7 ‘Fear’ Questions In An Interview With Answers
Being ready for a job involves preparing to answer unexpected questions; be prepared to answer questions like what book do you read? or have you been to a concert lately?
Getting nervous at a job interview is normal, to a certain extent, because it’s the time when your talent is promoted and you have to show yourself as the best alternative for the job. “Recruiters have 10 minutes to find out if it’s an interesting prospect. If at that time, the candidate does not impress, there is no reason to continue. The person must avoid the mistake of thinking that if he or she does not start well, he or she will have time to recover throughout the talk.
A crucial premise in the interviews is “to remain aware of the unexpected”. You have to have a real answer to questions, such as what book are you currently reading or what kind of film do you like? With those questions, interviewers don’t look for right or wrong information, but rather to know the candidate’s personality and measure his or her creativity.
“The last time I applied for a job, my boss asked me, ‘What music are you listening to, have you been to a concert lately? When I was hired, I asked him why he wanted to know that, and he said that with that answer many bosses identify the personality of the employee and evaluate whether they will have a good relationship with him or her.
The economic situation and the labor market are not to be neglected in the preparation of a work meeting, and an important part of this activity is to know what they can ask you. “An insecure answer or a lie that the interviewer perceives ends up, at that moment, with the opportunity of being hired.
Questions, such as ‘tell me about yourself,’ ‘why do you leave your job,’ ‘what are your strengths,’ and ‘why should we choose you? Here are some other questions you may be asked.
1. In this company we like people who take the initiative, tell me about a situation where you have done this.
Suggestion. The proactive, results-oriented employee does not need to be told what to do. That’s what organizations look for, whoever resolves conflicts, covers fire and brings the area forward. To convince the interviewer that you possess this trait, prepare some brief examples that demonstrate this characteristic in you. Explain one of them further, describing your effort, work ethic, and creativity.
2. Sometimes people and situations become difficult or bureaucratic.
Suggestion. Most companies face these problems on a daily basis, and even if you change jobs over and over again, you will find that scenario. Prepare an answer that demonstrates your ability to cooperate. Express yourself on how you overcome obstacles, and in that speech use key words such as diplomacy, perseverance, seeking empathy, and in the end: “strive to get the job done.
3. Are you satisfied with your career so far, what would you change if you could?
Suggestion. Be honest, because the interviewer will notice if your level of motivation is sufficient to continue growing in that area and perform in a certain position, or if your real desire is to open a business but you want to hire yourself for fear of starting that new project. The preparation for this question will lead you, previously, to analyze why you want that position, what pushes you to be there? And what do you hope to achieve with your incorporation to that job?
4. Why do you want to be with us, what attracts you to this place?
Suggestion. This is the tool that recruiters use to find out if you have done your homework. That is, how much you know about the company, its philosophy, mission and vision, and how you fit into them. “The worst mistake is not gathering, prior to the talk, information about the company, its market, sales and interests. Even if you want to hide it, the interviewer knows when you are not prepared.
If you collected information and asked your acquaintances for comments about that organization, this question gives you the opportunity to show that you match their needs.
Examples of responses. “When I read about what you wanted to accomplish with such an objective or action, I felt very interested in collaborating with you. I was impressed with what you have accomplished (give numbers if possible) in the last few years. I think it would be rewarding to be part of a company that is a leader in its industry.
5. Why have you had so many jobs?
Suggestion. Give acceptable reasons without exceeding time for this answer. You can mention that you made changes because it was a job promotion (not exclusively economic, but a step towards your professional growth). If you are an experienced professional you can argue that you decided to get to know different markets, until you found the most suitable one for your long-term development, and you have found it in this company.
The important thing is to focus on the fact that you are ready for a permanent position, that is what worries the interviewers.
Example of ‘bad’ response. “I am a challenging person and if I don’t get ahead or am not motivated I get bored easily.
6. What are your salary expectations?
Suggestion. “Although it may seem an obvious question, many interviewees are ‘serious’ when they hear it or mention that it is not important at the moment,”.
This information will always be ‘sensitive’ to handle, especially if you don’t have any work experience, so before the interview research the salary range in your field to get an idea of how much to ask. The key to this issue is to avoid mentioning it before receiving a formal job offer. Let the interviewer set the tone for talking about it. Once the time comes, have a concrete answer at hand and show yourself with some room to negotiate, based on how your position is priced.
7. What is your biggest weakness?
Suggestion. Admit a ‘minor’ flaw and explain what you are doing to fix it.
Example. “Sometimes I feel impatient with colleagues who are not working as fast as I am. However, I have been reading books about teamwork and am learning about the advantages of integrating different styles. I like to think of things to encourage, for example, brainstorming.
Bad answer. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have any faults: I have trouble getting there in time, but that’s because I live far away. I’m not good at details either, I’m being honest because I think it’s important to talk about it”.
Candidates should watch out for the unconscious messages they send to recruiters, and it can cost them the job. Many people talk in the interview about trust and how important this indicator is to them, yet they are unable to keep their eyes on the interviewer. What are you telling the company with that attitude?
