Finally I had a manual for myself

Finally I had a manual for myself
"You should go work in a bookstore without customers." This heartfelt advice Jeanette was a few years ago from her friend. Jeanette is highly sensitive and she was there then too cumbersome. She is now a valued residential counselor for mentally handicapped and she has the good sense to her. "That did not matter," says Jeanette, "I have something to do."

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Jeanette has taken careful steps to get this far. She is going to find out how they could cope with its high sensitivity. An important first step was to learn and accept its high sensitivity. Jeanette: "When I read about it, I finally knew what was going on, and I had a manual for myself." She understood better why they often become so intense was tired and could feel themselves unstable.
Highly Sensitive People or HSP (highly sensitive person), by their life experiences more intense than average. Environmental influences are stronger within them. This has already filled their bucket, and have a greater chance of being burned out. Therefore take hsp are often satisfied with a simple job, hoping that she can easily maintain. But one can gevoeligerd's a tough job, but he provided well for himself.
Jeanette is in her role as a residential counselor changing services, a considerable burden on its forms. Besides her job she has caring for her daughter. To all this must be sustainable for a party they sometimes cancel or schedule a rest day after a heavy weekend shifts. She also taught her colleagues in a tactful way to tell what they sometimes need, so they can respond. It was not easy for her to accept these limits, because she wanted to be like everyone.Some quiet time provides muchSuccessful highly sensitive people are careful to stay balanced. One of them is Ada, who works full time as an account manager at an IT office. Ada benefits from pilates, tai chi and reiki. She takes them to rest as she is and makes the occasional walk. Ada: "If you feel good, you sell more, why does such a great time to rest." For her work she regularly to conferences to network and customers. Previously she found it very tiring. Since she has learned her aura (the energy field around her) to close to environmental influences, she can perfectly.Favorable working optWhen looking for a new feature, select successful hsp's favorable working conditions. For one, it is important occasionally to a quiet room to work, for others it is freedom in the layout of the work is important. Ada experience the advantage of being based targeting works. She must get a certain amount of assignments, and they can decide how it works. Thus, she one day that she feels less rest, and if necessary cancel an appointment or at home. On days when it feels good, she is way more to customers. This appears to work well, because its success rate is above average.Do something you have passion forSuccessful hsp-taking their interests seriously in the choices for training and jobs. This means that they enjoy their work. This makes them feel stronger and better maintain their energy levels. Jeanette: "I got a job as assistant cook in a form of housing for the mentally handicapped. When it became apparent that I contact with the residents was the most fun. Therefore I am training SPW (social pedagogical work) to do. Passion for doing something you really have to charge you, because you get energy. "He does not really know where his passion lies, may seek the help of a career or a good book in terms of career choices.You have talentsSuccessful hsp's to know what their talents are. Highly Sensitive people are often perceptive, compassionate, conscientious and creative. They provide an early risks and identify market opportunities. They often come very passionate and original solutions. HSP who recognize and appreciate their own talents, this is a great advantage in their career. Jeanette: "I feel the needs of the residents very well, nor can it respond properly. They have been quiet as I enter. "Also see Ada in her job as an account has advantages in its high sensitivity," I feel like the seller of other goods. This gives me very quickly a foundation of trust with customers. So I can easily sell. "An interesting jobAll in all there are prospects for hsp who desperately ask, "Will I ever go further than this boring job?" Many highly sensitive people have gradually found a guide for himself, and if successful steps in their careers can take. Jeanette was a few years ago as desperate: "I struggled with the acceptance of my high-sensitivity, I would prefer to be normal. But now I enjoy my work. "High Sensitivity in the workplace: two sides of the coin:High Sensitivity High Sensitivity and quality as an expenseToo many people feel good moods are influenced by othersMany signals Regularly pick up area in need of restCaring for others too much care for othersQuality of paramount importance have to do it perfectlyTake too much responsibility on your shouldersPleasant Trouble liaising with assertivenessIntuitive Your intuition can not feel much into actionDriven and hard work by overwork burnoutCreate new solutions you bored with repetitive workEarly trends and identify risks no response within the organizationLift the receiver to make a meaningful contribution to meaningless goals

The Ins and Outs of Moving for a Job

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You've found the perfect job but it's clear across the country. What do you do first?

Make Sure You Really Want to Move:

Many of us romanticize living somewhere else. The houses are cheaper, the taxes are lower, and the people are friendlier. Sure, all that might be true, but make sure you are moving for the right reasons. Is your family behind you and supportive? Moving for work takes a lot of flexibility on the part of other family members and dependents. In order to make the move easier on everyone, you have a lot to consider. Will your spouse be able to find work if they want? Will your children have as good opportunities for education and enrichment?

If you are single, it might be easier for you, but it's still an adjustment to make. You may be farther away from your support system and it might take time to feel a part of your new community if you don't know anyone in the area.

Do Your Research:

Investigate the city or town you want to move to. How does the cost of living compare to you current city? Will your money go as far? What is crime like? Are there a lot of things to do for those times when you won't be working? Most cities and towns have web pages where you can find a lot of this information. Do you know anyone in the town you will be relocating to? Ask questions! Only when you are informed can you make sure you are making a decision that's right for you.

Set a Realistic Time Frame:

Do you have to sell your home before you move? Are you waiting for the kids' summer vacation? Before you apply for a job or accept an offer, make sure you're setting a realistic time frame. Be fair to your prospective employer. If you need time to make a decision, make sure you take the time you need. Communicate with your prospective employer so he or she knows the constraints you are working under. As well, be considerate of his or her constraints. Don't apply for a job that needs to be filled ASAP if you can't move until the summer. 

Ask For Help:

Your future employer might be able to help you get settled. As well as potentially providing financial relocation assistance (you may be able to negotiate this as part of your offer) your new employer can likely help you in choosing a real estate agent or even suggest a great neighborhood. Don't be afraid to ask.

With a little preparation and foresight, you can enjoy your new opportunity. Moving brings along a lot of challenges but it can be a rewarding way to make a change to both your career and personal life.

The Election's Lessons for Your Next Job Interview

5 Do's and Don'ts from the 2008 Presidential Race
by Heather Boerner, Yahoo! HotJobs


The U.S. presidential race is the nation's largest job interview, and we're all the hiring managers. So in this historic election year, what can job seekers learn from Senators Barack Obama and John McCain? A lot -- both about what works in an interview and what might cost you the job.

Consider these tips from the campaign trail:

Do know your talking points.
One thing McCain and Obama have done well this campaign is know who they are and how to share it with the public through talking points.

"The lesson for job interviewees is to stay on message," says Thom Singer, author of "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships." "Know in advance what you want to tell the person interviewing you."

What are your strengths? What's your passion? Know your answers and pepper them throughout the interview.

Do practice speaking skills.
Poorly spoken people rarely become president.

Even if your job doesn't require much talking, the interview will. Take a tip from Sen. Obama, who transformed his bureaucratic speaking style years ago into today's soaring oratory.

"By the time you get to the interview, the interviewer has already determined that you're qualified for the job, or you wouldn't be there," says career coach Cheryl Palmer. "The more you can make a personal connection, the more you demonstrate that you will be able to walk into the job and contribute, the more chance you have of getting the job."

Do keep it concise.
There's a reason debates limit candidates' response times to two minutes.

"Usually two minutes is sufficient to answer a question," says Palmer. "More than that and you're probably going to give the interviewer more information than she wants. Significantly less and you are probably not providing enough information."

Don't assume one answer fits all.
Sen. McCain doesn't give the same speech to veterans and businessmen. Your interviews aren't interchangeable, either. Research the company's website for its mission statement, press releases and strategic plan, and tailor your talking points.

"A common interview question is, 'What do you know about our company?'" says Palmer. "Candidate A might say, 'I was hoping you could tell me more.' If Candidate B says, 'I know this company is working on XYZ initiative. I was wondering how this position fits in with that initiative,' right off the bat, the interviewer is going to see that Candidate A needs a job, any job, but candidate B wants this job at this company."

Don't manipulate.
Want the job badly? Keep it honest.

"If you fake it, someone always gets caught," warns Singer. Instead, ask yourself these questions from Jamie and Maren Showkeir, coauthors of "Authentic Conversations: Moving from Manipulation to Truth and Commitment":

* Are you complimenting that family photo because you mean it or because you want to get in good with the manager? The manager is likely to tell that you're trying to suck up and tune out.

* Are you desperate? "The more you want the job, the more likely you are to engage in over promising, spinning or overstating your accomplishments," says Jamie Showkeir.

If necessary, mention at the outset that you think the job is a good fit and you're a little nervous. That way, you acknowledge the elephant in the room and you're free to be honest and make a connection with the interviewer.

The good news? The more honest you are, says Jamie Showkeir, the more likely you are to get the right job for you.

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Five Ways to Rescue a Dying Interview

by Todd Anten
hotjobs.yahoo.com


There are many ways for an interview to go wrong.

You show up late. There's a stain on your shirt. You accidentally insult the interviewer's mother.

All avoidable mistakes.

Sometimes, however, there simply isn't a clear explanation for why an interview isn't going well. Sometimes, no matter what you do or say, an interview just fizzles.

Don't panic -- you can save this interview.

The first step: Smile. Body language plays an important part in an interview. If you relax your shoulders and give a big ol' grin, you'll feel more comfortable ... and so will the interviewer. Smiling also helps increase your energy and project confidence -- all plusses in an interview.

While smiling is a good start to turning an interview around, there are other steps you can take.

Ask the Interviewer Questions

This is known as the "switcheroo."

If you feel that you just aren't giving the right answers to an interviewer's questions, try changing tactics -- and ask the interviewer a few questions of your own.

If you momentarily switch the focus from yourself to the interviewer, it will give you a chance to regroup and compose yourself. Also, it will make the interviewer do some talking, perhaps giving you a clue to what he or she is looking for.

Be sure to prepare your questions in advance and make sure they are appropriate. Some examples:

* What's your favorite thing about working at this company?
* How would you describe the working environment here?
* What's a typical day like in the department?

Get Feedback

If an interviewer seems bored or cold while you're answering a question, all is not lost.

Stop and ask if your answer is going in the direction they're looking for. That way, you can avoid talking about the wrong things and begin talking about the right things.

Maybe you misunderstood the question. Or maybe the question wasn't phrased clearly. That doesn't mean you have to struggle -- just ask the interviewer for some clarification.

If you still feel like the interview is going poorly, ask if the interviewer has any concerns or questions regarding you as a candidate. That way, you can respond to any worries directly.

The key point to remember: If an interviewer is getting bored or appears distracted, cut your answer short and get some feedback.

Flattery Will Get You Everywhere

Everyone likes to feel good about themselves. Even interviewers.

So to put an interviewer in a better mood, offer a compliment.

Say a nice word or two about the company, the office's location, the view from the window -- something that will make the interviewer feel good. Paying a compliment also indicates you are a positive person, an attitude many hiring managers seek in candidates.

Giving a compliment about the company is especially useful, since it will offer you a chance to show that you did research on the company before the interview, proving you're well prepared.

A note of caution: Your compliments should not be too numerous, too obvious or too personal. If you suddenly begin gushing about how GREAT the interviewer's haircut is, the interviewer will see right through your charade. Better to keep your compliment simple and safe, such as saying how friendly everyone seems to be.

You May Not Be the Problem

If you feel like you've done everything possible to succeed in your interview but you're still getting the cold shoulder, then follow this advice: Just do your best and move on.

Perhaps the interviewer fought with his or her spouse that morning, or perhaps the interviewer is sick. Or perhaps, for no reason, the interviewer is just in a foul mood.

There are innumerable reasons why an interviewer may have been in a bad mood ... many of which have nothing to do with you. Interviewers are people too and everyone has bad days.

So remember to trust yourself and not let it get you down. Just do the best you can and try not to worry about things you can't control.

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Interview In Style

by Karen Robinovitz
hotjobs.yahoo.com


You have one time to make a first impression. So what you wear to your job interview is vital.

"It's critical that you dress appropriately, as it lets companies know that you respect their culture, have done your homework, and care about the overall impression you make," says Deborah Lloyd, Executive Vice President of Design and Product Development for Banana Republic.

But what should you wear? It should come as no surprise that a recent Yahoo! HotJobs poll shows that 82% of workplaces are casual, making it tricky to figure out what to choose - a suit or jeans, pants and a button-down?

Because the rules about how to dress in the workplace have changed, people spend a lot of time thinking about dressing for an interview. In fact another Yahoo! HotJobs poll indicates that consumers spend more time choosing an outfit than they do researching their potential employer. And 30% admit to shopping before the big day.

So before you make a dent in your bank account, here are some things to keep in mind.

RULES OF THUMB

While different industries call for different work attire, there is one basic tenet that all experts swear by: better to overdress than underdress. Dress according to the culture and style of the company that you're interviewing with.

Warren Davis, Director of Recruiting and Employment for the RadioShack Corporation, believes "attention to detail [with what you wear] at the very least suggests that you want to leave a favorable impression."

The key is to appear pulled together, regardless of where you interview, be it a bank or a sporting goods store. "While it's a safe bet to wear a suit more often than not, there are ways to wear one and dress it down or up, depending on where you're interviewing," says Rosemary Feitelberg, the Market Editor of Women's Wear Daily.

"In a place where the environment is casual, you may stand out in a bad way in a formal pinstripe suit, so try a jacket and pants that are not the same material, maybe cotton so it's not so dressed up," she offers. "But for a corporate environment, you need to pull out all the stops. A casual suit would not fit in." If you're unsure of what to wear, ask Human Resources. They will happily help.

Here are some strategies to dress for interview success for three different work environments.

CASUAL CULTURE

While not all office environments have a buttoned-up dress code, it's still important to look professional. It's easy to get away with modern yet timeless options when interviewing at a casual-culture company (think education, retail, hospitality, and certain dot-coms).

Overdressing as if you're going to a formal affair would make you stand out in a negative way. There's a fine line between overdressing and appropriate dressing, but it's one that is easily walked. The point is to demonstrate that you can fit in.

For example, a casual jacket or blazer with trousers is a smart option for men and women. Women could also choose a knee-length (or longer) skirt with a blouse. Put a personal style stamp on the outfit with accessories, but never over-accessorize, as it will be distracting. Men can turn a suit into something more relaxed, Dan Peres, Editor in Chief of Details magazine suggests. "Your tie doesn't have to be knotted to the top."

Maria Reiling, eBay's Director of Fashion suggests, "Black leather oxfords for men, black pumps for women, and remove flashy necklaces or anklets."

Unless you're interviewing for a position at a trendy restaurant or club in a fashion-forward city like New York, avoid ripped denim jeans at all costs. It is never appropriate, even if you pair it with a sophisticated top.

Truth be told, "even casual companies like to see people convey a sense of respect for the opportunity to interview. If you really can't see yourself in a suit or are sure it would be too much for your interview, I still recommend a pair of well-pressed and well-fit slacks and a button-down shirt," Reiling advises.

CREATIVE JUICES
Creative industries - like entertainment, publishing, public relations, special events planning, and music - are known for encouraging employees to express themselves through style and fashion. But interviewing for a job in one of these industries is another story.

If a suit is required, men should wear a more sleek version with flat-front pants. Women can go the suit route or take cues from Jackie O. with a perfect shift dress, tights, and round-toe pumps. The trick is to take a traditional look but add your own style to it.

Jane Buckingham, President of The Intelligence Group and author of "Modern Girls Guide to Life," suggests you add a fresh twist in the way you accessorize.

"Highlight your personal style with cool jewelry, really fabulous shoes, or a knock-out handbag. It will make you look stylish - and help you stand out," says Buckingham.

Peres' ideas for making an outfit yours include "getting a tie that reflects your personality, but not one that is so wild that it's distracting. And try wearing a dark shade of green or a light gray if you really want to be different but still professional."

Men can get inventive, too. Try dressing up jeans with a jacket or a cashmere V-neck sweater and a shirt. Peres' also suggests a dark suit and shirt, worn without a tie. But he warns, "A navy suit and white shirt without a tie just looks unfinished."

GOING CORPORATE

If you are a stockbroker, banker, advertising executive, or high-ranking businessperson, then you have to dress for it.

"If you dress the part, you instill confidence, and establish yourself as a strong candidate for the job," says Lloyd.

Women can jazz things up with a jacket and skinny-leg pants or a subtle ruffle-trimmed skirt. "Just ask yourself, would Condoleezza Rice wear this? If so, it's a good bet. She is the epitome of professional chic," Buckingham notes.

Just don't get seduced by price tags - stylish professionalism does not have to mean breaking the bank. "It doesn't need to be an expensive brand name," Peres says. "But it should fit well, [be] pressed, be hemmed right, and made of material that isn't too flimsy."

Peres' suggests that men invest in one quality suit that will last a lifetime. Suits evoke the sense of class, polish, and refinement that is necessary for a corporate job, but there's nothing wrong with "making it yours and going with a modern style," says Buckingham.

At the end of it all, the time and effort you take when deciding what to wear will be worth it when you hear, "You're hired!"


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The 10 Biggest Interview Killers

by Joe Turner
hotjobs.yahoo.com


When you're on a romantic dinner date, you try to avoid "mood killers" -- talking with a mouth full of food, cursing an ex-lover, or complaining about a foot ailment. During a job interview, you have to avoid similar spoilers if you want to make a good impression.

Here are 10 of the most common "advantage killers" and how you can steer clear of them during your next job interview.

1. Not knowing your aim. Too often candidates think their purpose in an interview is simply to ask for a job. Your goals are to demonstrate how you are a good fit for the organization, and to assess whether the job is really right for you.

2. Being too needy. Neediness is probably the No. 1 advantage-killer in an interview. Remind yourself before walking in the door: you do not need this job. You do need food, you do need air, and you do need water. Keep things in perspective.

3. Lousy nonverbal communication. This is about demonstrating confidence. Your first impression makes the difference. When you enter the interview room, stand up straight, make eye contact, and offer a strong handshake with your interviewer. If necessary, jot their name on your notepad as soon as you seat yourself. Do the same for any other individual you are meeting with.

4. Compromising your position. You should always participate in the interview as an equal, not a subordinate, of the person conducting the interview. Often this is a subtle matter of self-perception, so remind yourself before the interview.

5. Falling into the answers-only rut. An interview is a conversation. Don't just answer their questions. That's why you've prepared stories to highlight your accomplishments, which will be your moments to shine. When you do answer any questions, make sure that you answer immediately and follow up with a question of your own, if at all possible.

6. Rambling. Telling your interviewer more than they need to know could be fatal. Your stories should be 60 to 90 seconds long and they should have a relevant point. Focus, focus, focus. Stick with your rehearsed stories, your research, and the questions you need to ask. Don't fill up the silence with unnecessary talk.

7. Being overly familiar. A good interviewer will be skilled enough to put you at ease within the first 10 minutes of the interview. That doesn't mean that they have become your best friend. Don't let your guard down. You're there to interview them and get answers to your questions. Treat this from start to finish as the professional business meeting that it is.

8. Making incorrect assumptions. Points are not deducted at the interview for asking questions when you don't understand something. Don't guess at what your interviewer means. Effective interviewing is all about collecting information in real time, taking good notes, and responding only to the actual facts you've collected. If you find yourself making assumptions or guessing about something that was said, stop and ask for clarification before you answer.

9. Getting emotional. At times the interviewer may hit a nerve or consciously try to provoke you into an "outburst." Don't fall for it. Clear your mind of any fears or expectations, so you can maintain a calm, open-minded perspective at all times. When emotions enter into an interview, failure follows.

10. Not asking specific questions. You want to find out more about what this job is really about and whether you want it. Arrive with a list of several prepared questions about the company, the position, and the people who work there. Ask questions that begin with "what," "how," and "why." Avoid simple yes/no questions. Get your interviewer talking as much as possible, then take notes. Most interviewers are unimpressed by someone who has no questions.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Discover more of his job-search insights by visiting www.jobchangesecrets.com.


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What Not to Say in an Interview

by Erin Hovanec
hotjobs.yahoo.com


An interview can be incredibly stressful: You often have only a few minutes to show an interviewer how capable, confident and intelligent you are.

And remember: The interviewer isn't just evaluating WHAT you say, but also HOW you say it. She's asking herself: Are you well-spoken? Do you sound polished and professional? Are your answers clear and concise?

If you've spent all of your time working on the content of your answers, you now need to focus on the delivery.

Read on for some interview "talking tips."

Skip the 'Filler'

When an interviewer asks a question, you may feel like you should fill the silence right away. Or, after you start speaking, perhaps you realize you're not sure what you want to say and need to stall.

That's when most people use "like," "ya know" and "ummm."

These words are common in many people's vocabularies. They're simply verbal filler that we've become accustomed to using. But they're not very professional.

Taking time to think about a question, rather than rushing to answer, can help eliminate the need to use filler.

Like any habit, this one will take time to break. So start practicing before you have an actual interview.

Don't Jargon Your Way Out of a Job

You say: "Our value proposition is to create synergy while leveraging our respective ROIs."

The interviewer thinks: "Huh?"

You don't need to use jargon to sound knowledgeable in an interview. First, don't assume the interviewer is familiar with the jargon.

Also, as many interviewers will tell you, people often use a lot of fancy jargon when they want to disguise the fact that they aren't completely confident in what they're saying.

So speak simply and coherently and your intelligence should speak for itself.

Why Slang Is 'Way Bad'

Here's the 411 on slang in interviews.

Never use slang in an interview. You should speak to an interviewer just as you would to a business colleague or even a boss. That means you must sound polished and professional.

Also, the interviewer (who may not be as cool as you are) may have no idea what you're saying when you use slang.

Last, never, EVER, use profanity in an interview. There's simply no place for it.

Don't Answer Before You've Been Asked

You want to make a good impression on an interviewer. You want to seem knowledgeable, confident and engaged. So when the interviewer starts to ask you a question, you jump on it, right?

Wrong.

First, it's rude to interrupt.

Second, you may incorrectly assume that you know what the interviewer was going to ask and answer the wrong question.

Third, you won't have time to think about your answer before you start speaking, which can lead to lots of mid-sentence "ummms" to stall for time.

When an interviewer asks a question, it's tempting to answer quickly, especially if you're nervous. Don't. Instead, wait for her to finish speaking, then take a deep breath and collect your thoughts. Then answer the question.

You'll appear calm, confident and polite. And, after taking a moment to think, you'll probably give a much better answer too.

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How to Answer the Toughest Interview Questions

by Caroline Levchuck
hotjobs.yahoo.com


You know they're coming: Those seemingly unanswerable questions that pop up during job interviews.

You can't clam up. And you don't want to stutter and stammer. So what's a job seeker to do?

The 'Future' Question

Otherwise known as the "big picture" question, the future question goes something like this: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

The best tactic: Talk about your values.

Don't get too detailed about your specific career plan. Instead, discuss things that are important to you professionally and how you plan to achieve them. If growth is a goal, mention that. You can also talk about challenge, another value that employers prize in their employees.

The 'Salary' Question

Most people will tell you that whoever answers this question first loses. But that's not necessarily true.

When an interviewer asks your salary requirement, try first to gently deflect the question by inquiring about the salary for the position.

If the interviewer presses you for a number, give a range. To decide on a range, think about the salary you want, your salary at your most recent position and the industry-standard salary for the job.

The bottom line: The salary question is one of the most important, so you should prepare for it in advance and plan what to say.

The 'Why' Question

There's a fine line between boastful and confident. And you need to learn it.

When an interviewer asks you why they should hire you, you're going to have speak confidently and honestly about your abilities. But you should avoid sounding overly boastful.

Aim for earnest and prepare by practicing. That's right: Stand in front of the mirror and acknowledge your abilities and accomplishments to your reflection. Tell yourself: I have a very strong work ethic. I have integrity. I have excellent industry contacts. I aggressively pursue my goals.

It's sometimes hard to praise yourself, but after a few sessions you'll sound sincere.

The Seemingly Silly Question

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? What if you were a car? Or an animal?

These type of questions can bring your interview to a screeching halt.

First, don't panic. Pause and take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that there's no "right" answer to these questions. The job isn't hinging on whether you choose to be a spruce versus an oak.

Interviewers usually ask these questions to see how you react under pressure and how well you handle the unexpected. It's not so important what type of tree (or car, or animal) you choose as that you explain your choice in a way that makes you look favorable.

So, be a spruce -- because you want to reach new heights in your career. Or be an oak -- because you plan to put down roots at the company. Either way, you'll get it right.

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Answering Wild-Card Interview Questions

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer.com


How would you respond if you were asked one of the following interview questions:

"If aliens landed here right now, what would you do?"
"What did you want to be when you were 8 years old?"
"What would your refrigerator say if it could talk?"

These types of odd questions are called "wild cards" because they seem to come out of nowhere. With the current economic climate allowing employers to be more picky, these types of questions are becoming more common. A stellar resume, impressive credentials, and strong interviewing skills are no longer enough.

While a rare interviewer may ask these questions simply to watch you squirm, many wild-card questions serve a purpose. Generally speaking, interviewers ask these questions to see how well you perform under pressure and think on your feet. They also might ask wild cards to break out of the routine of a typical interview in order to get a glimpse of your genuine personality.

Here are some real questions as reported by job seekers, with some insight into what interviewers may be looking for -- and how to deliver:

"If there was a fire in your house, what two things would you save?"

What's the point? The interviewer is trying to determine how well your ideals and principles match the company's values.

Approach: Find an honest answer that aligns you with the values of the company with which you are interviewing.

Possible response: If you're applying for a job as a technical project manager, for example, you might say: "My computer and my family photo album." This shows your obvious technical side but also demonstrates that you prioritize relationships. This could help distinguish you from your fellow techie competitors.

"If you were a cereal, what would you be?"

What's the point? The interviewer is trying to gain some insight into your work personality to see what kind of worker you will be. If you are unsure of what your work personality is, you can take a career interest test to find out.

Approach: Try to tie your answer back to the job requirements.

Possible response: If you were interviewing for a nursing assistant, position, you could say: "Cheerios. Because I'm reliable, consistent, and good for you!" -- all positive qualities for someone in the health-care industry.

"If you were writing an autobiography, what would its title be?"

What's the point? This question gives the interviewer a peek into your self-perception as well as a read on how creative you are.

Approach: Emphasize your main selling points. If you can't come up with something original on the fly, perhaps there is a song or movie title that captures your essence. You don't need to invent something on the spot as long as you can provide a good explanation for the title you choose.

Possible response: If you were applying for a job as a social worker, you could say "I Will Survive," explaining that the hardships you personally experienced made you a stronger person, qualified to help others to work through their own issues.

It's impossible to rehearse the best responses to wild-card interview questions, since, by definition, they are unpredictable. But you can prep. Even if you don't get asked the specific questions you've practiced for, you'll still have a better handle on wild cards in general. If you answer honestly and justify your response, you'll likely impress your interviewers and be one step closer to landing your dream job.


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