... and five other interview questions you never knew the answer to!
We've all been there. There is no worse feeling than when an interviewer asks you a question you don't know the answer to. Here are a few questions and possible responses to help you out.
1. Sell me this pen!
This is a classic question that is basically designed to see how well you cope under pressure.
Just say something! Tell them it used to belong to one of the Beatles, tell them it cures cancer, tell them it only cost 5 pence! Just say anything and say it with confidence. Be creative.
2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
The employer wants to check that you are going to be committed to the company.
Say that you see yourself working in a company that has an attribute of the company you are interviewing at. For example, ‘I really want to be working in a young company, such as this one.’
3. Why do you think I should hire you?
Use this to really sell yourself. Don’t be arrogant; be confident.
Show how you will be indispensable by listing your achievements and your key skills.
4. What salary are you expecting?
You have to be very careful with your answer. Too low, and they will think you aren’t up to the job. Too high, and they will be put off.
Do your research: find out what the expected salary range for the job is beforehand. Then tell them what you are earning right now, and say that you would hope for something similar. However, you would be willing to take a pay cut if it were able to be reviewed in the future and you were in the right position.
5. What are your weaknesses?
Don’t give the classic, ‘My problem is I’m just too much of a perfectionist!’ they won’t believe you and it won’t get you the job.
Instead, say something about how you haven’t had the opportunity to develop a certain skill in the past so you want to do so in a new position.
Or say something that used to be a weakness but that you improved upon, such as giving presentations.
6. Why did you leave your last job?
This is not the time to bring up office politics! Be honest and say that the job wasn’t heading in the direction you wanted to, and now you are looking to pursue your career in a company where you can use your skills to their full advantage.
