Page 138 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

Answer Questions 131

rn What makes this position different from your cur-
rent/most recent position?

Focus on areas in which the firm where you are interviewing has
an advantage over your presentlprevious firm. You might say,
for example, “The management team seem more supportive. ” “The
company goals are more in line with my philosophy. ” “The work is more
meaningjhl (or more challenging.) ”

Have you ever been fired or asked to resign? Why?

Be careful in how you answer this one - be honest but not
stupid. If you were fired or were asked to resign, admit it in a
different language. And then explain the circumstances in as
positive a manner as possible - without being negative toward
your former employer. People get fired every day, often for no
fault of their own. What’s important is how to explain the
situation. What have you learned from the experience? For
example ,

Twelve years ago I resigned after meeting with my employer over
several uizresolved issues. We both reached an amiable agreement
in which I left voluntarily in exchange for three inonths severance
pay. We had several disagreements, mostly concerning management
policies. We both thought it best that we part company rather
than continue in what was becoming a dificult situation for both
of us. In looking back, I realize I wasyoung at the time and thus
less willing to listen and compromise. rfI were doing it over today,
I would have worked inore closely with my supervisor and at-
tempted to better understand his point of view rather than t~y to
persuade him to adopt my proposals. Nonetheless, we parted on
good terms and are stillfriends today. I leained a great deal@om
this experience and know I’m better for having left that job.

Other situations differ. For example, you may have been fired
because you refused to follow unethical or illegal directions: