I have a job interview tomorrow and I need some ideas on how to answer some of the common job interview questions. Please help.
Where do you see yourself in 2/5/10 yrs? I have no idea. 2 years - probably in the same 'place' I am now. 5 years - not a clue. 10 yrs - hopefully retired or close to it. None of these are the answers I can give during the interview. Also, I am interviewing with the manager of the department. It is a small department - about 10 ppl in total, one manager. I can't tell him I want to have his job in 3 yrs because a) it would be a lie and b) he may or may not see this a positive in his subordinate. From what I understand, there could be options in moving between various groups/departments within the company (that's how the position I am interviewing for became available) and that is actually a positive aspect about the company that I may be interested in in the future, but I won't know until I experience the culture and structure of the company. Should I say something about that? But I don't want to seem flaky and like I will be looking to move out of his group as soon as I get a chance.
Also, the position I am interviewing is a "Senior". My current title is a "Supervisor". In reality, I am not supervising anybody. I was supposed to work with some seniors in supervisor capacity, but then they left the company (has nothing to do with me) and were not replaced. So I am basically doing senior work. The company I am interviewing with is Europe based and I was told they have different titling scheme and they obviously know I am a supervisor since they have my resume. But I am not sure what to say if they ask if I am ok with the step down title. I am totally ok with the title btw. I am not 100% sure I would take the job even if offered to me, but that's the bridge I will cross if the offer actually comes.
One other thing - because of my age, 43, I am apprehensive at how it looks to the hiring decision makers that I am only a 'senior'/'supervisor'. Once again, I know why this is and I've come to terms with it, but I also feel that I am looked down on because of how my carrier has not progressed. Once again, they know how old I am, my resume has my college graduation date for both undergrad and then grad 9 yrs later. And I already had phone interview with their "Talent Acquisition Department" (i.e. HR). Tomorrow I am going in person to meet the manager. If I get through, there will be two more rounds - one with the either another manager from a different department or a sr. manager of the group. And then final round is a video conference with the big boss in Europe.
Thank you for any suggestions.