Several Jobs in a Short Period of Time
The best defense is an offense. Head the interviewer off at the pass! As long as the "Dates Employed" are glaring at him from the resume, you should explain why you had so many jobs before he even asks. Make sure you explain the reasons in a manner which makes sense. Be positive-even when discussing a negative subject.
For instance, suppose you were fired for incompetence after just one year on a particular job. Depending on how long ago it was, you might indicate that, "Although the job did not work out, I gained quite a bit from it because..." and then proceed to tell why. You might also list some accomplishments you achieved, even though you were there only a short time. You may have also taken some additional courses to help improve your background-so that you will be better prepared the next time around. Make sure you are coming across in a sincere manner. You must use empathy. For all you know the same thing may have happened to the interviewer at one time. Avoid the "bull"-candor is refreshing!
Weak Formal Education
Turn the liability into an asset. Explain the responsibilities you had when you were young, and how you have studied on your own. You must have, or else you would not have got where you are today-where ever that is. You might indicate, if it is true, that no matter where you were employed, you were usually the only non-college graduate at your job level. If there is a possibility of night school, then tell that to the interviewer.
What are your long-range goals? This question seems to baffle a lot of people. What ever you do, avoid indicating that "What I really want, is a business of my own" ... even if you do! Employers like to feel that they hire employees "till death do us part" You certainly will not "turn on" any employer by telling him that you will give him the privilege of training you for a couple of years-but you then plan on going out on your own and compet-ing with him. You may even change your own mind once you begin to work for the company.
Companies hate to admit that they hire a lot of people for "dead end" jobs; and then cannot understand why the employees leave as they do. Companies would be a lot better off if they did more of what might be called "cross pollination." After a period of time an employee who has been on the same job switches with someone who has been on a different job about the same length of time. What is accomplished is that two employees are given new motivations and new challenges! Every job has a tendency to become dull after a while-or at least not as exciting as it was in the beginning. If there is not a legitimate promotion available, then create a new stimulus.
Many companies are now beginning to set up programs where they recognize these problems. It is a lot cheaper to switch two employees around, than to replace them both in the market place-when they both become frustrated and quit!
Answer the "long-range goal" question as you really believe . . . outside of "leaving the company." If you feel that some day you could become President of the company, then tell the interviewer so. Also, give him some reason to support your ambitious plans. Maybe you plan on obtaining your MBA, or some other positive accomplishment to help you meet your goals.
What is your greatest weakness? Nobody is perfect. When answering this question, you had better use empathy.
Physical handicaps or health problems. Not everyone is blessed with perfect health or appearance. If you have an obvious physical handicap or health problem, it is usually best to discuss it openly with the interviewer, providing it will not automatically disqualify you for the job. Use empathy and be honest, both with the employer and yourself.
Divorce
This is a common subject which, when discussed with applicants, causes discomfort-especially if there are children involved. Unfortunately, in our society today, divorce has become all too common! Some companies will not touch a divorced candidate until after the so-called "adjustment period" is completed- whatever that is. Some people never completely adjust, while others were never completely adjusted to marriage-and become much better right after the divorce.
Women Executives
In many industries and companies it makes no difference whether the executive hired is male or female. However, if you are female and being considered for an executive position, you must still convince the employer that you are even better than your male competitors for the job. If you are asked the typical question-"Do you find being a female executive in our industry much of a handicap?", you might respond: "Being a female executive might even be an asset. The people I deal with have to reason that I have achieved what I have by my abilities and what I can contribute. Once people get to know you, it makes little difference whether you are male or female, but rather-can you get the job done?"
Unemployed Executive
If you are unemployed and there is no way you can cover yourself with your prior employer-like remaining on the payroll, then just* "come clean" and indicate that you are unemployed... but have several offers pending.
It just does not pay to try and cover yourself with the old "I am presently doing consulting" routine, unless you really are. Any astute employer will see right through your facade, and you will only weaken your position that much more. He may even ask who some of your clients are, and want to check with them.
One approach you may consider is that you found it very difficult taking time off from work to explore other opportunities. You felt that as long as your prior employer was paying you-you owed him a fair day's work. Rather than have to lie and connive for time off-you "nipped it in the bud," and for better or for worse you elected to pursue your job campaign on a full time basis.
