It is one that offers you a chance to boast without actually boasting and to connect with the interviewer like few questions can.
And, it is a question that most people are unprepared for.
You see most people are prepared to speak about their experience but not their experience as it relates to the available position . . . and that is the key to answering this question and preparing for any interview because, ultimately, every interviewer is trying to determine how your experience meshes with their job and their corporate culture.
So when you answer this question, summarize your understanding of the position with a few points. For example:
"As I understand the role we're discussing you are looking for someone to supervise an office consisting of three secretaries, 2 clerks and a part timer. You want someone who has supervised a support function for a firm of a particular size and for a particular industry. You would like someone who can have a fresh outlook on the personal dynamics here and bring some inspiration to the staff to encourage to work beyond their self-imposed limits and truly bring out their best."
or
"As I understand it, you are looking for a software developer with at least 4 years of experience who has done development using J2EE and has done this for an investment firm, preferably in an equities group."
Go into as much detail as you like because you are showing an understanding of the situation you are walking into.
Now you can ask a question or ace the question. The question you can ask is, "Did I miss anything here?"
Then, show how your experience blends well with the job description.
"Let me go item by item."
And then do so. Walk them through your experience and how it fits the job requirement. Look them in the eye. Be determined. Lay it out for them so that if they were six years old, they would understand how you would fit the job and show them through your manner the personal qualities necessary to do so.
Please note: For many jobs, determination and drive are cultural values that employers look for. They are not the only ones. In the first job, the office manager's job, it addition to the objective skills required, their are soft skills like motivational qualities that are critical.
So remember, start off by summarizing what you understand they are looking for, then ask if you have missed any points, and finally, demonstrate the fit in the context of their job.
Jeff Altman
The Big Game Hunter
www.TheBigGameHunter.us
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