What’s more important in a job candidate: attitude or skills? HR professionals agree that even if another applicant is more technically qualified, most often the job will go to the candidate who has a positive outlook and the confidence and energy to make things happen.
Might you need an attitude adjustment? Take this quiz and find out:
1. You arrive at your interview:
a. One hour early
b. 30 minutes early
c. 10 minutes early
d. At your scheduled time
Answer is c. Though you should never be late, showing up more than 10 minutes early can make you appear desperate. You want to show that your time is valuable, too.
2. You treat the receptionist as:
a. A confidant to whom you can confess your nerves and insecurity.
b. Someone who is there to make you comfortable.
c. A non-entity who has no bearing on the outcome of your interview.
d. Someone who can influence the hiring decision.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />
Answer is d. Receptionists have the power to pave your way into the interview positively or negatively. Some interviewers even ask the receptionist their opinion of the candidates.
3. When asked why you want to work for the company you say:
a. “I really like the short commute and your casual dress code.”
b. “It’s better than living in a van down by the river.”
c. “I’ve been out of work for nearly a year and need the money.”
d. “You’re a market leader known for having the highest quality products, and I’d like to apply my expertise in helping you reach your goals.”
Answer is d. Always avoid answers that focus on what the company can do for you. Instead, focus on what you can do for them. This question is a great opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and sell the benefits of hiring you.
4. If asked to discuss your current boss, whom you dislike, you would:
a. Use the opportunity to vent all of your pent-up hostility.
b. Put a positive spin on your experiences without divulging negative information.
c. Say, “I believe if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
d. Say, “I’ve always preferred to look forward, not rehash the past.”
Answer is b. You want to project confidence, competence and show you are easy to work with. Never offer up negative information. No matter how reasonable your complaints, the interviewer will question your loyalty, good sense and ability to get along with others. While c and d are preferable to a, they still imply a troubled relationship and show a lack of depth and maturity.
5. When asked why you left your last job, you:
a. Say your colleagues felt threatened by your superiority.
b. Blame it on George Bush and the economy.
c. Say you are looking for more opportunity to learn and grow.
d. Say they expected way too much from you or didn’t appreciate you.
Answer is c. Again the idea is to demonstrate a positive attitude and show you are accountable, energetic and would be an asset to the company.
6. When the interviewer asks if you have questions, you:
a. Ask about benefits, vacation time and salary.
b. Tell them they did such a good job of explaining you can’t think of a thing.
c. Tell them your research was so thorough you know it all.
d. Prepare some questions beforehand that show your knowledge about the company, such as, “How will the proposed merger with Acme Co. affect your brands?”
Answer is d. The quickest way to make a good impression is to demonstrate your interest with a few well thought-out questions. Having no questions shows disinterest. The best questions demonstrate your understanding of the business. Other stock questions you might ask include: “Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?” “What is the top priority of the person who accepts this job?” What is the biggest challenge the company faces?” “
Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Other writers contributed to this article.
