Dated March 15, 2006
(Questions answered on career concerns)
Why do interviewers ask questions like: `Tell us about a time when you had a personality clash with your co-worker or boss?'
Manasi Rai
Delhi
In asking this question, the interviewers want to know if you have problems getting along with other people. They are also trying to find out how tactful you are -- do you say negative things about others, or are you diplomatic in describing a situation. This question also serves as an indirect way of asking what you look for in a boss or co-worker, to see if your work style and preferred way of managing or being managed is congruent with the prospective employer's workplace.
Your best bet here is to say as little as possible. You basically have three options for answering this question, presented here in order from safest (but most evasive) to riskiest (but most direct):
1. Say that you have been very fortunate in that you have gotten along well with everyone you have ever worked with and that no personality clashes come to mind. In other words, evade the question!
2. Answer the question in a seemingly direct way, but interpret the wording of the question to your advantage. Define ``personality clash'' (or ``conflict'') as a clash of values or work ethics rather than one of personality. Talk about how a boss wanted you to do something illegal or unethical, or how a co-worker never held up his or her end of the workload and that the problem led to a conflict.
3.Be more candid, and talk openly (but tactfully) about the toxic boss or psychotic co-worker you have had to deal with.
A word of caution is in order if you choose the second or third option. Whenever you venture to be candid when discussing a personality conflict, do so very diplomatically.
I have been through some interviews on company sites or over the phone and in all of them, the question of expected salary has come up. Should I come up with any figure, if so, do I quote high or low or just state a range or nothing at all?
Pradip Jain
Hyderabad
This is sometimes an embarrassment usually perpetrated by HR people who would like you to paint yourself into a corner. By giving them a figure or a range, you are restricting yourself to the figures you mention. While there is nothing wrong with this, you can be certain that the lower figure in a range is the one that will remain in the querent's mind. It would be better if you have to quote a figure, you could consider mentioning a figure around 20-25% higher than your present salary - if, and only if, this happens to be in the same country you have hitherto been working. If it is a different country where the cost of living is higher, you might like to correct it to match the changed circumstances. An intelligent interviewer may then ask you how you arrived at such a figure, at which point, you might tell him, mentioning your quality of life, and your net worth to the company.
I work for a call centre and sometimes we get some very cranky customers. Could you give me some tips on how to handle such people?
Varun Raman
Bangalore
Cranky customers are an inevitable part of any business. Knowing how to handle these customers can help you save time and energy and spare yourself personal upset. Sometimes it is better to let the customer vent his annoyance. Attempting to solve the problem too quickly may add fuel to the fire.
A few tips:
Give your undivided attention. Once the air in the customer's emotional balloon has dissipated, you can move toward a resolution.
Express empathy
Make a brief statement of concern and understanding. Even if you believe the customer is wrong, get past that issue to see how the customer feels. A genuinely concerned tone will go a long way in lowering the emotional response and calming the customer.
Solve the problem
Let the customer know you intend to solve the problem. The goal is to make things right— a win-win solution.
Ask the customer for help in solving the problem
The customer may seek a remedy you are not able or willing to provide. But if you can frame the solution as a set of options for the customer, you give him or her some control. You might ask, "What would you like us to do? Look for a way to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution.
Follow up
Let him or her know that you intend to follow up, and then do it. The immediate goal is to solve the customer's problem and retain him as a client.
In a job interview I was asked, strangely enough, how do you spend your spare time? Will mentioning my hobbies be a good enough answer?
Gyanasekhar
Calicut
How a person spends his spare time can serve as a clue to his character and personality. Your interviewer would want to know something about the kinds of books you enjoy reading, sports and hobbies you are interested in, or your professional and civic affiliations. If possible, link your spare-time activities and cultural pursuits with the job you are being interviewed for.
Hobbies (or the lack of them!) can say a lot about someone! The parameter could range from your hobbies to the work you do. This determines your varied interests apart from your job. Most employers usually pose this question to determine if you use your time constructively. Do not mention pastimes, which can carry negative or boring connotations. Describe positive or interesting activities.
What are the career prospects for energy management?
Anish Mehra
Gurgaon
There are plenty of opportunities open for energy management professionals. You can find opportunities in engineering consultancy firms in the areas of energy audit, energy conservation consultancy, and various industries in energy management functions. There are openings with energy consultancy organisations, government departments, and various government-run energy research organizations also. You can also work for NGOs involved in energy conservation sector.
Energy engineers work in a multitude of areas within energy and power industry or within automotive industry, including research and development, design, sales and distribution, quality management and organisation. They deal with development, manufacturing, operation and authorisation and control of nuclear power stations producing electrical energy, nuclear plants in thermal economy, e.g. plants combining heat and power, design, optimisation and production of reactor components et al.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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