Job Qualification Questions and Interview Answers Part I 

When most people think of a job interview, they think about how their skills might fit a particular job.  Well, with job qualification questions, that is exactly what the interviewer is trying to do by asking these questions.  More or less, they are trying to determine whether you have the necessary skills for the position.  Depending on the competition for the position, it may even be they are willing to take less than what is showing on the job posting in terms of job skills needed.

Regardless, Job Qualification Questions usually take on a certain pattern.  It is important to know how to answer these patterns.  The are basically four pattern types which include:

1. When have you used _____ skill? 
2. What would your old boss say about your performance in  ___skill? 
3. You do not seem to have this skill.   Why should we hire you? 
4. You seem to be overqualified. Why should we hire you? 

When have you used  skill?

This is a standard type question which focuses on determining whether you have that specific skill.  If you have done your homework and already listed examples in your resume for each skill, this should be a very easy interview question.  Tips to keep in mind for this type of question are:

• Be Conversational: When answering the question, answer in a direct, friendly and conversational tone.   Try to get the interview to be more of a conversation than an interrogation.   This will make it easier for you to talk and reduce the impact of any errors you make.   
• Include Specific Numbers: When giving examples of your experience, be sure to include specific numbers when possible.   This will add credibility to your answer and subtly show that you do your homework. 
• Use Best Examples First:   Try to use your best examples early in the interview when these questions are asked.   You may have a number of examples of experience; however, you want to use your better ones first.   These are the ones you want to be asked follow-up questions on and by bringing them up early, you are far more likely to be asked about them. 
• Finish Examples with an Accomplishment: It is a good idea to finish each example you give with an accomplishment.   For instance, if they ask you about your management skills.   You can give an example of how you created a training guide which helped improve the overall performance of the team by 15% in year 2007. 
• Give Best Alternative: If you do not have an exact match for a specific skill, give your best examples that are a close fit.   For instance, if you are interviewing for a sales position and do not have sales experience.   Instead, address the question with examples in school where you gave presentations or times you did public speaking. 

What would your old boss say about your performance in _____ skill?

This is the type of question that is sure to send a chill down your spine.  Without a doubt, you will immediately think of what is the worst possible thing your past employer could say about you.  It doesn’t even matter if you had a good working relationship with your past boss.  This question makes all people risk-averse and nervous on how to answer.  Here, are some tips to help you out of this one:

·        Practice Reduces Fear: By preparing for this question beforehand, you will be able to immediately reduce some of the anxiety surrounding this question.

·        Remember Why They Are Asking: This question is being asked more to see how you will respond under pressure and what you might say.  They are really looking to see if you will bad-mouth your boss or accidentally blurt out a major flaw.  Remember if they really want to know what your boss thinks, they can call them.  The purpose of this question is really to see how you will react.

·        Give a Diplomatic Answer: Try to give an answer that gives a few of your strengths.  If you know you had a rocky working relationship with your former boss, it is a good idea to provide a neutral statement like “we did not always see eye to eye; however, I did learn a lot from him/her and will always be grateful for the opportunity he/she gave me.  Now, I am looking to take thank knowledge and apply it in a new area.” 

·        Avoid Bad-Mouthing The Old Boss: You may be tempted to confess your problems with your former boss during the interview.  Do not do it.  Remember this is not a confessional and the interviewer is not your psychiatrist or priest.  Do not bring up old news because it will only make you look petty and the interviewer may even fear what you might say about them when you are not around.

To find out about the second and third questions, check out Job Qualification Questions Part II.