Yesterday we covered the first five “stress” questions you are most likely to encounter during a job interview, as well as proposed strategies on how to approach them. Today, we focus on the second five tricky questions that stand between you and the job you want.
6. What do you like most and least about your present job? This question allows the interviewer to gather clues about the type of environment or corporate culture that suits you. Concentrate your answer on areas that are relevant to the position and be specific. Don't say, "I liked the atmosphere". Instead, say: "I enjoyed the camaraderie of being part of a team". When discussing least-liked aspects of your present or previous job, try to mention an area of responsibility that's far removed from the functions of the job you're seeking. But, be sure your answer indicates that you either performed the assignment well or that you learned something useful. This shows that you stick with tasks that don't particularly interest you.
7. Are you applying for any other jobs?
Hardly anyone expects you to say "no" to this question in today's job market. If you do, the interviewer may think you're either naive about business conditions or not serious about job hunting. Instead, say you're exploring several openings that might fit your talents and potential. Don't say that you're already weighing job offers, however. You may be viewed as uninterested in the job. Interviewers are drawn to job candidates who really want to work for their company. Candidates who say: 'I think I'm interested', usually lose to those who know they are and say so enthusiastically. On the other hand, don't wear your enthusiasm on your sleeve. You might inadvertently convey that you're desperate for the job and have already been turned down by other employers.
8. Why should we hire you?
This question entices job seekers to really sell themselves. However, many don't realize why it's asked and answer ineffectively. It's a mistake, for example, to say what you hope to gain from a job. Instead, to borrow from a famous phrase, "Ask not what the company can do for you; ask what you can do for the company". The interviewer who asks you this is really probing your readiness for the job, your ability to handle it, your willingness to work hard at it and your fitness for the job. Show your readiness by describing how your experience, career progression, qualities and achievements make you an asset. Highlight your ability by discussing your specific skills and accomplishments. Your willingness to work will be evident in your commitment to whatever challenges you undertake. To show fitness, say you're reliable, have integrity and will accommodate yourself to any difficulties the job entails.
9. Where do you hope to be in five years?
The worst answer to this question is to say that you want to be president of the company or have the interviewer's position. These responses are too flip or threatening. Instead, talk about what motivates you; especially what will motivate you on this job. Without saying you want the boss' job, describe where you would like to be in your career in five years, as well as what you hope to have accomplished. Employers prefer candidates who think in terms of the future and set realistic goals. Saying that you're not sure where you want to be in five years may undermine your chances of landing the job. Answers like this are a turnoff. Hiring Managers will always look for people who know what they want to do and who believe that their goals and the company's are in sync.
10. Do you have any questions? Can you think of anything else you'd like to add?
Don't say "no," or that everything has been thoroughly discussed. The interviewer isn't likely to have uncovered every critical qualification you have for the job. Even if nothing crucial was omitted, you should try to restate why you're the most logical candidate for the opening. If you think the interviewer has any doubts, now's the time to cast your candidacy more positively. While you can't make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, a bad interview can sometimes be turned around by countering any misconceptions that have emerged. By saying you don't have any questions; the interviewer also may assume you're not interested in the job. Have some intelligent questions ready that show you're knowledgeable about the company and the opening. This presumes that you've done your homework and read articles about the company in trade magazines or professional journals. Having a positive attitude and practicing in advance can help you to field tricky questions with ease. Your calmness under fire will show that you can handle crises on the job just as easily.
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