Interview Questions Designed to Destroy #3

“WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR COMPANY?  WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?”

Because you have done your homework on the company, you know exactly why you want to work there.  All you must do is organize your reasons into several short, hard-hitting sentences.  Using facts, not puffery, tell him why his company is your number one choice.  For example, “You make the best product on the market today”.  “Your management is farsighted enough to reinvest the company’s profits so that soon you will be the leader in the category.”

 

“HOW LONG WOULD YOU STAY WITH US?”

“As I mentioned to you, I am looking for a career opportunity.  I am, however, a realist.  Obviously, if I do not do the job, you will not want me around.  If there is no opportunity for me, it will not be the type of environment I would enjoy.”

Another reasonable response might be, “as long as I continue to learn and grow in my field.”

“ARE YOU WILLING TO GO WHERE THE COMPANY SENDS YOU?”

Obviously, this is being asked because they have every intention of shipping you off.  If you answer no, you will probably not be hired.  If you answer yes, understand that once you are a trusted employee, you may be able to exert the necessary leverage to avoid the less desirable out-of-town assignments.

 

“HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE YOU TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO OUR FIRM?”

“Well, I hope to be able to make a contribution in a very short time.  Obviously, it will take some time to get my feet wet and to get used to certain operating procedures.  There are a number of things which I have accomplished before that I may be able to institute once I gain a better understanding of your organization.”

 

“ARE YOU APPLYING FOR ANY OTHER JOBS?”

This is not a tricky question.  In today’s tight job market, no one expects you to apply to only one company.  (In fact, if you do, the interviewer may figure you are either an innocent in the business world or not very serious about your job search.)  In your answer, show that your talents are applicable to several types of jobs and that you have fully explored ways to maximize your potential.

“WHAT INTERESTS YOU MOST ABOUT THIS POSITION?”

Give the interviewer a truthful one or two word answer, such as “the future”.  “The challenge.” “The competitiveness.” “The environment.”

This response will force the employer to ask you to explain, giving you yet another opportunity to demonstrate your profound knowledge of the company.

 

“WHAT TRAINING/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR A JOB LIKE THIS?  WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS JOB?”

Summarize four or five key areas of experience which you can bring to your new job.  Demonstrate to the interviewer specifically, how each one helps to solve problems.  For example, “My experience in new product introductions will be very helpful to your entire marketing effort.”  “My industrial design background will strengthen your sales force capability in dealing with large clients.”

Another approach would be to deliver a short, fact-filled summary of the two or three most important qualifications you have.  “I have a background in accounting.  I have demonstrated proven selling skills.  I am capable of handling several projects simultaneously.”

 

“DOES YOUR PRESENT EMPLOYER KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOOKING?”

Tell the truth, but understand beforehand that your candidacy will receive more serious attention if your interviewer thinks he has to lure you away.

 

“WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?”

This one can really catch you off guard!  Certainly you have no way of knowing if other candidates for this particular job are as qualified as you, but you must have the self confidence to believe that you have the attitude, ability, desire to learn and grow that it will take to be successful in this situation.

The interviewer asking this question does not want a lengthy regurgitation of your resume.  The interviewer is not asking for a barrage of facts and figures.  The only interest is in testing your poise and confidence.  Give a short, generalized summary.  “I have the qualifications to do the job that has to be done and my track record proves it”, or, “I know that this is the job for me and I will be successful.”

DOES YOUR SUPERIOR DISCUSS YOUR JOB PERFORMANCE WITH YOU?  WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL RATING?  WHAT WAS HE PARTICULARLY PLEASED WITH, AND WHAT DID HE FEEL YOU COULD IMPROVE UPON?”

“My boss was pleased with my overall performance, particularly with the way I tackled every objective with all my talents.”  Any weaknesses should be presented as a professional strength.  For example, “The only thing cited for improvement involves my tendency to be impatient and occasionally push too hard for information to get the job done”.

“WHAT IF YOUR COMPANY GIVES YOU A COUNTER OFFER?”

This question must not come as a surprise.  You must have an answer.  If a prospective new employer senses that you are playing the leverage game for a higher salary with your present employer, they will resent the fact.  It is generally best that you reassure the interviewer.  Put him at rest with something like, “I have thought about that, but I do not believe in leverage interviews.  The reasons I have decided to leave XYZ Company go beyond what the company can give me at this time.”

“WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE IN FIVE YEARS?”

This is a common question that is difficult to answer.  Make sure you know exactly what can and cannot be achieved by the ideal candidate in your shoes.  Too many job hunters butcher this question because they have not done their homework and have no idea where their career will lead them.

Be careful not to be too ambitious or too inflexible in your career interests.  You may want to suggest that this first question be considered after you have had the opportunity of a year’s experience with that particular company.

Do not say you want to be president of the company.  This tells the interviewer that you are unrealistic and have not really studied the firm.  Instead, take the time to learn about the company structure, and then select several company positions you might plausibly achieve in five years.

Because employers like goal-oriented workers, saying you have no idea what you will want in five years may score negative points.

 

“WHY ARE YOU NOT EARNING MORE AT YOUR AGE?”

This question, a current favorite, can frighten the wits out of an unsuspecting applicant.  One of the following suggested responses should cover your situation.

“I have been willing to sacrifice short term earnings because I felt that I was gaining valuable experience.”

“I have received (been promised) company stock (or other benefits) in lieu of an increase in salary.”

“I have been reluctant to gain a reputation as a job-hopper, preferring instead to build my career on a solid, long-term achievement.”

 

“HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR PROGRESS TO DATE?”

Never apologize for yourself.  “I think I have done well, but I need new challenges and opportunities.”  This is a good time to convey your stories.  “No one in my company had advanced as fast as I have.”  “I think you will agree, I have accomplished quite a bit in the last five years.”