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Tutor Kevin O. 's Column

"If you don't get this job, what will you do?"

Weekly Topic: The most creative questions that you had during interviews.

Mar 17, 2020

(Vocabulary definitions at the bottom of the page in blue.)

I received this question in an interview for a university job. I did not expect it. I thought, "Are they already trying to tell me I didn't get the job?" Of course, I know now that this is a pretty standard question.

I had to think quickly. I had three options:
  1. Say that I had no plan, because I was so focused on this job. 
  2. Say that I would wait to apply again until I joined this company.
  3. Say that I would look for another job right away. 
All of these options have pros. Option 1 showed dedication to the job. Option 2 showed dedication to the company and perserverence. And option 3 showed that I am not lazy, and that I want/need to work. 

But they each have cons, too. Option 1 makes me seem short-sighted, option 2 makes me seem lazy and too focused, and option 3 makes it seem like I do not care about this job or company. 

What would you choose? One of these options, or something totally different?

I decided to use option 3, with a small change. I said, "I would look for another job, but would be very dissapointed that this opportunity didn't pan out. I would consider applying again in the future."

I decided to be honest. Interviewers can usually tell when you are lying or being too positive about yourself. Of course I would look for another job! I have rent to pay, right? But I also showed that I want this job, too. The goal in interviews is always to make a negative response (or honest response) sound more positive. 

Vocabulary:

Pros: Noun. Positive things.
Perserverance: Noun. The ability to keep trying something, even if it is difficult.
Cons: Noun. Negative things.
Short-sighted: Adjective. In this situation, it means that you do not think about the future. 
Pan out: Phrasal verb. To go well.

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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