Interview Tips for the Post Holiday Season
By Jana Kleinman
Tis' the season for warm beverages, vanilla iced treats, and quality time well spent with family and friends. As 2015 approaches, many job seekers will walk through the doors of a prospective employer hoping for the best possible outcome. In addition to the usual and (and sometimes unusual) interview questions, candidates may receive an ice breaker such as:
"How did you spend the holiday season?"
I encourage applicants to take this question just as seriously as every other interview question asked. Why? Your response will demonstrate a personality trait which might possibly enhance your perspective employer's opinion of you. For example:
Q: How did you spend your holiday season?
A: Well, I ate a lot, slept in and caught up on a lot of movies in the theater I've missed."
This response would convey that you enjoy your off-time in a mostly sedentary manner while being entertained. There is nothing wrong with this response, especially if the perspective employer is a movie fanatic. It may actually be a great selling point.
Here is another example below:
Q: How did you spend the holiday season?
A: Well, in addition to enjoying delicious food with family and going to the movie theater a few times, I caught up on much needed rest and made time to organize my apartment. I know it doesn't sound exciting, but I like to stay as organized as possible at home.
This demonstrates that in addition to enjoying your downtime with fun activities, you also place a value on organization. This is a quality that will leave an impression on any employer (whether they are a movie buff, or not).
Here's one more example:
Q: How did you spend your holiday season?
A: The holidays were great! I was fortunate enough to be a guest whereas I usually host. I didn't have to cook, or clean at all and it was delightful!
VS.
Q: How did you spend your holiday season?
A: The holidays were great! I was fortunate enough to be a guest whereas I usually host. With the extra time on my hands, I took my children ice skating!
While neither example is wrong, the second example demonstrates that time is a valuable resource to you. Prospective employers want to hire staff who are energetic, and can handle working in a fast paced environment.
So...how did YOU spend the holiday season?
It sounds like an informal question, but please remember you're not chatting with a friend. Everything you say conveys meaning, come out swinging in 2015!
Best Wishes for a Healthy, Happy & Prosperous New Year!
Jana Kleinman - Creative & Media Talent Manager/Staffing Golden Retriever
