Page 51 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

44 Nail the Job Interview!
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14. Shows little enthusiasm, drive, or initiative. Appears to be just
loolung for a job and a paycheck. Tends to be passive and indiffer-
ent. No evidence of being a self-starter who tales initiative and
solves problems on his own. Not sure what motivates this person
other than close supervision. Indeed, he’ll require lots of supervi-
sion or we’ll have an employee with lots of play-time on his hands,
or the job will expand to fill the time allotted. He’ll become the
“job guy’’ who always says “I did my job just likeyou told me, ” but not
much beyond what’s assigned. Don’t expect much from this
person, who will probably be overpaid for what he produces.

15. Lacks confidence and self-esteem. Seems unsure of self, nervous,
and ill at ease. Lacks decisiveness in making decisions. Communi-
cates uncertainty with such comments as “I don’t know, ” “Maybe, ”
“I ’7n not sure, ” “Hadn ’t really thought of that, ” “Interesting question, ”
“I’ll have to think about that,” or redirects with the question “Well,
what do you think?”

16. Appears too eager or hungry for the job. Is overly enthusiastic,
engages in extreme flattery, and appears suspiciously nervous.
Early in the interview, before learning about the company or job,
makes such comments as “I really like it here, ” “This must be A great
place to work, ” “I love your products, ” “I need this job, ” “Is there over-
time?, ” “What are you paying?, ” “Do you have medical and dental
insurance?”, or “How many vacation days would I get?”

17. Communicates dishonesty or deception. Uses canned interview
language, skirts probing questions, and appears disingenuous.
Looks like a tricky character who has things to hide and thus will
probably be sneaky and deceptive on the job.

18. Feels too smooth and superficial. Dresses nicely, has a firm
handshake and good eye contact, answers most questions okay,
and appears enthusiastic - just like the books tell job seekers to
do. When asked more substantive “Wzat f’ and behavior-based
questions, or requested to give examples of specific accomplish-
ments, the candidate seems to be caught off balance, stumbles
with incomplete answers, and starts sweating. Can’t put one’s
finger on the problem, but the gut reaction is that this role-playing