Hi, over the next few weeks I will be publishing regular advice on how to ace your job / university / MBA, or PhD interview. If you would like to book a lesson with me, I will provide you with a 28 page document that I have written with some sample questions and advice on how to answer them. In these articles that I am publishing, you will find a group of questions and the appropriate advice on how to answer them, and in some cases you will even find some sample answers. During a lesson, I will go through the questions with you, let you answer as if you were in an interview environment and then I will check, and if necessary, correct the content of your answer. I hope you find the following information useful and I really look forward to seeing you online if you choose a class with me! I am also offering a 20% discount for any new students for ANY of my lessons. 

Lesson link:

https://cafetalk.com/lessons/detail/?id=11273&key=ec0e3f840eb8c5a75b04f6306f25dd66

·       What challenges are you looking for in a position?

The interviewer will want to know that you are looking for fresh challenges. This indicates ambition and drive as well, as showing that you are interested in your work and are not looking for something routine or boring. You should mention any personal goals that you have and how the new post will help you achieve these and what benefits the company will receive as a result. Do not be afraid to mention any aspect of the new job which is completely new to you (as long as it is not one of the main responsibilities).

·       What would be your commitment to this job?

Most people would respond with an answer avowing a deep commitment to the company and the job; however, a better answer would be to state that your commitment will grow as you get to know the company and the people in it. In addition, state that as long as you are fairly treated and rewarded for your efforts, you will have no reason to look for something different and will remain loyal. You need to put the onus on the company to make you feel like you want to continue working there. However, it is rare nowadays to work in the same company for your entire career, so be realistic and do not say that you want to continue working there until you reach retirement age (unless of course you are very close to retirement anyway!).

·       Are you willing to travel- or even relocate?

If traveling is not part of the job, the interviewer will not ask this question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is "Yes!". If you are willing to travel, answer yes and give some illustrations of work travel you have done. But if you do not want to travel, you should find out more about this aspect of the job before accepting the position, such as how much travel will be involved, where will you be travelling to and for how long.

If relocating is not a possibility the interviewer will not ask the question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is “Yes!”.  If you say “No”, you will not get the job.  If you are unwilling to relocate, then perhaps you should not accept the job if it is subsequently offered to you. If you are unsure, then ask questions about relocation, such as when it would be likely to occur, where you would be relocated to, and whether it would involve any promotion.

·       Are you willing to work overtime?

If this is not an aspect of the job, the interviewer will not ask this question. Therefore, the only acceptable answer is “Yes!” if you want to be considered for the job. If your past jobs involved overtime, now would be the time to tell this to the interviewer.

·       Are you considering offers from other employers?

It is recommended that you DO NOT disclose any other offers you have received or discuss the companies with whom you have been interviewed by. Therefore, a good answer to this question is to state that you do not have offers from other companies. Of course, if for some reason you believe you would have a better chance of getting the job offer if you disclosed this information, then do so.

·       When could you start?

Notice periods vary depending on your current company / job type, and level of responsibility. Those in management positions are expected to give longer notice.  You will not earn points if you express disrespect toward your current employer by telling the interviewer that you plan to quit your present job without giving sufficient notice. He will assume you may show his company the same amount of disrespect. It is also a good idea to tell the interviewer you plan to start learning about your new position / employer in your off-hours (i.e., reading employee training manuals, etc..).  Telling the interviewer you cannot begin work for a few months because you want to take some time off is not a good idea. If you know your existing position has a long notice period (e.g. 1-2 months) then you can try and explain that your current employer may be ‘open to negotiation’ regarding your contractual notice period. In reality, once a company knows that you are quitting your position, they know that you may not be as committed to your work and will probably release you as soon as possible anyway. Under certain circumstances, you may be required to fulfil your contractual notice period, especially if losing you means a loss of business or it will have any immediately damaging effect. In such a case, your new employer will have to make a decision as to whether you are ‘worth the wait’, or to continue their search for another candidate who can start work earlier.