• 2-minute read •
Interviews aren't just about giving the right answers—they're about asking the right questions.
The landscape for job seekers today can be difficult. In other words, if you want a job today, the hard work starts when you prepare for the interview.
That means not just nailing the interview questions you are asked, but actually asking the kinds of questions designed to make the interviewer sit up and take notice. It’s no longer enough to be qualified. If you want a job in today’s business environment, you have to shine, and there’s no better way to show your excellence than by asking excellent questions. These questions could also help you avoid a bad boss before it's too late.
Showing posts with label Questions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Questions. Show all posts
9 good interview questions to ask
• 2-minute read •
Interviews aren't just about giving the right answers—they're about asking the right questions.
The landscape for job seekers today can be difficult. In other words, if you want a job today, the hard work starts when you prepare for the interview.
That means not just nailing the interview questions you are asked, but actually asking the kinds of questions designed to make the interviewer sit up and take notice. It’s no longer enough to be qualified. If you want a job in today’s business environment, you have to shine, and there’s no better way to show your excellence than by asking excellent questions. These questions could also help you avoid a bad boss before it's too late.
Interviews aren't just about giving the right answers—they're about asking the right questions.
The landscape for job seekers today can be difficult. In other words, if you want a job today, the hard work starts when you prepare for the interview.
That means not just nailing the interview questions you are asked, but actually asking the kinds of questions designed to make the interviewer sit up and take notice. It’s no longer enough to be qualified. If you want a job in today’s business environment, you have to shine, and there’s no better way to show your excellence than by asking excellent questions. These questions could also help you avoid a bad boss before it's too late.
Asking these 4 questions will help you sell yourself in any job interview
The game isn’t over when the interviewer says “Do you have any questions for me?” You still have another chance to sell yourself.
Lynda Spiegel, founder of New York City-based Rising Star Resumes, once was asked by a job candidate to prioritize the projects that would be assigned to the role in question. The candidate, who was interviewing for a junior marketing position, then offered insights into how she'd address each project in stages to avoid lag times.
Lynda Spiegel, founder of New York City-based Rising Star Resumes, once was asked by a job candidate to prioritize the projects that would be assigned to the role in question. The candidate, who was interviewing for a junior marketing position, then offered insights into how she'd address each project in stages to avoid lag times.
5 Classic Interview Questions Updated For Today's Job Search
Going into a job interview, you know the standard questions to expect. "What is your biggest weakness?" "What interests you about this position?" and "Why do you think you'd be a fit for this role?" often rise to the top of the common interview questions list.
While these queries are important to today's hiring managers and recruiters, many employers are updating their customary questions to include ones that refer to new trends, address the current economic situation or gauge a candidate's commitment to the company and position in question.
Here are five questions that job seekers may be asked in today's job hunt and what they should address when responding:
1. Have you used social media in your current job? If so, how?
Unless you've completely sworn off new technology, you should be very aware by now that social media are a part of the fabric of society and are well-ingrained in most companies' communication practices.
Typical interview questions
Introduction
In the dictionary, interviews are defined simply as meetings for asking questions. Knowing that doesn’t help much, but knowing how to deal with the questions will give any candidate a head start on those people that haven’t done their research.
There are some questions that pop up again and again in interviews. There are also times when interviewers will deliberately ask less typical questions to make us think quickly, or just to see how we react.
In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the more typical interview questions you’re likely to face. And, we’ll be giving tips on how to approach the less obvious ones that seem to come out of nowhere.
Common interview questions
Some of the questions you’re asked in an interview depend on the kind of job involved. However, there are some standard questions that are likely to be asked in a variety of interviews. Here are some of the more common examples:
Why do you want to do this job?
What do you know about our company/organisation?
What do you think you can offer our company/organisation?
Can you tell me about a problem you’ve had at work and how you dealt with it?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses? What are you doing to improve these areas?
What are your hobbies and interests?
Can you work under pressure? Can you give details of a time when you had to work under pressure?
There isn’t one correct way to answer any of these questions. Try to link any skills you have to ones you think the interviewer will feel is relevant to the post. As much as possible, make your answers relevant to the type of work you feel you’ll be expected to do.
With any question you’re asked, don’t feel rushed into an answer. Give yourself time to think. There’s nothing wrong with pausing for a while before answering.
One question that many of us find difficult to answer, or that causes the most anxiety when it’s asked, is the one about weaknesses. This question can seem confusing as nobody wants to list the things they’re bad at, just in case it puts off the employer. However, there are ways to approach this question that can turn the negatives into positives.
One way to answer the question is to focus on a weakness that could be viewed as strength. For example, you could say you get frustrated when others aren’t working as hard as you. You are aware of this ‘failing’ and are trying to overcome it. You’ve answered the question, given a weakness but also said something positive about yourself.
The key to answering the question is to be honest. There’s no point saying you don’t have any weaknesses as the interview will more than likely just think you aren’t telling the truth or that you aren’t very self-aware. As long as you turn the weakness into a positive by saying that you are aware of it and are addressing it, there’s no reason to be concerned about the question.
Non-standard interview questions
It would be great if we knew beforehand exactly what questions to expect in an interview. However, while we can’t predict the future, we can make educated guesses as to the type of questions we are likely to face.
It’s important to review typical interview questions, but don’t focus too heavily on them and then be shocked by questions you weren’t prepared for. Most interviews follow a standard format, but there will be times when the person interviewing you decides to ask a seemingly irrelevant question. For example, you might have to deal with things like these:
*tell me a story
what was the last film you saw or book you read?
rate yourself on a scale of 1-10
what are your pet hates?
Some of these types of question or request are simply ways of asking a standard question in a non-standard way. For example, it can be relatively common to be asked what type of person you think you are, at an interview. However, the question, “if you were an animal which one would you be?”, might stump you. In reality, it’s the same question, just slightly disguised.
The interviewer(s) might ask you a tricky question to get you thinking quickly, or simply to see how you react to a different way of being interviewed. There’s no real guide to how to approach this type of situation; be honest and try to explain yourself as if it were a standard interview question. However, if your pet hate is working, it might be better, just this once, to use an alternative!
Questions based on your application form or CV
As well as the type of questions mentioned above, you will also be asked things about information you’ve already provided on your application form or CV. The main tip here is to have a copy of the form or CV with you, and be well versed in what you’ve written. The interviewer(s) may ask you to expand on answers you’ve given, so be prepared to back up any claims you might have made.
Illegal interview questions
Interviewers are not allowed to ask certain questions. This includes asking about things like your age, religion, marital status, and any intentions you have to have children in the future.
While it is wrong for any interviewer to ask this type of question, it can happen, so you need to be prepared for the situation. If you were feeling confident, you could ask why you’re being asked such a question. It can be difficult to be direct with an interviewer as you don’t want to risk causing any offence. On the other hand, maybe, you wouldn’t want to work for someone who didn’t respect your privacy or human rights.
As most illegal questions are simply ways of checking whether any part of your private life will impinge on your working time, you could simply answer pre-empting any fears you feel the interviewer has. For example, if you were asked about your age, you could say something like:
‘I am in my 40s and have 20 years’ experience doing this kind of work.’
In an extreme case, you could simply not answer any questions that you feel are inappropriate. The interviewer could see this as rudeness and think negatively about your application. However, they may respect your forthrightness and look more positively upon you as a candidate.
Questions to ask the interviewer
Usually, at the end of an interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions. Some people find this part of the process a little awkward, so it’s a good idea to have one or two questions already prepared.
Questions relating to the future of the company or organisation that you want to join are often a good idea. You could also ask what will happen after the interview, if this information hasn’t already been covered.
Although it’s a good idea to have a few questions ready to ask, you have to be careful not to rely on them. The interviewer may have already covered the information you were going to ask about. If you ask about a subject that’s already been covered, it will look like you haven’t been paying attention. During the interview, try to think up questions related to the things you’ve talked about.
There’s often no need to worry about this stage of the interview, as once you’re in there and the interview is under way, ideas for questions might come to you naturally.
Final thought
Most situations that interviews throw up can be dealt with as long as you’re well prepared and try to stay relaxed. Don’t be afraid of saying that you don’t fully understand a question or pausing a while before answering. Interviews are not only about thinking quickly, but are also about showing you can contemplate a situation and come up with your own ideas.
Remember, with any type of question the interviewer asks, all they’re trying to do is find out about the following things:
Are you capable of doing the job?
Will you be easy to manage?
Are you motivated to do the job?
Will you get on with the people you have to work with?
Keep these questions in mind. Understanding why you’re being asked something should help you, in some way, to come up with the kind of answers the interviewers are looking for.
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Email: jobs@aarenconsultants.in
Questions to ask in interviews
OK, so you filled out the application form, got through all the testing and answered all their questions easily. Now your faced with your greatest challenge!
The dreaded question, "is there anything you would like to ask us?". DOH! You know you can't just say "no, I'm fine" and walk away.
This is your final test - all the rest was just a warm up - this is the big game!
Most of the questions to ask, below, would naturally have to be tailored for each position applied for (I can't hold your hand all the way through your application process - you're just gonna have to learn to stand on your own two feet!).
What scope for promotion and upward progress is there within this company?
This shows that you are both keen and are making long term plans to remain with the company.
Is the company planning any expansions or developments that might lead to further career opportunities?
This shows that you are taking an interest in the company, and again that you are making long term plans to remain with them.
I am keen to further develop my skills and experience. What sort of scope is there to do this within your company?
Employers will value potential as much as existing skills and experience. You will be perceived to be more valuable to them if they think your skills and knowledge will continuingly grow. Also, most employers will have some sort of training or staff facilities in place, so it's always good to let them know they're not wasting their money!
Relate to your past experience.
For example, if you found a previous job not to be challenging enough, then say so at your interview.
Ask your potential employer how they will challenge you! :)
Note: If you tell them that you found your previous job dull and boring, but you are applying for the same role in a different company, then the chances are that you won't get the job!
Relate to what they have been telling you at the interview.
If you bring something up that they have mentioned to before, it shows that you have been listening (which is the least that they can expect from you after all!).
Say something along the lines of, "You said before that you are expanding into the music business. I have a particular interest in the music industry, so would it be possible, nearer the time, for me to participate in this?".
Relate to the industry.
Read up on the industry that your potential employer works in.
If there have been notable developments recently, then bring them up (ask what impact the developments had on their business.
The dreaded question, "is there anything you would like to ask us?". DOH! You know you can't just say "no, I'm fine" and walk away.
This is your final test - all the rest was just a warm up - this is the big game!
Most of the questions to ask, below, would naturally have to be tailored for each position applied for (I can't hold your hand all the way through your application process - you're just gonna have to learn to stand on your own two feet!).
What scope for promotion and upward progress is there within this company?
This shows that you are both keen and are making long term plans to remain with the company.
Is the company planning any expansions or developments that might lead to further career opportunities?
This shows that you are taking an interest in the company, and again that you are making long term plans to remain with them.
I am keen to further develop my skills and experience. What sort of scope is there to do this within your company?
Employers will value potential as much as existing skills and experience. You will be perceived to be more valuable to them if they think your skills and knowledge will continuingly grow. Also, most employers will have some sort of training or staff facilities in place, so it's always good to let them know they're not wasting their money!
Relate to your past experience.
For example, if you found a previous job not to be challenging enough, then say so at your interview.
Ask your potential employer how they will challenge you! :)
Note: If you tell them that you found your previous job dull and boring, but you are applying for the same role in a different company, then the chances are that you won't get the job!
Relate to what they have been telling you at the interview.
If you bring something up that they have mentioned to before, it shows that you have been listening (which is the least that they can expect from you after all!).
Say something along the lines of, "You said before that you are expanding into the music business. I have a particular interest in the music industry, so would it be possible, nearer the time, for me to participate in this?".
Relate to the industry.
Read up on the industry that your potential employer works in.
If there have been notable developments recently, then bring them up (ask what impact the developments had on their business.
Answering Six Common Interview Questions
While you'll never be able to anticipate every question you might be asked in an interview, you can get a head start by developing strong, concise answers to commonly used questions. Most interviewers will ask similar questions like these to gain knowledge about a candidate's abilities and qualifications and compatibility with the job and the company.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the opening question in an interview. It's also one of the most difficult if you're not prepared. Remember, the interviewer does not want to hear about the football team you support or your unusual hobbies. This question calls for your one-minute advert that summarises your years of experience and skills and your personality in the context of the job for which you are being interviewed. Get to the point and sell your professional self. Develop a few brief sentences that demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job – experience, proven results and desire to contribute.
2. Why should we recruit you?
The key to answering any question about you versus your competition is using specifics. "Everybody is going to speak in generalities, so you need something that will make you stand out a bit," says Linda, a teacher in Sheffield. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job. Linda says she would point out her achievements and accomplishments throughout her career that are relevant to the open position, as well as her experience in dealing with different types of students and teaching situations. Pinpoint the qualities you have that are truly valuable to the company.
3. Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our company?
Peter, a G.P. in Edinburgh, says that research is important in answering these questions. "I would use this opportunity to show off what I know about the company and, more importantly, how I would fit in." Susan, a H.R. Manager in Manchester, says that she would address issues and challenges in the company to demonstrate the depth of her knowledge. "I usually talk about revenue, numbers of employees, and also challenges in their type of business and how my experience relates to that," she says. "I would point out things I have done in similar companies that could address their problems."
4. What are your weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is using your weaknesses to your advantage. "I would turn my weaknesses into strengths," says Tara, a lawyer. "For example, if my weaknesses include my lack of patience I would then state that because of this, I have learned to take special measures to ensure that I remain calm and attentive." Just make sure that you do give a real answer to this question. None of us is without faults, so don't pretend that you do not have weaknesses.
5. What did you dislike about your last job? Why did you leave your last job?
You need to be cautious about these kinds of questions and make sure you do not end up sounding bitter. "I would never criticise my former company, the boss, or my former colleagues," Tara says. You need to have a good understanding about the job for which you're applying to turn this question into a positive one. It may be best to say that you really enjoyed many aspects of your job, then focus on how this new job will give you the opportunity to contribute more in a particular area that is key to the position.
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
An interviewer does not want to hear that your five-year aspiration is to be sailing in the Caribbean or working in a different industry. You need to talk about goals you have that relate to the job. This will demonstrate that you understand the industry, the company and are motivated to succeed there. Susan, a P.R. Manager at a major car rental company, says she would keep her answer specific to her field, such as stating that she sees herself as being responsible for corporate communications.
Preparation is the key to answering any question with poise and confidence. Always keep in mind – whatever the question is – that the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.
How to Answer Salary Questions
Americans aren't keen to discuss money. We like making it and we like spending it, but money doesn't belong in polite conversation. It sits on the shelf of forbidden topics, alongside politics, religion and sex. Yet, one of the requisites often found on a job posting is, "Include salary history." You haven't even met anyone at the company yet and you're expected to divulge information only you and your bank account know? How rude. Like it or not, salary talks are part of job hunts, and often they arise in the early stages of the game. For a topic as sensitive and tricky as money, how should you proceed? "When a job posting requests salary history, the purpose is to identify candidates who are in a viable compensation range," Fuller says. "In these instances, it is important to show salary history. Otherwise, the risk is to be excluded from consideration." Job seekers aren't hesitant to hand over financial information only due to manners; they are afraid to hurt their chances of getting a good salary or even the job. For example, if your current income is higher than what this job will pay, the employer might assume you won't take a salary cut and remove you from the pool of applicants. Conversely, if your salary is well below this job's rate, the employer can lowball an offer. Either way, you lose. "The best answer is to tell the employer what you are currently earning [or most recently earned]," Fuller suggests. "At that point, compensation is not at a negotiation stage; it is at the information gathering stage. This is an important distinction to understand." If you're asked what you expect to earn, not what you did earn, Fuller recommends you give a realistic range for the position. This gives the employer an idea of what you want and can lead to a discussion of whether that pay aligns with what he or she had in mind. Regardless of when the topic arises, Fuller stresses that job seekers be honest about their salary history. Employers can verify your salary in a matter of minutes these days, so lying only serves to make you look bad. Just because you give a high number doesn't mean the employer will match the amount, Fuller says. The real purpose of salary talks in the beginning is to get a clear picture of what you're worth and what the company can offer. This is why Fuller advises as much flexibility as possible on your part. "When an offer is made, the candidate can negotiate several tangible and intangible factors that may include a six-month review, incentives, benefits, career development and/or flexibility," Fuller says. "Candidates should realize that value proposition [is about more] than just dollars and that companies will reward employees who perform." "During salary discussions, an employer does not want to hear about financial pressures candidates may have, such as debt, loans or, especially, maintaining a lifestyle," Fuller cautions. "Showing an appreciation for the tangibles, intangibles and the big picture will go a long way. [Also], employers will screen out candidates who are all about the money and not about the contribution and advancement of the organization." But be wary of employers during these conversations. You need to trust what you're being told; otherwise you probably don't want to work at the company. "Candidates who cannot establish trust with an employer about the role, the expectations, the compensation and the future outlook should not accept an offer with an employer," Fuller says. If you have no faith in what you hear, can you imagine what it will be like to work for this employer every day?And what if you don't?When a job posting tells you to include salary history or requirements on your résumé, you have only two choices: do it or don't. Sure, you can ignore it or dance around it by writing, "Salary to be commensurate with experience and responsibilities." That doesn't change the fact that you haven't handed over any hard numbers. And that's fine, as long as you realize you might remove yourself from the running, says Sue Fuller, director of talent management for EDL Consulting.The interviewEven if you're able to sidestep the issue during the application process, you might encounter it during a phone interview. Unless you like long, awkward silences, you'll have to address the issue.The dos and don'tsAs with any portion of a job hunt, there are bad signals you can send to an employer and vice versa. For example, you don't want to show up wearing beach attire to an interview. At the same time, you don't want to work at an office where all the employees looked unhappy and terrified of the boss. Salary talks have similar red flags.
How To Handle The Job Hopping Question
Here I give you some common sense advice and tips on answering questions regarding job hopping.
The Career Landscape Has Changed
As the economy changes and pink slips pop up, the once optional choice of changing jobs has become a mandatory step towards the top. Times change: 15 years ago employers may have easily rejected a good candidate who held five jobs in eight years. Today, in the wake of company mergers, corporate acquisitions, dot.com shutdowns, mass lay-offs and restructuring, hiring managers are more forgiving of job hoppers. They are realizing it is more of the norm.
While today’s employers may be less weary of job changers than their predecessors, some may still have misgivings. That is why you must come prepared with confident, reassuring answers to tricky questions like:
The Tough Interview Question: "Why have you switched jobs so often?"
What Is The Interviewer After?
When interviewers ask such an uncomfortable question, they are usually looking or one of the following:
The Career Landscape Has Changed
As the economy changes and pink slips pop up, the once optional choice of changing jobs has become a mandatory step towards the top. Times change: 15 years ago employers may have easily rejected a good candidate who held five jobs in eight years. Today, in the wake of company mergers, corporate acquisitions, dot.com shutdowns, mass lay-offs and restructuring, hiring managers are more forgiving of job hoppers. They are realizing it is more of the norm.
While today’s employers may be less weary of job changers than their predecessors, some may still have misgivings. That is why you must come prepared with confident, reassuring answers to tricky questions like:
The Tough Interview Question: "Why have you switched jobs so often?"
What Is The Interviewer After?
When interviewers ask such an uncomfortable question, they are usually looking or one of the following:
- A reason to choose you. Valid reason(s) for your jumping jobs.
- A reason to eliminate you from the selection process. Any red flags that indicate you are the problem and will not last long at the company.
Popular Reasons For Switching Jobs Often
To receive the employer’s approval and acceptance of your reasons for changing careers, formulate an acceptable response to counter the job hopping issue. Some popular reasons for switching jobs include:
To receive the employer’s approval and acceptance of your reasons for changing careers, formulate an acceptable response to counter the job hopping issue. Some popular reasons for switching jobs include:
- Taking care of domestic demands, death/extended illness in immediate family, etc.
- Moving because of spouse’s job, desire to travel, climate, family, etc.
- Continually seeking more satisfaction in the workplace
- Experiencing different jobs to determine where true interests lay
- Working in positions that were only temporary (internships, summer jobs, campaign work, etc.)
- Wanting more responsibilities, more money, more respect, more prestige, more flexibility, etc.
Be Honest With Your Answers
Don’t try to leave employment skeletons in your closet because sooner or later, they will invariably come back to haunt you. Be bold. Take full responsibility for whatever leaps you made in your professional past and explain why you did what you did and how you’re a better candidate because of such actions.
In your answer, try to:
Don’t try to leave employment skeletons in your closet because sooner or later, they will invariably come back to haunt you. Be bold. Take full responsibility for whatever leaps you made in your professional past and explain why you did what you did and how you’re a better candidate because of such actions.
In your answer, try to:
- Tie Your Work Together.
If you worked in different capacities, relate those duties to the position you’re applying for.
Answer Example:
"Since I worked in public relations, marketing and promotions, my communication skills continually improved in various mediums which would aid your advertising firm." - Explain Why This Time Will Be Different.
If you always had to leave jobs because your husband was in the military, say how his retiring will change your pattern. If you jumped whenever another offer looked better, say how you have learned loyalty, stability and commitment take precedence over money.
Answer Example:
"After I graduated from college, I wanted to test my talents in many different fields but now I know that my true passion is for architecture." - Reveal How Your Checkered Career Path Can Benefit The Company.
List how your skills, experience and education improved in each of your previous jobs and that such a varied background can bring a fresh perspective to the current position.
Answer Example:
"Since the film and music industries are so closely related, I feel my experience in the recording and commercial music business helped me acquire unique contacts and skills that will improve your film production company."
Conclusion
Each counter to the job hopping question will vary based upon individuals and their unique experiences. Not everyone has a perfect career history but that doesn't mean you are at a disadvantage. Use the above tips to better handle this situation during your next interview.
Each counter to the job hopping question will vary based upon individuals and their unique experiences. Not everyone has a perfect career history but that doesn't mean you are at a disadvantage. Use the above tips to better handle this situation during your next interview.
10 Questions to Dazzle a Future Employer
Your suit is crisp – you look impressive. Your C.V. is flawless – you seem great on paper. Now, for the last piece of the successful job search puzzle – carrying off the job interview with flying colours.
How do you do it? Try asking questions. Besides showing your interest in the position and the company, asking questions gives you an active role in the interview and lets you steer the interview into areas in which you shine.
To make sure your next interview is as smooth as your freshly dry-cleaned suit, try these 10 questions on for size:
1. "What type of salary growth and promotion opportunities does this position and the company offer?"
This tells the interviewer that you have a long-term vision for your professional future and that you're not just looking for any old job; you're looking to secure a career.
2. "How do you see me benefiting the company?"
Finding out why you were selected out of possibly hundreds of other candidates gives you a chance to expand on the qualities that caught their eye, further making the case for you to be recruited.
3. "What would my first project be if I'm recruited?"
This will give you a specific idea of what you can expect when you walk into the office that first day after being recruited. It also can give you a rough idea as to what will be expected of you, allowing you to build on those attributes during the interview.
4. "Are continuing education and professional training stressed?"
This shows your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges or initiatives. Adaptability is very important in today's fickle economy and could be key to retaining your job in a reorganisation.
5. "Why did you choose this company?"
Hearing why a current employee opted to work at the firm can give you some insight into some of the strengths and opportunities within the organisation.
6. "What is the organisation's culture?"
This will reveal those "intangibles" of a company that have nothing to do with professional experience or required education. If you need a traditional office environment to stay focused and get the job done, a more creativity-driven workplace which allows music streaming from computers, very casual dress, and ultra-flexible schedules may not be conducive to your productivity.
7. "Who will carry out my appraisals if I'm recruited?"
Ask this question, and you'll discern the company and departmental structure under which you will be working. For instance, will you report directly to the company’s chairman or will there be a succession of middle managers between you?
8. "What exactly are the job responsibilities?"
Job ads usually list the general areas of responsibility for a position. It's always good to confirm what the actual duties will be. You don't want to start your new job as an engineer and find out that you're responsible for handing out the post.
9. "When will a decision be made on the successful candidate?"
Knowing this helps you determine the timing of your interview follow-up activities.
10. "May I contact you if I have other questions?"
It's always good to finish up an interview with this question. It keeps the door open for further communication, giving you one last chance to make your case.
How do you do it? Try asking questions. Besides showing your interest in the position and the company, asking questions gives you an active role in the interview and lets you steer the interview into areas in which you shine.
To make sure your next interview is as smooth as your freshly dry-cleaned suit, try these 10 questions on for size:
1. "What type of salary growth and promotion opportunities does this position and the company offer?"
This tells the interviewer that you have a long-term vision for your professional future and that you're not just looking for any old job; you're looking to secure a career.
2. "How do you see me benefiting the company?"
Finding out why you were selected out of possibly hundreds of other candidates gives you a chance to expand on the qualities that caught their eye, further making the case for you to be recruited.
3. "What would my first project be if I'm recruited?"
This will give you a specific idea of what you can expect when you walk into the office that first day after being recruited. It also can give you a rough idea as to what will be expected of you, allowing you to build on those attributes during the interview.
4. "Are continuing education and professional training stressed?"
This shows your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges or initiatives. Adaptability is very important in today's fickle economy and could be key to retaining your job in a reorganisation.
5. "Why did you choose this company?"
Hearing why a current employee opted to work at the firm can give you some insight into some of the strengths and opportunities within the organisation.
6. "What is the organisation's culture?"
This will reveal those "intangibles" of a company that have nothing to do with professional experience or required education. If you need a traditional office environment to stay focused and get the job done, a more creativity-driven workplace which allows music streaming from computers, very casual dress, and ultra-flexible schedules may not be conducive to your productivity.
7. "Who will carry out my appraisals if I'm recruited?"
Ask this question, and you'll discern the company and departmental structure under which you will be working. For instance, will you report directly to the company’s chairman or will there be a succession of middle managers between you?
8. "What exactly are the job responsibilities?"
Job ads usually list the general areas of responsibility for a position. It's always good to confirm what the actual duties will be. You don't want to start your new job as an engineer and find out that you're responsible for handing out the post.
9. "When will a decision be made on the successful candidate?"
Knowing this helps you determine the timing of your interview follow-up activities.
10. "May I contact you if I have other questions?"
It's always good to finish up an interview with this question. It keeps the door open for further communication, giving you one last chance to make your case.
Answering Six Common Interview Questions
While you'll never be able to anticipate every question you might be asked in an interview, you can get a head start by developing strong, concise answers to commonly used questions. Most interviewers will ask similar questions like these to gain knowledge about a candidate's abilities and qualifications and compatibility with the job and the company.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the opening question in an interview. It's also one of the most difficult if you're not prepared. Remember, the interviewer does not want to hear about the football team you support or your unusual hobbies. This question calls for your one-minute advert that summarises your years of experience and skills and your personality in the context of the job for which you are being interviewed. Get to the point and sell your professional self. Develop a few brief sentences that demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job – experience, proven results and desire to contribute.
2. Why should we recruit you?
The key to answering any question about you versus your competition is using specifics. "Everybody is going to speak in generalities, so you need something that will make you stand out a bit," says Linda, a teacher in Sheffield. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job. Linda says she would point out her achievements and accomplishments throughout her career that are relevant to the open position, as well as her experience in dealing with different types of students and teaching situations. Pinpoint the qualities you have that are truly valuable to the company.
3. Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our company?
Peter, a G.P. in Edinburgh, says that research is important in answering these questions. "I would use this opportunity to show off what I know about the company and, more importantly, how I would fit in." Susan, a H.R. Manager in Manchester, says that she would address issues and challenges in the company to demonstrate the depth of her knowledge. "I usually talk about revenue, numbers of employees, and also challenges in their type of business and how my experience relates to that," she says. "I would point out things I have done in similar companies that could address their problems."
4. What are your weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is using your weaknesses to your advantage. "I would turn my weaknesses into strengths," says Tara, a lawyer. "For example, if my weaknesses include my lack of patience I would then state that because of this, I have learned to take special measures to ensure that I remain calm and attentive." Just make sure that you do give a real answer to this question. None of us is without faults, so don't pretend that you do not have weaknesses.
5. What did you dislike about your last job? Why did you leave your last job?
You need to be cautious about these kinds of questions and make sure you do not end up sounding bitter. "I would never criticise my former company, the boss, or my former colleagues," Tara says. You need to have a good understanding about the job for which you're applying to turn this question into a positive one. It may be best to say that you really enjoyed many aspects of your job, then focus on how this new job will give you the opportunity to contribute more in a particular area that is key to the position.
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
An interviewer does not want to hear that your five-year aspiration is to be sailing in the Caribbean or working in a different industry. You need to talk about goals you have that relate to the job. This will demonstrate that you understand the industry, the company and are motivated to succeed there. Susan, a P.R. Manager at a major car rental company, says she would keep her answer specific to her field, such as stating that she sees herself as being responsible for corporate communications.
Preparation is the key to answering any question with poise and confidence. Always keep in mind – whatever the question is – that the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the opening question in an interview. It's also one of the most difficult if you're not prepared. Remember, the interviewer does not want to hear about the football team you support or your unusual hobbies. This question calls for your one-minute advert that summarises your years of experience and skills and your personality in the context of the job for which you are being interviewed. Get to the point and sell your professional self. Develop a few brief sentences that demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job – experience, proven results and desire to contribute.
2. Why should we recruit you?
The key to answering any question about you versus your competition is using specifics. "Everybody is going to speak in generalities, so you need something that will make you stand out a bit," says Linda, a teacher in Sheffield. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job. Linda says she would point out her achievements and accomplishments throughout her career that are relevant to the open position, as well as her experience in dealing with different types of students and teaching situations. Pinpoint the qualities you have that are truly valuable to the company.
3. Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our company?
Peter, a G.P. in Edinburgh, says that research is important in answering these questions. "I would use this opportunity to show off what I know about the company and, more importantly, how I would fit in." Susan, a H.R. Manager in Manchester, says that she would address issues and challenges in the company to demonstrate the depth of her knowledge. "I usually talk about revenue, numbers of employees, and also challenges in their type of business and how my experience relates to that," she says. "I would point out things I have done in similar companies that could address their problems."
4. What are your weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is using your weaknesses to your advantage. "I would turn my weaknesses into strengths," says Tara, a lawyer. "For example, if my weaknesses include my lack of patience I would then state that because of this, I have learned to take special measures to ensure that I remain calm and attentive." Just make sure that you do give a real answer to this question. None of us is without faults, so don't pretend that you do not have weaknesses.
5. What did you dislike about your last job? Why did you leave your last job?
You need to be cautious about these kinds of questions and make sure you do not end up sounding bitter. "I would never criticise my former company, the boss, or my former colleagues," Tara says. You need to have a good understanding about the job for which you're applying to turn this question into a positive one. It may be best to say that you really enjoyed many aspects of your job, then focus on how this new job will give you the opportunity to contribute more in a particular area that is key to the position.
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
An interviewer does not want to hear that your five-year aspiration is to be sailing in the Caribbean or working in a different industry. You need to talk about goals you have that relate to the job. This will demonstrate that you understand the industry, the company and are motivated to succeed there. Susan, a P.R. Manager at a major car rental company, says she would keep her answer specific to her field, such as stating that she sees herself as being responsible for corporate communications.
Preparation is the key to answering any question with poise and confidence. Always keep in mind – whatever the question is – that the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.
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