Job interview questions I struggle with....

[MontyVeda]

The main interview question i struggle with is...

Do you have any questions?

If the role is quite varied, i tend to ask them to describe a typical working day, but if it's a run-of-the-mill type job, I struggle with what to ask. Any ideas??

and this one's cropped up a few times...

Describe a time when you've delivered exceptional customer service.

...normally i'll describe a customer enquiry that I've turned in to a sale... but is this 'exceptional'. Should i just make something up? if so, what??

I'm sure plenty of you have been on both sides of the interview table... what questions do you (interviewee) struggle with, and what kind of answers are you (interviewer) looking for?

I really need to get back in to work ASAP but really struggle with job interviews. I'm no salesperson so struggle to sell myself... so i need all the help i can get

 

[PhilDawson8270]

"Why is the position currently available?" If somebody left, "For what reasons did they leave the company"

 

[jonny jeez]

The main interview question i struggle with is...

Do you have any questions?

If the role is quite varied, i tend to ask them to describe a typical working day, but if it's a run-of-the-mill type job, I struggle with what to ask. Any ideas??

and this one's cropped up a few times...

Describe a time when you've delivered exceptional customer service.

...normally i'll describe a customer enquiry that I've turned in to a sale... but is this 'exceptional'. Should i just make something up? if so, what??

I'm sure plenty of you have been on both sides of the interview table... what questions do you (interviewee) struggle with, and what kind of answers are you (interviewer) looking for?

I really need to get back in to work ASAP but really struggle with job interviews. I'm no salesperson so struggle to sell myself... so i need all the help i can get

It's good to rehearse a few scenarios that you can adapt to fit a question.

I would avoid lying but understand that making something up shows that you understand the answer, or the quality that they are looking for.

In that situation, gain double points by earning trust too...say "I would love to make up a story about the time I (did whatever is relevant) but the truth is I get real satisfaction from relatively small things, like getting Xmas cards from customers, or pictures of the kids enjoying the thing they bought from me, on Saturday a customer bought me a coffe from the shop next door to say thanks for staying beyond my shift to help her"....that sort of thing"

 

[ianrauk]

 

[Brandane]

"Why do you want this job?"

Because I reckon it will be easier than the one I am in, and I need the money. OK?

 

[MontyVeda]

"Why is the position currently available?" If somebody left, "For what reasons did they leave the company"

I like the first one, but the second feels a bit too nosey

 

[jagman.2003]

I try to turn some of the questions against the interviewers.
'Where do they see the company in five years?'
'What progression possibilities are available with this position?'
'What aspects do they offer a similar role wouldn't?'
Just remind them you need persuading to work there as much as they need persuading to hire you.

 

[MontyVeda]

"Why do you want this job?"

...

Yep, that's a stinker too... Because I'm f*ing desperate! Why else do you think I applied to work at f*ing Gala bingo???

 

[welsh dragon]

Ask them about the possibility of promotion within the company.

find out what the company does exactly. Ask them whether they will be expanding the company. These 2 questions can go hand in hand with each other. It will make them think you are thinking of your future with the company, and that you have a long term commitment to them.

 

[jonny jeez]

Also, ask them what their company ethic is. Perhaps dress this up along the lines of,"I'm really interested in getting under the skin of the company ethic, what sort of firm are you"

 

[winjim]

"Where do you see yourself in five years time?"

"Doing your job"

 

[jonny jeez]

"Why do you want this job?"

Because I reckon it will be easier than the one I am in, and I need the money. OK?

That's an easy one..
"Because there are four firms in the sector that offer this service but yours is the one that I feel the most synergy with"

 

[PhilDawson8270]

I like the first one, but the second feels a bit too nosey

If they ummmm, and arrrrr, and seem like they're making it up on the spot. It may be that there's issues surrounding management and that role.

Gives an insight into what you will be working with. Remember an interview should be treated both ways, you as a candidate, should be interviewing them in your head, and whether you want to work for them.

 

[Fnaar]

but yours is the one that I feel the most synergy with"

Then go outside and make yourself vomit

 

[Markymark]

Shouldn't you know that before you even apply for the job?

Honestly, when employing I have a basic criteria -

1. Do they know what we do.
2. Have they understood the advert.

Sadly around 2/3 are then dismissed for failing that. I couldn't dream of going for an interview without even covering the basics.