Interviews can be stressful. You have to think on your feet and provide answers to questions in a way that highlights all the benefits you can offer a potential employer. That can be a bit tricky.

The good news is, there are several questions you will be asked in nearly every interview for a court reporting position.  Preparing answers in advance can help you project a confident image that will be attractive to the hiring manager.

It is good idea to practice mock interviews with a friend. Have him ask you potential questions, in a different order each time.  You can even video tape these mock interviews and review the tape later to identify any areas that need a bit of fine tuning.

Here are ten questions you should be prepared to answer in every interview.  I have provided some suggested answers only as an example of one way you may want to respond. Take some time to come up with personalized answers of your own that highlight your own experience.

1. Question:  Describe your work experience and how it qualifies you as a court stenographer.
   Answer:  Focus on the aspects of your experience that apply to this position. Highlight any particularly impressive accomplishments and achievements. Be sure to mention any awards or commendations you may have received.
    

2. Question:  What experience do you have with personal computer programs?
   Answer:  Talk about the software you've worked on and what you've done with these programs.  Be sure to mention any measurable competencies (i.e. words per minute, etc.).
    

3. Question:  Give us an example of your ability to work under pressure and deadlines?
   Answer:  Think of a time when you performed above and beyond the call of duty, under the pressure of a tight deadline.  Tell how you remained calm and devoted whatever time was necessary to accomplish the task, within the time allotted.
    

4. Question:  Name some resources that could be useful to a stenographer.
   Answer:  Prepare a mental list of resources you have found to be useful. These can include practice dictation materials for speed building, research sites on the Internet, software programs, etc.
    

5. Question:  Tell us about an example of your ability to coordinate several work assignments that were received all at the same time, with different deadlines.
   Answer:  Think of a story that illustrates your ability to organize your schedule, prioritize your tasks, and use your time efficiently in order to deliver the required work on time.
    

6. Question:  How should you handle a witness that is scheduled for a court appearance and does not show up to testify?
   Answer:  Discuss how you would work with your client (attorney, judge, etc.) to schedule another time to record the testimony.  The main point here is that you should demonstrate that you are able to handle unforeseen circumstances.  Life isn't always convenient and you need be flexible.
    

7. Question:  What should you do if you were transcribing another stenographer's notes and could not read them?
   Answer:  Use this question to highlight your ability to solve problems in a positive way, without offending your colleagues.
    

8. Question:  Do you work more effectively in a team environment or by yourself? Why?
   Answer:  This is a tricky question. You will need to come up with an answer, which you should also support with a true life example, that will show you can do both. You want to demonstrate you have the ability to work unsupervised, and also in a collaborative environment.
    

9. Question:  Where do you see yourself in five years?
   Answer:  Employers don't want to spend time and money training people that will be moving on to "greener pastures" soon.  Answer in a way that will give the impression you intend to improve your skills and become a valuable asset to the company for many years to come.
    

10. Question:  Do you have anything to add?
    Answer:  Summarize by emphasizing your qualifications as they apply to this job. Also, cover anything that wasn't specifically asked during the interview.  And, above all, ask for the job!

The Court Reporter Job Guide includes an extensive section on interviewing.  Many questions along with specific answers to questions related to court reporting are included, along with additional interviewing tips.  Get your copy today.

Discuss this article and other court reporting topics in the CourtReporterJob.com Forum.
 

Actresses Michelle Pfeiffer and Kim Delaney once studied to be court reporters.

	Evaluating service features and customer benefits
	Marking up your cost of production (what is your time worth?)
	Undercutting competitors' prices
	Asking key customers
	Considering typical clients' "disposable income"
	Soliciting advice from consultants, business associates, whomever...

Many companies and especially small businesses arrive at their pricing structure through some "magic" formula that usually incorporates a combination of these strategies.  But, the reality is, they are just taking a shot in the dark and are probably missing out on a tremendous amount of additional revenue.

For example, what if you could double your profits by cutting your price by 10%?  Or, what if you could add thousands to your bottom line by charging a few dollars more? Wouldn't that make cents?

Well, I've got great news for you.  There is a fool proof way to arrive at the optimum price for your services.  It takes all the so called "art" (guess work) out of pricing and boils it all down to undisputable facts that clearly tell you exactly what to charge, in order to achieve maximum profits.  Grab a copy of the Pricing Psychology Report today and start getting paid what you are worth... or more!

Building your speed as a court reporter takes practice.  We offer several categories of digital dictation materials, which will allow you to progressively build your speed from 60 words per minute (wpm) to more than 220 wpm. Each category of dictation has numerous titles, so you will always have access to a wide variety of fresh new practice digital dictation materials, as your speed increases.
 

Upcoming newsletters will include articles on many important subjects that will help advance your court reporting career.  Following is just a sample of some of the articles you can look forward to receiving.
 

	Start getting paid for your court reporting skills, even before you become certified!
	The Best Place to Buy High-Quality Court Reporting Supplies at the Lowest Cost!
	Grow Your Court Reporter Business and Expand Your Income!
	Court Reporter Home Study Programs!
	How and where to find a Mentor!
	Voice Writing - The Future of Court Reporting?

If there are other subjects you would like me to cover, please let me know.

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