Confidence is key when it comes to mastering the art of answering interview questions.
Let’s first look at the good old hypothetical situation: “How would you…” “Imagine you…”
Before you’ve even had a moment to sit down and ready yourself for questioning, your potential employer has already set the scene for a potential crisis.
Example: “How would you react if a team member was being rude to another employee?”
Try to think of a time when you were in a similar situation and try to make it as pertinent as possible to the job at hand. Explain your proactive approach to the circumstances and how you handled it, walking your interviewer through the steps you took to make everything right.
A simple, uncomplicated answer will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to prioritize the task at hand.
“What type of salary are you looking for?”
Since the goal of the employer is to hire the best person for the job, they may also want to determine which candidate falls within the budget of the business.
That said; there are two ways to go about answering this:
Deflection
Ask if you could wait to discuss salary. While you are definitely interested in the job, you would rather discuss money when it’s been determined that you are the right person for the job.
Negotiation
The old interview rules discourage talking money. But the rules have changed, and if you have the confidence (not ego – there is a difference!) try utilizing the power of negotiation. Counter the question with a question and ask the employer what it is the company is looking to pay and take it from there. Or, take your initial wage goal and go a bit higher. This way, the potential is there to still receive the salary you are hoping for.
If you feel uncomfortable answering a question, be honest. You have the right to express your uncertainty and if the employer is a professional, he should understand your situation and either move on, or ask the question in a less intrusive manner.
Accepting a job all comes down to a few simple questions:
- Will you enjoy it?
- Are these the type of people you could see yourself working with every day?
- Will you excel in the long run?
If you are offered employment, only you can determine whether you think this is the right job for you.
