How to answer these questions in an interview?

Question

1. I have been interviewing quite a bit and I find myself having trouble answering these questions:
Name three of your weaknesses?
2. You have a degree in healthcare and an extensive work experience in health. Why are you looking for work at our company which isn't health related?
3. What are your long term goals?

I know my weaknesses but when it comes to telling someone my weaknesses, I can't think of any.
The positions I apply to I have experience in. I have over six years of experience as an Administrative Assistant in a healthcare organization. I apply to A.A. positions in other companies not related in healthcare. The job descriptions for all jobs I apply to read similiar to my previous job.
When answering what my long term goal is I don't want to look like I don't have the company's interest in mind. For example, in an interview I've said my long term goal is acquiring the needed skills and experience to become an Office Manager.

Answer 1

It certainly sounds like your on the right track, and the fact you're thinking about these questions implies a professionalism not seen in everyone.

1. Name three of your weaknesses: The actual three items are not as important as what you're doing to correct them. This is a typical question asked to see if you are a proactive person who can handle problems without needing to be micro-managed. Let's say you have problems with communicating with people. Don't state this in 5 seconds and move on. Discuss the steps you are doing to solve this problem. This could include classes at your community college or work with groups that focus on communication like Toastmaster's International. By focusing the answer on the solutions you let them know that you are capable of handling yourself and won't let problems negatively impact your job performance.

2. Why are you seeking employment in an area other than what you're trained in: This question is asked to expose a variety of things to include "Are we being used as a stepping stone for someone between jobs?" and "Will this person like working here and thus stay?" I would explain, in further detail, what you describe in your question. Let them know you preferred the administrative aspect of your last job over the health care aspect and wish are currently seeking employment in an administrative path which could lead to advancement opportunities that wouldn't have been available in your last job.

3. What are your long term goals: This one is asked in a variety of ways by most employers. The real question is "Are you a career employee or just someone looking for a job?" Most business, even those with high turnovers like McDonalds, are seeking career employees that will be with them for the next 20 years. While this may not truly be your intention, letting them know this isn't a passing fancy and you won't be leaving in the next few months would certainly help your chances of getting a job. When giving an answer, keep in mind the skills you already have, if you've already worked in administrative positions and have a college degree (even in health care) you may already be qualified to be an Office Manager. It would also be strange to talk about being an Office Manager in a company that didn't have Office Managers. Look at YOUR goals then try to incorporate them into the business (answers geared towards the employers needs are usually obvious and unimpressive). The trick is tying your long term goals into the employers needs and keeping an open mind that while you may not intend to have a career there right now you might change you mind next month or next year. Let's say you want a position in management. Let them know that your long term goals are to be gain a management position within a company. Given the appropriate time and consideration you would like to have that opportunity with that company. Should such the company have the ability to make such abilities available you could see yourself employed with them long-term in order to take advantage of them. This expresses your goal (to be in management) in a way that benefits them (you'll still be working for them). Keep your goals low enough to be both realistic and non-threatening, but high enough that they don't appear to embrace your being sedentary.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

1. Don't answer that question. Answer this one, what are the 3 things you feel you need to improve on. This turns the negative into a postive (the whole name weaknesses that are a virtue will work against you and make you sound insincere). But if you talk about what you are working on to improve, it is about your negative qualities but in a positive way. For example, I need to improve my sales ability. In my last company I was only average in my sales, while the top sales people with 20+ years sales experience were outselling us by more than 10 times. I recently took a course on sales and when I get the chance I watch or with with these staff.

2. You are trying to convince them that you will suit this job. So think about the key elements of the job and why it is the same or similar to what you did before. Basically sell yourself. Make it easy for them to believe that you are suitable for this job. For example, well I worked as an administrative assistant. In a hospital we really have to focus on the patient and make sure they get what they need. The administration assistant is take away the hassles from the health care staff so they can concentrate on saving lives. I think this same attitude should be applied in any job. The administration of the organisation should make the sales staff's job smoother and simpler, so they can concentrate on making money for the company.

Finally, think about where you are going in the future. What job do you want next year, what do you want in 5 years time. It doesn't have to exact, but you need some idea and it should fit in with the job that you are applying for.

Learn these tricks and they are sure to give you the job.

Answer 3

Hi

1) This question takes many guises and might be phased differently, like this for example: “What qualities do you see in others which you would like to develop in yourself?”

Strengths should be easy enough to think about (keep the position in mind).

Weaknesses can be more difficult but you should try to think of something that perhaps you have recognized as being a weakness but have worked to overcome.

For example: “I’d like to be naturally organized, like my manager. She doesn’t have to try. But to help me, I use to-do lists and a diary so I can keep a track of where I am”.

Don't be too negative about your weaknesses.

And by the way, it's always safer to identify a lack of experience or skill than a shortcoming in your personality, because an interviewer can always train you on a skill or give you experience. Changing your personality is not so easy, nor is it fun! So, don’t tell the interviewer you “get bored” or “stressed” or “de-motivated”!

2) Only you can anwser this - honestly is the best policy here.

3) If you're worried about looking like it's only your own interests that concern you, perhaps you can talk about looking forward to making a difference in the Company or the field in which they work. Ty to balance what you think their needs are with your own. It's ok to have your own.

Answer 4

1. Always frame your weaknesses in terms of areas you are tryng to improve; for example:
a) I tend to overcommit sometimes but I'm learning to set more realistic deadlines through prioritization and delegation where possible (i.e. asking for help) and maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
b) I think that while my communication skills are good, there is always room for improvement. For example, I practice active listening skills and confirm my understanding through follow up e-mails.
c) I would also like to expand my diversity by exposing myself to a new environment where I'm likely to acquire new skills.
2. The skills which I've acquired in the healthcare industry are largely portable and my interests go beyond the healthcare industry alone. My career plan includes continuous learning and variety since I think this leads to a more well-rounded individual and an enthusiasm for work.
3. My long term goal is to increase my versatility, and leverage my experience so that I can contribute more to my employer while reaping the rewards of increased responsibility. Specifically, I would like to work towards an Office Management role.

Answer 5

Whether this be for a sales position or any other job these questions should not have been asked for the fact that they are irrelivant to the job, they are racial, sexually offensive, a form of harassment and could be offensive to the person being interviewed. They can legally only ask you certain things that are not discriminating to anyone or any race and this person definately crossed the line. I would not be so concerned about this job. If they had the nerve to ask these things. Look for another position that is more suitable. This person sounds like he's got too many screws lose and you'll never be able to satisfy them.

Answer 6

The standard advice for the first question ("Name some weaknesses") is to name "faults" that can actually be seen as virtues (e.g., "I'm a perfectionist"). Some companies see through this ruse and want you to name actual faults, however. I wouldn't admit anything too serious (e.g., "Sometimes my heroin addiction causes me to lose focus").

The second one is easier. List all the transferable skills you have and say that you're looking for new challenges, or something similar. Don't ever run down your previous employers.

Answer 7

For Q1: weaknesses need not have to be in the negative. If could be you're a workaholic, leave office late, etc...
For Q2: you don't have to be too truthful. Say things like you like new challenges, learn new things, etc..
For Q3: say things like 'to be able to put your experience and talent to bring the company to greater heights.

Answer 8

If u r face this type of problem though u have a lot of experience.Then why people need experience like you.