A. Yes, my position as _ at_ involved direct responsibility for the bottom line. I had the authority to make decisions that would affect the company P&.Ls in the areas of _ , _ , and _. During the time I held that position, the company realized_ (a XX percent increase in gross/net profit, or a similar statement. Choose and rehearse language that sounds objective and uses percentages.)
(If no, but if you do not want to rule out your potential skill in this area:) I have never been directly responsible for the bottom line in the sense that management would come to me and ask me to explain why profits were not as projected or expected. However, my work has required me to keep an eye on methods that would produce efficiency and improve the overall financial picture of the company, and I have accomplished that with success. I would welcome both the responsibility for bottom line results and the authority to make decisions that would improve the P&L.
The trend to desktop publishing should streamline operations in companies like this, decreasing cost and improving turnaround time to the customer. While some believe customers will invest in their own equipment and render our industry obsolete, there's little evidence this is happening. In fact, there's a trend toward increased use of outside service companies like _, to avoid the high cost of full time employees. All in all, the future looks very bright for this industry. That's why I'm here.
Q. What interests you about our company?
A. I've been very impressed in all the reading and research I've done about_. It projects an excellent image, and its message is persuasive. Internally, it's a sound operation, with ambitious goals and realistic plans for achieving them. I see great potential for growth here, and I want to be part of it. I have many ideas that I know could be implemented here better than anywhere else.
Q. What single thing about our product or service interests you most?
(As before, you must be prepared for this one. Know something about the company and what it does, such as;)
A. I understand your computer systems have the least maintenance downtime of any on the market. For an account executive, that's an important sales advantage. You're offering them more value and efficiency for their investment.
(Or:)
You just introduced an innovative life insurance package, and you're the only company in the industry that offers benefit flexibility like that. I'd like to be able to work with a creative organization whose products offer its customers the "leading edge" in life insurance protection.
Q. Why would you be happy doing this type of work?
A. Because it's the kind of work I've always enjoyed doing. All the tests I took early in my career said I was best suited for this kind of work. I agreed, and made my career plans accordingly. Someone who likes his or her work demonstrates enthusiasm, initiative, and energy that others can't match. There's a great law of life that few people realize: We like most what we do best, and we do best what we like most!
Q. What specific ways will our company benefit from hiring you?
A. It will be getting someone whose skills and training most closely match the job requirements. Further, it will be getting the benefit of my experience at_, _, and_. My background relates directly to the position being considered and is a primary reason why it will take me less time to produce than someone who hasn't had as much direct experience.
Further, I'm dedicated and learn quickly. I try always to excel at what I do; so, when you hire me, there's little risk you'll be interviewing for the job again soon.
Q. What do you believe are your special qualifications for this job?
(Begin by mentioning any specific training and experience that apply to the position. Then:)
A. As a result of my background, I have direct insight into the requirements of this job and know how to increase_ _(efficiency/productivity/sales). Further, I'm driven to achieve, to surpass my most recent record, so you'll never see me turn in a merely "acceptable" performance. I really think from all you've told me that the position could use someone with my attributes. There are a great many challenges to be met, and the right person someone who approaches them with energy and determination will achieve results greater than anyone thought possible. I believe I'm that right person.
