THE 20 MOST DIFFICULT
QUESTIONS YOU'LL BE
ASKED IN AN INTERVIEW
Being prepared is half the battle.
The interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every journey that brings you face-to-face with a future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a marathon.
1. Tell me more about yourself.
This is often the first question in an interview. Be extra careful that you do not say too much or say the wrong things. Keep your answer succinct and specific. Stick to your education and working background. Who you are at work? Emphasize your work experience. Remember, this is likely to be a warm-up question.
2. What do you know about our organization?
Do not rely on information from friends or colleges when going for an interview. Google! Search the company’s website. You should be able to discuss the company’s products, services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, history and philosophy. Do not come across as a know-itall! Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research but do not overwhelm the interviewer – and make it clear that you wish to learn more.
You might start your answer with: "During my job search, I've investigated a number of companies. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons ..." Or “I have been on your website several times and keep going back. I really like the fact that ….”
Always keep your answer positive, even if you are a financial manager interviewed to turn the financial constraints of the group around.
3. Why should we hire you instead of the next person?
Talk about your NAP and the points you learned about yourself; i.e., what you are really good at doing and how this is in line with what they are looking for. If you discuss what you are good at, back this up with strong and relevant examples, including how you saved prior company money or time. Your passion will come through and you will automatically stand out from everyone else. You will talk with conviction, and this is not something a person can fake.
4. Why do you want to work for us?
The answer is not because, “It is a nice company, and I like interacting with people”.
This is a good opportunity to show you have researched the company’s website and are aware of the group’s particular industry. Before going for an interview, make sure you know why you want the position at this particular group.
What you could stress is that you have done the appropriate NAP and the opportunity at hand is very much in line with your natural aptitude.
Avoid going to interviews where you would not be able or would not want to function.
People cannot keep passion down, and passion always shows without you having to try too hard.
5. How did the consultant or HR describe the position for which you are being interviewed?
Keep your answer succinct and specific and think in terms of NAP and the responsibilities and accountabilities the consultant or HR described to you.
Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves. If you are not certain, ask the interviewer specific questions. Take a mental photo or picture of the position. Make sure that you really understand the position rather than walk out of the interview feeling uncertain.
6. What do like most about this position?
NAP will help you know why you are right for this position. List all of the NAP points and why you fit.
7. How quickly can we expect results from you, should you join the company?
Do not be over-confident. Say that while you would expect to meet the deadlines and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution. Also, reiterate that you would keep open communication channels on any given task or project for senior management to be able to track progress.
8. What will keep you at the company?
If your NAP is in line with the opportunity, make sure you say that you are interested in a career with the organization because of this. Also, say that you want to learn and grow as much as possible in that particular industry.
9. You may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. How do you feel about a position that is not that senior?
If the position is in line with your NAP, you can reiterate this in the interview and explain why you would be successful in this role.
10. What is your management style?
Make sure you have done proper research on the company. Ask your consultant what the current person’s management style is and how it is received. Know the management style of the person you would be reporting to and how you would be able to compliment this person.
Your NAP will give you a clear indication of how to answer this question.
11. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?
Keep your answer achievement and task-oriented and think how you can use NAP to ensure you use examples from your career and stress your experience and any feedback you have had.
12. What do you look for when you hire people?
You can answer that this would depend on what specifically the position needs to achieve for the company. If you really understand what the company wants to achieve with the position, then you can begin to look for the right person: someone who is passionate about it. NAP will give you a good understanding what to look at.
13. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?
Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you do not enjoy unpleasant tasks, but you can resolve problems efficiently and, in the case of firing someone, humanely.
14. What important trends do you see in our industry?
When going for an interview in a specific industry, make sure you know the most important trends related to your particular position and to that industry. This will help showcase how well you understand the position you are applying for. Consider technological challenges, opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands.
15. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?
Make sure that you mention the specific areas that challenged you. Keep in mind that you should not come across as negative; rather, these are areas you will give more attention to.
16. Why are you leaving your present job? (Or, why did you leave your last job?)
Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without sounding negative or talking badly about a previous employer or company. Refer back to having done NAP and really understanding more about what you want out of your career as opposed to just having a job.
If you were retrenched, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision. Do not mention personality conflicts.
The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. Remember that your references are likely to be checked, so do not lie or make up a story for an interview.
17. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
Say that this is one of the reasons why you have done NAP and also why you are looking at opportunities that are more in line with your passion. Do not be defensive. Say that you have always focused on a good opportunity as opposed to just the money. You are now at a stage in your career where you can align your skills and compensation.
18. What do you think of your boss?
Be as positive as you can and always refer back to your duties.
19. What salary are you looking for?
Salary is always a delicate discussion. See the discussion under “What salary should I ask for in an interview?” (p80)
20. What are your long-range goals?
Refer back to your NAP planning and to your reasons for looking at a new opportunity. Do not answer, “I need more money” or “I am interested in the position you have advertised." Relate your goals to the company in line with the position you are interviewing for.