Being prepared is half the battle.

If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.
2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons...

Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here, even if that is why you're there.
3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is Because I like people. What else would you like-animals?

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.
4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.
5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.
6. Why should we hire you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)
7. What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].

Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?

Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, As long as we both feel achievement-oriented.

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?

Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing,
energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?

You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it), results-oriented (Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line), or even paternalistic (I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction).

A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.

As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?

Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. What do you look for when You hire people?

Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?

Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?

Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.

The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The We agreed to disagree approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?

Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?

Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?

Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?

Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?

Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it. You might answer the question with a question: Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?

If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.

If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself. Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.

If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.

If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)

Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.

But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the final stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. What are your long-range goals?

Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, I want the job you've advertised. Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to...

25. How successful do you you've been so far?

Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.

Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed! is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.

  准备是成功的一半

如果你是一个对目前的职位不满意，正着手去在新的一年里找到一个新的职位，这篇文章就是你的一个帮手。工作面试是你去面对未来的老板的征途中最重要的一个过程。你必须像进行一个击剑锦标赛或着一个国际象棋比赛那样的坚韧和敏捷来对待面试。

1.介绍你自己

这个问题通常是一个面试的开始的第一个问题，要额外的小心不要滔滔不绝。尽可能的让你的回答在一分钟，最多2分钟的时间内结束。你的回答应该包含以下4个主题：早期生活，教育背景，工作背景以及最近的工作经验。要着重强调最后的那个主题。要牢记这个问题通常是一个热身的问题，不要把你的最重要的观点浪费在这个问题上。

2.你对我们公司有什么样的了解

你必须能够谈论关于这个公司的产品，服务，收入，业界声望，形象，目标，存在的问题，管理风格，职工，历史和企业文化等问题。但是不要表现出你对这个公司的一切都了如指掌。让你的回答能够体现出你对该公司做了一些研究，但是不要让面试官被你打败（overwhelm），并表现出你希望能够了解关于公司更多的情况。

你可以用这样的态度来开始回答问题：“在我的寻找工作的过程中，我调查研究了很多公司，出于如下的理由，贵公司是我感兴趣的公司之一：”。

用一个积极的态度来回答这个问题，不要这样说：“每个人都告诉我这个公司处于困境中，有各种样的麻烦，这就是我来这儿的原因”，即是那的确是你在这儿的理由。

3.为什么你希望来我们公司工作？

最糟糕的答案就是“因为我喜欢人”。要是你喜欢的是动物，那你去哪工作呢？

在这个问题的回答上，并且贯穿整个面试的过程中，一个优秀的答案总是来自于你所作的调查研究，这样的话你可以从公司的需要那个方面来回答。你可能说你的研究表明这个公司所做的工作正是你说希望参与的，并且他们做这个工作的方式极大的吸引了你。例如，如果这个公司由于强大的管理而著称，纳闷你的答案可以提到这个事实，并表示你希望成为这个小组的一员。如果这个公司着重强调研发，那么就强调你希望创造你的事物，而你知道这个公司非常鼓励这样的行为。如果这个公司强调经济控制，你的答案就应该包含对数字的热爱。

如果你觉得你必须捏造一个答案，例如如果这个公司强调研发，但是你觉得你必须提到这一点而实际上你对这根本不感兴趣，那么你可能根本不应该参加这个面试，因为你可能根本不会考虑在这个公司工作。

你的之前的准备必须包括对这个公司做详尽的了解，来避免到一个你无法发挥才干或者根本不想去的公司面试。大多数人都不擅长说谎，所以在面试中欺瞒面试官是一件很困难的事情。即使你成功的做到了这一点，你所获得的也只是一个你不想参加的工作。

4.你可以为我们完成哪些其他人做不到的事情？

这个问题上，你有权利或者是义务来自吹自擂。谈论一些你完成工作的记录，提到你简历中的独特之处，或者列出你职业生涯中的成就。告诉别人，你的技能和兴趣在获取这些结果的过程中发挥了很大的作用，并使得你很有价值。提到你能够合理的安排工作优先顺序，找出问题，并利用你的经验和精力来解决问题。

5.你觉得这个职位最吸引你的地方是什么？最不吸引你的地方又是什么？

列出3到4个这个工作吸引人的方面，然后提出一个简单的不重要的不吸引人的问题。

6.为什么我们应该雇佣你？

参见问题4, 考虑你的能力，你的工作经历和你的干劲。

7.你希望在工作中能够获得什么？

让你的答案来源与这个公式提供的机会。谈论你希望能够大展身手并获取认可的要求。让你的答案基于工作机会而不是个人的要求。

8.谈论一下你对你应聘的这个职位的定义

你的答案应该简短并且是基于工作要求的。考虑这个工作的责任和义务。在你回答问题之前确定你真正的了解这个职位所涉及的方方面面。如果你不确定，就去问面试官，他可能会帮你回答这个问题。

9.你需要多久能够对公司做出显著的贡献？

答案要实际一点。可以这样回答，尽管你希望从第一天开始就能够满足公司紧迫的要求，并开始发挥作用，但是你可能需要6个月到1年的时间来足够了解这个公司及其需要来做出很大的贡献。

10.你会在公司工作多久？

可以这样回答，你对在这个公司的职业生涯很感兴趣，可是也得承认你必须能够不断感觉到有挑战才能够继续在任何公司呆着。可以考虑这样的语句“只要我们双方都感觉有收获”。

11.你的简历显示你的能力超出了这个工作的要求，你是如何认为的？

强调你对在这个公司开始一个长期的合作的兴趣，你可以说你认为如果你在这个职位上表现的很好，公司还会为你提供新的机会。也要提到一个好公司需要好的职员。有检验的职员总会有很好的奖励；既然你是如此的很是这个职位，雇主将会很快从他的投资中获得回报。一个发展中的，充满活力的工资永远不会嫌天才多的。

12.你的管理方式是什么样的？

你必须对这个公司的风格有足够的了解，这样才能让你的管理风格对其进行补充。可能的风格包括：基于任务的（我喜爱问题-研究那些是错误的，选择一个解决方案并完成），基于结构的（我做出的任何一个管理的决定是基于它是如何影响问题的底线的），或者是家长式作风的（我致力与管理好我的每一个下属，并给他们指引正确的方向）。

民主参与式的风格是目前比较流行的一种：一个开放的管理方式，通过激励手下并根据所负责的事情分派任务来完成每一件事情。

当你考虑这个问题的时候，要思考你的风格是否会让你在这个公司里高兴并有效率的工作。

13.你是一个合格的经理吗？你可以举一些例子吗？你是否觉得你有顶级管理人员的潜力？

保证你的答案是基于成果和任务的。通过你职业生涯中的一些例子来加固你的论点。强调你的经验和精力。

14.当你招聘人手的时候你需要什么类型的？

考虑一些技能方面的问题。主动性，以及能够舒服和有效的与其他人一起工作的适应性。提到你希望雇佣一些看起来能够在公司中获得提升的人。

15.你是否曾经不得不解雇一些员工？是什么理由？你是如何解决这个情况的？

要承认这个情况不是容易解决的，但是你还是很好的解决了，不管是从公司角度还是从个人角度。让他们知道，和其他人一样，你不喜欢这种让人不乐意的工作，但是你可以有效的富有人情味的解决问题，尤其是在要解雇某个人的时候。

16.你认为作为一个经理或者高级行政人员最困难的事情是什么？

要提到指定计划，指定和成本控制。最困难的任务是要去激发并管理雇员来完成一些计划中的事情，并且按时的在预算范围内完成任务。

17.在我们这个行业中你觉得什么是最重要的趋势？

一样要准备两到三个趋势来阐明你对所在行业的是多么的了解。你可以需要考虑技术上的挑战或者机会，金融环境甚至管理的需求作为你所应该考虑收集的关于你的行业说面对的状况。

18.你为什么离开你现在的工作（上一个工作）？

在不伤害你自己的情况下要简明扼要并诚实的回答这个问题。回溯到你寻找工作的计划阶段，那时你正在把这个话题当作你的工作经历。如果你是在一次公司裁员中被裁掉的，直接说出来好了；否则的话，要指明这次离职是你自己的决定，你自己行动的结构，不要特到任何关于性格冲突等。

19.你觉得放弃原来所有的福利待遇等来寻找一个新的工作是什么感觉？

要提到你很自然的担心这一点，但是并不很恐慌。你愿意为寻找到合适的工作而冒一点风险。不要说，你对安全感比成功的完成工作更感兴趣。

20.在你上一份工作中，你最喜欢那个方面的特点？最不喜欢哪个？

要小心而计息的回答这个问题。要多说你喜欢的特性，而少说你不喜欢的。不要引用个人的问题。如果你使得你的上一份工作听起来很糟糕，面试官会疑问你为什么还能在上一份职位上一直待到现在。

21.你如何看待你的老板？

要尽可能积极的回答这个问题。你潜在的未来的老板很希望能够了解你未来在相似的场合会如何谈论他。

22.你在现在的年龄中为什么不能赚到更多？

要告诉他这是你寻找新的工作的理由之一，不要处于守势。

23.你希望这个职位的薪水是多少？

讨论薪水是一个很微妙的问题。我们建议你在条件允许的情况下尽可能的拖延用一个精确的数据来回答这个问题。你可以说，“我知道这个工作的薪水的大概范围是￥---到￥---。这个对于我来说是合适的价位。”你也可以用一个问题来回答这个问题：

“你可能在这个问题上可以帮助我。你能否告诉我在公司中对相似职位的工作的大概薪水是多少？”。

如果你是在一个最初的面试中遇到这个问题，你可以说你觉得你需要更多的了解这个职位的职能才能够对这个问题有个有意思的回答。在这个问题上通过询问面试官或者人事高级主管或者自己去寻找结果，你可以尝试去获得这份工作是由有一个工资等级。如果有，并且你能够接受，那么直接回答你满意这个薪水范围好了。

如果面试官继续纠缠这个问题的话，你可以说“我现在的薪水是￥--。和其他人一样，我希望能够提升这个数字，但是我主要的兴趣还是在工作本身。”要记住，获取一个新的工作这件事本身不会使得你能够赚到更多的钱。

如果一个猎头公司也参与了此事的话，你的联系人可能可以帮助你解决这个薪水的问题。他甚至可以帮你介入此事。例如，如果他告诉你这个职位的待遇，然后你告诉他你现在已经赚那么多的，并且希望待遇能够适当的提升，他可能会去雇主那然后提议给你增加10%的待遇。

如果没有获得关于这个职位的合适的信息，而面试官还继续这个话题的话，你可以用一个具体的数字来回答这个问题。你不能给别人留下待遇完全没有影响你将会接受任何待遇的印象。如果你年薪8W的话，你不可能没有变现出放弃自己的时候，说3.5W一年也是可以接受的。（如果你是在做工作的一个彻底的变化的话，这种情况可能也是有道理，可以理解的）。

不要很快就把你自己卖掉：），但是要继续的强调这个工作本身才是你最看重的东西。面试官可能会去判断你希望从这个工作的待遇是多少哦。不要给面试官留下金钱对你来说是唯一重要的事情的感觉。把薪水的问题和工作本身挂钩。

但是无论合适可能的话，在你到面试过程的最后一个阶段之前，少谈论薪水的问题。到那个阶段的时候，你就应该知道，这个公司对你有很大的兴趣，这个时候在谈论薪水待遇的话就会有很大的余地了。

24.你长期的目标是什么？

回到你寻找工作的计划阶段。不要这样回答“我希望能够得到你广告中的工作”。把你的目标与你面试的公司关系起来，“在你们这样一个公司，我希望能够...”

25.你目前位置在工作中是多么的成功？

你要回答，总的来说你对你目前为止的职业生涯是很高兴很满意的。列举一些生活中普通的琐事，你觉得你完成的很好，没有怨言。

要想别人展现一个积极和自信的面貌，但是不要夸大其词。例如这样的回答“所有的事情都特别的好！我不能想象一个更好的事情了！我非常的开心。”，会使得面试官觉得你是不是在愚弄他或者你自己。最具有说服力的答案通常都是相当自信的。