Several readers highlighted the questions they often struggle with. Based on your feedback, here are answers to more interview questions, along with tips from senior HR managers and industry professionals.
Question: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
The aim of this question is to test your foresightedness and also gauge if you plan for the future. Stick to professional goals and aspirations while answering. The interviewer does not want to hear about a dream vacation you plan to take, or the industry you would like to be in. Talk about company related objectives. This is an opportunity for you to show that you want to succeed in the company and are keen on creating a career path there.
Sample answer: As your company has a strong performance-based culture, in five years I see myself playing a key role of Brand Manager, working on your marketing initiatives.
•Tip from Abbas Rizvi, Director, Eternity Placements (New Delhi): "I recommend that candidates give some thought to personal and professional aspirations, and then frame the answer accordingly. Aspiring to be the CEO or Director in five years may be unrealistic for an entry level executive. So, while enthusiasm is appreciated, it has to be aligned with the company's growth plans and the candidates' personal goals."
Question: Why should we hire you?
Being specific and highlighting your strengths versus the competition is the key here. Stay away from generalities like 'I am the best' or 'I am very hard working and dedicated', etc. Talk in quantifiable terms that will make you stand out and pinpoint the qualities you have that are valuable to the company. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job.
Sample answer: In the past, I have implemented projects on attrition management, helping bring down employee turnover rates by 4 per cent. I believe this experience and knowledge will add value as employee retention is amongst your company's top priorities.
•Tip from M S Ramesh, Senior HR Manager, NTPC (Noida): "I like it when candidates have done some research about our revenue, about the challenges we are facing, before telling us how their experience relates to that. I would recommend that they point out things they may have done in their previous companies that could address our current problems."
Question: What if you don't make it in this interview?
This is often used as a stress question to check your spontaneity. The idea is to see if you have a back up plan and how you handle rejection. You need to be assertive and confident while answering this question. You can say you will be disappointed, adding that you will continue to move ahead in your career with the same enthusiasm and vigour.
Sample answer: I will be disappointed if that happens, but will work on specific feedback and try again when the opportunity presents itself.
•Tip from Rohini Seth, psychologist and organisational behaviour consultant (New Delhi): "I would recommend that candidates have a back up plan ready -- like going back to their old jobs or joining some other company in a similar field. It pays to be honest and tell the company your plans. I once heard a candidate respond to this question with 'I will join the competitor as I have an offer from them but was keen on working with your brand. We appreciated his honesty and hired him."
Question: Why do you want to make a career in ... (Sales, IT, HR, etc)?
The interviewer wants to learn what you know about the chosen career. Knowledge about the domain and the job shows the interviewer you are interested and demonstrates initiative on your part.
Sample answer: I have always been a people's person and counselling is a skill that comes naturally to me. Armed with a Master's degree in HR, I believe a job as an HR executive will give me an opportunity to put my natural skill sets and education to practice.
•Tip from Prabh Sharan, Training Manager, Kingfisher Airlines (Mumbai): "I would recommend that candidates present their interest and education as strong reasons for choosing a certain career. If you are making a career shift, then explaining the rational for such a move is also expected. Being honest helps. I interviewed a candidate who said she would like to take up a job that pays her the most and the job we offered fitted that bill as she had some financial responsibilities in the family. She came across as sincere and dedicated, and we offered her the job."
As we said earlier, it's all about the answers.
Sooner or later the itch begins. You can't help but feel it's time to make that job switch. The reasons could be varied: monetary, job satisfaction, or even a lousy boss.
Whatever be your reason and however determined you are to move on, you still need to plan the transition well.
To begin with, we tackle the issue of why you are making the switch. It is important to leave for the right reasons.
Start off by listing the main problems with your current job. Is it possible to fix the problems? Do they have a solution?
It's a good idea to discuss these issues with a trusted colleague or your boss. They may be willing to support you once they learn about your aspirations.
6 top reasons for a job switch and what you must do before taking the plunge.
'I hate my job profile'
If this is the case, you will be less productive and will start deteriorating professionally as the job does not stimulate you any more.
Ask yourself what it is in your profile that you dislike. For instance, if you are a creative person, a mechanical job profile will stifle you.
You need to ensure that your dislikes are not emotional in nature. So just because you dislike the people your work with does not mean it is time for a switch.
One you are clear what it is in your profile that needs changing, talk to your seniors to find out if there is a possibility that the issue will be reconsidered. If not, then it is probably time to move on.
'I want more responsibility'
Hit a ceiling in terms of your career growth and don't see any future in the current setup? Or, the only way you can get to the next level is if your boss resigns?
Then you need to talk to your boss and explore the option of moving to a new department with increased levels of responsibility. If it works out, make sure that you are not just being lured away by the promise of a fancy sounding designation.
Don't be inhibited by starting afresh on a new assignment within the same organisation. It will work out well for you if it allows you to grow professionally and financially.
'I want to start out on my own'
Tired of working for someone else? Have a great business idea that you feel can turn big? If being your own boss appeals to you then that might be a good reason to leave the job.
But, do your homework. Don't just get excited and rush into something. Is there a market for your services/product? Have you got a solid business plan in place? Have you considered how you are going to raise money for it? Have you discussed it with professionals in the industry?
In your enthusiasm, don't forget that you will be letting go of the security and comfort associated with a steady paycheck. So be ready for a rough ride.
Consider the possibility of failure. Most new businesses fail or shut down in their very first year of operation.
'It's just personal'
Erratic shifts. Lots of out-of-station travel. Too time consuming with no time for the family. Expected to work seven days a week? Any of these could cause you to reconsider your priorities.
While that is alright, don't live under the illusion that everything will fall into place with a new job. You may have to make some important lifestyle decisions to achieve a balance between work-life and personal time.
It's a competitive world and you may have to take a cut in your salary to have more time at home or pursue other interests.
'I got fired'
You could get fired as most organisations adopt a performance-based culture with little tolerance towards non-performers. Don't be angry and waste time bad mouthing people and the organisation. Instead, find out the real reason and move out.
Or maybe, you are about to get fired with the company on a downsizing mode. Then it's better to walk out before you are left with no choice.
There are no foolproof ways to protect against job loss but you can certainly do the following.
•Be calm and proactive, not reactive. Talk to your boss and find out if you can be relocated or be offered a different position. Storming into his office and shouting will not get you anywhere.
•Stay positive. It can open new doors and opportunities that you may have ignored if not challenged.
•If downsizing has started, aggressively take more initiatives to get involved in the organisation. Make yourself valuable so that losing you is not an easy option for the organisation. However, continue your job search simultaneously.
'I hate my boss'
The popular clich�, "People don't leave their organisations; they leave their boss", holds true. You are just a part of a large community who feels the same way.
Here are some typical bad boss traits:
•Does not respect employees.
•Does not trust colleagues.
•Does not take or give any feedback.
•Assigns too many tasks and sets impossible deadlines.
•Is often rude and intimidating.
Before resigning, try these options.
1. Communicate your issues
Be specific. For example, just saying that you have too much work is vague. Instead, break down your tasks into the amount of time you will actually have to spend on each of them that week, and show your boss how many hours it will take. With a clear statement of required time, your boss is more likely to lessen your load to a reasonable level.
2. Make your boss feel good
This one is specially true if you boss has a big ego or needs to have his confidence constantly boosted. Work harder on him. If you have a good idea but think he will refuse, invest a little more time in convincing him.
3. Do a good job
This may sound obvious but when the quality of your work is good, everyone benefits including your boss. So make sure that you exceed your goals or targets, are punctual for all meetings, meet deadlines and are a brand ambassador for your company and project it well.
4. Anticipate your boss's need
If you know that the boss's boss likes graphs and analysis in a presentation, prepare them for your boss. You can say something like, "I know your superior likes graphical illustrations, so I thought these might make your presentation go a little smoother". If your boss is at a loss of words in a meeting, you might want to chip in and give him the support he needs. Be supportive, invest in building a rapport.
There is no such thing as the perfect boss. But if you are willing to acknowledge his/her flaws and strong points, then you are on the right track.
The bottom-line: Know your worth and if all else fails, don't feel dejected. It is time for you to move on.
2007-02-08 22:39:05
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answer #1
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answered by krishnachandra 2
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This is the most common question and without sounding cliche or listing off the things that you hated in the previous job I would suggest that you give a clear answer like " My present job is fine but the team that I was put in didn't give 100% to our projects or assignments (whichever way you like it) due to which our company would not grow and I as a person believe in the power of the unity, no doubts I believe in myself but in an environment like yours ( the new job) where everything works under you in discipline the company will progress and so will I ,
2007-02-09 23:39:53
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answer #2
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answered by Goodguy 4 2
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u should say that u think that u have a lot of potential and that the company u work at presently cannot make use of ur potential to the fullest extent therefore u want to have a job where u will be challenged. best answer i have heard of
2007-02-09 14:27:08
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answer #3
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answered by The Pain 2
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* To learn and earn more.
* To find a balance in personal and professional life
* To gain more technical knowledge which cannot be done at the current company work envirnoment.
Most of the times, it will be for economical gain. But, dont tell it stratight away. Though everyone knows the truth, HR cannot stand when u say "I want more money " :-). Its my experience.
2007-02-08 21:14:49
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answer #4
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answered by sudha 2
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" I liked that job as well, and I was admired there, but this job will give me more satisfaction as I seemed to be naturally inclined to do this kind of work. From childhood I was interested in this sort of things as a hobby. So I shall enjoy working here without being tired".
2007-02-09 03:34:47
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Why are you leaving your present job? If it's more money, opportunity, different schedule, opportunity for advancment, more hours, more stability in schedule. Theses are all very valid reasons. Don't put down things like I don't like what I'm doing, I hate my job.
2007-02-08 20:35:56
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answer #6
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answered by drew2376 3
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I understand the company now I am being interviewed for is a better company is likely to give me better opportunities to excel.
2007-02-09 19:28:49
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answer #7
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answered by Neeraja Singh 3
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in my opinion la...u should say "i wanted to gain more experience..I'm not saying that my present job was bad..for me live is meaningless without experiences..we cannot act like a robot..doing the same job everyday..[continue with Ur own words]"if u don't like that try this one.. "i have to..because my present employee always treat me like an animal..i couldn't stand it!!..please I'm begging u..help me escape from that 'hell'.." REMEMBER..those words u can only use it when u're ran out of ideas..try it out...if those does not work...actually u should tell them the true stories
2007-02-08 20:58:15
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answer #8
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answered by Ku Syuk 1
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Because You provide me with a better one.U can say that u have a problem working there like its too far off from your home.
2007-02-10 00:12:21
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answer #9
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answered by Hermione 1
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"well because..I'm a person who seeks complete satisfaction...
i cant stick on to onething if it gets monotonous!
i love to discover learn and implement new things in my life!"
and if the person again asks....that the work you get ehre is going to be monotonous...would you like to still join..
reply saying...
"ofcourse if the pay is higher!!and give a big broad naughty smile!!
the job will be yours!
2007-02-08 20:35:49
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answer #10
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answered by chicklet 1
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You can answer: " Through your company, I want to expand my field of interests and I would like to find more opportunities for personal growth. "
2007-02-08 23:15:57
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answer #11
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answered by ? 7
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