61. What are your aspirations beyond this job?
Again, don't fall into the trap of specifying job titles. Stick to a natural
progression you see as plausible. How should this job grow for the good
of the organization? Then turn your attention once again to the job at
hand. If you seem too interested in what lies beyond this job, the
interviewer will fear that you won't stick around for long.
"Beyond this job as a marketing assistant, I see myself moving up
through marketing analysis into brand management and eventually
running a category. I'm aware that there are several skills I need to
develop in the interval, and I believe with your continuing-education
program and my own motivation for self-improvement, I'll have those
skills when the opportunities arise for greater responsibility. That's
why I'm determined to learn from the ground up, starting as a
marketing assistant."
62. How long do you think you'd continue to grow in this job?
This is a variation on the question, "Where do you want to be in five
years?" Be as specific as you can, considering what you know about the
position. Don't mention a job title you'd want next, or the interviewer
will wonder if you're already preoccupied with moving on.
"My own personal measure of growth in a job is acquiring new skills,
new knowledge, and new insights into the industry. As long as I can
measure this type of growth, I consider myself successful. I'm a believer
in stretching a job by reaching out to learn more about other areas that
are peripheral to the job I'm in."
63. Compare this job to others you're pursuing.
Some consistency or thread of commonality among your other
prospects is important here. Your choices must reflect your career
aspirations. What common skills are clearly needed in all the jobs
you're pursuing?
"I've narrowed my job search to only those large securities firms within
the finance industry. The basic skills necessary with all of these firms
are similar: strong quantitative and analytical abilities, the ability to
make decisions quickly, and good interpersonal skills to react to a
customer's needs."
64. Tell me about your salary expectations.
A well-prepared candidate can effectively turn this question around.
Ask first for the company's salary range, then answer in general terms
based on your qualifications in relation to the job requirements.
"I've become a little frustrated in the past year because the downturn in
our industry has caused limited promotional opportunities. Based upon
salary information published by our national association, the market
price for someone with my experience and educational background is
in the broad range of thirty to forty thousand dollars per year. Although
I'm not certain how your salaries compare to the national norms, my
feeling is that my value would certainly be in the upper half of this
national range. I hope you'll share with me some of your salary ranges
relative to the national norms."
65. What do you reasonably expect to earn within five years?
Again, turn this question around and ask what's typical for the career
path. Then consider, based on your skills and performance, the areas
you'll excel in. Leave it to the interviewer the appropriate time frames
for promotions. Don't speculate, or you'll risk sounding arrogant,
unrealistic, or the opposite-too reserved or too tentative.
"My expectation for the next five years is that my contributions will be
recognized and appropriately rewarded. I realize that salary levels are
based on a number of factors, including the company's profitability and
the general business cycle that affects our industry, but I expect to take
on greater responsibility each year and to be appropriately
compensated for my efforts and contributions."
66. Other than work, tell me about an activity you've remained
interested in over several years.
The interviewer is looking here for a history of commitment over time,
and consistency of interests. Do you sustain your hobbies over a period
of time, or do you have a different hobby every year? Are your interests
compatible with the job you're applying for? Would they be of value in
any way to the company?
"I've been involved in Cancer Society fundraising ever since my
grandmother died from the disease. In the back of my mind I guess I'm
hoping the research can lead to findings in time to save the life of
someone else in my family."
67. What do you enjoy in your spare time?
The interviewer wants evidence that you're well rounded, not just
one-dimensional. He or she is looking for shared interests or common
ground. You should always, in some way, relate your answer to the job description.
"I really enjoy getting outside-I often go camping and hiking. I've
learned a lot about different fabrics that are good for various weather
conditions. That's why I'm so interested in your textile operations."
68. Do you live a balanced lifestyle?
Do you have an outlet, a way to break from work, so that you show up
each day refreshed and ready to perform at your highest level? Describe
something specific that allows you to relax. Are your personal and
career interests compatible in terms of their logic or thought process?
"I make an effort to get out of the office at a reasonable hour twice a
week. I go home and walk my dog. That's one of the most relaxing
things I do, but it often helps me to think of solutions for problems at
work, even though I'm not consciously trying to solve those problems."
69. What outside activities complement your work interests?
The interviewer is interested to see if the candidate's personality is
reflected in both work and outside activities. Your answer to this
question will shed light on your personality and thus possibly on your
compatibility with the job.
"I've always enjoyed tennis. In many ways it's a game of strategy and
pacing. When something isn't working in the first set, you have to
change your strategy for the second set. You also have to pace your
energy in case you go to a third set, and constantly watch and read your
opponent's reactions. I'm a gutsy tennis player-I go for the big points
sometimes-but I'm careful with timing. That's the way I work, too."
70. If you found yourself getting burned out, what would you do to
revitalize your energy?
Are you disciplined enough to avoid burnout? When you're not being
productive, do you recognize it? What do you do to cope with stress?
"I don't allow myself to get involved in a routine to the point that I get
burned out. I've always been the type of person who asks for new
assignments so that I stay motivated and interested."
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