Resources

The Interview

Choose roles and act out the following.

INTERVIEWER: So, what can you tell me about yourself?

CANDIDATE 1: You mean like what I like to do? Not much, really. I don’t really have any hobbies or interests. I pretty much do nothing.

CANDIDATE 2: Umm … well, I …

CANDIDATE 3: Oh, I’d love to. As you can see, I spend a lot of time lifting weights. I’m supposed to go to anger management classes, too. But who wants to go to those? You know what I mean?

CANDIDATE 1: Or do you mean what I’m like at work? I haven’t really stayed at a job long enough to say. I get bored quickly and just stop showing up. … I probably shouldn’t have said that.

CANDIDATE 2: Umm …

CANDIDATE 3: I mean, the guy who teaches that anger management class, … I could break him in half. So, who would my boss be? You? Hey, you aren’t the type that is always checking to see if we’re busy, are you? Like we’re a bunch of little kids? My last boss did that, and I didn’t like it.

INTERVIEWER: Why should we hire you?

CANDIDATE 2: You should hire me because … um …

CANDIDATE 1: Well, I need a job. I thought my mom came down and talked to you about that yesterday. She said I should get a job. Didn’t she?

CANDIDATE 3: You’d be crazy not to hire me. I noticed when I was coming in that some things really need to be changed around here. It’s a wonder you guys are still in business. I could fix all that. Yeah. You’ll be thanking me for saving your business.

CANDIDATE 2: Because … um …

INTERVIEWER: What is your biggest weakness?

CANDIDATE 3: I don’t have any weaknesses. What’s yours? Man, I hate questions like that.

CANDIDATE 2: Weaknesses? Hmm …

CANDIDATE 1: Umm … stealing. I mean, not stealing, really. It wasn’t stealing. It’s a long story. I mean I was going to bring it back. I thought my boss would let me borrow it for a while.

Back to page 24

How Do I Turn Negatives into Positives? (Optional Activity)

Discuss:How do you answer this question: “What is your greatest weakness?” Read Gloria’s answer.

“Well, I am working on my ability to manage my time most effectively. I’ve found a calendar tool that really helps me, and I use it daily. Recently, despite many competing priorities, I helped to bring a large sales project to completion on time.”

Read:Notice that Gloria:

• Shared a weakness that is common to many people.

• Described specifically how she is overcoming the weakness.

• Added information from a power statement.

Practice:Try this with a family member or friend. Have them ask you a negative question. Respond by sharing a weakness that is common to many people. Describe how you have overcome this weakness. Add information from your power statement.

Notes