More Interview Questions and Answers

Wouldn't you be better suited to working in a larger/smaller organisation?

Alternative and related questions:

Wouldn’t you be better suited to working in a different type of organisation?
Wouldn't you be better suited to working for another organisation?

The meaning behind the question:

Is it a polite way for them to tell you they're writing you off?  Or is it more likely yet another sneaky way for them to test how you react?  While the question might come across as superficially rather negative, it's often an encouraging sign.  It might mean you just have one further hurdle to cope with and the job could be yours.

Your answer:

This question reminds me of something an HR officer once said to a new member of staff at the end of their trial period, "I think you'd be better off working for either a smaller or a larger organisation"!  In this case, though, they're not telling you, they're asking – and your answer clearly has to be "No"!

There are two main ways in which to answer this question.  You can either ask them what leads them to ask such a question and hence pick up some useful clues which will help you to counter any concerns they may have.  But this will require you to think on your feet.  The simpler approach is to have an answer pre-prepared which explains (or reiterates) why you feel their organisation is just the right one for you.  You can draw on your answer to the top 10 question we covered back in Chapter 2, "Why do you want to work for this organisation?".  Your focus should be on what in particular attracts you to their organisation – and don't be afraid of singing their praises. 

Example:

It's true to say that I have generally worked for larger companies.  However, while larger companies have certain advantages over smaller ones, they also have certain disadvantages.  Your company may not be the biggest in the sector but you clearly have a reputation as one of the most progressive.  The company is evolving and developing rapidly, undoubtedly helped by the fact that you are smaller than some others.  It makes you more manoeuvrable.  I'd like to play a part in capitalising on that manoeuvrability to help the company become one of the biggest in the sector.  I want to work for an organisation which is forward-thinking and isn’t afraid to tackle new challenges, unlike some of the larger companies I have previously worked with.

Word of warning:

Don't let them unnerve you.  Don't be intimidated.  Avoid being defensive.



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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?