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Typical Interview Questions We So Often Fail to Answer… well



A job interview suggest that a candidate goes prepared to shine above the competition and demonstrate strengths while explaining how they are continuously improving the existing weaknesses. However, the recruiters have 3 questions up their sleeve that make all of us grudge. Jan 13, 2012 Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Especially considering the volatile situation the answer to that question is by definition unclear. Furthermore, you need to be careful not to come out stating “In 5 years I will be doing your job”. However, recruiters are looking for a high level of stability in candidates that they are willing to hire, making this a question that will reveal if you are considering seriously to build a life and career in the corporation or you a job hopper who could leave at any moment. You do not want to come out threatening and overly ambitious but also you need to convey a sense of desire and motivation to grow within the company and learn continuously. Try to focus on these things when you answer: 1. You are eager to demonstrate your abilities and increase your responsibilities over time, manage teams, projects and initiatives. 2. You are actively looking to increase and deepen your skills and qualities in the field 3. How both of these factors are bound to complement the efforts of everyone else in the company for it to grow while you contribute more and more each time. Do you have any questions? A recruiter is bound to finalize an interview asking for your input. Although it is a way to round up an interview, it is also an opportunity for an experienced interviewer to get to know you better. Make sure you have researched the company well along with the sector and the specific needs for the position. This will spare you the embarassment of asking things you should have known. It is too early to ask about financials and vacations, too. Take the opportunity to get some insight on the company, what it is to work there, is your position newly established or replacing, what would make your job a success story, etc. This question also gives you the opportunity to show off. If you feel prepared you can always make an industry specific question and its effects on the concrete company. Mind you, you will need to be well prepared to do so. Why Were you laid off Now this is really a tricky one. However, with the current state of the job market it is no longer as disturbing if you were laid off, that is of course, if you have a very clear and well prepared explanation to the situation. Sometimes this is even more easy to accept and explain then a history of job hopping and uncertainty. Being asked the question is normal and should not make you nervous. Relax and feel free to openly discuss the reasons behind it. Make sure you build a strong and logical case about the events rather than lash out at how unfair your superiors were. Never assume that the interviewer knows the situation in your previous company so build the complete picture for them – a change of priorities, overall poor results or restructuring. Be proud of your achievements and qualities which is in the end what a future employer will evaluate to decide whether they would want to invest in you.   The Growinfinance.com Team