Giselle Bain emailed “File 13” very concerned about a question she was recently asked at an interview. The interviewer told Giselle that she thought that Giselle felt the job she was interviewing for was “beneath her”. Interestingly, in Trinidad and Tobago, some interviewers skirt the legal parameters of what can be asked in an interview. I will address some of these “illegal” questions in another issue. However, as startled as Giselle was by the question, in the current economic climate, it is is not unusual. That said, what was the interviewer really trying to find out?
• Are you desperate and will take any job offered?
• Will you be able to integrate into the existing team?
In a soft job market, you may find yourself interviewing for a job that you could do “with your eyes closed and your hands tied behind your back”. If you know this, so will the interviewer! This is a legitimate concern, as the interviewer may be thinking that you will quickly become bored and demotivated, which could affect your productivity and performance. The sensible thing to do if asked this kind of question, is to show how your experience and skills can add value to the company.
Winning answer…
“I can understand, given my experience, why you may think that. However, what interests me about this position is the opportunity to make a real difference using my skills and
experience to support the team!
My mind is buzzing with ideas that we could implement quickly that would deliver immediate benefits to the business!”
It is likely that the interviewer will not be expecting an answer like this and will be thrown off guard! This is good for you and they will be curious to know what ideas you have in store!
By using words like “buzzing”, “quickly” and “immediate” you are projecting an image of a dynamic, fast moving, adaptable and energetic team player.
By using the word “we” you have invited the interviewer to share in these ideas – now you have grabbed their attention!”
Remember, if you use this answer be sure to have some idea as to how you would improve things!
Thank you Giselle for your question,
it provided some solid food for thought!
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I look forward to and welcome your comments, questions and feedback.
Dionne Ligoure is a senior marketing and communications practitioner with over fourteen years professional
experience. Her proven track record in Marketing, Strategic Planning, Corporate Communications and International
Business Development is supported by an extensive
business background in International and Multicultural
environments in the Caribbean, United States and Europe.
