Interview 101

The changes in the economy may mean a job change for you. Take it from someone who is going through the interview process, there is a right and a wrong way to answer questions. Consider these popular questions and consider avoiding the following answers.

Q: Why do you want this job?

A: To pay the rent. Oh, and to be able to eat out more often. I like that this job does not require me to use my brain or many of my skills. I'm pretty glad they have not yet bothered to train monkeys to do this.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A: In a mansion or on a yacht. I plan on winning the lottery any day now. But you probably don't mean that from a financial perspective. You'd probably like to know where I see myself in 5 years as it relates to this company. I'd have to say I could see myself in an office like this one. Maybe in your position, but with less gray hair and a better-looking family.

Q: What is one challenge you have had to work through,and how did you overcome that challenge?

A: Figuring out how to use CAPS on my iPhone. I kept pressing the shift key, and nothing! It was killing me. Finally, I was fumbling around in Settings, browsing through International Keyboards (did you know that the one in France is different?) and I found out how to turn CAPS on. Turn it ON! So simple.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to tell me about yourself?

A: I once participated in a Girl Scouts event that involved an overnight at a living history musuem called Conner Prairie. A man who went by the character name, "Old Uncle Joe" rounded us up for candle dipping at the Homestead. However, we could not begin until every girl retrieved her belongings from the restroom. After repeatedly suggesting everyone double-check her backpack for missing items, it was announced that a pair of Wednesday underwear remained on the floor. It was mine. And it wasn't even Wednesday.

Q: Do you have any questions for me?

A: When I'm hired, you mind if I switch back to Nikes, or are you a big fan of these librarian shoes here?