Answering Difficult Questions in a Job Interview! The Truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth? Eaglevision Ministries Dr. LaClaire Green Bouknight
Basic Principles Honesty without too many details Understand your strong points Know what the employer is looking for Have answers rehearsed and be ready for the hard ones
Why Did You Leave Your Last Job? First, Do not “bad mouth” your last employer It was not a good “Fit” There were some scheduling issues Wanted to make a career change The company downsized
Why Did You Leave Your Last Job? Lay-off Lack of funding Company buyout Position eliminated due to new corporate direction Change of management
Why do you have gaps in your employment history? Substance Abuse Issues Addiction is considered a health issue Answer as such, assuring that you are now healthy after treatment
Ever Been Convicted of a Misdemeanor or Felony? Be honest but avoid to much detail Take full responsibility Do not blame others State it will never happen again Then list the steps you have taken to prevent it from ever happening again!
Continued Do not write “will explain at interview” on application Do not lie on application or at interview about having a conviction Many smaller employers do not do a background check
Why Do You Have a Large Gap in Employment con’t Health issues Tending an ill family member may be an asset Raising young children More education or training
Difficult Questions Explain how you have turned “lemons to lemonade” Explain how you have made real efforts to make positive changes in your life!
Eaglevision Ministries Workforce Development: Ex-offender females Dislocated workers both sexes Displaced homemakers Dr. LaClaire Bouknight, Director 10/2006