- During an interview, it’s best to turn the interview into a conversation. The key is to explain to the employer how you can answer questions and incorporate a question into a response.
- Using Assumptive Interviewing techniques.
Personalize the interview whenever and wherever possible. To glean information about responsibilities or job duties, use phrases such as “What will I be doing for you on a day-to-day basis? To whom will I report? Who will be reporting to me?”
3. The Salary Question
Most of the time, many candidates may have very difficult time answering questions about expected income. A few employers will bring up the subject of pay and benefits during interviews. Responding to salary matters can be difficult at times.
If the Employer asks: “What salary are you expecting?”
You can answer by saying, " Although money is important to me Mr./Ms Employer -- it isn’t my primary goal. I’m more interested in the people I will be working with on a day-to-day basis and the kind of long-term opportunities here at ABC Co."
"What salary RANGE did you have in mind?"
If the employer answers you with a salary range, then you can answer them by saying "When you decide I am the person for you, I am sure we can come to an agreement in that range." If the interviewer insists that you specify a figure, then be prepared to answer with a salary your own and add "How does that fit into the range you had in mind?"
4. Blue Sky Questions
Blue sky questions force candidates to deal with abstract ideas rather than skills and facts. A question like "What are your long term goals?" can be tricky because many candidates think in terms of job titles and answer "I want to be an Operations Manager some day".
There are no pat answers here, but try to address your expectations rather than your ambitions). A good general answer discusses future job CONTENT such as "I would like to have the responsibility for people reporting to me, helping them to realize their potential, strengthening weaknesses, motivating them, etc. Is this opportunity available to me here at ABC Co?"
Another question, generally from HR or an astute manager, may ask a candidate to discuss weaknesses. The interview may be trying to determine if the candidate has done a self-assessment. One can’t hope to improve personally and professionally without knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses.
Think of traits in yourself that you are trying to change, i.e.; too bold, impetuous, impatient, etc. A response to this question might be "I am aware that sometimes I am too impatient. When I see someone doing a job, for which I know a better technique,, I want to jump in and do the job for him or her. I try to remind myself that people have to learn on their own so I try to hold myself back. I try to be patient and wait for a better opportunity to mention to the person that they might try this technique, but sometimes I forget and dive in – however, I’m working on that issue".
