Remember that preparation is the key so some research on the organization must be done.

 

 

 

Often the opening question in an interview, it is important that you do not ramble. Your answer should last for about one minute, two at the most. You should briefly cover the following topics:

 

(a) your early years
(b) your educational background
(c) your work history and
(d) your career experience.

 

Of most importance is your recent career experience. At this point you should be giving brief outlines as details of your education and work experience will be given at a later stage.

 

 

 

 

Do detailed research on the products and services provided by the company as well as its image, goals and challenges. This will enable you to discuss these matters with the interviewer. You should not recite your knowledge to the interviewer but through dialogue, make it clear that you have done some research on the history and management style of the company and you are keen to learn more.

 

 

 

A terrible answer would be "Because I like people." The interviewer may wonder whether or not you also like ice-cream.

 

Sufficient research will enable you to relate your answer to the needs of the organization. You may indicate that through your research, you learned what the company is involved in and you would like to take part that activity.

 

If you learned that the company is involved in the acquisition of small firms, perhaps you could indicate that you have many ideas for the development of small firms and you would like to be involved in this sort of activity on a professional level.

 

If at any point you find yourself making up interests that you really do not have, then you are probably at the wrong interview. Proper research will land you the appropriate interview and if you lie your way through an interview and succeed, the payoff will be a job that does not interest you.

 

 

 

 

In answering this question stress the positive features. Mention about five or six positive features of the job and only mention one negative feature of it; ensure that the negative feature is insignificant. The interviewer will then see you as a forward thinking optimistic person.

 

 

 

 

This question is a direct invitation to gloat over your accomplishments and show your confidence. You should mention your previous successes whether or not they are work related and show how they make you a valuable asset to the company. You should also talk about your level of focus, decisiveness and work ethic. Hey, they asked!

 

 

 

 

In answering this question, be brief and focus on the tasks related to the particular position. Mention the responsibilities of the person who holds that position and to whom that person is accountable. In order to do this properly you must understand the position, so again your research is important.

 

If there are particular elements of the position which are unclear to you, ask the interviewer and allow him or her to clarify these issues. It is best to be upfront in such cases.

 

 

 

 

Your answer should be tailored to the organization and the opportunities it will provide as opposed to personal security. Mention your need to be challenged, productive and recognized for your hard work.

 

 

 

 

Your answer should be centered on your enthusiasm, your ability to perform, your experience and your track record of success. (Refer to question 5.)

 

 

 

 

Respond to this question by stressing your desire to remain with the organization in the long term. Indicate that you anticipate greater responsibilities being given to you as you demonstrate your ability to perform, and mention the need for companies to have highly competent staff if they are to grow.

 

Suggest that a company can never have too much talent and as experience comes at a high price, the company will get a fast return on the investment it makes in you.

 

 

 

 

 

Make it clear that you are interested in a career with the organization, but stress your need to feel challenged as a key determinant of whether or not you stay with them in the long term.

 

 

 

11. How soon will our organization benefit from your inclusion?

 

Being honest and realistic is the best way to answer this question. Make it clear that you intend to fulfill all of your obligations from the outset, but it may take you a few months to get acquainted with the way the organization functions in order to contribute beyond your mandate. 

 

 

 

 

At this point, you should have done some research on the company and so your management style should complement it. For example, the management style of Google is extremely democratic, so someone who wishes to join that organization should have a similar leadership style.

 

Styles may vary from results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), to paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction") to task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it").

 

The most popular style is the participative style, where there is an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.

 

 

 

 

If you have fired someone, show that you don’t look forward to unpleasant tasks, but let it be known that the situation was handled humanely and that was what was best for both parties. Be direct and demonstrate your ability to deal with difficult situations effectively, but admit that it was not easy.

 

 

 

 

Mention initiative, competence, an ability to adapt to the environment and other personalities, and the ability to push the organization forward.

 

 

 

15. Can you give some examples of why you are a good manager, or have top managerial potential?
 
You should rely on examples from your career. Emphasize your experience and work ethic, and keep your answer achievement oriented.

 

 

 

 

Your answer to this question should be brief and concise, but be careful not to make yourself appear self-serving. If the move was your decision; the result of little stimulation at your previous place of employment, say so. If you were laid of as a result of large scale cutbacks, again be honest and say so.

 

Avoid mentioning personality clashes or an unsuccessful demand for an increase in pay.

 

You are likely to be probed on this issue, particularly if the reason for your termination is unclear. Ensure that your references are valid as they are likely to be checked.

 

 

 

 

You should have noted two or three important trends through your research. Your ability to describe these trends will demonstrate your understanding of the industry. Consider economic conditions, regulatory demands, changes in technology and new opportunities as you examine the changes taking place in the industry.

 

 

 

 

You can mention money management, execution, and planning. Having to motivate people and keep them on the same wavelength to complete a task, all within a specified budget is always difficult.

 

 

 

 

Through your answer, you should indicate that you are not in a state of panic, but you are concerned none the less. Show that you are willing to take some risks to find the right job, but make it clear that getting the job done correctly is more important to you than security.

 

 

 

 

Maintain a positive outlook when answering this question. Stress more positive aspects than negative ones. Avoid mentioning character flaws that you found in others. If you paint a completely gruesome picture of your last job, the interviewer may wonder why you stayed there for so long.

 

 

 

 

The best answer is the one in which you speak highly of your previous boss. If your response is negative, potential bosses may wonder if you will speak the same of them at some point in the future.

 

 

 

 

Don’t be defensive. If this is the case, admit it and say that this is one of the reasons you are searching for a new job.

 

 

 

 

Discussing an appropriate salary can be a troublesome task.

 

Avoid proposing a specific figure for as long as you can. You may say, “I am aware that the appropriate pay range for the job is between $_______________ and $_______________. That seems appropriate.”

 

or

 

You may respond with a question: “Perhaps you could tell me if there is a range for similar positions within the organization?”

 

If the question of salary comes up during an initial screening interview, indicate that you need to know more about the duties and the expertise needed to fill the position before you can answer the question appropriately.

 

You may also seek to determine whether there is a salary grade attached to the position. If there is and you find that it suits you, say so.

 

If the interviewer insists on settling the matter of salary, you may say: “I’m making $_______________ right now and I would like to improve on that figure, but my primary interest is in the job itself. Be mindful that a new job does not necessarily mean more money.

 

A job-search facility can negotiate a 10% increase on your behalf if the amount that the position pays is the same as your previous salary.
 
If there is no price range attached to the job and the interviewer continues to press the subject, you will have no choice but to propose a figure. It is not advisable to give the impression that the salary does not matter and you’ll accept any offer. If your previous salary was $60,000 a year, accepting $30,000 suggests that you place little value on yourself.

 

Maintain the balance between not selling yourself short and stressing that the job is the most important thing to you. If the interviewer probes constantly, she may be trying to see just how interested you are in the job.

 

Leave any definite pronouncements about salary to the final stage of the interview. At that stage, it will be clear that the company is interested in you and so they’ll be far more willing to negotiate an appropriate salary.

 

 

 

 

Don’t just say “I want to remain in the advertised position for as long as possible.” Relate your answer to the firm. An appropriate answer would be: “At *name of firm*, I would like to…”

 

 

 

Your answer to this question must show confidence and a positive outlook on life, but you should not overstate your case. Saying: “Everything’s great! I can’t remember one occasion when I wanted something more” may make the interviewer wonder whether you’re in touch with reality.

 

Though you want to convey confidence, quiet confidence is of most value. Say that you’re happy with the opportunities you’ve had and the way your career has progressed, and given the set backs and blessings of life, you think that you’ve done quite well.