The hiring process is not about asking trick questions; it’s about finding candidates whose talents and skills align with the company’s needs. Additionally, it aims to confirm that these candidates share the values and purpose of the organization.
A Two-Way Process
The selection process is bidirectional. The company seeks the candidate who best fits the organization, but it is also crucial that the candidate chooses the company where they wish to develop professionally. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared to answer uncomfortable questions and to know what you are looking for in the job.
How to Answer Uncomfortable Questions
Questions about Family and Personal Life
If you are asked uncomfortable questions about your family and personal life, a good response might be: “My family and personal life will not affect my performance in this job. I have the characteristics and talent you need, and I am committed to success in this role.” Although these questions should not be asked, it is helpful to have a professional response ready for situations where bad practices occur.
Salary Questions
Before the interview, be clear about the salary range you would like. Research and understand the market value of your position. Talking about a salary range instead of a fixed amount shows flexibility. For example, you could say: “I am looking for a salary range between X and Y, but I am open to negotiation.”
Gaps in the CV
If you have gaps in your CV or multiple short-term contracts, prepare an honest response based on reality. Explain the circumstances positively without going into negative details or criticizing previous employers. An appropriate response might be: “During that time, I was seeking opportunities that better aligned with my professional and personal goals.”
Job Changes
When asked why you moved from one company to another or why your employment ended, keep the response brief and positive. Instead of criticizing your previous company, you can say: “I was looking for new challenges and the opportunity to grow in a project that motivated me more.”
Preparation and Naturalness
It is crucial to prepare your answers but also to ensure they sound natural and authentic. Research the company: visit their website, understand their size, scope of activities, and who their key executives are. Check their social media to better understand their values and culture.
When asked about the company or the position, show your interest and knowledge without reciting memorized answers. For example, you could say: “I am interested in this company because of its commitment to innovation and sustainability. I have followed your recent projects and am excited about the possibility of contributing to your success.”
Salary Evaluation
Everyone should know their minimum survival salary, also known as a hygiene salary. Objectively evaluate the market value of the position. Talking about a salary range instead of a fixed salary can be more effective and shows that you are open to negotiation: “My salary expectation is between X and Y, but I am willing to discuss it.”
Tips for the Interview
- Know Yourself and Your CV: Make sure you are familiar with all the details of your resume and are prepared to answer difficult questions.
- Be Natural: It is important to be yourself during the interview. Do not try to play a role; be authentic and show your personality.
- Practice and Learn from Each Interview: Job searching is a challenging process. Conduct many interviews and take note of the answers that did not work well to improve in future opportunities.
In summary, the selection process seeks to find alignment between the candidate’s talents and the company’s needs. Be prepared to answer uncomfortable questions professionally and positively. Know your CV and the company well, be natural and authentic in your responses, and use each interview as an opportunity to improve. Job searching can be challenging, but with preparation and practice, you can increase your chances of success.
