| A fairly common job interview question is, | | | | ability to overcome challenges and obstacles. |
| "Who is your hero, and why?"The intent of | | | | Most people would have no problem with that. |
| this question is to find out more about you | | | | But what if the person interviewing you is a |
| -- your character, personality, and values. | | | | woman who thinks Lance is a total jerk for |
| If you anticipate this question and prepare | | | | putting his career ahead of his family and |
| your answer in a way that shows the traits | | | | leaving his wife for a rock star? It might |
| you most admire in others -- and more | | | | not be fair, but this interviewer may think |
| importantly, that you have in common with | | | | you are a jerk for admiring Lance! Do you |
| them -- you'll turn this question into | | | | think she's going to hire a jerk?People have |
| another great opportunity to blast your | | | | opinions about people they think they know. |
| competition out of the water!But there's a | | | | You won't know what those opinions are. So |
| right way, AND a wrong way to answer this | | | | the safest bet is to name a hero they can't |
| question.Here's the best way to develop your | | | | possibly know or object to.Sample Answer:"My |
| answer.First, decide which personal traits | | | | hero is my father. He taught me to always do |
| would be best to highlight for the position. | | | | the right thing; to value others and help |
| For example, if you're applying for a job as | | | | them whenever I can; to plan ahead, work hard |
| a firefighter or police officer, you'd want | | | | and do my best in any situation; to be a |
| to highlight traits such as courage and | | | | lifelong learner; to smile and keep a sense |
| integrity.Here are some other traits that | | | | of humor even when things get tough; and to |
| employers are looking for: leadership, | | | | love, support and protect my |
| honesty, creativity, dedication, | | | | family."Remember, all interview questions can |
| generosity.Next, craft your answer to include | | | | provide an opportunity to highlight not only |
| the traits you want to highlight.Be careful | | | | your qualifications, but also your character |
| about naming a celebrity, sports star or | | | | and values. Plan ahead, give great answers, |
| politician! Why? Because interviewers are | | | | and win your dream job!Bonnie Lowe is author |
| people, and people have attitudes and biases | | | | of the popular Job Interview Success System |
| that you'll be unaware of.Suppose you named | | | | and free information-packed ezine, |
| Lance Armstrong as your hero because of his | | | | "Career-Life Times. |
| total commitment to success and amazing | | | | |