Interview Questions to Consider

Sometimes an interview can completely change dynamics with one simple phrase, "Do you have any questions?"

Most of us have felt it. That sudden tenseness and the moment of panic when you realize that all of your questions that you came to this interview ready to fire off were answered during the course of the interview, and you would look like a moron if you asked them now. Well, never fear, here's a list of some questions that just might help avoid this and make you out to be an interview rock star!

What qualities are you looking for in the person you are hoping to appoint?

This might seem like a simple question, but it honestly makes sense to ask it. You go to the interview to try and demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate, and this is a chance to shine! Maybe they list a quality or two that you did not have a good chance to show that you had during the course of the interview, you can address that here. Maybe they describe you word for word and this becomes your chance to show them once again that you fit the mold! This question has the added bonus of letting you know where you stand with this interviewer.

What scope is there for personal development at your company? or Is there room for growth?

These questions show that you are career minded and are not just looking for a position to fill, but a career. Companies want someone who is a long-term investment for them, not just a time suck. This question shows that you are forward thinking and ambitious, which is a plus for a like-minded company. They want to see that you want to grow in this position, not just use it as a launch pad for a different job.

Is there anything you have seen in the other people on the shortlist that you have not seen in me? or Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I could try to address?

These questions give you a chance to address any concerns that the interviewer might have about you. They also show that you are open to critical feedback and take criticism well.These questions are a bit of a gamble as you may not like the answer, but they can pay off big in the right circumstances. This question has the added fun of turning the tables on the interviewer.

What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face? or Can you describe a typical day or week in the position?

You're not stupid or blind, a new job means new challenges and you are already thinking about them. You see yourself in this position and you want to know what to expect. These questions show that you are not just trying to land the position, but succeed at them as well. You want to be ready to face whatever the job may bring.

What would a successful first year in the position look like? or Thinking back to the person who you've seen do this job best, what made their performance so outstanding?

Whoa there partner, you're looking to actually succeed at this role? You want to do a job that contributes to the company as a whole? I hope so, because that what questions like these two demonstrate, that you realize you are part of a whole and want to be a great employee. Asking something like this will definitely get the interviewer's attention.

How will the success of the person in this position be measured? or How is the success of your employees measured?

Though similar to the previous questions, this type of question shows that you are looking to be successful. These questions allow you to get insights into the company's policies and values. It lets you know how your contributions are measured and if you are a good fit for a company that looks at you that way.

How long did the previous person in the role hold the position? What has turnover in the role generally been like? or Is there significant turnover?

Questions like these are more for your benefit than the employer's. They can alert you to pitfalls within the job like unrealistic expectations or lack of growth in a company. If the answer is yes, ask why so that you can be aware of what to expect. Use caution when using this question, however, as you can easily tread into places you should stay of out as an interviewee.

How would you describe the culture here? What type of people tend to really thrive, and what type don't do as well? or Can you describe your company’s culture?

I cannot stress the importance of this question. A job is a significant time investment in your life. You want to know that you would do well here, but so does the interviewer. Are you a good fit for this kind of environment? Is it strict and closed off, but you're more free spirited? Does the company act like a start-up but you're more used to having the same routine every day? These are the things you need to know when considering a potential position, and it also gives you a chance to show you would fit in and how.

Of course it is always good to have a fallback plan.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. Most of these questions where pulled by a simple Google search for interview questions, and none of them were all that unique. My hope is that these questions help you in the interview, or at least give you a few ideas for questions to ask. Remember, the goal of an interview is to show that you are the one they are looking for. You questions and answers should all be tailor made to showing the managers you interview with that you are not a candidate, but the candidate.

Content Ahoy!

About a month ago I was in the process of applying for a content writer position that I really wanted. I sent in my resume, a strong cover letter tailored to the position and company, plus the four writing samples they had asked for. It was a position that didn't require experience and I thought that was my in. I was thrilled when they asked for an additional writing sample. In fact, I was on Cloud 9! They were taking me seriously! That's when things fell apart.

I sent in the writing sample. I was told I would be contacted. I kept sending weekly reminders. Silence was my only reply. I didn't know what to do. In fact, I nearly gave up on the job completely.

That's when it happened. This same company reposted the content writer job. The exact same job that fell through for me appeared again. I was unsure at first. Should I take that leap again into the arms of a company that had just recently left me hanging? The answer was yes.

The contact person had changed for this opening. I had thought that maybe the original contact person had become too busy to actively recruit for this job.When I carefully read the description again, I saw that the contact person was not the same person as before. So, throwing caution to the wind, I applied again!

This time they were only asking for two writing samples, so I sent what I believed to be my strongest sample, plus the one I created for them before. I decided to be a bit more aggressive this time. I sent a follow-up e-mail stating that I had already been through a portion of this process already, who my contact was, and what had happened. I seriously want this job, so I am serious about how I apply and pursue this job.

It seemed to pay off, I got a reply. This reply, however, was unexpected due to the content. I was again asked for a writing sample, with the exact same details as before. I could have taken the easy route and simply replied that I had already done this, and whatever, but I didn't. I wrote a new sample from scratch. I took the time, made sure the new sample is was as polished as possible.

This is when I took yet another calculated risk. When I submitted the new writing sample, I let my new contact know I had already submitted one for the other contact, but this one was brand new. I'm actually rather proud of this one, I think it is a lot better than the original.

Pictured: #Winning

Then I went for the kicker. I went there, in person, with three new writing samples I wrote just for them. I was confident. I was pumped! I was rejected. 

And repeat...

That's right. I went through all that time, effort, and energy to simply be shot down quicker than frat boys by a bar waitress. They kindly took my new samples* and sent me on my merry way. I walked away feeling a bit down.

So what's an unemployed, creative writer-type to do? I kept my head high and moved on. So this one company doesn't hire me. Someone will or freelancing with go on to be something more than it is now. Heck, my networking is already paying off and I should have new contacts with a major company within the week, so, sweetness!

Also, looking a pictures of
puppies helps. Here's one!

All in all, I say it was a good experience. Sure, I am still unemployed, but oh well, I don't have to stay that way forever and I learned from this. I gained confidence from this. I learned that tenacity pays off, even if it doesn't land you the job. I got a company to take me seriously. If anything, I took a major step forward. And so can you.

On a happier note, I've been pairing up with City Union Mission a bit recently. Most of what I do is some minor editing, but I also wrote a little something for them.

*I had physical copies which had, and I quote, "great formatting." 

Looking for Work, or an Exercise in Insanity?

Normally this is the part where I whine and complain about how I haven't maintained a blog, and blah, blah, blah. I've decided that this blog is going to cease to be that kind of blog. Why? I'm getting serious about the serious business of writing.

You see, a lot of us writers do this. We say that we want to freelance or whatever (commit to a book, poem, whatever currently tickles our fancy). We make bold claims and a whole lot of nothing is the result. So I asked myself, aren't you tired of that? The simple answer was yes, so I committed to looking for work in the writing industry. And that is when I discovered one small hiccup in my otherwise brilliant scheme, my portfolio is sad.

I am weep into your cocoa, cuddle up with a puppy, and watch some generic sappy movie sad. The sad that drives poets to poesy sad. It's not that I don't have writing samples, I do, and they even display my range as a writer and how I'm all multifaceted. But as a lot of writing jobs are in marketing and I have nothing that shows how I could blow people away in the field, I spend a lot of time sending in my stuff, only to get laughed at. (I assume this at least; to date, no one has actually called me to laugh at me, but it wouldn't surprise me.)

So, some of you ask, "What are you doing about all this? Quitting? I would, but then again, I'm not you so you wouldn't take my advice." You're right random person that I made up, I'm not. I'm still plugging away. I keep searching for jobs, even ones not in my field. I've started building a LinkedIn profile, and I am working on generating new, exciting writing samples, as well and brushing up my writing skills and taking the leap into freelance writing. I'm building myself up and taking risks.

I was, admittedly, trying the same tactics for far too long. Using the same samples, not taking risks, and even not writing, but what is the point? Writers and supposed to be creative and I confess to be one of their lot, so creativity is something I should have. (I do have that spark, by the way, at least according to others and a class I took in college.)

Finding work in the freelance world is not easy, but not impossible, at least according to Tom Ewer at Leaving Work Behind. I've actually found his article "Freelance Writing: How To Find Your First Job" interesting and informative. I will be following his tips. One thing that I have as an advantage is that my current living situation allows me to not need a steady income right now, so I do have some time to build up a portfolio this way. He also lists 7 mistakes that I will definitely be looking to avoid.

I would hate to live where Tom lives, though, he says $40,000 a year is not enough to pay the bills, and I would disagree, that would be a blessing beyond compare for me and there would be plenty of opportunities for me to live off of that.

Normally, this is the part where I promise to write more and maybe even announce what will come next. The truth is, I don't know what is next, nor do I care. Life is too fluid sometimes and we all have a lot to learn. So, no, I won't make promises like that. What I say is I will write when I have something to say, and possibly even before that.