When would you expect your next promotion?

It's difficult to give an exact time without knowing the personnel structure within XYZ Corp and specifically the line of responsibility associated with this position. However, I'm an ambitious person and through hard work, dedication, and with the guidance of a good manager, I aim to gain my next promotion as soon as possible, ideally ahead of 'normal' timeframes.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This is a question that could easily catch you out. Be sure not to cross the fine line between ambition and arrogance in your answer. Avoid giving glib answers e.g. 'In three months time', that may reduce your credibility. Try to tell the interviewer how you will achieve your next promotion, e.g. through hard work, rather than when.

 

What do you know about this industry?

The telecommunications industry is currently going through a period of rapid expansion. The major industry players are positioning themselves for the delivery of the next generation of telecommunication services. New developments in mobile, broadband and satellite communications mean that it's an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry. I've no doubt that the telecommunications industry will be a driving force of the worldwide economy in the 21st century. I know that XYZ Corp intends to be a frontrunner in that expansion. For that reason, this job is highly attractive.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This question assesses the depth of your knowledge about the industry in question. If you are new to the area, you may have to research this question before you attend the interview. You should not spend a long time answering the question. After all, the interviewer already knows the answer. Give a brief synopsis of the industry and where you believe the firm sits within the industry. Use this question to inform the interviewer of your desire to work in this industry.

 

What kind of salary are you seeking?

Answer1: I would expect a salary which reflects the experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What range do you have in mind?

Answer 2: I've got a strong background in this industry and my skills are a perfect match for this role. I would expect my compensation to be at the upper end of the position's salary band. Can you tell me what that salary band is?

Answer 3: Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 28,000-32,000 would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

When preparing for the interview you should try to discover the salary range for the job from the recruitment consultant or human resources department. This information can put you in a strong position when the time comes to negotiate a salary.

Unless pressed, you should not give a specific number here. Instead you should specify your value relative to a 'salary band'. Most firms have salary bands for each position. You should aim to negotiate a salary towards the peak of the range for the position in which you are interviewing.

If you are pushed for a specific salary, respond with a target range. This will help lay the groundwork for future negotiations. You should qualify yourself by specifying that your answer is based on the information that you have to hand about the job. Do not give the actual range that would satisfy you, as your prospective employer may try to bargain you down at a later point. For example, if your target salary range is 26,000 - 30,000, you should specify a higher range such as 28,000-32,000.

Do you expect to work regular hours? Would working irregular hours cause a problem?

I don't have a problem working overtime. I understand that in today's competitive marketplace there is a need for flexibility in regard to working hours.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

In today's modern working environment most jobs require flexibility with respect to your working hours. By expressing your willingness to work irregular hours or do overtime you will impress upon the interviewer your eagerness to succeed and contribute to the firm.

Name three adjectives that best describe your ideal work colleague.

It's difficult to think of an 'ideal' work colleague. I'd like to think I work well with most people. If I had to choose three adjectives I'd say: Communicative, intelligent, likeable.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

If you thought being asked to give three adjectives to describe yourself was difficult, this variation is arguably harder. The key to answering this question is to hedge your answer with a preface declaring that you think you work well with most people, then give three adjectives that would describe the best employee / colleague you can think of. The qualities you look for in a colleague will be seen to reflect your own qualities.

Why would you like to work for me?

I've been aware of your reputation for some time. You're regarded as an innovator within the industry and beyond. I appreciate that your team's success is due to a number of factors, not least of which is hard work. I'm an excellent team player, I'm a very good problem solver, and I work hard to get the job done. For these reasons, I'm confident I'd be an asset to your group. I hope that my experience shows I'm suitably qualified to fulfill the position. I know that your position within this firm speaks for itself. My ideal manager is someone that fosters excellence, innovation, and success, as well as personal and professional growth. It's widely recognized that XYZ Corp's strongest asset is its staff thanks to its strong belief in training and development. For these reasons, this is a highly desirable role.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

There are two approaches to answering this question. If you know the interviewer personally or by reputation you can allude to qualities in him that you respect and the complimentary qualities you could bring to him and his team. If you do not know the interviewer, answer this question by referring to how your qualities would match those of a suitable, hypothetical manager.