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Read the following pointers and see if you can use any of the information to help you on your next interview.

1. The person who is interviewing you will likely ask you questions to determine if you have any of the following negative traits. If s/he senses that you do, you most likely will not get hired for the job.

• Dishonesty
• Irresponsibility
• Arrogance
• Tardiness, poor attendance
• Disobedience, disrespect
• Complaining
• Laziness, no motivation
• Instability

Sentences to use during your interview include:

• I am honest.
• I am responsible.
• I am a team-player.
• I am punctual.
• I am respectful of others.
• I take direction easily from others.
• I am task oriented.
• I have a good attitude.
• I am a hard worker.
• I get along well with others.
• I am motivated.
• I am stable.
• I do consistently good work.
• I have goals.

2. Here are some potentially negative interview questions:

• "Have you ever been fired from a job?"
• "What did you think of your previous employer?"
• "Why did you drop out of school?"
• "Do you have a criminal record?"

When you answer these questions:

1. Be truthful

2. Emphasize what you learned from that experience.

3. Let the interviewer know that you will be a valuable worker and will meet or exceed job expectations

4. Share what your future goals are.

Example: "Yes, I was fired from my last job. Since that time I've realized how important it is to be on time to work. I can assure you that I will be on time every day to this job. My future goal is to become a secretary and working at this company as a receptionist will definitely be a step in the right direction for me."

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