You’ve just been invited to a second-round interview for a role you’re interested in. This is very exciting, as you’re one step closer to getting hired.
Of course, you don’t have the job yet — and you likely have some tough competition — so it’s important to spend plenty of time preparing for the interview. Here’s a look at five questions you’ll probably be asked.
Why do you want to leave your current job?
Hiring a new employee is a big decision, so managers want to learn as much about you as possible. This includes your motivation for leaving your current role, as it can be telling. No matter how much you dislike your employer or job, you absolutely cannot express any negativity.
If you do, they’ll assume you’re difficult and would one day speak the same way about this job and their company to another employer. Instead, say you’ve learned a lot from this role but are ready for a new challenge.
What is your preferred management style?
By now, the hiring manager knows you have the skills needed to do the job, so they want to determine whether your personality matches the team. Learning about your ideal management style will allow them to decide if their approach matches yours.
This might seem tricky, as you probably don’t know much — or anything — about their management style, but it’s best to give an honest example. The last thing you want is a new boss who isn’t a good fit for you.
If hired, what would you hope to accomplish in the first few months?
The hiring manager wants to fill the position with an ambitious person who will make an impact as quickly as possible. Your response will allow them to learn how much you know about both the job and the company, so conduct plenty of research. Use this to craft a reply that highlights your knowledge of the role, your plan to get up to speed with everything you don’t know, and actions you plan to take when you’re fully trained and ready to work independently.
Tell me about a time you didn’t see eye to eye with a colleague?
Even the most compatible coworkers have their differences, so this question highlights your problem-solving abilities. Share an honest example of a time when you had a difference of opinion with a colleague, and detail the steps the two of you took to work it out. This shows the interviewer you’re someone who can compromise and learn from colleagues who don’t necessarily share your point of view.
What are your salary expectations?
Even if you touched on this in the first interview, the hiring manager will likely ask about your salary requirements again because they want to make sure their budget for the position meets your needs. It’s okay to give a salary range, but make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with. Check sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics to gauge average salaries for your line of work in your local area.
Ready to start the next chapter of your career? PrideStaff Dallas is here to guide your search. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!
