Dated 10th Mar 2004
How does one deal with difficult questions in an interview?
SATISH
Hyderabad
Difficult questions can be classified into one of three main categories. It is your preparation that is the key to framing ideal answers to these potentially damaging questions.
There is an almost infinite range of possible questions you might get asked. Difficult questions can be divided into three main categories:
Role Related Questions: Answer questions in such a way that it gives you a good opportunity to mention your major strengths in relation to the vacancy.
Personal Questions: Frame answers to the questions so that the information provided talks about your experience and skill set that is directly relevant to the position.
Dangerous Questions: If any one of these questions is not answered carefully, your candidature may come cropper. It is important to understand how to answer the direct objections that the interviewer may raise.
Anticipating difficult questions and having pre-prepared answers can significantly improve your performance and help you to stand out as a star candidate. Understanding the rationale of how to approach such questions will help you become more confident at dealing with any difficult questions.
What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?
DEEPTI
Kerala
This is a tough question but don't let it intimidate you. If you have properly understood the details of the job then try to answer with a unique combination of your skills/ experience which others are unlikely to have. For instance, you may be a web designer with previous experience as a marketing executive, which shows you have a commercial understanding of the objectives of the website. This is a good occasion to end a question with a question, giving further scope for elaboration (e.g. would this role require me to participate in product development forums?)
What kinds of decisions are most difficult for you?
POOJA
Punjab
The interviewer will want assurances that you are not frequently indecisive over important issues. A good answer is to mention that you have difficulty making a decision where there is insufficient knowledge or information at hand, and that you try to avoid such instances by taking the trouble to remain informed. Try to imagine what sort of decisions would frequently be made in the new role, and steer clear of mentioning any of these as 'difficult'.
How does one handle a question on disagreements during interviews?
KIRAN
Delhi
You should never argue with the interviewer even though there may be genuine points of contention. There are some effective tactics for approaching disagreements and getting your point across without provoking an argument.
Generally speaking, interviewers tend to believe that people behave in interviews the same way as they do at work. Whilst this is evidently not true, because the interview is an unusual and highly charged environment, it does confirm that you should never become confrontational with the interviewer. The golden rule in an interview is to never argue, but to talk them round. If you disagree with something that your interviewer says, check your understanding first. Ask a question or questions to clarify their meaning as this demonstrates that you are keen to clarify the precise facts, ahead of making your point.
Whilst the interviewer is in control during an interview, this does not mean that you should agree with everything they say. Some questions may be asked to see how you handle disagreement and you do not want to appear weak or characterless. When you are stating your opinion, do so in a way that is polite and gracious. This demonstrates that you do not see any major issue between you and the interviewer; you simply have different views. Remember, this is how the interviewer will picture you behaving in the working environment.
Could you give a list of occupations available in the biotechnology sector?
RADHIKA
Raipur
There are many exciting opportunities for scientists and non-scientists in the biotechnology sector apart from lab technicians or research scientists. Complementing the creative endeavours of researchers and engineers are the efforts to commercialise biotechnology products with the input of business management and marketing personnel. On the production side of things, quality assurance technicians, sales reps, and equipment maintenance people are required. The expertise of intellectual property and patent lawyers are also a necessary component in the process. There has also been an increase in openings in the areas of bio-informatics and biostatistics.
The faq column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management LTD. PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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