Question 1: Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skill…managing ability, etc.)
ANSWER: By now you have your achievements ready on your finger tips (Basis earlier parts I,II,III), so, present your achievements quoting appropriate example of your creativity…this is the best way to deal with this question.
Question 2: What are your goals?
ANSWER: If you’re not sure about your career and personal goals, it could be a big turnoff to many people you will encounter in your job search. One should be ready to discuss goals wrt career, personal development that you aim to achieve in due course and how are you planning to achieve it.
Question 3: How much salary do you want?
ANSWER: For maximum salary negotiating power, remember these five guidelines:
1. Never bring up salary. Let the interviewer do it first. Good salespeople sell their products thoroughly before talking price. So should you. Make the interviewer want you first, and your bargaining position will be much stronger.
2. If your interviewer raises the salary question too early, before you’ve had a chance to create desire for your qualifications, postpone the question, saying something like, “Money is important to me, but is not my main concern. Opportunity and growth are far more important. What I’d rather do, if you don’t mind, is explore if I’m right for the position, and then talk about money. Would that be okay?”
3. The #1 rule of any negotiation is: the side with more information wins. After you’ve done a thorough job of selling the interviewer and it’s time to talk salary, the secret is to get the employer talking about what he’s willing to pay before you reveal what you’re willing to accept. So, when asked about salary, respond by asking, “I’m sure the company has already established a salary range for this position. Could you tell me what that is?” Or, “I want an income commensurate with my ability and qualifications. I trust you’ll be fair with me. What does the position pay?” Or, more simply, “What does this position pay?”
4. Know beforehand what you’d accept. To know what’s reasonable, research the job market and this position for any relevant salary information. Remember that most executives look for a 20-25% pay boost when they switch jobs. If you’re grossly underpaid, you may want more.
5. Never lie about what you currently make, but feel free to include the estimated cost of all your fringes, which could well tack on 25-50% more to your present “cash-only” salary.
Question 4: Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote someone from within?
ANSWER: Explain to the interviewer why you are the best incumbent for the role and then say – I think it’s a good policy to hire from within – to look outside probably means you’re not completely comfortable choosing someone from inside.. Also, you would want that this department should be strong enough & therefore strongest candidate can help the cause.
Question 5: On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer?
ANSWER: Don’t ever be Negative. However, don’t give a numerical rating. Irrespective if the interviewer has been tough or methodical, compliment him & tell him that you can believe because it’s anchored in the behaviour you’ve just seen.
