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Job Interviews

What Employers Want To Hear

4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 11 ratings
see reviews
Dave Edwards

What makes one candidate stand out over others in job interviews? Frequently, it is because the person says all the right things and avoids interview “traps.” Dave Edwards has conducted thousands of job interviews for entry-level jobs to senior executive positions. He has researched the most commonly asked questions in interviews and what hiring managers want to hear from candidates. He has also learned what people say that might cause a candidate to be rejected. He shares his knowledge to better prepare you for your next interview and give you more confidence. This practical advice presented in an easy-to-understand manner that you can put into practice immediately.

Read more

What makes one candidate stand out over others in job interviews? Frequently, it is because the person says all the right things and avoids interview “traps.” Dave Edwards has conducted thousands of job interviews for entry-level jobs to senior executive positions. He has researched the most commonly asked questions in interviews and what hiring managers want to hear from candidates. He has also learned what people say that might cause a candidate to be rejected. He shares his knowledge to better prepare you for your next interview and give you more confidence. This practical advice presented in an easy-to-understand manner that you can put into practice immediately.

You will learn:

How to answer the most frequently asked questions during job interviews.

What employers want to hear during a job interview.

What persons being interviewed say that is a negative to hiring managers

How to prepare in advance for your interview session

What to do following your job interview.

Things that should (and shouldn’t) be on our resume.

What you can’t be asked during a job interview.

Plus, there are study guides that will help you remember each of the points discussed in the lectures.

Dave brings his personal knowledge and research to the subject. Plus, as an educator and former broadcaster, he knows how to communicate to his viewers.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to answer the most frequently asked questions during job interviews.
  • What employers want to hear during a job interview.
  • What persons being interviewed say that is a negative to hiring managers
  • How to prepare in advance for your interview session
  • What you can’t be asked during a job interview.
  • What to do following your job interview.
  • Things that should (and shouldn’t) be on our resume.

Syllabus

Introduction

This class is designed to help you be well prepared for your next job interview.  You will learn what employers want to hear from candidates and things you say that could result in you not being hired.

Read more

In this segment you will find out how the class is organized and how it will work best for you.

Your interview has been scheduled, now let’s look at some practical things you need to consider as you get closer to the big day.

Prepare for every interview even if you have been on many interviews before.

Even if you went on a job interview last week, prepare for the next one like you have never been on an interview. Not only is each interview different, but you also want to approach each one with new information. Plus, you can use every interview opportunity as a chance to improve on the last one.

In this lesson, we walk through some top tips to keep in mind before the formal interview process begins.

Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?

  • Describe Your Dream Job

  • Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?

  • What Kind of Work Environment Do You Like Best?

  • Tell Me About The Biggest Decision You've Ever Made?

  • Describe Your Leadership Style

  • Tell Me About How You Handled A Decision You Disagreed With

  • What Can We Expect From You In Your First Three Months?

  • What Was Your Salary In Your Last Job?

  • How To Answer "Puzzle" Questions

  • Are You Applying For Other Jobs?

What should you say if you've been fired from a job and the interviewer wants to know why.

Questions you should NOT be asked during an interview and how to respond if you are.

I want to leave you with a few more things you can do throughout the interview process that will make you more comfortable and more likeable to the person interviewing you.

Getting the job you want involves creating a strategy and learning how to sell yourself to an employer.  I've got some additional thoughts to share about that process as well. 

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers practical advice on answering frequently asked questions, which can greatly benefit those preparing for job interviews across various industries
Provides insights into what employers want to hear, helping candidates tailor their responses to align with employer expectations and improve their chances of success
Highlights common interview pitfalls, enabling candidates to avoid saying things that could negatively impact their chances of being hired and increase their confidence
Includes study guides to reinforce key points, which can be helpful for retaining information and applying it effectively during interviews and in preparing resumes
Addresses questions that should not be asked during an interview, which can empower candidates to recognize and respond appropriately to potentially discriminatory inquiries
Covers actions to take after the interview, which can help candidates leave a lasting positive impression and increase their chances of receiving a job offer

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Practical tips for job interviews

According to learners, this course provides practical and actionable advice for navigating job interviews. Many found the content to be clear and concise, covering common interview questions and offering insights into what employers look for. The instructor's expertise, drawn from conducting many interviews, is frequently highlighted as a major strength. While largely positive, a few reviewers noted that the course might be more beneficial for beginners or those less experienced with interviews, suggesting it may be less comprehensive for seasoned professionals. Overall, students report feeling more confident and better prepared after taking the course.
Especially helpful for those new to interviewing.
"As someone new to the job market, I found this incredibly helpful."
"Great starting point for anyone nervous about their first interview."
"Provides a solid foundation for beginner interviewees."
Helps learners feel more prepared and confident.
"I feel much more confident going into my next interview now."
"This course definitely boosted my confidence."
"Gave me the tools to feel prepared and less anxious."
Addresses frequently asked interview questions effectively.
"The course covers most of the questions I've been asked before."
"Learned great ways to phrase answers to typical interview questions."
"Helped me prepare for those tricky, standard interview questions."
Content is easy to understand and straight to the point.
"The lessons are clear, concise, and easy to follow."
"I liked how the information was delivered in a straightforward manner."
"This course gets straight to the point without unnecessary filler."
Instructor shares valuable insights from experience.
"The instructor's experience really shines through in the advice given."
"It's clear the instructor knows what hiring managers look for."
"His background conducting interviews adds significant credibility."
Offers concrete, actionable tips for interviews.
"The tips are very practical and easy to implement right away."
"I appreciate the actionable advice on handling difficult questions."
"Provides practical tools and strategies I can immediately apply to my job search."
May not offer new insights for seasoned professionals.
"If you've done many interviews, much of this might be review."
"Could be more advanced for experienced job seekers."
"Found some parts basic, likely more suited for entry-level candidates."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Job Interviews: What Employers Want To Hear with these activities:
Practice STAR Method Storytelling
Sharpen your ability to answer behavioral interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear and concise examples of your past experiences.
Browse courses on STAR Method
Show steps
  • Review the STAR method framework.
  • Identify 5-7 key accomplishments or challenging situations from your past.
  • For each situation, write out a detailed STAR story.
  • Practice telling these stories out loud, focusing on clarity and impact.
Review 'What Color Is Your Parachute?'
Gain a deeper understanding of career planning and job search strategies to complement the interview-specific advice provided in the course.
View What Color Is Your Parachute? Job-Hunter's... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on self-assessment and skills identification.
  • Complete the exercises to identify your key skills and interests.
  • Reflect on how your skills and interests align with the types of jobs you are pursuing.
Mock Interview with a Peer
Simulate a real interview experience to practice answering common questions and receive feedback on your performance.
Show steps
  • Find a friend or colleague willing to conduct a mock interview.
  • Share a list of common interview questions with your peer.
  • Conduct the mock interview, recording it if possible.
  • Review the recording or ask your peer for feedback on your answers, body language, and overall presentation.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Develop a concise and compelling summary of your skills and experience to use as an introduction in interviews and networking situations.
Show steps
  • Identify your key skills and accomplishments.
  • Write a 30-60 second summary highlighting your value proposition.
  • Practice delivering your elevator pitch confidently and naturally.
Review 'The 2-Hour Job Search'
Learn efficient job search techniques to maximize your chances of landing interviews and job offers.
View The 2-Hour Job Search, Second Edition: Using... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on networking and online job search strategies.
  • Implement the recommended techniques to identify and connect with potential employers.
  • Track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed.
Analyze Your Interview Performance
Reflect on your past interview experiences to identify areas for improvement and develop a plan for future success.
Show steps
  • Recall a recent job interview you participated in.
  • Write down the questions you were asked and your responses.
  • Evaluate your answers based on the advice provided in the course.
  • Identify areas where you could have answered more effectively.
  • Develop a plan to improve your performance in future interviews.
Resume and Cover Letter Revision
Revise your resume and cover letter based on the course's recommendations to ensure they are compelling and effectively showcase your skills and experience.
Show steps
  • Review your current resume and cover letter.
  • Identify areas for improvement based on the course content.
  • Rewrite your resume and cover letter to highlight your key skills and accomplishments.
  • Seek feedback from a career counselor or trusted colleague.
  • Finalize your resume and cover letter for future job applications.

Career center

Learners who complete Job Interviews: What Employers Want To Hear will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hiring Manager
A Hiring Manager is responsible for the entire hiring process for their team, including interviewing candidates. This course gives a hiring manager insight into what candidates might be thinking or doing, which helps a manager be a better interviewer. The course specifically addresses what employers want to hear as well as what interviewees might do to damage their candidacy. The course modules on the most common questions and things a candidate should or should not do or say are especially relevant for a hiring manager. Understanding the interview process from an interviewee's stance results in a better hiring process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hiring Manager
Career Coach
A Career Coach provides guidance and support to individuals looking to advance their careers. This course may be useful for a career coach who seeks to assist their clients in job interview preparation. This course will help a career coach understand the hiring manager's perspective, as well as what a candidate should do. The course's coverage of topics like common interview questions and what to do after the interview directly aligns with career coaching practices. The modules concerning preparation for the interview allow a career coach to give better advice.
See salaries and explore the career path for Career Coach
University Career Services Advisor
A University Career Services Advisor provides career guidance to college students and recent graduates. This course may be useful for a university advisor who helps students prepare for job interviews. This course provides an understanding of the employer's perspective and what behaviors cause a candidate to be viewed negatively. A university career advisor is better able to offer advice on what employers seek and how to avoid common interview pitfalls. The course modules on preparing for interviews, common questions, and post interview actions are especially useful for an advisor in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for University Career Services Advisor
Talent Acquisition Specialist
A Talent Acquisition Specialist is focused on attracting, recruiting, and hiring qualified candidates, and this course may be useful for a talent acquisition specialist by providing a deeper understanding of the candidate's experience when it comes to job interviews. This course focuses on what employers seek and what might cause a candidate to be viewed negatively. This course's learnings can help a talent acquisition specialist understand the concerns and difficulties that an interviewee might have. The course modules on frequently asked questions and post interview best practices are of particular use to a specialist in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Acquisition Specialist
Career Counselor
A Career Counselor advises individuals on their career paths, job search strategies, and interview preparation, and this course helps a career counselor offer improved advice to their clients. This course gives one a firm understanding of what employers seek in candidates, plus common traps in the interview process. A career counselor is enabled to assist their clients with more effective job interview preparation by taking this course. The course modules on common interview questions and how to follow up after an interview are particularly beneficial. These points allow a career counselor to provide better advice to their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor
Professional Development Coach
A Professional Development Coach helps individuals enhance their professional skills and career prospects. This course may be useful to a coach who works with clients on interview preparation. This course specifically advises on what employers seek, and what people might say or do that is negative to hiring managers. A coach can use this information to better advise clients about the interview process. The modules on how to prepare for the interview, frequently asked questions, and what to do after an interview are particularly relevant for a professional development coach.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professional Development Coach
Recruiter
A Recruiter identifies, interviews, and screens candidates for various job openings, and this course may be useful for a recruiter who seeks to understand more about the candidate's point of view and the interview process itself. This course helps one to understand not only what hiring managers want to hear but also what things candidates say that are a negative. A recruiter will better understand how to evaluate candidates. The course modules related to frequently asked questions and common interview pitfalls are directly relevant for a recruiter who has to make evaluation of these areas. Understanding the candidate’s perspective is essential for a recruiter who wants to improve their skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter
Team Lead
A Team Lead supervises a group of employees and may be involved in interviewing candidates for their team. This course may be useful to a team lead who makes use of interviewing as part of their role. This course provides insights into what hiring managers seek, and common errors that candidates make during interviews. A team lead will be able to more adequately assess a candidate through having the knowledge of this course. The modules focused on preparing for an interview, common questions, and post interview actions are especially relevant for team lead.
See salaries and explore the career path for Team Lead
Human Resources Specialist
A Human Resources Specialist is involved in various aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment, to onboarding, to offboarding, and this course may be useful to such a professional by providing an understanding of the interview process from the candidate's perspective. This course directly addresses what employers seek in interviews and advises on how to avoid common interview traps. By taking this course, a human resources specialist gains insights into what candidates often say which may hinder their chances of being hired. The course modules on common interview questions and post interview actions can greatly benefit a human resources professional who is involved in recruitment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Specialist
Corporate Trainer
A Corporate Trainer develops and delivers training programs for employees. This course may be useful for equipping a corporate trainer with the knowledge to create and deliver interview skills workshops or training. The course focuses on how to prepare for a job interview, how to answer common questions, and what not to say to an interviewer. By taking this course, a corporate trainer can gain insights into the interview process from the perspective of both the employer and the candidate. The course modules that address common questions and ways to follow up after an interview are particularly beneficial for a corporate trainer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Trainer
Training and Development Specialist
A Training and Development Specialist designs and delivers training programs to employees. This course can assist a training and development specialist in the preparation of job interview training programs. This course provides insights into interview techniques. A training and development specialist can train their clients by providing knowledge of what employers seek, and how to avoid common interview pitfalls, which this course gives in detail. The modules focused on preparing for interviews and typical questions will be especially helpful for a training and development specialist who is preparing a workshop for employees, and for their own professional knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Specialist
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer develops training materials and courses, and this course may be useful for an instructional designer who wants to create training content on job interview skills. This course provides one with insights into what employers seek and the common errors that job candidates make. This course assists in understanding the candidate's perspective, and this knowledge can be used to develop better training material. The modules covering the most frequently asked questions and post-interview strategies are beneficial to an instructional designer planning a new training module.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant helps organizations improve their performance and efficiency. This course may assist a management consultant who wants to improve their interviewing skills or who is trying to help a client company improve its own interview process. This course provides insights into best practices for job interviews from the candidate's point of view. The course discusses common interview questions and things to avoid when interviewing. A management consultant may find this useful on a personal and professional level. The course modules on interview preparation and frequently asked questions may provide particular benefits to a consultant in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning and executing projects, and this course may be useful for a project manager who needs to participate in the hiring of their team members. This course provides insights into what employers seek when interviewing and common mistakes that people make. A project manager will be better equipped to assess potential team members by taking this course. The modules about the most commonly asked questions, and how to prepare and follow up are pertinent to a project manager's role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image of an organization or individual. This course may be useful for a public relations professional who wants to improve their own interview skills. The course provides insights into what employers seek, how to answer common interview questions, and what things may be said that are a negative. Furthermore, the course focuses on how to prepare for an interview and how to follow up afterwards. The course may assist a PR specialist in the process of interviewing others, and of being interviewed.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Job Interviews: What Employers Want To Hear.
Cover image
What Color Is Your Parachute? Job-Hunter's Workbook...
Save
Comprehensive guide to job hunting and career change. It provides valuable insights into self-assessment, skills identification, and job search strategies. It is particularly useful for understanding your strengths and how to present them effectively during interviews. Many job seekers and career counselors consider this book a must-read.
What Color Is Your Parachute? Job-Hunter's Workbook...
Paperback
Check
What Color Is Your Parachute? Job-Hunter's Workbook...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The 2-Hour Job Search, Second Edition
Save
Provides a structured approach to job searching using online tools and strategies. It focuses on efficient networking and targeted outreach to potential employers. It is helpful for learning how to leverage technology to find and connect with relevant contacts. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
The 2-Hour Job Search, Second Edition: Using...
Paperback
$$
The 2-Hour Job Search, Second Edition: Using...
Spiral-bound
$$
The 2-Hour Job Search, Second Edition: Using...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
1.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Dave Edwards
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers practical advice on answering frequently asked questions, which can greatly benefit those preparing for job interviews across various industries
Provides insights into what employers want to hear, helping candidates tailor their responses to align with employer expectations and improve their chances of success
Highlights common interview pitfalls, enabling candidates to avoid saying things that could negatively impact their chances of being hired and increase their confidence
Includes study guides to reinforce key points, which can be helpful for retaining information and applying it effectively during interviews and in preparing resumes
Addresses questions that should not be asked during an interview, which can empower candidates to recognize and respond appropriately to potentially discriminatory inquiries
Covers actions to take after the interview, which can help candidates leave a lasting positive impression and increase their chances of receiving a job offer
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