Companies like employees who keep growing professionally, and who like their profession enough to put work into their career. Career minded employees work harder, stick with companies longer as long as there’s opportunity for upward movement, and contribute to a more positive work environment.

If you can’t honestly answer this question with something positive, then you aren’t managing your career correctly. Keeping up to date with a profession or with business in general leads to higher paying positions, with more responsibility and more flexibility. As you reflect on this question, and if you don’t already, get involved with some ways to learn more about your career.

Good answers include mentioning things that help a career. These range from taking classes, to being involved in professional organizations, to reading industry publications. It’s a good idea to know about the company and whether they offer opportunities for education compensation or bonuses.

Continued Education:
“I attend seminars and am working through classes at the local college – my goal is a business degree. One of the keys to my interest in this job is that your company pays for courses as long as I achieve a B. So far it’s all A’s.”

Reading Materials:
“I read whatever I can about management, including some books my last boss recommended. I just finished 100 Habits of Highly Successful Managers – do you recommend any good books?”

It’s also a good idea to mention ways keeping up with the profession has helped your career, focusing on how it helped former employers.

Implemented something learned:
“Funny you should ask that question. I just finished a project at my last company for which we outsourced some development. It saved us 30% over the cost of in house work. I got the idea to outsource after reading a case study in Business World.”

Warning about a trend:
“Good thing I read Forbes. Last October there was an article about an upcoming supply shortage for an element of one of our key products. We bought a lot and stored them – good thing, not only was there a shortage, they were unavailable completely. Our production would have come to a standstill.”

Keeping up to date won’t always have that direct an effect, but you can easily come up with ways education, tips, or even general networking paid dividends.

“I attend weekly meetings of the local software developer group, even though I’m in sales. It turned out one of the other members needed our development platform for their new project. I’d have never made that sale without that group.”

One potential employee gave the worst answer ever heard, “I go to interviews at other companies, a foot in the door for corporate espionage.”

Sometimes interviewers ask negative questions designed to pull out an explanation for some negative quality they suspect. In this case, something on the resume may have tipped them off to a problem. Or, their own research may have found some negative in your background. It may be a long gap between the last job and the current job search.

Don’t waste time or effort trying to figure out what they know, what they’ve heard, or how to address some negative. Maybe there is a negative, maybe you know it, but maybe you’re wrong. If you explain some weakness, it may tip off the interviewer to that weakness. “I was in jail because my boss pressed charges after our fight, but he threw the first punch.” In his mind the interviewer thanks goodness you revealed that important piece of information.

Be honest, but remember to stick to positives and to a positive spin on events.

Laid Off:
“My last company had to downsize, and it was last in first out. I managed my money well, and had specific goals, so I’ve taken my time to find the right position. That’s why I’m here, this job looks like a fit.”

It’s best to avoid health issues, but if it’s something you think they’ll find out, or for which some special accommodations are needed, then it makes a good answer.

Sickness:
“My health was getting poor, and I didn’t want to continue working without being able to give 100%. I focused on solving that issue, and now it’s under control and I’m ready to return to the working world.”

People change jobs, in the current job market sometimes a lot. Companies don’t like employees that move quickly from job to job. For one thing, any time spent on training is wasted if the employee soon leaves. If you have made frequent changes, you can still spin it positively.

Changing Jobs A Lot:
“Unfortunately the last few positions didn’t work, but we always parted on good terms. I know what I want in a job, what I bring, and found some good prospects quickly.”

Confidence:
“It takes a lot of work to find the right job, so I took my time with this search. Depending on the timing of your process, I won’t be looking for much longer.”

One woman gave a completely honest answer. She looked at her watch then replied “About 20 minutes.”

For this question it’s important to come across as serious and capable, but not too extreme or consumed with work. That might lead the interviewer to thinking you’re unbalanced in some way.

A popular style of answer to this question has been:

“I’m a workaholic, I’ll stick to a task for a long time, hour after hour, to get a good result. I believe in completing work at or above the desired standard.”

While it’s overall a good answer, the word “workaholic” carries a negative connotation – someone who works to the detriment of other aspects of a healthy life. The same answer can be given without the negative word.

“When something has to be completed, I complete it. But it’s not rush, it’s attention to detail and to quality – it’s not just a job done, but a job done well.”

Your answer should reflect your strengths, while overall emphasizing the qualities of a good employee.

Fast:
“I plan well, so I always make, and often beat deadlines without a loss of quality.”

Eager:
“I’m first in line for projects and new responsibilities. I don’t mind extra work if it means I can contribute to overall success.”

Honest:
“When I promise something you may as well write it in stone, because for me a promise made is a promise kept.”

Leader:
“I lead by example. People who work for me know I don’t tell them to do things I’m not willing to do myself. And I prove it by doing things, not just with stories about things I’ve done in the past.”

Successful:
“I’ve always been a top performer, from school to my first job to the present. It’s not that I’m smarter than other people, but I put in a lot of extra effort and clearly define goals so I can meet and exceed them.”

Dependable:
“I’ve never called in sick, always met deadlines, and according to past bosses my performance has met or exceeded expectations. My last boss told me I work like the sun rises and sets, every day, without fail.”

Planner:
“I like to plan things, and stick to a plan, but I know that sometimes the best plan needs changes on the fly. It’s actually part of good planning to be flexible.”

The best answers touch on many elements.

“I take what I do seriously, and I enjoy meeting the challenge every day by planning, working with the team, and finding creative solutions to problems that arise on the way.”

This answer was one of the most clever ever given. “Hire me and see for yourself.”

This is another question asked to gauge your values, your ability to deal with unusual situations (a strange question,) and your creativity. This question has been asked enough that now people prepare for it, so it’s not as powerful a question as it once was.

Still, interviewers ask it, so be ready for it.

It’s best to stick to people with positive images, like Dr. Stephen Hawking or Bill Gates, while avoiding clearly negative or evil people like Hitler or Charles Manson.

Avoid polarizing figures, such as political figures like a sitting President, unless you’re sure of the interviewer’s political leanings. Even popular figures like the Pope could create conflict. In general stick to the rules of polite conversation – avoid politics and religion. Even if you do, anyone might have a problem with anyone, and the follow up question could include some perceived negative such as:

“You’d want to be stranded with American Idol Simon and have him criticize everything you do?”

In those cases, if you’ve selected a seemingly neutral person, laugh it off. “Well, we’d have to set some ground rules first, no criticism, or singing.”

Name well known, rather than obscure people. The rule of thumb is if you have to explain who someone is, it isn’t as good an answer because it’s likely meaningless to the interviewer.

“James Watts, because without him nobody would be able to easily tie their shoes.” Most interviewers won’t know that Watts invented the Aglet, the now hard plastic end on a shoe lace.

The answer is OK if you throw in a brief biography. “James Watts, he invented the hard end on a shoe lace, the Aglet. He was really good at coming up with simple solutions to every day problems, which I think would be valuable on an island.”

You can mention people who aren’t famous, but who fall into positive stereotypes such as a brother, father, or other important relation or mentor.

Former Boss:
“I’d love to spend time on the island with my former boss. He was always calm in the worst situations, I think that would be important.

Or, take the perfectly pragmatic approach.

Survivalist:
“I don’t know if you’ve seen the show Survivorman, but this guy is an expert on surviving in the wilderness. He knows what to eat, what not to eat, how to make shelters, how to gather water, all the important survival skills.”

One answer, given by a recently passed up candidate, is a sure loser. “Not you, we’ve only been talking 5 minutes and already I can’t stand you.”

Believe it or not this question isn’t about measuring your loyalty to the company. Not many interviewers would be surprised to know that someone who won $10 million would stop working. But reassuring them that it wouldn’t be a quick departure – thus hurtful to the company – makes for a good answer.

“Frankly, I’d stop working for a while. But I wouldn’t leave you in the lurch. I’d let you know I’m taking a hiatus, and help find and train a replacement.”

The question is designed to delve into your character, to determine if you’re generous, wise, or if the only thing on your mind is a wild spending spree. The practical approach addresses this well.

“The chances of winning the lottery are very slim, less than the chances of getting hit by lightning. I’m creating a stable financial future for myself with hard work at a good career, along with wise financial planning including frugal spending and a lot of saving. That’s how I’ll build my own jackpot.”

Another approach is to mention strong financial planning.

“Believe it or not I’d keep working. I’d see a financial planner about making that money work for me in a number of ways. It would put an end to financial worries, having that to fall back on, but as a supplement to my income. I want to keep busy in my career.”

Other strong answers include:

Generosity:
“I have a lot of younger nephews and nieces, so I’d put some into trusts for their educations, give some to charity, and the rest would go into funds for my children’s’ educations. Of course I’d keep a bit for myself, save it for a rainy day.”

Investment:
“I think I’d invest in this company, I not only want to work here, I’d love to be involved financially too – your company really excites me.”

Travel:
“Aside from saving some and donating some, I’d use some for a trip around the world. I’ve always wanted to see all those other sights and cultures I haven’t been able to see.”

Honesty is the best policy, so if priority #1 would be a spending spree, at least spin it in a positive way.

“Of course I’d buy a new house, a new car, new clothes, not only for myself but provide some necessities to people in need.”

One applicant’s answer exposed him as a life long pessimist. “I’d check the ticket again, surely I mis-read the numbers, because I never win anything.”

Interviewers ask this question when they think there’s something about the job or company that won’t be a fit for you. They believe you’re overqualified for the job, or unwilling to do the type of work it requires. This question is very common in the current market in which many people are having to downsize their career – take a lower paying or less prestigious job or position in a “lower” career such as a former manager taking a job as a menial laborer.

Even if you insist you want the job, if you reveal your real desire is something different, you’re sunk.

The way to answer this question is to describe aspects of the current company and job. Use specific examples and reasons, and state them sincerely.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t have an ABC list of the qualities of an ideal company, but when I saw this job and researched this company, I can see that your commitment to quality and desire to help people improve themselves are in sync with my professional goals. I’ll be taking advantage on the education stipend, and I look forward to the challenge of meeting your high standards.”

Don’t be too gushing about the company, or you may be seen as trying to butter them up or lie your way in.

“I’ve wanted to work for you ever since I was in high school. Frankly, this is my dream job and dream company.” Unless it’s true, it likely won’t sound sincere. If it is true, express other reasons, such as matched qualifications or goals, for wanting to work there.

If you’re coming from a much larger company, or a higher paying job with more prestige, or a company that leads the field, or all of the above, you have to calm their fear that they’re a second banana, and that the move is too far beneath you to make you happy.

Even if you’ve said nothing to indicate it, or given other signs, you have to dispel their fear that you don’t take them seriously. Do it by knowing their qualities and strengths that set them apart from other firms, even bigger and more impressive firms.

Atmosphere:
“Yes, I was a sales leader for the #1 company in the industry, and I loved the money and the respect that went with it. But I have a family now, and I want to continue in the business but with a company that respects family, and treats employees like people. This is a smaller city, and a company where I’ll be Karen instead of Mrs. Brown – those things fit where I want to be in life, both for my career and my family.”

One candidate gave the answer in the most direct way possible. “Yours.”

This question is sometimes asked as “How is it you can attend an interview during business hours,” but the meaning is the same. Your resume shows the interviewer you’re still employed, so they want to know how you treat a current employer as a clue to how you’ll treat them if they become your employer.

One answer to avoid is:
“I called in sick.”

Companies don’t want unreliable workers. If you’d lie to one employer, you’ll lie to the next. Adding an explanation of how bad the current employer is only makes you sound like a whining employee.

“They change my hours without notice, and often ask me, more like tell me, to work on a weekend without any notice. So I don’t consider it a big deal to take a sick day to look for a better job.” That answer won’t get you the job, but it probably will shorten the interview. Thanks for making the selection process easier by eliminating yourself from contention.

A good answer to this involves using vacation time for the interview.

Vacation:
“I saved up a few vacation days so I could use them for interviews. That’s why I needed a little bit of notice, so I could give my employer notice of a vacation day.”

This answer shows concern for the employer, and pre-planning – those actions are indicative of qualities companies want in employees. But this answer is equally as positive.

“I certainly wouldn’t take any paid time off to interview with someone else, so I requested some unpaid leave. They’re very flexible about that sort of thing.” One danger with this answer is that it may make you appear too honest – too good to be true – and lead an interviewer to not believing you.

There are other good answers too.

Out of vacation:
“I used up all my paid days off, so I asked for an unpaid off day. ” It’s similar to the last answer, but without the aspect of not wanting to interview while being paid by another company. This answer shows you’re dealing with a reality in a way that’s still respectful to your employer.

It’s a reality that people want to move up in their careers. Some employers understand that.

Told them I’m interviewing:
“My current employer understands that I’m looking for a better position. They don’t have a job with more responsibility for me, so they’re more than willing to let me take time for interviews as long as I complete my work, and make up the time later. I’ve also agreed that if I take the job, I’ll help select and train my replacement.”

This is the craziest answer ever given to this question. “He’s across the street in the restaurant – he thinks I’ve stepped outside for a phone call.”

To answer this question, first take a look at how two job candidates answered it during their interviews.

Person 1 – Negative:
“My original boss and I got along well, she was very professional. But when the new boss arrived it was clear from day one that we wouldn’t get along. Our personalities were at odds, and he kept changing direction and goals. One day we were all out for one thing, then the next we were all out for the complete opposite. I’ve never had a problem with a boss before then, but this guy was a real dud.”

This is a negative way to describe the situation. Saying bad things about a former boss or employer reflects badly on you, as a complainer, rather than on the boss or employer – the interviewer doesn’t know them and doesn’t care about their shortcomings.

Take a look at how this person described a similar situation.

Person 2 – Positive:
“My firing came after a merger. Suddenly two very different office cultures with very different ways of doing things were forced together. My new boss and I didn’t see eye to eye on some things, so eventually he fired me. I know I had something to do with the communication problem, as did my new boss. I learned from that situation, and now looking back would have done things differently. But I can’t change the past, I can only use that experience in the future.”

Not only did this person take responsibility and sound more professional (less of a “whiner”,) but indicated that they now have the experience to avoid, in the future, the problem that led to the firing.

Take steps to prepare for this question.

• Write a script – No matter the reason for the firing, write it down along with how you’d answer this question based on that situation. Read it out loud, not only to yourself but to someone else who can offer advice during a mock interview. Specifically ask for feedback on your tone, body language (including eye contact,) and perceived level of comfort as you answer this question. This feedback will help you improve your answer and how you present it.
• References – Know what your former employer, the one that fired you, will say about you and the situation. Your answer should match theirs as far as the situation. If they say you never showed up for work and you say they fired you because you complained about a lack of hours, the interviewer won’t have a positive reaction to your answer.
• Lying – One lie leads to another and you never know who the interview might know at a former company. If you don’t lie, you don’t have to remember the false facts.
• Get Perspective – People are fired every day. It may not mean the person or the company is bad, it may just be because of a difference in styles or a bad fit.

This person was honest. “Of course, why do you think I’m looking for a job?”

Some people want to hide that they’re interviewing elsewhere, thinking it makes the employer think they’re very interested in the job. But on the flip side answering no can make it seem you’re conducting a poor job search. Also, if you have interviewed but say no, the interviewer might find out through connections. Lying in an interview is a black mark that, with rare exceptions, strikes you from the list instantly.

Some people want to flaunt that they’re interviewing at many companies, as it creates a perceived demand for their services. That’s fine if you are interviewing at other companies, but if not don’t make up a list of companies where you’ve interviewed. That too could come back to the interviewer with a little research.

Honesty is the best policy, as is a a combination of the two general ideas conveyed by each answer – your options are open, but you’re very interested in this opportunity. An answer as simple as “I am interviewing at a number of companies, but yours is my first choice” conveys both ideas well.

There’s no need to get into a list of other companies. If the interviewer follows with “where have you interviewed” or “where else will you interview” the best answer is “right now that’s confidential.” Mentioning names could be messy for the future in a number of ways. For example one interviewer knows the other, and they compare notes on you. This could be good or bad – maybe one had a negative impression and convinces the other to change their opinion to the negative.

Keep the answer short.

I want this one:
“Yes, but this is the job I want the most.”

Open options:
“I’m sitting for many interviews to keep my options open, but I hope I get this job.”

Final one:
“This is the last of a number of interviews, I’ve already been offered some jobs, but yours is the first I’d accept.”

This is the first of many:
“I have a number scheduled. Yours is the first, and if I’m offered the job, the last.”

Will move for the right offer:
“I found a few jobs that interest me, and I’ll interview at those if I don’t get this job. But I’m happy where I am right now, I’ll only move for the right offer.”

Whatever you do, don’t use this answer given by a very unsuccessful job seeker. “Yes, but I wish I hadn’t. These interviews are a waste of time, do I have the job or not?”

Many of the interview tips tell people to prepare for the interview – research the company, understand the job, and if possible learn about people at the company. There’s a practical reason, which is it allows you to shade your answers to the company’s needs. But it also shows the interviewer that you’re interested enough in the opportunity to have researched. If you can mention some information from other people, it also shows you’re “in” the profession with a strong network.

Heard about the job, wanted to know more:
“When I heard about this job I went right to the web site to learn about you’re company. One of my friends is a vendor here, and she tells me she loves doing business here.”

If you didn’t like what researched revealed, then you probably shouldn’t take the interview. But if it’s a tough time and any job is better than none, try one of these two options:

Spin it positively:
“I did a lot of research about the company, and see you’ve closed a lot of stores. It’s more important than ever to make sure the work force is efficient. I look forward to helping turn things around.”

Ask a question:
“I talked to a lot of my friends in business, and there seems to be a lot of staff turnover here. I think I’m the type of worker who will stick around for a long time, but can you tell me why so many people have departed?”

That’s a bad answer if good research would have revealed the follow up answer, such as “Low sales have forced the company to have a quick trigger when it comes to sales people who don’t meet quotas.” But if you’re confident in your information gathering skills, asking questions shows more interest in the company.

Another good answer is to highlight your career and skills:
“Qualifications and experience prepare someone for an interview. Of course I looked at your web site, and talked to some people about the company, but I think 10 successful years in this business has prepared me not only for this interview, but for the job as well.”

If there’s a unique way you’ve prepared, such as a unique connection only you have, work that into the answer. Don’t brag, but don’t hesitate to highlight unique skills.

Former Client:
“I worked with one of your suppliers for a long time, so I’m very familiar with your company. I always thought I’d love to work here, and now I have the chance.”

It’s best to avoid an answer like this. “I asked my wife to call after 30 minutes so I don’t waste too much time here, oh, there’s the phone.”