Page 121 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

114 Nail the Job Interview!

cepted the criticism and that you have corrected or are working
to correct the problem. (See examples on page 95.)

How do you feel about working overtime and on
weekends?

Again, be honest but not stupid with this question. Avoid using
negative terms such as “don’t, ” “won’t, ” or “can’t. ” You might also
turn this question around with a question of your own that
subtly puts you into the position. For example,

I would expect to occasionally put in extra time since I know there
are deadlines tliat sometimes must be met outside regular working
hours. In general, how often should I expect to work overtime and
on weekends in this position?

Your question is an attempt to gain information which may later
help you determine whether you want the job. But notice it is
asked in such a way that you are not suggesting you are unwill-
ing to put in overtime.

How well do you work under deadlines?

This question is designed to identify your work style. Do you
stay around until the work gets done? Are you willing to put in
overtime? Does the stress of deadlines get to you? Are you a
peak performer given impending deadlines? The interviewer
wants to lmow what type of performer you will be when
deadlines come around. The most positive thing you could say
is this:

While others may have dificulty managing deadlines, including
experiencing a great deal #stress, I do well under stress. I tend to
take charge, organize tasks, arid move eveything along quickly to
get the job done. More importantly, I try to avoid doing things
only at deadline time. My goal is to get tasks done well in advance
so that we have iiiore time to do the necessaiy evaluation required
for producing a high-quality product,