[MJC///M3]

Hey Everyone.

Was curious as to some outside opinons on interview techniques and suitable responses. I work in the finance industry and have been through the pressure interviews/brain teasers/...etc....(Still at my first gig...almost 2 yrs out of school...(its ok but the pay sucks)). So as I get my resume together in hopes of attaining a new position, I wanted to get some opinions on three questions that I feel I usually get hung up on (not entirely sure what they are looking for).

*What would your ideal job be like?
*What is your biggest weakness and how have you made an effort to improve?
*Tell me a little bit about yourself.

These are pretty general behavioral questions that I would assume most people get across various industry interviews...so just wanted to get some insights as to proper/concise answers for them.

Thanks!!!!

MJC

[hhkim]

I think you need to sit down and think about these questions. These questions are so personal that its going to sound weird if you don't really believe what you say.

[ACZakka325i]

Response for first question (according to me) would be something like a job that's self fulfilling, rewarding because challenges are set to be just above personal limits so I would have to push myself.

I would want a comfortable work environment where people are driven to their goals but can also laugh once and a while.



Question 2 would have to be something thats not necessarily a weakness. Like being too anal that you loose sight of the big picture. Shows that your want to do it right but may need guidance overall.

Question 3 would involve healthy hobbies, how you spend your time, how you value friends and family above most things etc.

[immiketoo]

Nothing wrong with admitting a weakness, it shows you're aware and are working on it. Unless its pedophilia or womens underwear... I meant more like organization or some such...

[oldaccount]

Generic interview tips, there's no way there could possibly be any information about this already on the Internet.

[MJC///M3]

Originally Posted by ACZakka325i

Response for first question (according to me) would be something like a job that's self fulfilling, rewarding because challenges are set to be just above personal limits so I would have to push myself.

I would want a comfortable work environment where people are driven to their goals but can also laugh once and a while.



Question 2 would have to be something thats not necessarily a weakness. Like being too anal that you loose sight of the big picture. Shows that your want to do it right but may need guidance overall.

Question 3 would involve healthy hobbies, how you spend your time, how you value friends and family above most things etc.

Thanks, those are pretty much along the line of the responses I have been working on. Especially with the ideal job, I always try and stress that my ideal job would be a job where I can bring material value to the firm I am working for.

Appreciate your response..

Originally Posted by immiketoo

Nothing wrong with admitting a weakness, it shows you're aware and are working on it. Unless its pedophilia or womens underwear... I meant more like organization or some such...

lol....i got ya man.

I have an Interview tomorrow for a pretty good role at an IB...pretty excited...keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for me....haha.

[sokdo]

Admitting a weakness is a trick question. You have to admit a weakness that yes it is a weakness but it sort of strengthens your position for example you can say like : my biggest weakness is trying to be a perfectionist. At one end, it is a weakness because you make it so but on the other end, it is a good weakness to have in the eyes of interviewers.

[jaiman]

Originally Posted by sokdo

Admitting a weakness is a trick question. You have to admit a weakness that yes it is a weakness but it sort of strengthens your position for example you can say like : my biggest weakness is trying to be a perfectionist. At one end, it is a weakness because you make it so but on the other end, it is a good weakness to have in the eyes of interviewers.

And if you (not you specifically, anyone) tried to feed me that pablum, you wouldn't get the job.

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by jaiman

And if you (not you specifically, anyone) tried to feed me that pablum, you wouldn't get the job.

+1. People wouldn't have such a hard time with interviews if they were just honest. Everybody wants to guess what the interviewer wants to hear, and it's utterly stupid IMO.
Want to hear how ridiculous phony 'weaknesses' sound? Go back to the presidential debates where candidates were asked that same question. Only Obama was honest. I remember Edwards' answer: 'I care about people too much'. Give me a freaking break. If that was the case he wouldn't be cheating on his sick wife, right?

Bottom line, just be honest. You also want to make sure it's the right job for you. You shouldn't need any help answering those questions. Good luck.