How to reply these interview questions?

Question

I was at an interview and I was asked something like this,
"Are you familiar with xxx?",
"Have you done xxx before?",
"If I need you to do xxx, can you do it?"

The problem is that "xxx" are those skills and knowledge NOT listed in my resume. I said I can learn on the job but apparently, that is not good enough. Eventually, they rejected me on the spot because I did not meet their expectations.

While I expect rejection to be part of the job hunting process, but in this case, I think it is uncalled for. I mean if they keep asking me for skills I do not currently possess, of course I cannot meet their expectations.

Am I giving the wrong answer by saying I will learn on the job? How can I improve my answer?

Hi Wizzle,
I agree with you on that. However, it is obvious from my resume whether I possess the skills that they need. I'm not upset over the rejection but rather at the reasons and the time wasted if they had read my resume properly (don't tell me that they don't have to because they have better things to do. This will also be unfair to us, the candidates, isn't it?)

By the way, I meet all their requirements stated in their advertisement. Those extra requirements came up only at the point of interview.

Answer 1

You can't improve your answer unless you lie, which I do NOT advise.

If you don't have the skill, it is not unfair for them to "reject" you. Why would they want to teach you on the job if they can find someone who is better qualified?

It's a harsh reality.

Answer 2

First and foremost you have to remember that the advertisements cost by the letter/word. So, a company will not put everything they want in the ad.

The fact that they called you in for an interview is a compliment to your resume and not anything you should get upset over (based on the tone of your question).

Granted, it would have been better for them to have "culled" you through an informal telephone interview as opposed to a face to face. When you interview for jobs across the country, this will be the protocol.

If you do not have the experience they seek (as shown through the interview), then tell them that you have not done XYZ, but could learn it quickly. That is the best answer (there are no right or wrong answers in an interview).

While you may think you are rejected, it could very well be that another candidate had the XYZ skills that you did not have and they were comparing your experience to theirs. The only way for them to know was to ask you directly.

If that was the case, then that would be another reason why they did not advertise for those skills.

Answer 3

I have years of experience with hiring people. And you must be ready for ANY "can you do..." type questions. They are called criteria questions. Unless they are looking for a very specific skill that you don't have, try to relate other specific skill sets you have to their question. As a last resort it is always OK to say that you can learn fast, take courses om your own time, etc., to come up to speed.
Also, I suggest making an investment in your future by getting a good interview skills book and role playing with a friend.

You may also wish to consider a firm like LTS, they provide very effective career development materials at a low cost (under $30). VISIT www.leantosucceed.biz.