You said what?!?!?!

You have read all the blogs and white papers on interviewing techniques.  You have stood in front of the bathroom mirror to ensure that you maintain a pleasant expression upon you face as you answer the ubiquitous question of why you want to work for the company.  You have prepped like a Miss American contestant.  But no one is ever prepared for some questions, responses, or comments from interviewers or candidates.  Here is just a taste of what I have experienced on both sides of the table:  

Q:  How do you communicate with your supervisor?

A: I talk.  And sometimes not formally.  Sometimes it's like, "Hey.  How ya doin."

Q: Describe your public speaking experience, and have you ever given presentations? 

A:  I haven't really given a lot of presentations, but when I take pictures, people look at me.  

Q:  How do you keep yourself organized?  

A:  Well, I make lists 'cause they can be changed.  And you can move things.  

Q:  Describe your job duties at your last employer? 

A:  (Duties are described.) 

Q:  How did you last as long as you did? 

Q:  Is there any additional information I you would like to share with us?  

A:  Do you want a copy of my resume? It's good reading and has a lot of good stuff. 

Q:  How did you handle the fact that your boss was not well-versed in marketing and public relations? 

A: I was not hired to be a teacher of someone who didn't want to learn, so I turned in my resignation.  

Q:  What was considered a successful marketing campaign at your last employer?

A:  Anything that was free.       

What I have learned through the interview process is that there are very few rules.  You can practice an answer to any and every possible question; you can formulate responses to protect your former employer; you an formulate answers that protect you.  What you cannot formulate is getting the correct answer to the question. Who knows what the correct answer is?  Maybe it's saying "Hey, how's it going" instead of "I try to meet with them in person, as well as keep a paper trail, whether it is hard copies or email chains."  But who knows?  

I have learned this, though.  Speak the truth.  Don't cast aspersions, but don't lie. That's the kiss of death.  If your former employer wants to paint you in a bad light, you can't do much about it.  But if you lie, that  means if you are hired for the job, and the lie comes back to your new employer, it comes back to you. 

So as humorous or "duh" inducing these above samplings are, they are also truthful. And isn't that what counts in an interview?  So hang in there! Someone out there really does want YOU!