INTERVIEW QNS AND ANSWERS BY NCHOTA BEATUS
1. "If offered to you, how long do you plan to stay in this role?"
Sample Answer(s)
I approach every new job with a long-term view. I would like to think that I can make a positive contribution to XYZ Corp for the foreseeable future.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Recruiting, hiring and training a new employee is an expensive process and represents a major investment by an employer. The interviewer wants to ensure that your goals are compatible with the firm's investment.
2. "What kind of salary are you seeking?"
Sample Answer(s)
Answer1: I would expect a salary which reflects the experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What range do you have in mind?
Answer 2: I've got a strong background in this industry and my skills are a perfect match for this role. I would expect my compensation to be at the upper end of the position's salary band. Can you tell me what that salary band is?
Answer 3: Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 28,000-32,000 would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
When preparing for the interview you should try to discover the salary range for the job from the recruitment consultant or human resources department. This information can put you in a strong position when the time comes to negotiate a salary.
Unless pressed, you should not give a specific number here. Instead you should specify your value relative to a 'salary band'. Most firms have salary bands for each position. You should aim to negotiate a salary towards the peak of the range for the position in which you are interviewing.
If you are pushed for a specific salary, respond with a target range. This will help lay the groundwork for future negotiations. You should qualify yourself by specifying that your answer is based on the information that you have to hand about the job. Do not give the actual range that would satisfy you, as your prospective employer may try to bargain you down at a later point. For example, if your target salary range is 26,000 - 30,000, you should specify a higher range such as 28,000-32,000.
Related questions
1. What salary do you think you deserve?
3. "What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like this?"
Sample Answer(s)
I think that determination, a willingness to work hard and a desire to excel in everything you do are key attributes for a successful employee in a company like XYZ Corp. A successful employee would also need to handle pressure well, be a great communicator and an excellent team member. These are attributes that have helped me succeed in my past positions and ones that I would like to apply in XYZ Corp..
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The interviewer wants to know if you're prepared to give what it takes to contribute to the firm. The question also alludes to your understanding of the firm's ethos, and how well you will fit in.
Use this question to highlight the qualities that you bring to the firm.
Related questions
1. What do you know about this organization?
4. "What do you know about this organization?"
Sample Answer(s)
I know that XYZ Corp. has been in existence for four years. It was founded by John Rush in his garage and he has built it into the third largest office supplies firm in the state with aspirations to make it number one within two years. It's renowned as an ambitious and highly progressive company and I believe it has a very bright future. I also like the fact that XYZ Corp isn't a company that rests on its laurels.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The interviewer wants to know how hungry you are for this job. If you haven't even prepared for the interview, by doing the most basic research, then the chances of you getting the job are close to zero. You can be sure that other candidates will have done their research.
Check out the firm's website (if they have one) and business directories in your local library. You should also contact the firm itself, through their Public Relations department.
Related questions
1. What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like this?
1. What concerns you about this company?
1. Where do you see this company going?
1. What do you know about our products?
1. What attracts you to this company? What interests you about this company?
5. "What do you know about the position you've applied for? What duties do you think this job entails?"
Sample Answer(s)
The Media Marketing Co-ordinator reports to the Marketing Director. Her role is to co-ordinate all media advertising, particularly print, radio, and television. The Co-ordinator works with Media agencies to profile advertising opportunities, then, working within a strict budget, she organizes cross-media advertising campaigns. An important aspect of the role is to disseminate the customer response to the adverts in order to measure its success and thus improve future campaigns.
At my last job in ABC & Co I worked closely with several different media agencies, including some that specialized in new media platforms such as the Internet. I also gained invaluable experience as a member of the team that established ABC & Co as a national brand by launching ABC DooDaa nationwide. I feel that I can bring this expertise to the Media Marketing Co-ordinator role and help XYZ Corp achieve it's goal of doubling it's customer base every year for the next three years.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
You should gather as much information as possible about the job you're applying for. If you don't even know what the job is, how can you possibly claim to be the best candidate for it? Researching the position demonstrates initiative, determination and good preparation and is a great way to impress the interviewer at the start of the interview.
When answering this question make sure to include references to your skills and how they match the requirements of the job.
You can gather more information about the position from the location where you learnt about the opening - a job center / recruitment poster etc. If you have the name of an appropriate contact, for example a person in the firm's Human Resources department, you should contact them and request further information. You should also gather information concerning the role in general from a careers directory in a library or on the Internet.
Related questions
1. Why did you apply for this job? Why do you want this position? What interests you about this position?
6. "What do you know about this industry?"
Sample Answer(s)
The telecommunications industry is currently going through a period of rapid expansion. The major industry players are positioning themselves for the delivery of the next generation of telecommunication services. New developments in mobile, broadband and satellite communications mean that it's an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry. I've no doubt that the telecommunications industry will be a driving force of the worldwide economy in the 21st century. I know that XYZ Corp intends to be a frontrunner in that expansion. For that reason, this job is highly attractive.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This question assesses the depth of your knowledge about the industry in question. If you are new to the area, you may have to research this question before you attend the interview. You should not spend a long time answering the question. After all, the interviewer already knows the answer. Give a brief synopsis of the industry and where you believe the firm sits within the industry.
Use this question to inform the interviewer of your desire to work in this industry. Try
and inject your enthusiasm into the answer.
Related questions
1. Why did you apply for this job? Why do you want this position? What interests you about this position?
7."Why would you like to work for me?"
Sample Answer(s)
I've been aware of your reputation for some time. You're regarded as an innovator within the industry and beyond. I appreciate that your team's success is due to a number of factors, not least of which is hard work. I'm an excellent team player, I'm a very good problem solver, and I work hard to get the job done. For these reasons, I'm confident I'd be an asset to your group. I hope that my experience shows I'm suitably qualified to fulfill the position.
I know that your position within this firm speaks for itself. My ideal manager is someone that fosters excellence, innovation, and success, as well as personal and professional growth. It's widely recognized that XYZ Corp's strongest asset is its staff thanks to its strong belief in training and development. For these reasons, this is a highly desirable role.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
There are two approaches to answering this question. If you know the interviewer personally or by reputation you can allude to qualities in him that you respect and the complimentary qualities you could bring to him and his team. If you do not know the interviewer, answer this question by referring to how your qualities would match those of a suitable, hypothetical manager.
8. "What challenges do you think you'll face in this job? What problems do you think you'll face in this job?"
Sample Answer(s)
Having worked in a similar role at ABC & Co, I expect that this job will present regular deadlines to meet, strains on resource availability, conflicting priorities, and budgetary concerns to name but a few issues. These are challenges that I've successfully tackled in
the past and I'm sure that record would continue here. I relish a challenge and there's nothing that I've seen in this job that intimidates me in any way.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The interviewer is trying to extract your real fears and apprehensions about the problems you would face in this role. Demonstrate confidence in your own abilities and anticipation rather than apprehension for the job in question.
9."What salary do you think you deserve?"
Sample Answer(s)
Having worked in the advertising industry for seven years, I bring a valuable combination of expertise, experience and dedication to each new job. I expect that a compensation towards the top of the salary range for this position would adequately reflect the value of my skills.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This is similar to the question What kind of salary are you seeking with one significant twist - you are being asked to justify the salary you believe you are worth. Do not panic by the way the question has been framed. As part of the task of selling yourself, you should be fully prepared to highlight your qualities while talking about monetary compensation.
Related questions
1. What kind of salary are you seeking?
1. What are your strengths? How do they help you?
1. What makes you think you're qualified for this job?
1. Why should we hire you?
11. "What concerns you about this job?"
Sample Answer(s)
I have no concerns about this job. I believe it closely matches my skill set and is a natural progression in my career. I look forward to the challenge but am confident that I can make a success of this role.
Sample Answer(s)
I approach every new job with a long-term view. I would like to think that I can make a positive contribution to XYZ Corp for the foreseeable future.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
Recruiting, hiring and training a new employee is an expensive process and represents a major investment by an employer. The interviewer wants to ensure that your goals are compatible with the firm's investment.
2. "What kind of salary are you seeking?"
Sample Answer(s)
Answer1: I would expect a salary which reflects the experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What range do you have in mind?
Answer 2: I've got a strong background in this industry and my skills are a perfect match for this role. I would expect my compensation to be at the upper end of the position's salary band. Can you tell me what that salary band is?
Answer 3: Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 28,000-32,000 would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
When preparing for the interview you should try to discover the salary range for the job from the recruitment consultant or human resources department. This information can put you in a strong position when the time comes to negotiate a salary.
Unless pressed, you should not give a specific number here. Instead you should specify your value relative to a 'salary band'. Most firms have salary bands for each position. You should aim to negotiate a salary towards the peak of the range for the position in which you are interviewing.
If you are pushed for a specific salary, respond with a target range. This will help lay the groundwork for future negotiations. You should qualify yourself by specifying that your answer is based on the information that you have to hand about the job. Do not give the actual range that would satisfy you, as your prospective employer may try to bargain you down at a later point. For example, if your target salary range is 26,000 - 30,000, you should specify a higher range such as 28,000-32,000.
Related questions
1. What salary do you think you deserve?
3. "What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like this?"
Sample Answer(s)
I think that determination, a willingness to work hard and a desire to excel in everything you do are key attributes for a successful employee in a company like XYZ Corp. A successful employee would also need to handle pressure well, be a great communicator and an excellent team member. These are attributes that have helped me succeed in my past positions and ones that I would like to apply in XYZ Corp..
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The interviewer wants to know if you're prepared to give what it takes to contribute to the firm. The question also alludes to your understanding of the firm's ethos, and how well you will fit in.
Use this question to highlight the qualities that you bring to the firm.
Related questions
1. What do you know about this organization?
4. "What do you know about this organization?"
Sample Answer(s)
I know that XYZ Corp. has been in existence for four years. It was founded by John Rush in his garage and he has built it into the third largest office supplies firm in the state with aspirations to make it number one within two years. It's renowned as an ambitious and highly progressive company and I believe it has a very bright future. I also like the fact that XYZ Corp isn't a company that rests on its laurels.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The interviewer wants to know how hungry you are for this job. If you haven't even prepared for the interview, by doing the most basic research, then the chances of you getting the job are close to zero. You can be sure that other candidates will have done their research.
Check out the firm's website (if they have one) and business directories in your local library. You should also contact the firm itself, through their Public Relations department.
Related questions
1. What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like this?
1. What concerns you about this company?
1. Where do you see this company going?
1. What do you know about our products?
1. What attracts you to this company? What interests you about this company?
5. "What do you know about the position you've applied for? What duties do you think this job entails?"
Sample Answer(s)
The Media Marketing Co-ordinator reports to the Marketing Director. Her role is to co-ordinate all media advertising, particularly print, radio, and television. The Co-ordinator works with Media agencies to profile advertising opportunities, then, working within a strict budget, she organizes cross-media advertising campaigns. An important aspect of the role is to disseminate the customer response to the adverts in order to measure its success and thus improve future campaigns.
At my last job in ABC & Co I worked closely with several different media agencies, including some that specialized in new media platforms such as the Internet. I also gained invaluable experience as a member of the team that established ABC & Co as a national brand by launching ABC DooDaa nationwide. I feel that I can bring this expertise to the Media Marketing Co-ordinator role and help XYZ Corp achieve it's goal of doubling it's customer base every year for the next three years.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
You should gather as much information as possible about the job you're applying for. If you don't even know what the job is, how can you possibly claim to be the best candidate for it? Researching the position demonstrates initiative, determination and good preparation and is a great way to impress the interviewer at the start of the interview.
When answering this question make sure to include references to your skills and how they match the requirements of the job.
You can gather more information about the position from the location where you learnt about the opening - a job center / recruitment poster etc. If you have the name of an appropriate contact, for example a person in the firm's Human Resources department, you should contact them and request further information. You should also gather information concerning the role in general from a careers directory in a library or on the Internet.
Related questions
1. Why did you apply for this job? Why do you want this position? What interests you about this position?
6. "What do you know about this industry?"
Sample Answer(s)
The telecommunications industry is currently going through a period of rapid expansion. The major industry players are positioning themselves for the delivery of the next generation of telecommunication services. New developments in mobile, broadband and satellite communications mean that it's an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry. I've no doubt that the telecommunications industry will be a driving force of the worldwide economy in the 21st century. I know that XYZ Corp intends to be a frontrunner in that expansion. For that reason, this job is highly attractive.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This question assesses the depth of your knowledge about the industry in question. If you are new to the area, you may have to research this question before you attend the interview. You should not spend a long time answering the question. After all, the interviewer already knows the answer. Give a brief synopsis of the industry and where you believe the firm sits within the industry.
Use this question to inform the interviewer of your desire to work in this industry. Try
and inject your enthusiasm into the answer.
Related questions
1. Why did you apply for this job? Why do you want this position? What interests you about this position?
7."Why would you like to work for me?"
Sample Answer(s)
I've been aware of your reputation for some time. You're regarded as an innovator within the industry and beyond. I appreciate that your team's success is due to a number of factors, not least of which is hard work. I'm an excellent team player, I'm a very good problem solver, and I work hard to get the job done. For these reasons, I'm confident I'd be an asset to your group. I hope that my experience shows I'm suitably qualified to fulfill the position.
I know that your position within this firm speaks for itself. My ideal manager is someone that fosters excellence, innovation, and success, as well as personal and professional growth. It's widely recognized that XYZ Corp's strongest asset is its staff thanks to its strong belief in training and development. For these reasons, this is a highly desirable role.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
There are two approaches to answering this question. If you know the interviewer personally or by reputation you can allude to qualities in him that you respect and the complimentary qualities you could bring to him and his team. If you do not know the interviewer, answer this question by referring to how your qualities would match those of a suitable, hypothetical manager.
8. "What challenges do you think you'll face in this job? What problems do you think you'll face in this job?"
Sample Answer(s)
Having worked in a similar role at ABC & Co, I expect that this job will present regular deadlines to meet, strains on resource availability, conflicting priorities, and budgetary concerns to name but a few issues. These are challenges that I've successfully tackled in
the past and I'm sure that record would continue here. I relish a challenge and there's nothing that I've seen in this job that intimidates me in any way.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
The interviewer is trying to extract your real fears and apprehensions about the problems you would face in this role. Demonstrate confidence in your own abilities and anticipation rather than apprehension for the job in question.
9."What salary do you think you deserve?"
Sample Answer(s)
Having worked in the advertising industry for seven years, I bring a valuable combination of expertise, experience and dedication to each new job. I expect that a compensation towards the top of the salary range for this position would adequately reflect the value of my skills.
Advice from the recruitment consultant
This is similar to the question What kind of salary are you seeking with one significant twist - you are being asked to justify the salary you believe you are worth. Do not panic by the way the question has been framed. As part of the task of selling yourself, you should be fully prepared to highlight your qualities while talking about monetary compensation.
Related questions
1. What kind of salary are you seeking?
1. What are your strengths? How do they help you?
1. What makes you think you're qualified for this job?
1. Why should we hire you?
11. "What concerns you about this job?"
Sample Answer(s)
I have no concerns about this job. I believe it closely matches my skill set and is a natural progression in my career. I look forward to the challenge but am confident that I can make a success of this role.
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