Interview dilemma !!!!
By shar_25
@shar_25 (1339)
India
December 24, 2008 2:42am CST
Hi
I have a couple of interviews lined up. I am very confident about everything else-but there is one question where I get stuck and make a mess in almost all the interviews is "Why are you looking for a change? What is it that you are not happy about in your present company?". I simply don't know what to do or say as there is no such strong reason one quits a job for. Second its mostly because of money. So i don't know what to say.
Any advice??
Any advice??1 person likes this
4 responses
@sixclix (677)
• Philippines
24 Dec 08
Simply answer them the real reason why you want to transfer....because you want to earn more and advance in your profession and the company your applying for could provide you with those opportunities.
Being candid in interviews actually still works and most companies want the truth from their prospective employees.
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
24 Dec 08
While it is certainly a very bad idea to lie, one can, at least, choose what truths to present and, hopefully, find a positive spin to put on any negative ones that may be important enough to have to mention.
@icequeen123 (934)
•
24 Dec 08
You could say
"I am looking for a new challenge. I really enjoy my present job, but I have been doing (whatever) for some time now, and I do not have many opportunities to progress."
or
"I have always wanted to be involved with (whatever the new company does) and so when I saw this opportunity I thought it would be ideal."
and / or
"I enjoy working for my present company very much. However, due to today's economic climate, like many people I am faced with the need to make ends meet. This position offers more money than I currently earn."
Most important advice is to be yourself, and be honest. I hope you get the job.
:)
1 person likes this
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
24 Dec 08
This is something of a 'negative' question because it invites you to say what is wrong with your current situation rather than what is 'right' with the one you are applying for.
What it is actually asking is: 'If there are dissatisfactions with your current position, how do you think they will be resolved by this new one? Do you have any problems which you might find equally present in this new position?'
I would advise that you 'sidestep' the question somewhat. Briefly outline, perhaps, the reasons why you want to change jobs - and, of course, choose mostly positive reasons - but make sure that the last 75% of your answer describes why you want to work for the new company and what you feel that you have to offer them in terms of experience and enthusiasm. Of course, what you have to offer in those terms, will be something that they need (or that you perceive that they need).
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
24 Dec 08
If your reason for change is 'mostly for money', there is no need to be ashamed of that. The new employer may wonder, though, why, if you have asked for a raise, you have been refused.
You would probably need to think ahead a little. Find reasons why this job may offer more than your current/last one. It could be simply that your current employer is not such a good businessman but it is more likely to be that the new one will expect more of you. Make sure that your confidence shows and that you are eager to work hard and increase your experience and expertise and are positive about any training that might be needed.
Remuneration should be the very last thing discussed in an interview. You may already know the salary range, of course, but there will be specifics such as starting salary, progression and benefits which must be discussed once you are offered the job.
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
24 Dec 08
I am specifically avoiding putting words into your mouth because it is very important that you use your own words and show that you have previously thought about the question.
It is never a bad thing to count to three (or seven or ten) before you answer a question. It suggests that you are thinking about the true meaning of the question and are finding the best and most honest answer.
@scammerwear (1433)
• Singapore
24 Dec 08
"It is not that I'm unhappy about my present company, but I feel that it is time that I expand the depth of my experience"
1 person likes this
