I have an interview next week and I know I'm going to be asked:

Why do you want this position?

Why were you unemployed for so many months?

Also they want 4 work references, I only have 3.

I never know how to answer these questions in a professional way. Any suggestions?

1. You want the experience and the challenge. You know you would love the job.

2. You needed a break. Something happened in your family, etc. and had to be there for them. Medical...

Good luck Sheryl!:happyface

People always told me to answer honestly, because they look for that. I dunno. Never had a job...just trying to be supportive

Always act very relaxed and say yes maam or yes sir and look them in the eye when you answer them. Thats what I did and I got a job. Im not sure about the answers to those questions though. Good luck! :)

All ya gota do is be honest and remember your manners. :)

Originally posted by animalcrackers
I have an interview next week and I know I'm going to be asked:

Why do you want this position?

Why were you unemployed for so many months?

Also they want 4 work references, I only have 3.

I never know how to answer these questions in a professional way. Any suggestions?

I hate those questions. Best advice- BS thru it as best you can without lying. Let them hear what they want.

And I have the same prob with refs!! The last ap I filled out wanted 3 professional...great, I have 1. I've had 2 jobs...one was a 3 month summer job 5 years ago and I have no idea who my supervisor was...and then my 2nd boss. Ugh...I have asn interview Wednesday, so maybe I can talk my way into something.

Originally posted by animalcrackers
I have an interview next week and I know I'm going to be asked:

Why do you want this position?

Why were you unemployed for so many months?

Also they want 4 work references, I only have 3.

I never know how to answer these questions in a professional way. Any suggestions?

Like someone else said, BS the truth. Dont' lie, they'll find a way to trace it and then your screwed our of a job. Use what they want ot hear for the first question... "want the challenge, experience, like the company's reputation..." etc... the second question, just answer honestly and don't get all "well, um.. yea, ok.. like, heres the story..." if you act like you don't think it's a big deal they'll be more likely to take it easier, ya know? 4 refs and only 3.. . um.. just leave it blank and if they ask, answer honestly. :)


GOod luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the suggestions!

As someone who's gone to nearly one hundred job interviews and had about ten jobs, let me tell you that being honest is not all you need to do. You need to give answers that they want to hear or they will give the job to someone who does. Yes, you should be honest, but under no circumstances say anything negative about yourself, even if they ask a question that leads in that direction. Tell them that you find the job interesting, even if you find it boring. It's always a good idea to find out something about the company you are interviewing at before hand. If it comes up, they will be impressed that you are well prepared. And if they ask you for your worst quality, which is a standard interview question, for Pete's sake, don't tell it to them. For that question, give them a virtue in the guise of a vice, e.g. "Well, sometimes I become impatient when results don't come quickly enough." The interviewer may know that you're BSing him, but at least you'll get credit for having read the manual. It's good that you're asking this, because it shows that you want to be prepared.

Originally posted by BrandonS
Tell them that you find the job interesting, even if you find it boring.

LOL- I did that with one. I told the lady I liked doing repetitive, mindless paperwork.

Originally posted by dawsongirl
LOL- I did that with one. I told the lady I liked doing repetitive, mindless paperwork.
Good, Cathy, good! Now with a few minor changes in the phraseology, you'll be set for success in your future interviews.

Originally posted by BrandonS
Good, Cathy, good! Now with a few minor changes in the phraseology, you'll be set for success in your future interviews.

:lol: I can't remember how I phrased it, but I more or less implied that.

I'm still debating whether to go to the interview. It's a graveyard shift postion. I've done that shift in the past and I'm not thrilled with those hours. But thanks everyone for the advice.