Author Topic: Job Interview Questions  (Read 1499 times)

FiguringItOut

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Job Interview Questions
« on: August 12, 2019, 07:22:40 AM »
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.




Just Joe

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Re: Job Interview Questions
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2019, 07:35:27 AM »
Say what they want to hear, rather than the truth. They can't handle the truth (early retirement).

Talk about seeking new challenges, making important contributions, helping the company prosper, work as a team, seeking training opportunities, etc.

Its all BS b/c in reality if you get the promotion/job you'll make a good effort to be a good employee and you'll collect the paycheck. That's all anyone can expect out of an employee.

A Fella from Stella

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Re: Job Interview Questions
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2019, 07:36:40 AM »
I am going to sound so stupid for saying this, but I'm in my 30's and only recently found out that there are right answers to these questions.

Where do you see yourself: If hired here, [insert something that could be a 2 year process] will be wrapping up. (this could be obtaining clients, finishing projects, etc.)

You're wrapped up in what is true. Embrace what could be.

The reason you're a senior is because you like being a senior, so your age has nothing to do with it. Are there not 60 year old seniors?

nereo

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Re: Job Interview Questions
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2019, 09:47:27 AM »
Having done numerous interviews lately, the one that keeps coming up is

What suggestions do you have on how to make our company better within your job as 'Senior XXXXXX'.  This is often followed up by: Currently we have problem X - in your experience what might we do to solve X, or at least make it less of a problem.

It can be a potential minefield, as you can suggest something they won't like, or tried and failed, but they want to know that you've seriously considered the job at hand and what the challenges are and present a range of solutions.

FiguringItOut

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Re: Job Interview Questions
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2019, 10:27:08 AM »
Thank you all.
I'll post an update tomorrow.

FiguringItOut

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Re: Job Interview Questions
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2019, 01:14:08 PM »
Hi all,

A quick update.  Interview went well today, I think.  Surprisingly, they didn't ask any of the questions I anticipated like those I asked about above.  It concentrated more on technical knowledge.  I am very curious to hear their feedback.  However, I am not 100% sure what I would do if received an offer.  There would be a lot of pros and cons to consider.
And now I wait.

nereo

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Re: Job Interview Questions
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2019, 01:31:40 PM »
Hi all,

A quick update.  Interview went well today, I think.  Surprisingly, they didn't ask any of the questions I anticipated like those I asked about above.  It concentrated more on technical knowledge.  I am very curious to hear their feedback.  However, I am not 100% sure what I would do if received an offer.  There would be a lot of pros and cons to consider.
And now I wait.

G'luck, with whatever happens.