Part 3

WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Purpose of Question: A trap for the unsuspecting or naive, and will show up those who’ve not prepared as this is another obvious question to expect. Will also prompt follow-up questions probing what the candidate is doing to improve the weakness, which is worth preparing for also.

Ideal Answer: Start by saying that you don’t believe you are actually “weak” in any area. Acknowledge certain areas that you believe you can improve, (and then pick some relatively unimportant or irrelevant areas). If you must state a weakness these are the clever ones that are actually strengths: not suffering fools gladly; being impatient with other people’s sloppy work; being too demanding; refusing to give in when you believe strongly about something; trying to do too much, striving for perfection.

GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF WHEN YOU HAD TO SOLVE A DISPUTE BETWEEN TWO CO-WORKERS:
Purpose of Question: THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTION! Testing the interviewee’s experience and ability to diffuse conflict, and also to step back and take an objective view, rather than getting involved and taking sides, which is the natural temptation. Objectivity is an important skills of a good manager, and this question will identify whether the interviewee possesses it.

Ideal Answer: Communication is Key!
1. Take any heat out of the situation by calming the individuals
2. Arrange a three-way discussion later in the day or an early opportunity in the future, in a suitable environment (closed meeting room)
3. Facilitate a proper discussion of the issues, so as to arrive at an agreed positive way of going forward or compromise.
4. It’s important to understand each person’s standpoint and feelings, without agreeing with them, unless the argument concerns a clear breach of policy or wrong behavior, in which case the transgressor should be counselled separately, after which the three-way meeting can be held to mend relationships.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? IN TEN YEARS?
Purpose of Question: Commonly trips people up into making over-ambitious claims about their future potential and worth. It highlights feelings of delusion, and a need for security if they exist. The question encourages the interviewee to think and express their plans and aspirations, future direction, needs and wishes. Shows how GOAL oriented you are, and your ability to PLAN.

Ideal Answer: No one can realistically predict what job will be required in 5-10 years, let alone whether they will be right to do it, so avoid specific job aims or claims. This is best answered in terms of the sort of situation you’d like to be in, which should reinforce all the other good things about yourself: “Long term I want to make the most of my abilities – if possible to build a serious career, but in this day and age nothing is certain or guaranteed; things can change. I’ll do my best and believe that opportunities will arise which will enable me to keep contributing, increasing my worth, and developing my ability in a way that benefits the organization and me. I have no set aspirations about money and reward – if I contribute and add value to the organization then generally increased reward follows – you get out what you put in.”

HOW MUCH NOTICE DO YOU NEED BEFORE YOU QUIT YOUR OTHER JOB?
Purpose of Question: However much time you’ll give to your last employer, is what they expect you’ll give to THEM when you quit! It’s a sign of integrity, and loyalty.

Ideal Answer: Two Weeks is ALWAYS the minimum. Even if you don’t need to give that much notice, it’s the right thing to do.

*Sometimes you’re between a
rock and a hard place!