How to answer: This may sound like a co-opt, but you should state that you enjoy both types of work relationships. List the pros and cons of each kind of work. For example, working in groups allows you to learn new skills and exchange ideas. However, you also like the freedom to work independently so that you can get tasks done more quickly and without interruption.
9. “Why did you leave your last job?”
Don’t use this as an opportunity to badmouth your former employer or company. That will raise red flags when the interviewer contacts your references.
How to answer: Be truthful and honest. Don’t focus on the negatives. Instead, detail what your learned from your previous employer or how the experience helped you grow. The reason that you left, however, was that it was time to explore new opportunities or push yourself out of your comfort zone.
10. “Have you ever been asked to compromise your integrity by a colleague or supervisor?”
This is a question that is intended to test your ethics and morals. The reason that it can get tricky is because it could lead you down a path where you could badmouth your former employees or employers. Even worse, you could accidentally share sensitive information, such as the internal practices of your former company or parts of a private investigation.
How to answer: Be honest, clear, and concise. Most importantly, remain a professional by not sharing any private information regarding your former employer.
11. “What are your salary requirements?”
This question can make both parties feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, the interviewer may not have the power to negotiate or discuss your salary. The reason that this question is asked is because the company wants to be sure that they can afford you.
How to answer: Do your research and know what the salary is in your industry and market. After that Payscale recommends these two answers to the following questions;
- Question: What salary range are you looking for? “Let’s talk about the job requirements and expectations first, so I can get a sense of what you need.” That’s a soft answer to a soft way to ask the question.
- Question: What are you expecting to make in terms of salary? “I am interested in finding a job that is a good fit for me. I’m sure whatever salary you’re paying is consistent with the rest of the market.” In other words, I respect myself and I want to believe the company is respectable.
When answering any of these questions above, be yourself and don’t try to be something your not. It’ll come out eventually. Be true to the person inside yourself. If an interview doesn’t go as well as hoped, maybe it’s not meant to be. I once interviewed 26 times with 17 companies before I got a job. I was about to break but kept going.
You can do this. Keep going and don’t give up.
