The word ‘interview’ should not scare one away, as it is a privilege to sit with respected panels and judges to defend what you know. It’s so unfortunate that people think an interview is a place to patronize stage fear thus display a tendency that shows unworthiness to that position. Interview places us on a seat popularly termed the “hot seat”, but the situation remains hot for those who are not confident about themselves. No company will want to employ people that are half-baked or unfledged thus one of the mediums through which the interviewee is tested is through some stringent questions.
According to James Baker, “Prior preparation prevents poor performance.” No interview is conducted for fun-fair, it’s always a serious affair between the employer and the employee. Individual questions can throw a person off balance. It is the duty of an interviewee to maintain calmness and show a degree of maturity during an interview. The respondent is not permitted to wear any garment of simulation because interview questions are meant to project an interviewee.
Some of the questions that are asked often during interviews are:
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WILL BE HAPPY DOING EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR CAREER?
This question is not meant to confuse the interviewee but to understand what makes them happy. No two persons are the same even if they share similar semblance; everyone is unique in their own way, thus what will make Mr. A happy can make Mr. B sad. In this situation, the post the interviewee is applying for is not as important as the joy they feel towards their work.
WHY ARE YOU HERE?
The mission of the interviewee is to get the right person to get the job, but when questions like this are directed to us, it is expedient we remain calm and never be in haste to provide answers. Answers, like I saw the ad and decided to apply, could take the job away from you. To be on the safer side, kindly tell them how the mission of the company works by your policy.
TELL ME ABOUT A TIME YOU SCREWED UP.
This question is meant to test our self-awareness. So, preparation for going for an interview is necessary. Everyone makes a mistake but the ability to learn from a previous mistake makes one a good learner, as an anonymous quote puts it “fool me once you are a fool, but fool me twice I am a fool.”
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF HARDWORK?
Many interviewees at this juncture tend to theoretically voice out things that are not true. Try to remain true to yourself. This question is centered on your ability towards work; they want to test if you can fit their tempo.
IN FIVE MINUTE, COULD YOU EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO ME THAT IS COMPLICATED, BUT YOU KNOW WELL?
This kind of question needs intelligence to tackle efficaciously. Five minute is a very little time to address a complicated issue, but the issue at hand is something you know. So, in this case, they just want to test if you can handle a complex issue.
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE FACTORS YOU WOULD ATTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS?
If the interviewee is not careful, the heart might play a fast one on them. The employers are critical now to know whether you will attribute it to yourself, the team or someone else.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Some people might think this is the opportunity to discuss wages. To be on the safer side, you can just conclude by saying, “You have done justice to my doubt and with time, you will know more.”
IS IT BETTER TO BE PERFECT AND LATE, OR GOOD AND ON TIME?
This is an intelligent question, both are correct, but one is appropriate. Some employers might prefer to be good and on time.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE PROFESSIONALLY THAT YOU SUCCEEDED AT, BUT ISN’T AN EXPERIENCE YOU’D WANT TO REPEAT?
Job seeking is not a rose or a bed to sleep on. There are times when the going will be tough and discouraging; it calls for one to remain stable and concentrated. There are things you might be asked to do but due to time constraint you did not do it well, it should not discourage you but encourage you to learn it in a better way.
CAN YOU TEACH ME SOMETHING AS IF I HAVE NOT HEARD OF IT BEFORE? IT CAN BE ANYTHING.
This question is so tricky hence does not need a direct answer. It could be a means to measure your ability of thinking; it could also be used to measure the magnitude of your willingness to teach others. Brevity as the soul of life is inevitably important to tackle this question.
WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
This is not the time to begin to list out names of people. It is very easy to know the kind of person you are by mere listing out those that inspire you. An anonymous quote rightly puts it “Tell me your friend and I will tell you who you are” So if your role model are people with bad attitude, the chances of you egtting this job is less.
WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS?
The question is direct, but the answer should not be because your response could determine if you will get the job or not. Come prepared with the figure you need.
DO YOU PREFER TO WORK ALONE OR IN A TEAM?
Some people are more productive working as a team while there are people who are productive to working as an individual. But companies are looking for team workers especially in certain jobs like teaching, medical field, etc.
IF YOU ARE HOSTING A DINNER PARTY AND COULD INVITE THREE PEOPLE, DEAD, OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD YOU INVITE?
This is a totally out of box question. This issue might be a means to test your power of judgment.
WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS OF THIS DAY?
Do not be too forward as to mention things that ordinarily you cannot achieve. Be true to yourself and your employer.
