10 Apr, 2007
General Interview Questions
- Why do you want to change jobs? When asked on an application, “If presently employed, why do you wish to change positions”, what do you put down. The reason I am changing positions because the company I am applying at is known nationwide I want to work for a company with their background and one that I can retire from. This same question is sometimes asked on interviews as well so it is important to have a good answer. Additionally, if you decide to leave your current employer, it is also wise to have consensus as to the reasons that you are leaving. It already sounds like you have positive reasons for wanting to work for the national company—go with that. Use your research to put forth several points about the company that you feel will be a great match (for the company) and suit your particular skills and experiences. Emphasize the fact that this opportunity to work for them is ‘just what you have been looking for’ because… .and then go into several ways you can add value to the organization. Remember, when asked why you left, do not downgrade in any way your prior/current employer… leave the interviewer with the feeling that you have only been associated with winners! Do not go into the ‘I can retire from this job’ aspect; it can have negative connotations. Present yourself as a vital, enthusiastic employee that can offer experience to their organization… for many years to come. Note: If appropriate, point out that you are not just ‘looking around’ but are sincerely interested in working for this particular company and that you are not a ‘job-hopper’ but are interested in a long-term career move.
- I will need to take a step back in salary. I don’t know how to handle the question ” What is your current salary”? If you have proceeded along interviews to the point when an offer is going to be made, that is the proper time to discuss salary. Otherwise, if pressed to disclose salary, talk in term of ranges… and a compensation package. “Present compensation package is high five figures” gives a lot of leeway yet is not in error. It is rare but some employers ask for W-2 forms or last salary stub to verify salary. You do not want to get caught in a lie (credibility is very important) so being up-front about willing to take a step back in order to invest in a new career can be impressive to an employer. Sharpen your sales skills… point out all the reasons why you are suited for the job, why you are making the move to a new career and why you want to work there. Compensation is a necessity but not your prime motivator.
- What do you expect your starting salary to be? Discussions of salaries and compensation should not be held until an offer is made. With that said, let’s look into the real world when this is not the case most of the time. Employers are shopping, trying to guess your price tag. This is one of those screening questions used to either screen in or screen out… so a response is important. Have you done your homework? What is the price for this job in the marketplace? Have you checked out classified ads or online ads for similar positions? Are you within the range, given your level of experience? Pegging yourself mentally to the right price is the first step. Second step is sharing this information correctly. Do you have enough information about this new job to determine your salary? If not… state it and ask for the information that is needed. “Before I can discuss salary, I would like to know the reporting requirements and how many people I would be supervising. In addition, what are the skill levels and experience of my staff?” You can also ask “What are others in similar positions being paid?” When you can no longer stall or seek additional information… “Based on what you have told me and exclusive of other compensation elements I feel that the position would warrant a salary range of $_______ to $___________” Name a range such as $40,000 to $45,000 to give both sides some wiggle room and allow for some give-and-take when benefits and other compensation is considered. If you know what you are willing to accept as salary and what the market pays, using a salary range should permit you to be negotiable.
- What can you add to what we have already asked you that should make us want to hire you? Think grocery shopping… all those brands in the soap aisle begging for your attention. Each one comes with its own key selling points. Remember the comics, Superman? On TV, he sold himself… stronger than a locomotive, faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. What are your key selling points? Plan this out ahead of time for the next interview… or include in a thank you letter for this past interview. Think a 1 minute infomercial about yourself. What are your core strengths? Is it communicating with children, being a mentor to other teachers, being able to keep topics current and interesting… . Think of what is needed to be successful in the job and how you specifically meet those needs—provide examples. Increased reading scores by using… Math scores jumped __% due to my … Offer some proof from your past to support your claims. But it is your ability to assess the situation and analyze your potential contributions that will sell your candidacy. Do not think it too late — send a strong thank you and include in your request for the job the key reasons why you are the best candidate.
- 10 Steps to a Successful Interview
- Arrive on time.
- Introduce yourself in a courteous manner.
- Read company materials while you wait.
- Have a firm handshake.
- Listen.
- Use body language to show interest.
- Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback to the interviewer.
- Ask about the next step in the process.
- Thank the interviewer.
- Write a thank-you letter to anyone you have spoken to.
- Key people in the organization Major products or services Size in terms of sales and employees Locations other than your community Organizational structure of the company Major competitors View of the company by clients, suppliers, and competition Latest news reports on the company or on local or national news that affects the company.
