To stand out in your job interview, you need to show the hiring manager how you think and how you would handle real workplace events. Though many hiring managers are now using talent-based questions, many are still not and that makes it more difficult for you. You want them to ask talent-based questions because this type of question shows how you think, how you respond and how you add value – it can prove you will be a great fit in the job (this can get you hired).
So if a hiring manager doesn’t ask talent-based questions, here are two things to say to ensure he/she knows how you think and how capable you are:
1. Let me tell you about a time when I made a big difference in my previous company. (Examples: connected with a customer, invented an idea, saved the company money, found an easier way of doing things, trained another person, created a social networking program, etc).
2. Let me tell you how I would handle the following situation that I expect to find in your workplace. (Examples: an angry customer, a missed deadline, an uncooperative teammate, implementing a new idea, getting help from others, finding new ways to add value, etc).
You want the hiring manager to see how you think, the impact you have had in other jobs, and the value you can bring. So if the hiring manager doesn’t ask questions that allow you to demonstrate these things about you, be sure to use these two statements to get it discussed.
For sample talent-based interview questions and my list of the hot industries and hot jobs, go to www.LiveFiredUp.com and click on “Job Seeker.”
