Part 2
WHAT SALARY RANGE WERE YOU EXPECTING?
Purpose of Question: This is a DANGEROUS question, and one you can’t win! If you say too high, then you are exposed as unrealistic, and won’t get the job. If you say too low, you could be offered less.
Ideal Answer: Avoid this trap! Do NOT discuss salary, until you are offered the job!
1. Money is not the only thing I consider when looking for a career. . .
Company reputation, environment, using my education, being challenged, enjoying my co-workers. . . from everything I’ve seen here today, I think I’d be very happy. . .
2. I know that there is a salary range which is standard, and I’m sure that your company has fair hiring practices
3. I wasn’t sure from the advertisement. . . what were you offering? (“That’s what I expected”, no matter what they say!)
4. If they insist, then be honest about what you’ve been earning and realistic about what you want to earn.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS AND TENSION?
Purpose of Question: Exposes people who can’t deal with pressure or don’t recognize that lifestyle issues are important for good working. Exposes the misguided macho approach that stress can be good, which it is NOT.
Ideal Answer: Say that you tend not to get tense or stressed because you plan and organize properly. Say you look after the other things that can cause stress – health, fitness, diet, lifestyle, etc. Talk about channeling pressure positively – thinking, planning, keeping a balanced approach. See the answers to “how many hours” which are similar.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?
Purpose of Question: Opportunity for the interviewee to relate both their strengths and capabilities as they relate to the job, and also to show that they understand the priorities of the organization. The interviewee must therefore demonstrate RESEARCH about the position, and an understanding of both sides of the question – the needs of the employer, and how to apply their own skills, capabilities, experience, style and strengths to the situation. It’s also an opportunity for the interviewee to show how they will add positively to the mood and attitude of people you’ll work with.
Ideal Answer: Imagine what your objectives will be if you were in the role, and orientate your answer towards meeting them, on time, on budget, and with style. Talk about motivation and morale. “I can see that ___ is your priority – and that’s something I’m good at! I have abilities and experience to interpret situations. I am someone who achieves results in the necessary areas like….
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL JOB? WHY?
Purpose of Question: To elicit information about the interviewee’s career plans. It shows what the candidate priorities the MOST from their job: money, status, esteem, excitement, glamour, security. Or do they seek opportunities to make best possible use of their effort, skills and experience, in contributing to the performance/quality/results of the organization. This is a trap for people who are more concerned with what they get out of a job rather than what they put into it. These people are generally not self-starting or self-motivating. The question also gives indications as to how realistically the interviewee sees themselves. Some people visualize highly unrealistic jobs, which is a warning sign to a potential employer. Others visualize jobs that are clearly remote from the job being applied for, which indicates that some falsification or delusion is present.
Ideal Answer: Mindful of the trap possibilities, the interviewee would always do well to qualify the question by asking for a timescale (at what point in my career?) before answering. This shows that some consideration is taking place. Use the question to sell your strength as an asset to the organization. This would produce an answer that creates a picture of a loyal, results-orientated person, making a significant contribution to the organization.
Wrong answers: boss of my own company, your job, half a million a year, CEO of this company, a pop star, a railway engine driver, a film star.
Good answer: “A manager or executive with this organization where I can have the responsibility to use my skills and efforts to achieve great results. I’d like to be working alongside great people, and to be earning a fair reward. I’d like to become an expert in my field where I’m able to use my skills and abilities to make a real difference to the company’s performance.”
* WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR STRENGTHS?*
Purpose of Question: Shows whether candidate has self-awareness, and if the candidate has thought and planned. A glaring omission if not planned as this is such an obvious question for which everyone should be prepared.
Ideal Answer: Prepare three that are relevant to the requirements of the role. Be able to analyze why and how you are strong in those areas. Mix in some behaviors, knowledge and experience and well as skills, and show that you understand the difference. Style should be quite confidence rather than arrogant or over-confident.