature, which is free to use, offers insights into the interview process including the interview format, how the interview was achieved, the average interview length and overall ratings regarding the interview experience. Glassdoor has collected nearly 1 million interview questions and reviews from around the world. To develop the list, they take into account community feedback, such as questions tagged as “brainteasers” and compile questions job candidates shared on their site over the past year.

Glassdoor’s Top 25 Oddball Interview Questions for 2014:

1. “If you could throw a parade of any caliber through the Zappos office, what type of parade would it be?” – The Zappos Family, Customer Loyalty Team Member interview

2. “How lucky are you and why?” – Airbnb, Content Manager interview

3. “If you were a pizza delivery man, how would you benefit from scissors?” – Apple, Specialist interview

4. “If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?” – Red Frog Events, Event Coordinator interview

5. “Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?” – Dell, Account Manager interview

6. “If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?” – Yahoo,Search Quality Analyst interview

7. “If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?” – Bed Bath & Beyond, Sales Associate interview

8. “Do you believe in Bigfoot?” – Norwegian Cruise Line, Casino Marketing Coordinatorinterview

9. “Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?” – Xerox, Client Manager interview

10. “What is your least favorite thing about humanity?” – ZocDoc, Operations Associateinterview

11. “How would you use Yelp to find the number of businesses in the U.S.?” – Factual, Software Engineer interview

12. “How honest are you?” – Allied Telesis, Executive Assistant interview

13. “How many square feet of pizza are eaten in the U.S. each year?” – Goldman Sachs,Programmer Analyst interview

14. “Can you instruct someone how to make an origami ‘cootie catcher’ with just words?” – LivingSocial, Consumer Advocate interview

15. “If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children?” – McKinsey & Company, Associate interview

16. “You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?” – Urban Outfitters Sales Associate interview

17. “How does the internet work?” – Akamai, Director interview

18. “If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?” – SinglePlatform, Inside Sales Consultant interview

19. “What’s the color of money?” – American Heart Association, Project Manager interview

20. “What was the last gift you gave someone?” – Gallup, Data Analyst interview

21. “What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?” – Applebee’s,Bartender/Neighborhood Expert Server interview

22. “How many snow shovels sold in the U.S. last year?” – TASER, Leadership Development Program interview

23. “It’s Thursday; we’re staffing you on a telecommunications project in Calgary, Canada on Monday. Your flight and hotel are booked; your visa is ready. What are the top five things you do before you leave?” – ThoughtWorks, Junior Consultant interview

24. “Describe to me the process and benefits of wearing a seatbelt.” – Active Network, ClientApplications Specialist interview

25. “Have you ever been on a boat?” – Applied Systems, Graphic Designer interview

Before you freak out at the thought of answering one of these oddball questions, keep in mind that most employers will stick to the more traditional, “Why should we hire you” and “What is your biggest weakness” type of interview question. Be prepared to explain why you are a good fit for the job.

Stay tuned for specific tips later this week just in case you face one of these eclectic inquiries at your next interview.

What are some of the strangest questions you’ve been asked on an interview? Comment below.

Originally appeared on AOLJobs.com