M_also_lonely said:
Despicable Me said:
For those kind of 'interviews', it's not really so much what you say, it's more about how you say it.
Want to help the poor and feed the hungry? Well, sure, but tons of people want to do that. The question is 'How?'.
Provide them with something they've never heard before. Show them that you're not just someone who wishes for things, but someone with real and practical ideas. Someone who can 'put their foot forward'. And try to say it, to the best of your abilities, with as much confidence as possible.
That's how you give 'great answers' to interviewers. Give ideas, not thoughts. And do it with a smile.
Though I will point out that the people in such positions to be interviewing are also often superficial or just plain ignorant. No one should 'laugh' at wanting to help the poor or feed the hungry. So if you want to be successful with those kind of folk you need to tailor your answers to them. Provide them an answer that is just as superficial as they are. Think of the way politicians say things. Politicians are as superficial as it gets. The real trick is to correctly identify people and know which answers to give. Sometimes that is hard.
How to have ideas?
Some people get so many creative ideas. How?
How to do what you are saying?
I am with DM (and a lot of the other members here). It all depends on what you want. Do you want people to hear your genuine goals and ideas? Or do you want to just get in?
If its the former, you've got to figure out how you're going to give them what they're looking for. How to figure it out? Think about the role description, what your duties might be, what might benefit this organization etc. Then list down ideas that are along those. The internet has lots of info. Talking to people who are in these positions may also help. Whether or not you actually carry out those ideas is immaterial. All that matters is that the interviewer knows that if they take you in, they're going to have someone who is going to do the work/pull their weight.
I also think its important to make yourself seem agreeable because one of the things interviewers dislike are idealistic notions. They deal with challenges all the time, so they need people who are going to be objective, persevering and motivated. Just keep your ideas realistic.
First thing, research the organization. Say, its a rotary club that does fundraisers for charity. Then, at the interview, you might want to highlight how you can contribute to fundraisers...marketing? spreading awareness? designing posters etc? ideas to draw people in? getting sponsorship? You'd have to tailor your answers to whatever it is the org is looking for. Research is key.
Now, if all you want is to get in, then the harsh reality is that you need to figure out what the interviewer is looking for. If the interviewer seems to come off as authoritative, then I'd highlight how I could be a teamplayer, how I'd obey instructions, work towards achieving the company's goals etc. If the interviewer is more interested in how I can manage a team, then I'd highlight my leadership skills...how I'd motivate the team...how I'd give them a little, so they'd give more to the company etc. If the interviewer is asking a lot of pointed questions, I'd think they were possible stress testing, so I'd try to remain as calm as possible by focusing on my breathing and taking time to respond.
Ultimately, its not about us, its about what they want. I hope this has been helpful. Good luck!