Posted by JenStar on August 2, 2004, at 19:02:00
In reply to An interview question - Daisy, posted by Dinah on August 1, 2004, at 9:26:13
hi Dinah,
I think it's important to be honest in an interview, because a skilled interviewer will have a good BS detector.But it's also important to use the right words, because like it or not, it's the easiest way (along with body language) to make that first impression.
Instead of saying 'most people don't find me objectionable' say 'I get along with just about anyone, and I find that most people enjoy working with me.'
Instead of 'I do better in the background' say 'I enjoy being the solid backbone of the group. My skills lie in helping run the day-to-day tasks and ensuring that everyone is on track, etc.' That way you're using positive words to describe the same activity or behavior.
Instead of 'I don't like change' say 'I'm willing to change AND I always like to weight the risks beforehand. I definitely do my research to understand the pros and cons of any change, and ensure that the change will benefit the organization before just jumping in head-first. Here's an example of how I researched and implemented an important change in my current job, yada, yada, yada...."
You seem so smart and intuitive from your posts. But maybe not enough self-confidence? The best thing in interviews, and what is hard for most women, is to brag without bravado. You really have to sell your high points. (of which I'm sure you have many!)
I would recommend AGAINST using the words "inflexible" in any way, unless you're discussing inflexibility towards sexual misconduct in your subordinates, inflexibility towards racism in your subordinates/team, or inflexibility towards breaking of any safety codes or safety regulations.
As an interviewer (at least, when I was an interviewer!), this is a taboo word. Especially with the economic situation today, most employers value employees who can turn on a dime, adapt to change quickly and easily, and often investigate and suggest changes to make the company more effective and efficient. although there are many people who are less flexible than they purport and than they'd like to think, it's still scary to hear a potential hire TELLING you they're inflexibile. Just saying that you ARE flexibile sort of indicates a willingness to flex.
anyway, I'd encourage you to think more positively about yourself and your work, and make sure those positive things come out when you talk about the job.Take care!
JenStar> Is it never possible to be honest in a job interview?
>
> I've been with the same employer for over twenty years, but I can foresee circumstances where it would be necessary to look for a new job.
>
> Isn't it possible to just tell the truth? I'm really good at what I do. I do it quickly and accurately. I tend to be a bit inflexible and don't really care for change. That's good in some ways, because in me you'll find a solid reliable worker who isn't looking to move up the corporate ladder. While I can be polite and most people don't find me objectionable, I really do better in the background.
>
> If you're looking for a smart, quick, efficient worker who you can count on over a long period of time, I'm your man. If you're looking for someone who interviews well and has great people skills and is very flexible and motivated, you'd better keep looking.
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> Is that really so awful?
>
> (I didn't want to divert Poet's thread.)
poster:JenStar
thread:372839
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040802/msgs/373324.html