More Interview Questions and Answers

How would you react if I were to offer you this job on the spot?

Alternative and related questions:

What would you say if I were to offer you this job immediately?
What would be your answer if I were to offer you this job now?

The meaning behind the question:

This is an interesting question which interviewers can use to test your decision-making and deal-brokering skills.  The interview is a potential business transaction.  You're discussing the possibility of a long-term deal.  It just happens that you're the product.  The way you answer this question will give the interviewer some insight into how you might handle future such negotiations when you are, for example, dealing with a potential supplier.

Your answer:

No, you're not going to jump up and kiss them!  They're not saying that they are going to offer you this job on the spot; they're just asking how you would react if they did.

There are two main possible answers to this question.  You may say that you'd accept their offer immediately or you may say that you'd need a little more information first and would need a little time to consider their offer.  I would vouch for the latter.  I'm not saying you shouldn't reiterate your interest in the post but, unless they've already outlined the precise details of their offer, including the important question of salary, then it's only reasonable and sensible that you will want to have that information first and require some time to consider your options.  They should respect you for this.

There is of course a third possibility.  You may have decided by now that this job isn't the right one for you and now that, hopefully with a little help from me, you have mastered interview technique, there are other, better options out there for you!  But I'd avoid saying that you'd turn down their offer; at least wait to see if you actually get an offer.  At the very least, you can then use this offer to help you when negotiating any other offers you may receive.

Example:

I'd naturally be very pleased.  I am definitely very interested in this role and in your organisation.  However, before formally accepting, I would of course need to see the precise terms of your offer so as to see how it compares to other offers I have received and I'd subsequently need a little time to think over my various options and decide which one I should be pursuing.  It's an important decision and obviously not something I should be in a rush to make.  But, if you'd like to make me an offer, then I'll obviously give it my serious consideration.



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More interview questions and answers

Talking about your current employment

• Can you tell me what you enjoy about your current job?
• What will you remember most about your last job?
• Is this the first time you have made an effort to move away from your current employers?
• How do you feel about the possibility of leaving your current job?
• How would you describe your current employer?

Talking about this vacancy

• Wouldn’t you be better suited to working in a larger/smaller organisation?
• How do you feel this vacancy differs from your current role?
• What reservations do you have about your ability to undertake this job?
• Can you describe your ideal working environment to me?
• How do you feel we compare to our competitors?
• What would you say is our Unique Selling Point?
• What would be your analysis of the current trends in our industry/sector?

Understanding your career path, plans and ambitions

• What aspects of your career path would you like to have been different?
• What are your greatest regrets about the path your career has taken?
• What has been the greatest challenge you have faced in your career to date?
• What do you think are your main career options for the next five years?
• What exactly does the word ‘success’ mean to you?

Addressing problems in your career history

• Why did you only stay with this organisation for such a short time?
• Why did you stay with this organisation for such a long time?

Coping with stress and pressure

• Are you able to multitask?
• Can you juggle a number of different projects simultaneously?
• How do you handle rejection/disappointment/failure?

Defining teamwork

• How do you deal with interpersonal conflict?
• What does tact and diplomacy mean to you?
• What makes for a successful team?

Management and leadership

• Would you describe yourself as a good manager?
• Do you really think you’re management material?
• What is your attitude to delegation?
• Can you give me an example of a time when you had to lead from the front?
• Have you ever had to fire or lay off a member of your staff?
• How would you describe your ideal team member?

Personal and professional development

• In what ways do you intend to improve upon your performance?
• How has your current job prepared you for greater challenges/responsibility?

Interests and activities

• What book are you reading at the moment?
• What newspaper do you take?
• Are you interested in current affairs?

The amateur psychiatrist

• If you won the lottery what would you do?
• Can you tell me about the best teacher you ever had?
• If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?
• What are you most afraid of?

Money, money, money

• Why aren’t you earning more?
• How much do you think you are really worth?
• How much does money matter to you?
• Would you still be interested in this job if you current employer offered a pay rise?
• Have you ever had to take a pay cut to keep your job?
• Have you ever asked for but been refused a pay rise?

Health

• Do you have any medical conditions to declare?

Relocation

• Why do you want to relocate?
• Can you perceive any problems in relocating?

Deal-making

• How would you react if I were to offer you this job on the spot?