Job Qualifications Questions and Interview Answers Part II 

This is the second part of Job Qualification Questions Part I.

You do not seem to have this skill.   Why should we hire you?

This is another favorite for interviewers to ask especially of people new to a field or just out of school.   The catch with this question is you have to admit you have a weakness in your job candidacy which you would otherwise rather not like to admit, but you still want to show you are a viable candidate.   Here, are some tips on how you can give a top notch answer:

• Agree with them from the start:   By agreeing with their statement, you help diffuse some of the statement’s power and, it allows you to address the question from your area of strength which will be comparable school or work experience. 
• Admitting weakness can be a strength: Since any decent interviewer would be able to quickly surmise that you do not have a certain skill, do not be afraid to disclose this as one of your weaknesses.   Do not let your ego get in the way.      Remember you are who you are and you want to answer their questions in a way that shows this. 
• Give comparable experiences:   Even if you do not have a certain skill, it does not mean you do not have experiences where you have utilized similar skills.   Be sure to let the interviewer know of these instances and state how they are comparable.   
• Show Them You are a Quick Study: One concern of employers is their fear that they will have to do a lot of on-the-job training for new employees.   One thing you can do is show them from past examples that you are a quick study or learn very quickly when you are interested in the subject matter.   Basically, you want to convey to him that even though you may currently lack a certain skill, you will be able to pick up the skill very quickly and so he will not have to do much training in this area. 
• Get experience in this area: Often times, you will know what skills are needed for certain positions as these skills tend to stay relatively the same.   If you know that you do not have certain skills presently, make an effort to join organizations, seminars, training classes, etc. to get those skills going into the interview.   It does not even matter if these activities are still on-going during the interviews, you merely want to state that you are addressing that skill deficiency by doing these things.   For instance, if your job requires Excel computer skills.   You could take a Excel Training Class and go to a few Excel Tips Seminars.   These classes won’t make you an expert or be a substitute to actual work experience; however, they will give you some ammunition to bolster your “I may not have that skill now, but in a short while I will be a pro. 
• State You Want The Job: This should be a given in all interviewers whether you actually want the position or not.   However, in this case, you want to show the interviewer that you are hungry and eager to work.   Something about this mindset has a strong impact on the interviewer which allows you to stand out in the interview.   It could very well be that the hiring decision turns on the interviewer’s opinion of who wants the job more.   Make it clear that you are that person. 

You seem to be overqualified.   Why should we hire you?

This is a killer question for those people who are transitioning from another career or those who are trying to get out of a bad situation.   The employer believes you have the skills to do the job, but worries you won’t be around long enough to help the company.   Here is how to best attack this situation so you put your best foot forward:

• State You Want The Job:   Much like for clients that are under qualified, you also want to make clear this job is not beneath you in anyway.   State this straight away. 
• Okay With Less Pay: Often times, when you transition or downshift, you will be working for less money.   Some interviewers will want to know why it is that you would ever want to do this.   This is where you state how this job lines up with your future plan.   Make it clear that you would rather make less money now in the short run than to continue to work at a position you do not like.   Essentially, you will be describing the quality of life argument: less work hours to spend more time with the family, the opportunity to do something new, less stressful work environment, etc.   The main point here is to stress the decision is based not on money but on other factors that you value more. 
• Describe Why This Is A Good   Opportunity  : Let the interviewer know why you believe this position will allow your career to grow.   State like many others, you do not see this as out of the ordinary.   Even point out the current trend that as company structures become more and more horizontal, it is not uncommon for job seekers to make a number of lateral moves.   In other words, you are trying to normalize your candidacy by showing why this move is in your best interest. 
• Point Out Over-Qualified Is A Positive Not A Negative: Try to change some of the tenor of this question by stating why you believe you would actually be a positive addition.   Show the interviewer they are getting a top level talent at dirt cheap prices and the training cost will be low because you already have a number of the qualifications. 
• Promise Them Two Years: One fear employers have is if they hire you, you will be out the door as soon as a better job comes along.   Make a promise to them that you will work for them for two years.   By bringing this issue out in the open, you help take away some of the interviewer’s fears and also give a credible answer.   
• The Interviewer Is The Boss: Another fear employers have is that because of your expertise, they may feel threatened by you or worry that you will challenge their authority at work.   It is unfortunate this perception exists, but as a job seeker, you must be able to diffuse this type of situation.   We recommend that you make clear in the interview that you are open to suggestions and instructions and that you are aware of this type of issue and will be sure to know “your place” in the new position. 

Armed with these types of questions and answer tips, you should be able to handle just about any job qualification questions. 

*To get examples of behavioral interview questions, check out behavioral interview questions.