Sometimes the interview is like a school exam. But, unlike the math test, there is no single correct answer. Instead, the questioner feels hopeful conjecture mixed with inappropriate posturing. We spoke to hiring experts to find out the most common questions job applicants get asked and the best way to answer them.
tell us about yourself
Mistake: Candidates begin to go into detail labor path, interspersed with biography details, or retell your resume.
What you need to answer: try to look at yourself through the eyes of the employer and focus on the experience that will show you as a suitable employee, recommends Natalia Storozheva, business coach of the Russian School of Management for personnel management:
- At the time of communication with you, he is interested in a very narrow range of questions: how suitable are you for performing business tasks; foreseen by this vacancy; Are you worth the money you are asking for? what is your motivation; whether you can fit into the corporate culture of the company and work well with the leader. Therefore, the story about yourself must be built in such a way that, listening to you, the employer receives answers to those questions that he does not voice, but keeps in his head.
Why do you want to work with us
Mistake: Applicants lavish compliments on an international dynamic company. Although, most likely, the honest answer is: “You are the only ones who called me for an interview. And I really need a job."
What to answer: Natalya Storozheva advises to act on the basis of mutual interests. For example: "Do you need active managers to promote products, and I like to communicate with people, I like to make presentations and negotiations, to see the results of my work. Including financial ones. Or: “I have a family, two small children and a mortgage. Therefore, I am very interested in the work and stable income. As far as I know, you are now very interested in the development of regional sales? I am ready for business trips, work on weekends and irregular schedules.
Why are you interested in this position
Mistake: it would be wrong to abstractly say: “I want to learn something new,” notes Tatyana Kurantova, COO of Penny Lane Personnel. What exactly is unclear.
What to answer: The answer depends on your motivation, the expert argues. Tell us in more detail what exactly inspires you: further professional development, career, the desire to change the industry without changing positions, etc. It is especially great if these goals are aligned with the goals of the company where you want to get into.
Why should we hire you?
Mistake: in answering this question, “the candidate often starts or praises himself, overestimating his professional quality, or, on the contrary, becomes overly modest and shy,” explains Svetlana Beloded, head of the QBF HR department.
What to answer: the expert advises to look at yourself as a professional and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses objectively.
“In fact, this is a question of the adequacy of the applicant’s claims,” she sums up.
Talk about your strengths
Mistake: general words about leadership, diligence and sociability.
What to answer: Support with examples each quality that you name.
– Depending on the situation, sometimes it is appropriate to talk about work experience, sometimes about the ability to learn, about a successfully implemented project or successfully resolved a complex conflict situation, suggested the head personnel service"Lash Russia" company Natalya Khamova. It is better to think over this answer before the interview.
Tell us about your failures/failures
Mistake: Saying you don't have weaknesses and there were no mistakes or, conversely, long and thorough savor of their failures, notes Anastasia Khrisanfova, HR Director of SPSR Express.
What you need to answer: everyone makes mistakes, this is normal - and this is how we gain valuable experience. Tell us about the reasons for the situation and the lesson you have learned, suggests Ekaterina Syrskaya, Talent Acquisition Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Russia.
What are your salary expectations
Error: overestimate the amount.
- Many are sure that the formula “Ask for more - you get less” works here. This is wrong. Usually, a company has already set a specific amount for the salaries of employees of a certain level, so it makes no sense to ask for more, Svetlana Beloded assures.
What you need to answer: find out in advance the salary fork in your position. And at the interview, talk and ask questions: what does the salary consist of, what bonuses and bonuses are paid here for Good work that you are capable of.
– Remuneration for work is always a subject of negotiations. Therefore, do not immediately settle for the first announced figure and do not be modest. Discuss, discuss, - suggests Natalya Storozheva.
What are your plans for the next 5 years?
Mistake: report a desire to move, sit a manager or open your own business in a month or two.
What to answer: By asking this question, the recruiter wants to see your credibility, as well as your commitment to your job and the company.
“It is important to show that he (the applicant) clearly understands his career development: to tell about the goals and plans for improvement in a particular chosen area,” advises the representative of Coca-Cola HBC Russia.
Why did you decide to quit your current job?
Mistake: swearing at a former boss.
What you need to answer: take some of the blame on yourself. The head of the QBF HR department recommends “telling honestly about the reason for the dismissal, describing not only the disadvantages of the current job, but also your mistakes, which you will try to avoid in a new place.” This indicates that you know how to learn and work on shortcomings.
Do you have any questions for me?
Mistake: don't ask questions.
What to answer: Ekaterina Syrskaya suggests asking about the work process, job responsibilities, corporate culture.
“So the applicant will be able to understand the details in more detail and show that he is really interested in this vacancy,” she sums up.
Previous material about the most FAQ at the interview and the correct answers to them pleased the users of the portal. As we promised, we are publishing the second part of the material, which also includes questions from our beloved readers.
If you haven't found the answer to your question, don't be discouraged - in the near future we will publish quick answers to your questions and will try to help everyone who asked us for advice. In the meantime, we propose to consider the next portion of the most common recruiter questions.
“Why do you want to work in our company?”
Answer:
a) If the company is large and well-known: “I have known your brand for many years / use your products myself. I always wanted to be a member of such a famous team, but I realized that I was not qualified enough to work in this company. Having received the missing knowledge and experience, as well as learning that you have a suitable vacancy, I immediately responded to your offer.”
b) If the company is small: “Your company operates in an interesting area for me. professionally sphere. In my opinion, I can successfully apply the skills and experience I have in your organization. I considered offers from large companies, but for a number of reasons, I am more comfortable working in a small business than in large corporations. About the cons of working in large companies can be read Here.
c) A generic answer for a prepared applicant: “I was interested in a number of projects that you are going to launch / have already launched, and I thought that I could be of help to you. Firstly, I have experience in implementing similar tasks, and secondly, I will get the opportunity to work with people who, like me, are passionate about working in this direction, and learn from their experience.”
It is forbidden: answer that you stumbled upon this ad on a website or in a newspaper and you were satisfied with the salary.
Carefully: talk about your interest in working on certain projects and products. You can talk about this only if you have studied the issue in detail. Just information from the official website or from an article on Wikipedia will not be enough. Otherwise, one simple question will turn you from a candidate into a liar.
Remember: recruiters always give preference to loyal candidates who are familiar with the products and the work of the company as a whole. The higher the position for which the candidate is applying, the more information about the organization he must have. Even if this is a two-day startup, then you should be very well versed in this area and know the main movements in the market in this direction.
"Why did you leave your previous job?"
Answer:
“I worked at my previous job for 4 years, achieved good results and was ready to continue to grow professionally. Unfortunately, my current employer did not have the opportunity to grow and I made the decision to take the next step in my career with another company. The choice fell on your company, because it seems to me that here I can not only fully realize myself as a professional, but also gain new experience.”
It is forbidden: say that the reason for your departure was a conflict with management or colleagues. Salary issues are also prohibited: you cannot directly tell the recruiter that you were not satisfied with the salary at your previous job.
Carefully: talk about unfulfilled career expectations (position growth) at the old job and the desire to realize them in a new place. It may be cautiously mentioned that, if necessary, you could use your organizational skills.
Remember: in most cases, this question is a test for the candidate's conflicting nature. Very often, even experienced applicants break down and start telling stories about stupid colleagues and a boorish boss. Don't give free rein to your emotions.
Why do you change jobs so often?
Answer:
a) If you are a young specialist (up to 25 years old), then there is nothing wrong with frequent job changes. You can answer: “Frequent job changes are due to the search for the direction that I would be interested in doing. Thanks to my previous work experience, I realized that I want to develop as a professional in this particular area and now I am looking for a company with which I could establish a long-term relationship.”
b) In other cases, you should think through all the options in detail for almost every case of dismissal. The “good” reasons for dismissal include such as: staff reduction, liquidation of the company, dishonesty of the employer (non-payment of wages, systematic violation of the Labor Code).
It is forbidden: talk about scandals with colleagues or management, if they were the reason for your dismissal. Also, do not say that you ran from place to place after being offered more high salary.
Carefully: talk about the companies you worked for, even if they were outright scams. You should not cross the line beyond which sound argumentation ends and slinging of mud begins, even if it is an unscrupulous employer.
Remember: if you have received the stigma of "flyer", then be prepared for the fact that it will take you longer to find a job. Special attention Spend your job search through acquaintances: loyal employers may be sympathetic to your failures in choosing a company.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Answer:
“In the next five years, I plan to develop myself as a high-class professional in the direction I have chosen. I plan to become a leader in _____ / fully master ____ techniques / develop new products, etc. Certainly, if the results of my work are satisfactory to the company's management, then I may be able to get promoted to senior ____ / lead ____ / chief ____.
It is forbidden: talk about personal plans(marry / get married, have a child, go on a trip to Africa), it is better to focus on a professional path. If such a question was nevertheless asked by a recruiter, then focus on long-term prospects: obtaining a mortgage, building your own home, taking care of a good education for children. In no case do not tell the employer that in the future you want to open own business. Also banned are the answers “I don’t know”, “I didn’t think about it”, “Now it’s difficult to plan something even a month in advance” and the like.
Carefully: talk about your career aspirations. Companies already have enough bosses, so the answer “In five years I see myself as a department head” sounds too defiant. It is highly likely that the company does not need such a careerist.
Remember: It will be better for both the employer and the job seeker if this question is answered honestly. Not all companies are ready to provide the necessary growth or other conditions for the employee, so it is better to agree on your future professional destiny “on the shore”.
“Why did you decide to change the field of activity / profession?”
Answer:
“Despite my rather serious experience in the field of ____, I have always been interested in the field of ____. Having gained additional knowledge, even if only theoretical, having talked with representatives of this profession, I decided that ____ is the thing that I want to do.”
It is forbidden: answer “I got bored”, “Tired”, etc. You can’t name a low salary as a reason, because really good specialist in any field will pay good money. The wording “I would like to try myself in this profession” and other similar ones that demonstrate your uncertainty in choosing a profession are prohibited.
Carefully: talk about your hobby new profession. If you really want to dedicate your life to a new profession for yourself, then before the first interview, read at least a couple of handbooks.
Remember: if you were invited for an interview, it means that you are being considered as a potential candidate, and you have a chance to get a job in a new field for yourself. Your task is not to look like a loser who wanders in search of at least some work. You must appear as a person who has taken a serious and, most importantly, conscious step in his life.
"Why did you have such a long break between two jobs?"
Answer:
a) “The long break in work was caused by family circumstances(birth of a child / building a house / caring for sick relatives). On this moment all problems are solved, I am ready to fully immerse myself in the work.
b) “I want to establish a strong and long-term relationship with the employer, and not trade for small jobs in dubious companies. Your vacancy and your conditions fully meet my requirements, so I responded to it. This answer option is more suitable for higher-level specialists or managers.
c) “During the job search, I also educated myself / got an education and acquired the theoretical knowledge I needed. In this regard, I did not have the opportunity to actively look for work, so my employment was somewhat delayed. However, I do not consider this period of time useless, since I received a lot of new knowledge that will be useful to me in the future in my work.
It is forbidden: answer “I was constantly refused work”, “I often failed at interviews”, “I decided to take a break.”
Carefully: one can talk about one's self-education only if it actually took place. You should read at least a couple of books on your profile or go to several seminars of famous speakers.
Remember: employers are very skeptical of candidates with long work breaks. Think over the answer to this question in advance and try to look as convincing as possible.
"What was the biggest failure in your career?"
Answer:
Be honest about your failure. The main thing is that at the end of the story you analyze the error: why it happened, who is to blame, how it could have been avoided and, most importantly, what steps you took to eliminate its consequences.
It is forbidden: to state sharply and categorically, “I have not made a single mistake in my work.” Even if this is so, then at the interview you can do a “feint”: tell a case about how you did something at an acceptable level, and then realized that you could have done it much better. It's not really a failure, but it will show the recruiter that you can be critical of yourself.
Carefully: talk about really serious mistakes, even if you corrected them and even improved the situation. Talking about mistakes in a company's work can cost its reputation, and such conversations can be perceived as gossip.
Remember: Mistakes and failures happen to everyone, including the recruiters themselves, so many treat them with understanding. Also, don't forget that even the most serious failures often turn into local jokes over time. Share them with the recruiter: a little humor will always spice up the interview and make it more comfortable for both participants.
At every interview you will be asked: "Why did you choose our company?" The answer to this question will have to be carefully considered. After all, the entire course of your interview may depend on it. The thing is that the employer is always interested in why his company was chosen by one or another applicant for employment. If the answer does not satisfy the future bosses, you can forget about working in the company. In principle, there is nothing difficult in preparation. It is enough to use a few template ideas. What should you pay attention to?
earnings
First of all, you need to remember one holy rule - forget about the attractiveness of earnings. The fact is that you will succeed in a position with a good salary (and not very) only when you can prove your disinterest in income.
Money is good. But all companies have their ups and downs. The employer must be sure that you can stay with him if there are any problems. After all, the basis of profit is a strong, friendly team. So forget the phrase "high earnings".
Financial difficulties
Job interview answers play important role. If you were asked why you chose this or that company, you need to find out about another ban. Which one?
In no case do not talk about the fact that you now have financial problems, you were fired from your job or left yourself for one reason or another. After all, this means that employment in a company is a simple necessity. And not your personal desire. It can be said that you are taking this step out of desperation. Such employees are not valued. There is simply no need for them. The employer at any time can hire a person for whom the company means something. Pay attention to this.
What if you really came to the organization out of desperation? You'll have to lie. Yes, this is not too fair and good, but if you need a successful interview, there will be no other way. The main thing - do not show your appearance that you are lying. It's not as difficult as it seems. It is better to prepare in advance several options for answering the question of why you chose this or that organization for employment. In fact, there are a lot of options for the development of events. You have the right to choose any of them. Or come up with something on your own.
Product liking
"Why did you choose our company?" - the answer to this question is not so simple. It will be given to anyone who is trying to find a job. And in without fail. It has already been said that high income cannot be indicated here. And you should not show yourself as a needy person. So how do you behave?
Many employers want only employees who are attracted to the published/sold products to work with them. They don't like people off the street. All the more so since stakeholders there is some practice with the use of goods. This is great for sales. Such personnel are able to advise the client without any problems and interest him. You will see not a template answer, but real experience the most ordinary person. All this attracts new customers! This is the key to success!
Therefore, say (or show) that you are interested in the products manufactured and sold by the organization. And say that you have always wanted to be part of the company precisely because of your preference for using a particular product. A little flattery won't hurt. In any case, it is precisely this technique that allows you to arouse sympathy from the future bosses. Practice shows that a person with a poorer resume, but interested in the product being sold / manufactured, is more likely to be hired than a citizen who is not interested, but with a good "calling card".
Self-development
"Why did you choose our company?" - a question that can put the applicant in an awkward position. And you can be sure that you will definitely be asked it. Let not immediately, but at the end of the interview for sure. It is necessary to give an exact answer to the question posed. Otherwise, you can forget about employment. Be aware of some restrictions.
Any employer wants to see constantly developing and interested subordinates next to them. They can help you achieve maximum profit and success. Therefore, you can answer the question of why you chose this particular company as follows: because of self-development.
That is, you not only like the products, but you also want to work and develop. Just what you need! Often the results of the interview after such an answer will not keep you waiting. A person who constantly develops, and even more so does it at work, is always valuable. You do not have to constantly think about the motivation of the frame. A subordinate who develops in the workplace will independently perform official duties conscience.
prospects
Questions at the interview when applying for a particular position will be. Some of them require special attention. For example, it is worth thinking carefully about how you will answer the question of why this particular corporation was chosen by you for employment. This theme often implies flattery, but very subtle and thoughtful.
Emphasize development prospects. Both you and the company. Point out that the organization is considered promising, it is interesting to work in it. If an employee has an interest, he will be in the price. Such personnel perform their duties without unnecessary pushes and reminders from management. Therefore, they can be trusted. Remember and work through this answer. Emphasize the prospects of the organization. A little moderate flattery in this matter won't hurt.
Utility
In principle, if you heard the question: "Why did you choose our company?" - the answer may indicate that this organization is for the society and you also want to do it. It is preferable to combine several phrases in your answer at once. This will give you an advantage over other candidates.
Remember: any employer is looking not only for interested personnel, but also for those who can bring some benefit to the organization. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to what you can give to the company. State that you think you can be of service to the corporation. After that, it is recommended to emphasize what exactly. For example, increase the number of sales using your skills, talents and experience. A universal answer for those who do not know what to say about their usefulness.
If you can show that you are really useful to the organization, they will definitely call you back. It is not necessary to describe all your skills and abilities in colors. Brevity is the soul of wit. Therefore, you should simply explain how exactly you will benefit. Short and to the point. Try not to star, pointing out practice and skill. No one likes a smartass and a daffodil. Typically, such personnel will not be too active in performing job duties. Therefore, do not focus on yourself. Better emphasize the strengths of the company and how you can improve it.
Company study
You heard on "Why did you choose our company?" The answer may vary. It's not always easy to get the job done right. Indeed, after this question, sometimes the recruiting manager may ask you to specify what was said.
Therefore, try to study the activities of the organization before the interview. This is a great method that will help you not to fail if they decide to test you for knowledge of products or services offered. Without information about the future employer, it is better not to come to the first conversation. Such personnel are rarely hired.
Popularity
You can point to the popularity and prestige of the organization. Just don't just use this answer. It is necessary first of all to report at least about your usefulness to a particular corporation. And only then say that they would like to work here not only because of personal interest, but also because of the popularity of the employer.
Small, but still flattery. Employers like to hear from subordinates that they are respected and appreciated. Therefore, they will definitely pay attention to you. Do not dwell on this answer if you were asked: "Why did you choose our company?"
conclusions
What can be summed up? An interview is a complex process. It is necessary to prepare for it. Pay attention to the fact that you have to dissemble and embellish reality.
Study before talking to potential employer information about the products manufactured by the organization and the company as a whole. Speak clearly and to the point, without focusing on earnings or a hopeless situation. Many answer that it is enough just to remember the prohibitions. And give any answers, but taking into account the taboo. A little practice and you will notice that everything is not as difficult as it seems. plays an important role. Now you will be able to deal with one of the most difficult questions in the course of the conversation.
Green business: This question comes up in every interview sooner or later, and there are several common types of answer to it, and one of them is better than the rest.
This question comes up in every interview sooner or later, and there are several common types of answer to it, and one of them is better than the rest.
"Why do you want to work with us?"
Chris McGoff , Author of The Art of Management, talked about the most common options - and what the interviewer hears in each case.
Answer #1
"It's complicated, but interesting job, and I know that your company is really interested in the training and development of staff.”
What I hear: This candidate appreciates the company for challenging challenges and wants us to invest in his/her development.
Answer #2
“Your company has a great team and a positive corporate culture.”
What I hear: This candidate wants to be surrounded by nice people in the company, and that the company cares about maintaining the corporate spirit.
Answer #3
"I see that your company is growing and provides many opportunities for development."
What I hear: This candidate wants the company to provide opportunities for his personal advancement. There are other answers like these, but in general, these are the main points that I hear every time. In essence, the candidate explains what he thinks he will get for himself if he takes this job.
But there is a special answer - that rare and wonderful moment when I am happy with what I hear.
Answer #4(ideal)
« The reason is simple : I got acquainted with your mission and vision. I researched information about you and your company on social networks, turned to my work contacts and other publicly available sources. As a result, I think I can formulate four statements, and I would like you to confirm my thoughts.
This is how pre-training helps a candidate stand out.
The employee is requireddemonstrate understandingthe following items:
1. What results does the company want to achieve?
2. What is stopping you from achieving these results?
3. Why this work is so important for the company and for the interviewer personally;
4. Concrete ideas on how to help the company achieve the desired results.
When a candidate responds in this way, it is obvious that this person is not here for his own benefit.He came to the interview prepared and can explain what benefits he can bring.
When I hear answer number 4, I have no doubt that The candidate has the following characteristics:
- Excellent communication skills;
- Zeal. This person put effort and used creativity to understand the situation in the company;
- Basic understanding of how they work social media;
- Having a network of professional contacts and the ability to work with it;
- Understanding the business, its goals and vision;
- Understanding the company's possible losses in case of failure and prospects in case of success;
- Understanding the obstacles in the way of the company;
- The ability to convincingly explain why the company needs it.
When the candidate's answer matches the fourth strategy, most likely, we have the same positions in the following:
- As employees of the company, we do what is necessary for the business - even if it is not exactly what we would like;
- We change and act as business interests require, rather than waiting for the company to change as we want;
- First of all, we work for business, and business works for the client. And if everything goes well, then the business will take care of us.
Choose candidates whose answer is closest to the fourth option. And if you are invited for an interview, be well prepared to answer the question “Why do you want to work for us” in this way. After that, be ready to immediately hear the question: “What salary will suit you and when can you start?”.
@Chris McGoff
Prepared Taya Aryanova
Quite often, at interviews, HR managers of different companies ask the question “Why did you choose our company?”. In response, in most cases, they meet the candidate's stupor, panic in the eyes and a dumb question: “How to answer correctly? Are flattery and praises expected from me? And if I express everything as it is, I will not spoil my opinion about myself? And then recruiters hear either the inarticulate babble “because you good company, which ... ”, or rollicking“ yes, because I saw your vacancy, it suits me, but I have not chosen anything yet ...".
One would sometimes like to exclaim: dear comrade-applicant, do not lie first of all to yourself! If you are attracted to work in this particular company, then answer it!
In fact, HR, asking this “uncomfortable” question, wants to at least understand whether the candidate knows something about the company, whether he was preparing for an interview. Determine how much serious intentions the applicant and, finally, find out his motivation.
Vitaliy Lysy, HR expert, IDS group: "It is important to understand the relationship between the motives, values, mutual expectations of the candidate and the employer. Therefore, not only such a question is used, but also an assessment of values, an assessment of competencies. It is important to understand whether the applicant will be happy or not working in the company. This, by the way, is broadcast If the essence of the work is the same, and there are several potentially competing brand companies, then an assessment of values and competencies at the entrance is indispensable. »
Inna Pecheritsa, HR Director of RUSH (line of EVA stores): "I ask: what have you heard about our company (what information do you have about our company?). In response, I hear: either little, just read on the site, or heard a lot of good things, you are developing, you wanted to work for you, etc. And then it is immediately clear what exactly is the motive to work for us."
Council the first. Ask yourself this question before the interview. If you sincerely want to work for this company, then there is no need to come up with an answer. You will be able to voice several reasons why you dream of this particular position. When answering this question in an interview, you will be sincere and persuasive.
If you are interested in this company only because of hopelessness and the urgent need to find at least some work, then any answer will sound untrue and unconvincing. In this case, decide for yourself how much the salary at this job compensates for the efforts on yourself. After all, the execution hateful job requires much more effort than performing exciting tasks in an interesting and promising position.
Tip two. Prepare carefully for the interview. Having studied the data about the company and the essence of work in this position, you show the personnel officer your readiness for an interview, as well as the additional work done. This will add value to you as a candidate.
Tip three. Determine for yourself the most important criteria when choosing a job. What is valuable to you? How does this offer bring you closer to your dream job? If the company you are interviewing for meets these criteria, feel free to voice them. However, remember that this question is asked in order to find out what motivates you. Of course, no company wants to be chosen for a high salary or a beautiful office in the city center.
Successful interviews!