How do you answer these job interview questions?

Question

The first one that caught me off guard was "Are you currently looking for other jobs?"

Also, "I see you have a BA in Psychology. Why do you want to work in finance?" When I was asked this, I said I had made a decision not to work in the field of psychology, and he responded by saying, "How do I know you're not going to change your mind working here?"

Answer 1

The frst question is easy. Just answer it truthfully. It shouldn't matter since you are obviously looking for jobs. If you applied one place, it stands to reason that you may be looking else where. If that is the only place that you had applied to, then tell them that.

The second one is tricky. I think since you simply said that you had decided "not to work in the field of psychology," you opened the door to the changing your mind question. I think they wanted a more in-depth answer on why you didn't want to work in the field of you major.

You did put the time in to get that major, so they want to be sure that what you say is true. They don't want you to take their job, while you are really looking elsewhere and just biding your time until a better psychology job comes along.

Just tell them that you don't want to work with crazy people. :) (That's just a little joke, don't get offended.)

Answer 2

tell the truth... always tell the truth. (well, almost always... and only small lies)

If you're looking for other jobs, say so... but you can always add that "this one is (the) one that you really want, and others are just in case you don't get it". The question that immediatly follows is "how can I know you're not going to leave for one of the others?" And the answer "because if I lied, I wouldn't have told you about the others. Trust me. I trusted you by telling you the truth, after all."


for the psychology thing, it would be nice to give him something about the way a psychology background helps you understand the innerworkings of finance better (give him a few examples of how psychology can affect financial decisions).


and for the "how do I know you're not going to change your mind working here?". the answer: "you don't. But I do".


But don't take those "answers" for granted. Think up your own answers. After all you have a psychology background, you should be able to guess what's going to affect your interviewer the way you want better than I do.

My answers always turn around the following principle: an interviewer wants reassurances. If you can't give him what he wants, prove that no other candidate will be able to do so.

Answer 3

First of all, answer all questions with confidence and with a smile.

Q: "Are you currently looking for other jobs?"
A: "No, I'm interested in THIS job."

Q: "How do I know you're not going to change your mind working here?"
A: "I'm highly motivated to get THIS job and to do my very best at it, so I would not leave for another job on a mere whim. I think that a large part of what determines whether a person will or won't stay at a particular job is the work environment. Since I will do my utmost to mesh seamlessly into this environment, there should be no problem."

BTW: The guy who asked you this last question is a real jerk.

Answer 4

I think they are just trying to test you. I would answer 'yes, I am looking for other jobs' because if not it implies you are either not really that bothered about getting a job or overly confident in your abilities to land the first job for which you are interviewed. When asked why you are looking for work in a completely different field to your degree answer that you studied that subject because you enjoyed it but never considered it to be your only job option afte graduating.

A word of advice is to always tell the truth, if you're not what they're looking for it will not matter what you say anyway so you might as well be honest so it doesn't land you in any hot water later on - should you get the job! Happy job hunting :)

Answer 5

"Are you currently looking for other jobs?"

Answer : No i am hoping to get this one. (Positive affirmative reply)

I see you have a BA in Psychology. Why do you want to work in finance

Answer : I find finance more interesting and quite challenging.

"How do I know you're not going to change your mind working here?"

Answer : You can be assured that i have made my descision to work, learn and grow in this field. I do not intend to change tracks again.

Answer 6

I would have answered the first one by saying that of course I have applied for other positions. I need a job and it made sense to apply for as many positions as I'm qualified to fill. Not wanting to put all my eggs in one basket, so to speak.

The second question is tough. Why did you apply for a position in finance, anyway? I would need to know the answer to that before I could help you formulate a response for the next time you're asked about it.

Answer 7

1) Yes I am.
2) I'm ready for a new challenge... and psychology is very much related to the emotional decisions people make in finance.
3) That's a very good question... I would be prepared to sign a three-year contract with you right now.

Answer 8

Are you currently looking for other jobs? Answer honestly. If you are, then tell who else is in competition for you. If not, then say you have done your research, and this is the company you want to work for.

How do you know you are not going to change your mind? You need to do your research on the company before the interview, and tell them what you know that fits your experience, your personality, and your goals in life.

Answer 9

You say yes I have other prospects out there and required a few interviews.

I plan on climbing the career ladder with this company . You have outstanding job advances here, great benefits and few lay-offs. (You must research the company to answer that question.)

Answer 10

Be blunt, "Yes," and that you need to have your options open - - - as for the other, always let a prospective employer know that you have a wide range of interests & ability. THEY Need you, never grovel for their approval. THEY should be lucky enough top hire you. Go in with balls tact & poise. Good Luck.