Tough Interview Question #13: What Motivates You?

The fact of the matter is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. It is an opportunity to demonstrate character and leadership tat shows you can become a great hire for gthe firm.

In other words, this is actually an easy question that you can think about and prepare for in advance.

So as you prepare for this question, be prepared to discuss some of the challenges you have faced and how you exceeded expectations, offering specific examples in the context of your answer.

If you are in sales, you might say something like:

Having been in commission-based sales throughout my career, I have always been motivated to be the number #1 sales person earning the top compensation in the firm.

If you are in a role that provides service, you might say:

In my role, I love to help clients receive an extraordinary experience and, through that, help my firm achieve extraordinary success.

If you are in a technology-related job, you might say:

I directed development teams on several on several projects and was responsible for ___________. My teams achieved 100% on-time delivery and was motivated by the challenge of finishing the projects ahead of schedule and by managing the teams that achieved our goals.

Then, if you haven't done so already, offer concrete examples of challenging situations where you delivered.



Jeff Altman 
The Big Game Hunter
www.TheBigGameHunter.us

JeffAltman@TheBigGameHunter.us

© 2007 all rights reserved.

Tough Interview Questions #12: The Silent Treatment PLUS

You may not know or may not recall, that I am a practicing psychotherapist.

There is a little trick I learned from being a therapist that I brought into interviewing and then added a little twist to in order to learn more about the person I've met. Let;s see if you've ever met someone who does this.

The traditional interview is like interview ju-jitsu--You are asked a question. You respond. They ask another; you talk some more. On and on.

Imagine where at the end of your answer, you are greeted by silence and eyes staring at you. Most people I meet become extremely uncomfortable when that occurs.

Instead of stammering on and filling the space, calmly (and I mean calmly) ask, "Is there anything else you want me to speak to with my answer?

Now, the twist I sometimes add with the silence is to ask, "Is there more you would like to add to that?" I suggests that there should be more, even if there actually isn't. I want to see someone secure with their knowledge and in their own skin so, if you are asked that, calmly answer, ""Is there something that I didn't cover that you want me to address?

Presenting yourself as calm and being secure demonstrates mastery and knowledge. Do not scramble or being psychologically intimidated to offer more.

Jeff Altman 
The Big Game Hunter
www.TheBigGameHunter.us

JeffAltman@TheBigGameHunter.us

© 2007 all rights reserved.

Tough Interview Question #11: Why Are You Looking?

Too often, people answer this question with immature answers. By this, I mean an answer that allows a new employer to interpret the answer as being, "I hate my boss," or "I wanted to make more money."

It is extremely important to:

Keep Your Answers Concise.

"Our firm was acquired and management brought in a team that they were familiar with. That's understandable to me but the result was that I was offered assignments that were at a level below where I was with little opportunity to return to my previous level. Rather than remain for the inevitable layoff, I've decided to look for a new position."

Speak positivelyDo not criticize management for decisions they've made. Do not appear angry. A matter of fact attitude will dispel doubt far better than rage ever will. By looking at the interviewer square in the eyes and preparing your concise answer, most people are persuaded that you are being sincere . . . even though we all know the best liars can look someone square in the eye and lie to us.

Speak about what you learned from this experience.Although this is a tough interview question in itself, anticipate this question and be prepared to speak of the growth opportunity you derived from the experience or from the firm. If you made mistakes and can speak to those with sincerity (and without shooting yourself in the foot), firms will see that you are someone who can learn and grow.

And sometimes the right answer is to say, "I've thought about my experience with XYZ quite a lot and, the fact is, my performance was always strong . . . as a matter of fact my performance reviews are glowing and managers always found me to be an important contributor. No, I can't say I made mistakes and I as happy to help my firm transition to the new parent company."

REMEMBER: When they ask qualifying follow up questions, just stay with your original answer and state the facts!


Jeff Altman 
The Big Game Hunter
www.TheBigGameHunter.us

JeffAltman@TheBigGameHunter.us

© 2007 all rights reserved.