Achilles' Heels: The abominable "generic" interview question

When preparing to go on an interview, most of us will launch full throttle into researching everything about the corporation--from memorizing mission statements to stalking its Facebook.com page--only to find ourselves stumped by the simplest of questions when our timid tushes are actually placed on the hot seat.

These dubious questions have the power to topple even the most confident of interviewees in one fell swoop; some of the most notorious of these (and the subsequent panicked responses that'll ruin the interview) include:

1. "Why do you want to work here?"

...Because it has always been my dream to work here/my friend said it was awesome/It's close to where I live...

2. "Why should we hire you over someone else?"

...I really feel like I could contribute more than another person...because...I am a hard worker. Yeah.

3. "What is your greatest weakness."

I have no weakness...I am invincible. By day I am just an unassuming intern, but by night I am Dr. Spin Doctor! Faster than a forwarded press release and equipped with super speech-giving and crisis-management capablities. Bwahahaha!

On second thought, that might not be such a bad response...

For me, the question was: "What is public relations?"

This dasterdly query arrived at the very end of the interview and it stopped me in my tracks. All I could think about was how horrible and bemusing it would be if I couldn't even define the field I have been aspiring to go into for the past three years--and then my mind went completely blank and my mouth ran off without it.

Instead of having a concise, comprehendable answer at the ready, I took the interviewer for a ride on the scenic route of every aspect of PR and what it meant to me. By the time my jaws stoppped jammering, I had no idea if I had even answered her question.

The result: Did not get the job.

Here is a link to a Wisebread.com article that discusses 23 of the most generic interview questions (including the dreaded "weaknesses" one) and how you should answer.
http://http//www.wisebread.com/how-to-answer-23-of-the-most-common-interview-questions

Sole Food: Pinching pennies post-grad style

"La baguette et la sauce blanche"
*Use the fancy name and I bet it will taste just a little bit better*

Ingredients:

1. (1) baguette = 99 cents
2. 2 tablespoons of butter = 25 cents
   
3. 2 tablespoons flour = 5 cents
   
4. 1 cup of milk = ~ $2 (for half gallon of milk)
   
5. 1/4 to 1/2 package of Websters "White Wine & Herb" spice mix = $1
6. Salt and pepper = free (if you grab a couple of packets from restaurants, dining halls)
   

Total Cost: $4.29

Directions:

1. Cut baguette into 1/2 slices ( I like them thinner), set aside
2. In medium saucepan, melt butter
3. Add flour, stir for about 2 minutes over low heat
   
4. Gradually add milk, continue stirring until sauce begins to thicken
   
5. Stir in herb mix, salt and pepper
   
6. While hot, pour sauce in bowl, serve with bread
   
7. Bon appetit!

Photo: Tasteofhome.com

So Good: Put your foot in it...

"Beaute Sparkling Heels" by Christian Louboutin
Retail: $2, 517

Dress to Impress: Don't be a hot mess

prices4antiques.com

All through high school and college, career counselors and professors have tried to instill in our disillusioned minds that we must "dress for the job we want, not the one we have."

With this in mind, when I first set out to find a public relations internship I knew that if I wanted to look the part, I would have to invest in a serious, grown-up skirt-suit.

After an hour of browsing the racks of K & G Fashion Superstore (best place in the world, my friend and I got $300 suits for $40!) the choice came down to the practical, boring black skirt suit or the flashy, hot pink Anne Klein.

I chose the hot pink mess.

The Result: Got neither internship I wore suit to the interview for.

Looking back, I think the pink suit (while absolutely fabulous) was way to loud, especially for first impressions. There is a time and a place for fashion statements. I think that as in any corporation, as you work your way up the ladder and earn higher salaries and better offices, you also earn the right to bend the dress code rules to your liking.

Moral of the Story: Dress like an intern, not like Anna Wintour.

Achilles' Heels: What not to do on an interview

Since I entered the workforce at the age of 16, I've been on more than my fair share of interviews, some good--some completely disastrous. If I had to take a guess, I would say I've done at least 20 interviews (including four recently for internship positions) and have held five jobs and currently one internship (praise jesus!). As you can tell by the dismal ratio, it's definitely been a learning experience. And so without further ado, I would like to share with the world the "what-not-to-do's" I have carefully compiled through arduous (and sometimes awkward) field research:

1. Be prepared with a thoughtful answer for even the silliest of interview questions!

The Question: (Male Interviewer) "If you were a candy bar, what candy bar would you be and why?"

My Answer: "Uhh *pause* I would be a Snickers bar *pause* because...I like to satisfy."

The Result: Did not get the job.

What I should have said: "I would be a Three Musketeers, because I am a team player."