How cool would it be to actually be able to read your interviewer’s mind? You would know exact concerns, you could fashion all of your responses to address what they’re really asking and you would know exactly what to say and when. Unfortunately, we can’t read minds, but what we can do is help you prepare to answer the underlying concerns every interviewer has. According to a 2011 Forbes article, there are only three questions that you need to be aware of during your interview. Although employers are unlikely to ask you these questions, every question that they do ask is actually an attempt to answer one these core concerns:
Can you do the job?
When you get questions about past experience and how you would deal with imaginary scenarios, your interviewer just wants to know if you can do the job. Do you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle day-to-day responsibilities? Your resume has impressed the hiring manager enough to get you an interview, so use this time to showcase the talents that can’t be communicated on paper. Be prepared to give examples of where you’ve used the skills mentioned in the job description and any other expertise relevant to the position.
Will you love the job?
Has an interviewer ever asked you cryptic questions about the job description or about the company you’re interviewing with? It always feels like a trap to have to describe a business to someone who already works there. It is not a trap, but it does a great job of assessing whether or not a candidate has a passion for the company and for their chosen career path.
Also be prepared to answer questions about your goals or what you’ve enjoyed about your past work. Try to show that you will be motivated to do the job for something more important than a paycheck.
Can they work with you?
Questions that fall into this category are about whether you will fit in with the culture at the company. Be prepared to answer questions about how you deal with deadlines and how you stay organized as well as how you make decisions, communicate with others or manage conflict. It is important in any interview that you ask the kind of questions that answer whether you can work with them as well. Figure out what is important to you, and ask questions to determine if the company/management/team will provide that. For example, if you like to have a lot of freedom and work independently, ask about how work is assigned and overseen.
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