Interview Strategies 3.4 Common interview questions 4

Here are a few of the most common interview questions with advice on how to approach them.

1. What are your salary expectations?

The interviewer wants to know how you value yourself and whether they can afford you. Offer too low a price, and you may appear unprepared. Offer too high a price, and the company may not be able to afford you.

Before the interview, do some research on the average salary for someone with your level of experience, in the same industry and geographical area. State a value range that seems reasonable based on this information. The difference between the values should be no more than $10,000.

Choose this range wisely. The value you set will act as the anchor point for further discussion about salary.

Useful language:

• I’m looking for a position that pays between X and Y annually.
• I feel that an annual salary between...is in line with...
• Based on...[previous salary/knowledge of the industry/understanding of the geographic area] I’d say...
• I’m open to negotiation.
• My salary requirements are flexible, but...

Note: If you have not been provided sufficient information about the role, you can say:

• Salary is not the number one motivating factor for me right now.
• I’m really interested in learning more about the responsibilities and challenges in this role.
• Could you tell me more about...?
• I would love to learn more about the company and role first to determine if it’s the perfect fit.

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

The interviewer wants to understand your goals and how this position fits into your career plan. They are likely looking for someone who is motivated and likely to stick around if hired.

Before the interview, do some research about the company. Explain how your goals line up with the company’s goals and discuss your interest in the position.

Do:

• Be broad yet focused. There should be several, logical steps in your career plan, leading to a single conclusion.
• Show enthusiasm. This job is the next step in your career plan.
• Don’t hesitate between goals. Avoid saying,  “I want to do this... but I also want to do that.”

Note: If you are applying for a job that is part of a career switch, speak about why you want to invest the next five years in the new field you are applying to.

Useful language:

• One thing that drew me to this job is...
• I’m excited by this position because in five years...
• Within five years, I hope that...
• My long-term goal is to...
• I see myself [verb + -ing]...

Note: If unsure about your goals or you applying for a job where career progression is inappropriate, you can say:

• To be honest, I’m not 100% sure, but I know that...
• My short-term goal is to...
• Longer term, I hope that...
• I want to learn more about...

3. What do you like to do outside of work?

The interviewer wants to know about who they will be working with and whether you will be a good fit for the company. In answering this question, the examiner gets an idea about your key characteristics and your ability to be passionate.

Keep in mind you want to show that you can maintain work-life balance and care for yourself, while not allowing outside activities to interfere with your work. 

Do:

• Explain why you love this activity.
• Say how your interests show character (e.g. exercise shows health/strength).
• Research the company. If it has team activities or groups that relate to your interests, show this connection.

Don’t:

• Say you have no interests or hobbies.
• Speak about uninteresting, vague, or inappropriate topics (e.g. controversial things), or those which threaten commitment to job (e.g. time-consuming).
• Talk for too long. Determine the hiring manager’s interest before going into detail.

Useful language:

• I absolutely love...
• I am an avid...
• I enjoy...
• In my spare time, I like to...
• On weekends, I...

4. What questions do you have for me?

Asking the interviewer questions shows you are genuinely interested in the job and company, and are engaged in the hiring process. If you say, “I don’t have any questions,” the interviewer may assume you are uninterested, unprepared, or have not researched about the company.

This is time for you to:

• Build rapport,
• Learn more about the organisation,
• Uncover red flags,
• Impress the interviewer.

Prepare five questions, and ask at least two during the interview.

Do:

• Ask open-ended questions
• Show you have done your homework or show off your industry knowledge. Research about the company/industry before the interview.

Don’t:

• Ask multi-part questions or about the interviewer’s personal life
• Ask “Yes” or “No” questions.
• Ask questions already answered.

Useful questions:

a. Learning about the role

• What can I expect from the company in terms of development and support?
• Where will the job fit into the team/department/company structure?
• Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
• What are your expectations for this role during the first 30 days, 60 days, and year?
• What is the most important indicator of success in this role?

b. Organisational culture and structure

• What's the best thing about working here?
• How would you describe the company culture and management style?
• What mechanisms are in place for performance reviews and when would I receive my first formal evaluation?
• What is the main thing you expect from your employees?

c. Identifying red flags

• What is the turnover of staff like at the company?
• Why has this position become available?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the company/department right now?
• What are the career paths available in this department/company?

d. Showing off your knowledge

• How do you think...will affect the future of the industry?
• What impact will...have on the company?
• I heard that... How likely is it that...will happen as a result?

e. Next steps

• What are the next steps in the interview process?
• When can I expect to hear from someone [or you] about this job?
• How should I contact [person of interest]?
• If I don’t hear from you by [expected date], what would be a good day to follow up?