Question 31: What would your current manager say are your weaknesses?
This is not the place to admit your biggest flaws.
It’s also not the time to pretend you don’t have any development areas – it would make you look either conceited or as though you can’t evaluate your own performance.
So how should you handle this type of question?
The main thing is to admit that you have an area to develop, whilst showing that you are already working on it and giving examples of the progress you have made.
If possible, choose a development area that doesn’t affect your ability to do the job for which you are being interviewed.
It’s usually a good idea to make the “weakness” something small. Avoid topics such as “organisational skills” or “time management”! Be ready to turn it into a positive.
What happens if one of your development areas is one of the key strengths required for the role?
Make sure you can demonstrate why it won’t be a problem.
Question 32: Are you overqualified for this job?
Overqualified? Some would say that I’m not overqualified but fully qualified. With due respect, could you explain the problem with someone doing the job better than expected?
I’m flattered that you think I’m headhunted bait and will leap to another job when an offer appears. Not really. This job is so attractive to me that I’m willing to convince you that I’m the best person for this position.
As you note, I’ve worked at a higher level but this position is exactly what I’m looking for. You offer opportunity to achieve the magic word: balance. I’m scouting for something challenging but a little less intense so I can spend more time with my family.
Salary is not my top priority. Not that I have a trust fund but I will work for the money, will take direction from managers of any age, will continue to stay current on technology and will not leave you in the lurch.
Question 33: Why should we give you this job?
This is the time to give them your PSP - Prime Selling Points – or what makes you different from all the other applicants.
It’s really worth working out and practising your answer to this before the interview.
Some businesses use the phrase “30 second elevator speech”.
Imagine you have just bumped into the CEO of the company you want to work for, getting into a lift. He or she asks you “Why should we give you the job?”. You have the time it takes for the lift to reach its destination (about 30 seconds) to give a compelling answer.
The key is to highlight your strengths and the benefits you can bring to the company. Make sure you avoid sounding desperate!
As preparation, you should refer back to the job advert and also listen carefully during the interview, to make sure your answer meets the needs of the “buyer” (the interviewer).
You are giving your answer from the perspective of the buyer’s needs, rather than your own.
Finish your answer with: “I have the qualifications you need [itemize them], I’m a team player, I take direction, and I have the desire to make a thorough success.”
Question 34: We’re considering two other candidates for this position. Why should we hire you rather than someone else?
Do not be distracted by the mention of two other candidates, you don’t know anything about them and they could be fictitious. Focus on what strengths you bring to the table. These should be consistent with the four things most employers are looking for in candidates during the job interview: competence, professionalism, enthusiasm, and likeability. Remember, they are looking for chemistry between you and them. Be prepared to summarize in 60 seconds why you are the best candidate for the job. Also, let the employer know you want the job and you will enjoy working with them. A lack of interest in the job may indicate a lack of enthusiasm for the job and them.
Question 35: What would you do if one of our competitors offered you a position?
The interviewer is trying to determine whether the candidate is truly interested in the industry and company, or whether he or she has chosen the company randomly. Contrast your perceptions of the company with its competitors, and talk about the company’s products or services that you’ve encountered. In the long run, which players do you believe are most viable and why? This is also a good place to ask the interviewer for his or her opinion.
Sample Answer: I’d say no. I’m not interested in other players in this industry. I want to work with you because I (do your homework about the company, their corporate values, products etc)…..and I know I’d be convincing selling your product to retailers.
Question 36: What are your biggest accomplishments?
Keep your answers job related. You might begin your reply with: “Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with . . . I made my contribution as a part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye for the bottom line.”
Question 37: What did you like/dislike about your last job?
The interviewer is looking for incompatibilities. If a trial lawyer says he or she dislikes arguing a point with colleagues, such a statement will only weaken–if not immediately destroy–his or her candidacy.
Most interviews start with a preamble by the interviewer about the company. Pay attention: That information will help you answer the question. In fact, any statement the interviewers make about the job or corporation can be used to your advantage.
So, in answer, you liked everything about your last job. You might even say your company taught you the importance of certain keys from the business, achievement, or professional profile. Criticising a prior employer is a warning flag that you could be a problem employee. No one intentionally hires trouble, and that’s what’s behind the question. Keep your answer short and positive.
You might say, “I really liked everything about the job. The reason I want to leave it is to find a position where I can make a greater contribution. You see, I worked for a large company that encourages specialisation of skills. The smaller environment you have here will, allow me to contribute far more in different areas.” Tell them what they want to hear–replay the hot button.
Of course, if you interview with a large company, turn it around. “I work for a small company and don’t get the time to specialise in one or two major areas.”
Question 38: Can you work under pressure?
You might be tempted to give a simple “yes” or “no” answer, but don’t. It reveals nothing, and you lose the opportunity to sell your skills and value profiles. Actually, this common question often comes from an unskilled interviewer, because it is closed-ended. As such, the question does not give you the chance to elaborate. Whenever you are asked a closed-ended question, mentally add: “Please give me a brief yet comprehensive answer.” Do this, and you will give the information requested and seize an opportunity to sell yourself. For example, you could say: “Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and proper management of my time to reduce panic deadlines within my area of responsibility.”
Question 39: What environments allow you to be especially effective?
Emphasize your flexibility and your ability to work in many different types of environments. Your answer should not consist of a laundry list of requirements (private office, few interruptions, and so on) or the interviewer may conclude that you will be difficult to satisfy.
Sample Answer: Although I can work effectively in most environments, I prefer environments where people are allowed to contribute and share ideas, within reason. I like to have a goal but be able to draw my own map to get there. To accomplish goals, I rely on asking questions and finding people receptive, so cooperation and access are important to me in a work group.
