But the interviewer will try to take a reading on your character with the type of questions that follow. Rehearse this part of the script especially well, so you don't flub your lines or reveal any quirks and eccentricities that will make the director think "Cut!" and reject you as a candidate.
When you become a pro at interviewing, you have an advantage even professional actors don't have. You can schedule the best time for you. Thus, you stage manage the character that the interviewer sees. Being a good stage manager dramatically affects your delivery. You'll be surprised at how your appearance, posture, attitude, reaction time, and overall confidence improve. So much for "character traits."
Q. Do you consider yourself to be a smart person?
A. Yes. That means I'm smart enough to know my opinion is biased. The kind of intelligence required on the job isn't always measured by an IQ test. Only through coping with different situations and interacting with other people can intelligence truly be judged. By these criteria, I'm above average in intelligence.
Q. How important is job security to you?
A. Security is a basic need, but I know that there are no guarantees in life. The only true job security comes from making a meaningful contribution to my employer. If I know my job will be around for as long as I excel at it, I am able to concentrate on my work and remain focused. The best environment is one where employer and employee form a partnership for their mutual benefit.
The first priority of any job is the work itself. Everything else is secondary. As long as I find myself challenged by my work and am respected by those around me, I'm confident that I'll be able to continue getting the work done properly, always meeting or exceeding expectations.
Q. What are the reasons for your success?
A. I always give a hundred percent. Some people try to prove themselves to someone else, but I think sometimes it's better to prove to yourself that you can succeed. No one is a better judge of your success than you, and you know what you can do. When I do a job well, it gives me personal satisfaction that carries over into everything I do.
Although I work very hard, I find that I get along with all sorts of people. By respecting everyone as an individual as you advance in responsibility, you not only make a good impression but you also gain the respect of others.
Q. Do you like to work with facts and figures?
(If yes, or if job requires analytical and math skills:)
A. Absolutely. That's the basis of this work. I've always had a flair for the numbers side of the business, and my thought processes are very analytical and precise. Accurate books and records are an essential management tool, and can help to identify areas that need improvement.
(If no, or the job likely would not fit the thinker/analyzer personality:)
A. Facts and figures are important. I respect them, I'm good with them, but I don't get bogged down in them. I always read the reports, and I'm quick to spot inconsistencies and errors. I don't check every number twice, though, because that's not what produces results. Financial records are like X rays that allow a doctor to make a diagnosis. I leave the preparation to the skilled technicians.
Q. Do you like to work with people?
(If yes, or if it's a teamwork situation:)
A. Without a doubt. If we're to meet our goals and keep up with the growth that's predicted for this industry, we'll have to organize and coordinate the efforts of many people. There's a synergy in teamwork that can accomplish far more than the same individuals could working alone. When a group of people is working together, there's nothing like it. The energy and creativity we activate in each other are many times greater. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
(If the job requires solitary hours analyzing reports or crunching numbers:)
I've always worked well with others, but I have no difficulty getting my work done independently. I'm a self starter, can set my goals, or take assigned goals and complete them. I'm comfort able with myself.
Q. Are you absent from work often?
(If your work record shows extended absence as the result of an injury or illness that is no longer a factor, explain what happened and why it no longer affects your attendance. Otherwise, use the following:)
A. No, my attendance record is very good. I think you'll see when you check that the few days I missed work were due to the usual flu viruses going around. I figure, when you're sick, it's better to take off one day and get well rather than going to the office, working at half speed, and taking off more time to recuperate. I'd rather work at home when I'm sick than expose coworkers to my illness.
I'm in good health and rebound quickly. I've noticed that people who miss a lot of work really don't like their jobs or themselves very well.
Q. How do you show your interest in your coworkers?
A. By keeping my eyes and ears open. I try to be sensitive to those around me. If someone behaves in a way that is different from what I expect, I ask myself, "Why? Are there problems that have caused this person to perform differently?"
On a day to day basis, I try to remember the little things that are important to the people around me. I follow up and ask them how things are going without becoming overbearing. Work teams often become like a family, and it's important to remember that coworkers need to be appreciated, liked, and respected. If I am the supervisor in the relationship, I usually call a quick, closed door conference to see if there's something that can be done before a possible problem becomes a probable one.
Q. Do you have any fear that may deter you from traveling by air?
(If you have an enduring phobia that prevents you from traveling by air, you shouldn't be applying for an astronaut's job. Go for what you know and like.)
A. None at all. I've always recognized the speed of air travel as necessary to business, and I've traveled routinely in past jobs. The most important thing is to get in front of the customer so I can make the sale (solve the problem), and I view it as all in a day's (or night's) work.
Q. What would you do if it were your last day on Earth?
A. That's a tough question, but not as tough as having it happen! I'd gather the people who are important to me, and really let them know how much they've contributed to my happiness. I've led a fulfilling life, and enjoy what I do every day. The book can close on anyone at any time. That's why it's important to live it a page at a time.
Q. Do you have a competitive nature?
A. Yes. A competitive nature is necessary to be successful in a corporate environment. But competitiveness doesn't mean vying with my coworkers for recognition, raises, or promotions. If I do my work well and always give my best effort, the rewards will come. I've found that's the only real way to succeed.
But I do compete with myself. I'm always trying to break my own record to do something better or faster than I did it the last time. I'm especially competitive when it comes to improving my company's product or service.
There's so much potential for accomplishment when you're part of a vibrant company like this one.
