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Sample Interview Questions

How ambitious are you?

How do you explain that your career path is shaped like a bullet but that you realise you have to get your head down and do this job well and thoroughly? Be honest and enthusiastic but mainly keen to prove yourself in the job you're applying for.

The key person here is the most senior person involved in interviewing you. They're the ones looking for talent to join their organisation, not just someone to do a job.

This question has many guises. Here are a few: 'Where do you see yourself in five years' time?' 'In an ideal world what job would eventually fulfil your dreams?' and even, 'When do you expect a promotion?'

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

Start from an honest and reasonable answer to the question. 'Well, I certainly want to move forward and have a career that makes good progress. I know that my career will depend first and foremost on doing well in the job I go into. As I do that job I'll also become a more knowledgeable professional in this organisation and in this industry. This will allow me to focus my energies and skills in the areas that are key to the success of the company. I think it'll take a couple of years to get into that position and at that point I'll have a much more informed view of what is possible. But my starting point is that I'm looking to get ahead.'

The key is to show that you are ambitious but not arrogant enough to know exactly where you want to be. There are some uncertainties, not the least of which is that as yet you don't really know where the key jobs in the organisation lie. This makes a good finish to your answer:

'What do you think over the next few years will be the crucial areas for your organisation to exploit?' There's not a lot else you can say here, but it's an excellent opportunity to ask questions and get them to talk about prospects in their company in general and your prospects in particular.

DON'T LOOK KEENER THAN THE JOB JUSTIFIES

Sometimes this question is asked for the opposite reason. Some jobs, particularly in small organisations, don't offer an obvious career path or opportunities for advancement. Here's an example:

A small training company offers a course to qualified solicitors to keep their legal knowledge up to date. The lecturers are all lawyers. They are looking for a receptionist/administrator to help prepare the rooms, welcome clients as they come for the course and provide the refreshment at breaks and lunchtime. Apart from getting more involved in preparing visual aids and handouts, there is no real career progression. Who're they going to take on for the job? They don't want a complete deadbeat, someone who will settle for the job for life. Such a person won't do a good job with the clients if they just feel that their job is to make the tea. But the company has nothing further to offer. If a job like this suits you for a period of time then go for it and tell them just that. 'I want to get into a more senior job, perhaps in a solicitors' partnership. This job is ideal for me to learn about the people and the profession, particularly because I'll meet a lot of different people from different firms. I'm happy to spend, say, a couple of years doing this and then if I have to move on to get ahead I'll consider doing so. Is that a sensible plan?' Finishing with the question puts the whole issue on the table. Either you've got it dead right or they're looking for a complete deadbeat.


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