Answers for telephone interview?

I have an interview next week on the phone and the question I hate is "what are your bad points/weakness etc" all help very welcome from my friends at yahoo answers

Im apply for an outdoor instructor position

Actually, most interviewers don't even ask that question anymore. It's very rare that they do now, and more common in older style businesses who are still traditionalists or behind the times.

Most companies now use something called "behavioural questions". Google behavioural tests - questions & answers on the net, and you will find the sorts of questions you are more likely to get asked these days.

Potential employers now want to know, not who you think you are or what you think you can do in the future, they want to know what you have done in the past, in old jobs and in life experiences, to determine your pattern of habits and natural reactions/abilities.

Questions like, "Tell me about a time at work when you had to deal with an angry customer, what happened, what did you say, and what was the result?"

or...

"Tell me about a time when you had a conflict or disagreement with a co-worker, what was it about, how did you handle it, what did you say and what was the outcome?"

and

"What is one of the hardest things you have ever had to learn in your life, for work or otherwise? Why was it difficult? How did you achieve your goal?"

With all of these questions, they will want VERY specific details, so start to think about some good examples that will make you sound good! The theory behind it is that what you did in the past is how you will be at their company too. They can train you in products etc, but they want to know how you handle situations and problem solving, specifically.

Don't forget no 'umms' and 'ahhs' while on the phone. Answer the phone professionally, like you would in a corporate environment (even if you're at home in your pj's!). Speak slowly and clearly so they can understand you and usually they are typing down what you say, so give them time to type.

And SMILE while you are talking, it makes a difference in your voice and tone.

Most companies are not only looking for what you can do professionally anymore, they want to get to know what makes you the way you are, and what kind of personality you are, will you fit into their work culture, and how adaptable, kind and passionate you are.

Good luck!

xoxoxoxox

Nobody is perfect, which means that everybody has his/her weakness.
So be candid with your weakness, but answer it in such a way that it indicates you are working hard to overcome it.
For example, you can say: "I am aware of my weakness in ..... which I am working hard to overcome......"
Give the impression to the interviewer that you are honest with your assessment about yourself. Afterall, honesty is the best policy.

Good luck,

Jojoma
www.wealthywinningwomen.com