Job Interview question...

[Landshark44]

I have an interview with Revel, (New Atlantic City Casino) today at 4:30....

It's a phone interview, and I've never had one of these. Things like a firm handshake and good eye contact don't apply...What are employers looking for in a "phone" interview?

Is there anything I should keep in mind? It's been a long time since I interviewed for anything, any help is much appreciated..

thanks

[CrimsonFox]

Think of the types of interview questions you think they'll ask. Both the really generic ones (what do you see yourself doing in 5 years, what arte your strengths and weaknesses, why do you want to work here, tell me about yourself) and specific ones (about the job and what you can bring to it and things you've done like it before) and practice answering them out loud with confidence and thoroughness. As much as you can try not to stutter or go um a lot.

Research the company's website to find out all the info you can. Work that into the conversation.

[Logan]

I've been on the interviewer side a good number of times over the phone. My best advice is along the lines of what you're already thinking...all those non-verbal behaviors are gone which can either help or hurt you in a face to face interview. The interviewer isn't looking for anything else out of you besides how you actually respond (and not just the content, but your method of communicating). If you don't hear the question perfectly, ask them to repeat it. If you're unsure of what they mean, ask for an explanation. Speak slowly but confidently. If you need to think about how you're going to answer, tell them just that, "Let me think about that for a second..." You don't want dead silence on the phone, whereas in a face to face the interviewer will see you're thinking.

Good luck.

[Lathum]

Phone interviews basically exist to weed out the candidates that clearly have no chance. They will likely ask you to tell them about yourself. Try to keep the answer to education and professional experience. They don't care if you like mountain biking. Try and relate the answer to why it would make you a good candidate for the job.

They will likely ask you about your strengths and weaknesses. Try and pick a strength that is something that will be important to the job you are interviewing for. Don't try to dodge the weakness question with an answer like "I care to much" they will know it is BS.

Based on the job they may ask you some situational questions like "tell me about a time..." It is ok to pause and think about something that applies.

Also make sure you ask questions about the job itself, how training is conducted, that sort of thing.

Good Luck!

[Barkeep49]

I will just say I think that the strength and weakness question is a really poor one and it's my understanding that it's becoming one that's less fashionable to ask. I can state as an interviewer that there are other ways for me to get the information provided by that question without asking it. Of course you should still have an answer ready for the question.

It might just be in education (my field) but scenario based questions have become quite common and so being ready for those type of questions might be good.

Finally, I agree strongly with Logan's points and would add that your voice needs to do all the work that your entire body would normally do so make sure it's expressing you the way you want to be expressed, especially if you're a more laid back person, which can come off poorly over the phone.

[CrimsonFox]

So what do you guys who are interviewers think is a "GOOD" answer for the weakness question without screwing yourself. I do think it is a lame lazy question. In essence it's like saying "Tell me why I shouldn't hire you because I'm ready not to"

HOw should people answer that?

[Landshark44]

Good Stuff, so far. Thanks for the well thought out advice...I'll keep reading..

[JediKooter]

No advice, but, good luck man.

[gstelmack]

So what do you guys who are interviewers think is a "GOOD" answer for the weakness question without screwing yourself. I do think it is a lame lazy question. In essence it's like saying "Tell me why I shouldn't hire you because I'm ready not to"

HOw should people answer that?

I'd prefer someone who knows their limitations over someone who thinks they are God's gift to programming. I can see all your good stuff on the resume, tell me something you AREN'T good at. Everyone has something and it won't prevent you from getting the job. It's the applicants that hem and haw and avoid the answer that I don't want.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Along the lines what a few people have mentioned already-

Have answers for the expected questions -
why are you looking?
Strengths?
Weaknesses?
Tell me about a time you...."

-- have answers pre-written. I wouldn't read straight from a paper, but have notes in front of you with the points you want to get across.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

If I can jump in with a semi-related question, for those who hold interviews regularly:

How to handle the the "why are you looking to leave?" question? In my current situation, it just is not a good work environment. AT ALL.

I have a hard time between expressing my honest reason for looking, and not going overboard where it appears as bashing.

How much is too much?

[Pumpy Tudors]

DOLA

If I can jump in with a semi-related question, for those who hold interviews regularly:

How to handle the the "why are you looking to leave?" question? In my current situation, it just is not a good work environment. AT ALL.

I have a hard time between expressing my honest reason for looking, and not going overboard where it appears as bashing.

How much is too much?
I can only answer from the standpoint of an interviewee who was asked that question. I was honest with my answer. I stated why I didn't think I was in a good work environment. Maybe I sounded bitchy, but I stated that I was in a department that did not have a clear direction, and there was little (if any) room for advancement. I expect that that impressed the people interviewing me because it allowed them to present their company as having an advantage. It gave them a reason to state their direction to me and show how I could advance. I actually see the "why are you looking to leave?" question as a huge opportunity.

[Lathum]

DOLA

If I can jump in with a semi-related question, for those who hold interviews regularly:

How to handle the the "why are you looking to leave?" question? In my current situation, it just is not a good work environment. AT ALL.

I have a hard time between expressing my honest reason for looking, and not going overboard where it appears as bashing.

How much is too much?

Kind of what Pumpy said. Try not to bash you current employer. I would say something along the lines of you enjoy the work and the people you work with, you just feel there isn't as much a chance for advancement and you are looking to move and grow and don't feel you can in your current situation.

[Lathum]

dola- as for the weakness question, like said earlier, everyone has weaknesses. I was always looking for someone to be honest and not try and turn a negative into a positive. For me the important part of that question was if the person has identified that as a weakness and is working on it.

[Barkeep49]

dola- as for the weakness question, like said earlier, everyone has weaknesses. I was always looking for someone to be honest and not try and turn a negative into a positive. For me the important part of that question was if the person has identified that as a weakness and is working on it.
So I think a better question "tell me an area where you're working to improve" It feels like there are other ways at getting at personal growth without the weakness question. Same to the idea of seeing if someone knows their own limitations. Again just my thoughts on that particular line of questioning, which is of course a standard and one you should have an answer for (I've always had an easy answer to it thanks to my small motor skills deficit which makes my handwriting appalling).

As for the leaving question, I think there are defensive and non-defensive ways of saying you're looking for a better work situation and I've heard both. A lot of it is in the tone of voice. So I think for that one it's less what you're saying (though not revealing all sorts of dirty laundry is always wise) than how you're saying it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I hate phone interviews because it doesn't help me to show more leg... yet I find myself still showing more and more leg as the interview goes on.

[Abe Sargent]

I've done probably a hundred phone interviews on both ends. My recommendations:

1). Get out a piece of paper. Write down the names of the interviewers. I like to do it in a circle like they are seated in a table around me. Use their name when talking to them.

2). Write down questions. Sometimes you get asked multiple part questions, so write them down and answer each one. Use your notes to keep yourself on task.

3). Take many notes. I will write down how long I have for each question if they tell me how many they have. I will write down key points I want to mention in an answer as I start, to make sure I hit everything.

4) Have a glass of water handy. Drink as needed to clear your throat.

5). Go somewhere you have no distractions.

6). Have a copy of your resume, cover letter and references to discus points. Also have a copy of the job description and bring back answers to things they have already told you they want.

[CrimsonFox]

6). Have a copy of your resume, cover letter and references to discus points. Also have a copy of the job description and bring back answers to things they have already told you they want.


Ah! Something else I like to do is copy the job description into Word, then for each job description part, type underneath it in bold my answer to "that point" as far as things from my resume, my experiences, and such. That way I'm ready to work in things that match what they are looking for no matter what their question.

[Landshark44]

wow, all appreciated....

I'm getting ready to make the call now...

[Pumpy Tudors]

Lots of leg!

I mean luck.

Lots of luck!

[CrimsonFox]

dola- as for the weakness question, like said earlier, everyone has weaknesses. I was always looking for someone to be honest and not try and turn a negative into a positive. For me the important part of that question was if the person has identified that as a weakness and is working on it.


See that's just it. I can't think of an answer that doesn't sound like a reaon not to hire me.

"I need better coding skills."
"I need more education"
"I only know a few languages."
"I need to communicate better."
"I have a temper"
"I have body odor."
"I I need to work on my writing skills."
"I'm unorganized."
"I'm not punctual"

Even if I were hoping to improve, people want to hear about perfect candidates. If you can't fill their exact needs you are already at a minus and if they think you will be a problem or have some faults you are working on, I can't see any answer as helping you.

Can you and barkeep give me an example of something YOU guys would say in answer to the question?

[CrimsonFox]

wow, all appreciated....

I'm getting ready to make the call now...


You got this!

[Pumpy Tudors]

If I were asked about my weaknesses today in a job interview, I would say that I need to work on prioritizing tasks a little better. I also need to be more open to delegating tasks so I don't get overwhelmed. I mean, it obviously depends on the type of job you're interviewing for, but in my client relations position, my two weaknesses are things that are in a constant state of development, so it never hurts to acknowledge them. Now, if I said my communication skills were under par or that I can't meet a deadline, well, I'm basically just being stupid.

[Landshark44]

Damn, that was tough...

I'm glad I started this thread. I'm not sure what I expected, but my brain hurt a little when it was over. Thanks to you guys, I was better prepared, for sure...

They asked-
Why do you want this job?
Why do you feel qualified for this job?
Give a specific example of an incident that prepared you for the job?
What would you do about a disgruntled employee?
Have you ever been frustrated at work? Give Example?
Strengths/Weaknesses?
What kind of employee will you be?

And a couple more I don't remember....

They said they would be in touch next week.....

Again, thanks for the help

[CrimsonFox]

If your brain hurts, then you did it right. :)

[terpkristin]

Don't answer the phone while on the toilet. I will be posting something about that shortly in the "Random Thoughts" thread. :D

/tk

[Barkeep49]

Can you and barkeep give me an example of something YOU guys would say in answer to the question?

So you're asking the guy who hates the question to answer it, huh? Seems a little cruel.

As I mentioned somewhere up post, I have a small motor skill deficit which basically means I lack the ability to do detailed work with my hands. So typing no problem (gross motor), writing neatly or cutting? Bigger issue. But this answer is very specific to me.

More generally, I think re-framing the question is the way to go. So, "I've been working hard lately to grow as a better leader by delegating more" (to use the example that Pumpy uses).

In the end I think it's a poor question that doesn't have a right answer which is why I think people interviewing are ultimately ill served by asking it. Whatever information you're hoping to get from the question could be gotten equally as well, or even better, from a different question (even one which makes the interviewee a little uncomfortable) while being far fairer.

[lighthousekeeper]

Don't answer the phone while on the toilet. I will be posting something about that shortly in the "Random Thoughts" thread. :D

/tk

:popcorn:

[sterlingice]

(I can't help but notice that those on the one side of the table all say "I don't want a fake weakness turned into a strength" but then no one can give an answer that they're ok with... Barkeep's excluded since he said he didn't like the q to begin with so he's allowed to go all weakness turned to strength)

SI

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

If I can jump in with a semi-related question, for those who hold interviews regularly:

How to handle the the "why are you looking to leave?" question? In my current situation, it just is not a good work environment. AT ALL.

I have a hard time between expressing my honest reason for looking, and not going overboard where it appears as bashing.

How much is too much?

I can only answer from the standpoint of an interviewee who was asked that question. I was honest with my answer. I stated why I didn't think I was in a good work environment. Maybe I sounded bitchy, but I stated that I was in a department that did not have a clear direction, and there was little (if any) room for advancement. I expect that that impressed the people interviewing me because it allowed them to present their company as having an advantage. It gave them a reason to state their direction to me and show how I could advance. I actually see the "why are you looking to leave?" question as a huge opportunity.

Kind of what Pumpy said. Try not to bash you current employer. I would say something along the lines of you enjoy the work and the people you work with, you just feel there isn't as much a chance for advancement and you are looking to move and grow and don't feel you can in your current situation.

And I guess I struggle with it for the bolded reasons.

I know why I feel like it's a good environment -- not much chance for improvement, terrible upper management, low morale, and difficulty making changes - are going to sound like bashing. But, they are in my opinion and those I'm close with there that I can discuss these things with, the truth.

Almost seems like the truth is whiny

[Passacaglia]

Almost seems like the truth is whiny

I think that's pretty much how it's going to come out for any reason you give. When I've been leaving a job that I have valid complaints about, I try to express it in non-personal terms. Or I just say something like, "I've been with the same company for x years, and thought that it was time to see what other opportunities are out there for me." I like it because it pretty well dodges the pitfalls involved in answering that question, and helps to portray me as not desperate for any job offered.

[rjolley]

I usually answer the question of why I'm leaving a job honestly, but without a lot of the details and without bashing the company I'm leaving. I will say I'm leaving due to working too many hours or to find a position that better allows me to grow my skillset and advance. I don't mention that my coworkers can't complete simple tasks causing those long hours or I was passed over for advancement continuously for people who were relieved of their duties months later because they couldn't do the job.

[SunDevil]

42

[CU Tiger]

Almost seems like the truth is whiny


Of course this answer will vary based on the interviewer and also your way of delivering the message, but one I have heard and thought was very candid aand beneficial to a prospect was something along the lines of, "That question is difficult to answer. Common interview ettiquette says I should never say anything negative about a previous job however I am not able to answer the question candidly/honestly in a positive manner."

Again, if you can properly deliver that and not sound rude, snarky or vindictive it can work.

[CrimsonFox]

Funny this thread came up now btw. Now I am the winner of a phone interview for tomorrow for a really kickass job.

Must cram this thread into my head...:)

[Desnudo]

See that's just it. I can't think of an answer that doesn't sound like a reaon not to hire me.

"I need better coding skills."
"I need more education"
"I only know a few languages."
"I need to communicate better."
"I have a temper"
"I have body odor."
"I I need to work on my writing skills."
"I'm unorganized."
"I'm not punctual"

Even if I were hoping to improve, people want to hear about perfect candidates. If you can't fill their exact needs you are already at a minus and if they think you will be a problem or have some faults you are working on, I can't see any answer as helping you.

Can you and barkeep give me an example of something YOU guys would say in answer to the question?

You seem to think of things in terms of black and white (either I have it or I don't). The weakness question is a lot more about framing an answer.

The weakness question shows a person's preparedness. I would worry less about the answer, than how I answer it. The thing you need to keep in mind is that everyone interviewing for a position has to answer the same questions. As long as you avoid throwing up red flags and answer with confidence, you should be fine.

The person already decided in the first 30 seconds if they're passing you through anyway.

[sterlingice]

(I can't help but notice that those on the one side of the table all say "I don't want a fake weakness turned into a strength" but then no one can give an answer that they're ok with... Barkeep's excluded since he said he didn't like the q to begin with so he's allowed to go all weakness turned to strength)

SI

I would like to point out that this is still true: Lots of "this is how I would answer it" without any concrete responses. Again, I'd challenge anyone to come up with 2 answers they have heard that they like unequivocally and without qualification.

SI

[Landshark44]

What are they looking for in these interviews, personality-wise....

Should I try and come across all-business?
Is it possible to sound TOO relaxed?
Is a sense of humor to be displayed, (joke about something) ?

[RPI-Fan]

What are they looking for in these interviews, personality-wise....

Should I try and come across all-business?
Is it possible to sound TOO relaxed?
Is a sense of humor to be displayed, (joke about something) ?

If it's a phone interview, you should focus on all business unless it is clear that loosening up is expected/necessary. They are only going to be weeding people out at the phone interview stage, so there is no need to attempt to impress with your sense of humor, relaxed attitude, etc.

At the in-person interview stage, on the other hand, it could be very wise to be more expressive.

[CrimsonFox]

I would like to point out that this is still true: Lots of "this is how I would answer it" without any concrete responses. Again, I'd challenge anyone to come up with 2 answers they have heard that they like unequivocally and without qualification.

SI

Actually the best concrete answer so far was big chocolate...er...Pumpy.

[Pumpy Tudors]

gg

[CrimsonFox]

What are they looking for in these interviews, personality-wise....

Should I try and come across all-business?
Is it possible to sound TOO relaxed?
Is a sense of humor to be displayed, (joke about something) ?

Yes it is possible to be too relaxed. But you don't want to sound stiff. A nice happy median. I think it is important that you sound like the type of person they'd like to work with. So cordial, friendly.

Hmm...I can come up with all this good advice but not follow it. Me and Alice...

[CrimsonFox]

Interview over. Went really well. And I printed out all this stuff, especially Abe's list with answers. Now all I have to do is submit writing samples and then the waiting game begins.

[Landshark44]

good for you. i wish you well. i'm still waiting to hear....

[CrimsonFox]

And incidently he didn't ask ANY of those bullshit questions we all hate.
NOt a "Tell me about yourself", no "Strengths and weaknesses", no "Where do you see yourself in 5 years"...
We JUST talked about the job and my experiences.

Granted having answered all the questions above myself and going through the motions and practicing I was ready.

[CrimsonFox]

I think this was the place we were talking about this...

MD First State To Outlaw Asking For Facebook Passwords | Care2 Causes (http://www.care2.com/causes/maryland-becomes-first-state-to-outlaw-requesting-facebook-passwords.html)

[Landshark44]

Dug up this old thread... Revel Casino closing on Monday, so I'm out of work again... I did get the job (thanks for the good advice) opened the place.. and will be there to turn the lights out when they close...


I have a phone interview today with Ecolab... Re-reading the thread to get ready..

[Lathum]

Jeez, AC is really going into the shitter.