- Don’t you trust us ? (This question is usually raised when asking for a written commitment after a promise has been made to you.)
- I only wish to formalize the agreement we have just made.
- Yes, of course. I am only suggesting that we summarize, in writing, the key points of our interview.
- For professional reasons only, it is important to me to write down the key information.
- Why should I hire you instead of another candidate ?
- I would like to have this job very much.
- After this interview, when you know me better, I am sure you will be able to answer this question yourself.
- I believe I have a lot to offer. (Summarize qualifications.)
- What are the two things you most want to improve in the next several years ?
- The performance of my subordinates and myself.
- My capacity to anticipate more rapidly the needs of the market for …………(name it).
- My swing and my handicap. Do you play golf ?
- Are you speaking in terms of my transferable skills, knowledge, or personality traits ?
- Increase your market share and retain your key customers.
- The two concerns about your organization that you mentioned. (List them).
- Have you had any other firm job offers ?
- Yes.
- Yes, and I must say that I am most interested in your company.
- I am in the final process of negotiations with two other organizations.
- I have just begun my job search and things look promising. The proof is that I am in your office !
- Are you a leader ?
- If being listened to and respected by my subordinates means being a leader, then I am one.
- A leader, maybe. A dictator, certainly not.
- I think I have always been a leader; in groups, I have always taken leadership roles.
- If by leader you mean allowing people to reach their objectives, then I am a leader.
- What do you like to read ?
- Daily newspapers and historical books.
- Mostly technical magazines.
- I love daily newspapers and biographies.
- I rarely read tabloids or “fluff” literature.
- At your age, why don’t you earn a higher salary ?
- My last/present job description is radically different from the one we are now discussing.
- Money has never been my primary motivation in a job.
- My previous salary did not reflect all of my additional benefits (“perks”), which had significant value.
- I am choosing to do what I want to do. I am not forced to work for money only.
- Would you be willing to undergo psychological testing ?
- Yes. Could you just let me know how important these tests are in your decision-making process ?
- Yes, with pleasure, once we know each other better.
- Certainly. I would only ask to know the conclusions from the testing, as is customary, I believe.
- I prefer not to undergo tests, but offer you as an alternative an in-depth interview so you can evaluate my personality as precisely as any test.
- I would prefer that you judge me on my professional achievements, and I am ready to answer any questions you have.
- Are you creative ?
- Could you allow me to cite a very specific example and then judge me on my results ? (Name one.)
- Yes, it is one of my three main characteristics.
- I think so. In my last/present job, I ……and …… (mention two achievements highlighting your creativity).
- What do you mean by creative ?
- In your last job did you discover a problem that your predecessors had left untreated ?
- Honestly, I don’t know. I have had to manage by myself and I can’t say that any particular problem was attributable to my predecessor(s).
- Yes. A problem that helped me develop a new technique.
- Yes, a safety practice that was not being implemented.
- No. I found my predecessor to be an extremely capable and thorough person. I was able to build on the solid foundation left to me.
<< Back --- Next >> |
