Interviewing Tips: Employer Questions with Possible Responses

39. Do you think you are cut out better for staff work or line work?
    I can handle either one. My preference depends a lot on the specific job, the boss I would be working for, and the challenges in the position.
    
    
40. In your most recent position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?
    Keep your answer brief and don't brag unduly.
    
    
41. If you had your choice of jobs or companies, where would you land?
    Talk about the job at hand and what is attractive in the company that is interviewing you.
    
    
42. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
    Don't be defensive about this one. Explain that you are hoping to rectify the situation through this career change.
    
    
43. What do you feel you should earn in the proposed position?
    You might want to answer this with a question, such as, What is the typical salary range for similar jobs in your company? If there is no range in the company, give the range that you had in mind, but qualify it by saying you hope to learn more about the job responsibilities and scope. Another way to answer this question is I am sure when the time comes, we will agree on a reasonable and fair amount based on what I can bring to the table. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?
    
    
44. If we were to offer you this position, exactly how much would you expect?
    Again be careful about pinning yourself down, either too high or too low. If possible deal in terms of what the market value is for the job. For example, My understanding is that a job like this one you are describing might pay in the range of $ to $. Is that within your range?
    
    
45. Do you have any objections to taking our battery of psychological tests?
    No. None at all. (This would mean you are a serious candidate). Do not ask any questions about the testing, except for When?
    
    
46. What other types of jobs or companies are you considering at this time?
    Don't feel obligated to reveal details of your other negotiations. If you have other irons in the fire, refer to your campaign in a general way but concentrate mainly on the job at hand. Stay industry focused. If you are interviewing for a pharmaceutical positions, only mention pharma interviews.
    
    
47. What sort of outside reading do you do?
    Be honest. If possible, mention some of the things you read in order to keep yourself up-to-date in your professional field. However, it is okay to show balanced interests by your recreational reading as well.
    
    
48. Do you consider yourself to be a creative person?
    Yes. (And be prepared to give a couple examples.)
    
    
49. How would you describe your own personality?
    Balanced, and human. Mention 2 or 3 of your useful traits.
    
    
50. Are you a leader? Yes. (Give examples.)
    
    
51. What are your long-range goals?
    Relate your answer to the company you are interviewing with, rather than give a very broad, general answer. Keep your ambitions attainable and realistic.
    
    
52. What are your strongest points?
    Be ready to present at least three, preferably in a way that relates them to the potential job opening.
    
    
53. How long would you expect to stay with our company?
    As long as we both feel that there is challenging work that I can do and I am offering value to the company.
    
    
54. What would you expect to be earning, say, ten years from now?
    You can hedge a bit on this one while stating that (1) you would expect to progress with your new company and (2) your salary would keep up with this progress, as well as inflation.
    
    
55. What sort of relationships do you have with your associates, both at the same level and above and below you?
    This is a very important question. You can well afford to take your time and answer it in steps.  When talking about your relationships with subordinates, be prepared to state your philosophy of handling them, particularly when they have performance problems. With regard to bosses, indicate your keen interest in understanding your boss' expectations, so that you and your organization can pad  your goals in a way that will support his/her goals. You may also want to talk about how you would goabout keeping your boss informed.
    
    
56. What are some of your outside activities or recreations?
    Hopefully, your answer can show that you lead a balanced life. But avoid throwing in so many outside activities that it casts some doubt on how much time you will have for the job. Remember, too, that your hobbies and recreation can be quite revealing as to your own personality.