Interview questions: What does the employer really want to know about you?

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

So, you are invited for an interview. There are three main questions that a recruiter should get answers to in order to understand if you are suitable for the job:

1. Will the candidate be able to do this job?
2. Will the candidate do this job?
3. Will it fit into the corporate culture of the company?

Usually, questions with connotations are asked in order to get to know you as best as possible and make the right decision. Your task is to honestly and fully answer all questions. In this article, we will give 10 questions that you may be asked in an interview, as well as tell you what hidden information they carry. Think carefully about your answer, your words can tell the employer much more than you think.

Let's go back to your previous job: what was missing, what are you looking for in your desired position?

This question seeks to understand why you quit your previous job. If you are laid off, then the recruiter will simply understand what you lacked in your previous position. Let's say you answered: "I did not have sufficient access to my manager, and this made it difficult to resolve some issues." After that, the interviewer may ask the following question: "Can you give a specific example when you had to make a decision on your own due to the fact that you did not have the opportunity to consult with the manager?" Your answer to this question will help the employer identify your possible decision-making area and understand how often you will need to consult with management when making decisions.

What qualities of your previous leader did you admire and which ones annoyed you?

Attention! You have entered very dangerous territory. Your response should strike a perfect balance of positive and negative reviews. The recruiter will understand how tactful you are when answering tricky questions, and will also determine whether the leadership style that you like matches the one that they have in the company. If you have named a trait “favorite” that does not fit the culture of the company, or the employer does not like it, then most likely you will not qualify for this position.

How do you tell an employee who has worked in the company for 25 years that his position is being reduced and the company no longer needs him?

This question is more than realistic given the current state of affairs in the labor market. Companies are trying to reduce the number of jobs to stay afloat. Naturally, if you are applying for a leadership role, then you will have to deal with such situations. The employer will want to know how you will tell the person about this so as to upset him as little as possible, whether you will thank him for the years that he gave to the company.

What kind of reward would you like to receive for a job well done?

This seemingly very simple question helps the interviewer understand what motivates you: money, extra free time, or official recognition of your merits. If you are interviewing for a management position, then a modification of this question is possible: how will you reward your employees? The recruiter wants to know if you will treat your subordinates the way you would like to be treated.

Can you give an example of a situation where you and your manager had disagreements, and how did you resolve them?

The interviewer will try to figure out if you are taking responsibility for the differences or if you are trying to blame the boss. The recruiter wants to know how you will build communication and on what grounds conflicts may arise.

When a person says “I am a whole person,” what does that mean to you?

The next question might be, "How will you demonstrate integrity at work?" Integrity is a broad concept. Most people think they have integrity, but can you explain in a concrete example of a work situation what that is? The interviewer determines whether you understand the terms you are using.

Please tell us about your experience of working with the older generation and with the younger generation. Name three qualities each that you value in both

If you are hiring a large company, there are likely to be people of all ages. Naturally, the employer wants to know if you can work with both. If you are interviewing for a managerial position, then the interviewer will be interested in what qualities of people of different generations you will use to achieve the goal.

Do you think there is age discrimination in the labor market? If so, why?

Some job seekers, when talking about why they cannot get a job, say that it is because of their age or because they are asking for too much money. Most likely they are trying to get a job for which they are too qualified. They have a lot of skills and experience, too much for the position for which they are applying, and, accordingly, they want to receive a proper salary. However, it is easier for an employer to find a person with less qualifications and pay him the appropriate salary. Also, the employer may think that you will be bored in this position and you will not be productive. So, if you still want to get this job, then don't use such explanations.

Based on our conversation, can you convince me that you are the most competent employee we could hire for this position?

The interviewer wants to know if you have a good idea of the work that you have to do and if you understand what is expected of you. Here it is, your chance to sell yourself at a premium.

Looking back at your previous work in other companies, can you describe in detail which culture was closest to you and why?

The interviewer wants to understand what type of corporate culture is closest to you. This is one of the most important criteria for the selection of an employee. This is important for you too. Therefore, before going to an interview, it is advisable to learn about the culture of the company. It may not suit you.

Before you go for an interview, we also recommend that you read our article on what questions you should ask in an interview to get as much information about the company as possible. As well as a selection of articles on employment and the correct writing of a resume.