Page 113 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

106 Nail the Job Interview!

mance and getting the job done. Avoid any reference to self-
centered values, such as salary and benefits:

I really enjoy working with a team of competent, energetic, and
innovative professionals in developing and implementing projects.
During the past threeyears I’ve had a chance to work closeEy with
two ofthe industy’s best project managers. I leaivied n great deal
about how to make decisions and implement them in n timely
manner. I’m looking forward to working in a similar environment
that encourages team eforts, initiative, and risk-taking. But most
important ofall, I enjoy seeing the results ofsuch eforts translated
into satisfled customers and new projects.

. What do you like least about your present/most
recent job?

The reverse of the previous question, this one should be
answered in a similar manner, keeping in mind the principles for
handling possible negatives. It’s best to mention a negative you
managed to improve upon because such an example stresses
your initiative and problem-solving abilities. For example,

I didn’t like always having to crisis manage and work overtime to
meet deadlines. I like to see my work get done on time and with the
least amount of stress. During the jrst year with XYZ Company
I was usually in a reactive mode - always in a crisis tying to meet
project deadlines. I got the work done, but I never had time to do
the thought&l planning and scheduling that were necessay to meet
those deadlines. I had inherited that system j?om iny predecessor.
But during the second year I developed a new planning and
scheduling system that enabled our division to meet all of our
deadlines with minimal crisis management. This gave us more time
to realistically plan projects and meet all requirements within the
designated time j-aines. It also saved the company more than
$30,000 in overtime salaries. Morale increased tremendously, and
I believe we became a much more productive worvorce because of
this planning and scheduling system,