The Job Interview Phrase Book: The Things to Say to Get You the Job You Want

by Nancy Schuman

Overview

"In today's marketplace it is critical that you stand out in a crowd."
—Eric Winegardener, Vice President, Monster Worldwide

In today's tightening job market, the interview is a key stage. But too often in job interviews, candidates freeze and can't find the words they need to make the best impression. Now this clear, concise guide shows the best way to answer all the essential questions, such as:

• How do you get along with others at work? "I value good support from my coworkers . . ."
• Where do you expect to be in five years? "Working for this company in a position of responsibility . . ."
• What motivates you? "I like working on a project all the way through, from conception to . . ."
• How do you manage your time? "I put aside the start of the day for major projects, and then . . ."
• How do you solve a problem? "I start by looking at all the possible causes . . ."

Also included: A breakdown of phrases by industry, giving you a leg up in some of the best job markets in today's economy. In a competitive market, interview skills are among the most important advantages job seekers can have. This book shows you how to hone those skills for success—one word at a time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440501845
Publisher:	Adams Media
Publication date:	11/18/2009
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	1,159,224
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

An Adams Media author.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

1 Preparing for the Interview 1

Preparing to Answer Questions 2

The First Defining Moments 3

Starting Off on the Right Foot 4

Set a Tone 5

2 Discussing Your Skills and Experience 8

Key Skills and Abilities 9

Interpersonal Skills 17

Creativity and Leadership Skills 23

Problem-Solving Ability 31

Personal Questions 34

3 Describing Your Achievements 42

Professional and Personal Accomplishments 43

Contributions You've Made 48

Challenges You've Overcome 54

Recognition and Rewards You've Received 59

4 Explaining Your Goals and Interests 63

Long-and Short-Term Goals 64

Interest in Your Chosen Career 68

Personal Interests, Hobbies, and Activities 73

5 Showcasing Why You're a Good Fit 80

Business Sense and Personal Character 80

Why You Want the Job 89

What You'd Bring to the Company 92

Your Past Work Experiences 99

6 Highlighting Your Ambition and Knowledge 107

Why You Chose This Industry 108

What You Know about the Company 110

Why You Want to Work Here 117

What Your Career Plans Are 122

How You Would Contribute 127

7 Providing Details about Your Education 135

Why You Chose Your Major 135

Why You Chose Your School 138

Courses You Took and Grades 139

Extracurricular Activities and Internships 142

What You Gained from Your College Experience 144

8 Navigating Hard-to-Answer Questions 149

Discussing Frustrations and Failures 149

Special Situations 158

Illegal Questions 174

9 Asking Your Own Questions 182

Why the Job Is Open 183

Job Responsibilities 184

Opportunities for Advancement 185

Who Your Supervisor Is 185

Company History and Growth 186

Questions Not to Ask 188

10 Industry-SpecificBuzz Words and Phrases 190

Accounting and Finance 190

Administrative 192

Biotechnological and Pharmaceuticals 194

Communications 196

Computers and Mathematics 197

Engineering 200

Executive and Managerial 201

Government 203

Health and Medical 205

Insurance 208

Legal and Protective Services 210

Retail 212

Science 214

Technical 216

Transportation and Travel 218

Appendix A Thank-You Letters 221

Appendix B Resources 226

Appendix C Glossary 236

Index 245