Think “Factors” – To Find Answers to (Interview) Questions

Employers are looking for certain qualities in an employee. By looking at a question and matching it to a factor – you can be ready with an example or a story to answer the question – no matter what the question.

It’s impossible to predict what you will be asked –but it is possible to think about what factors the interviewer will be looking for and possibly scoring you on your answers– based on the factor sought.

Common Factors for Most Jobs

These overlap in many areas – it basically boils down to about seven or eight common factors.

1. Ability to communicate orally /relate well with theirs-   customer service

2. Ability to organize, plan, and prioritize

3. Ability to bring enthusiasm to the position -self-motivated

4. Ability to maintain a positive image – composure in stressful situations

5. Ability to evaluate information and make judgment decisions/problem solving

6. Initiative and motivation – team/leadership

7. Ability to adapt to changing situations

8. Integrity

EXAMPLES

Question – What’s important for you in a job?

Factor – motivation, enthusiasm.

Question – How do you handle working with a difficult colleague?

Factor – communicate, relate with others

Question – How will you add value within 30-60-90 days?

Factor – self-motivated, initiative, ability to plan and   organize

Question – Tell me about your last great idea.

Factor – initiative, problem solving, analyze, judgment

Question – If you were put into a compromising situation at work, where would you turn?

Factor – adapt to changing situation, maintain a positive image – composure, analyze, problem solve.

By focusing on factors rather than questions you will be able to tell stories that can relate your past experiences as indicators of your future success.

Guest Post by: Carole Martin; Websites http://www.interviewcoach.com; http://www.thecompleteinterviewcoach.com/; http://www.interviewfitnesstraining.com/.   Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.