What is your five-year plan?

 

When interviewers ask this question, they want to know if you will last at the company.

 

Picture where your career is going. Maybe the job you're applying for is only a stepping stone to a bigger and better career. Letting your potential employer know their business is nothing more than a pit stop on your career road trip could cost you the job.

 

Instead of letting an employer know you don't plan to stay with the company long-term, think about what you hope to get out of the position. Talk generally about how you hope the position will prepare you for your next career move. Mention your desire for career growth within the company.

 

Only apply for jobs if you honestly see yourself working there for the foreseeable future. Otherwise, it's not fair to you, the company, or the person who would actually be the best fit for the position.

 

What is one of your flaws¹?

 

This question is very often treated as a joke or a way to turn a negative into a positive (I'm too perfect. I'm an overachiever. I never give up), said Annie Griffin, Chief Happiness Officer at Manifest³ London. Manifest London

 

'I'll tell you what I like, I like to hire human beings not machines. I like to hire someone who is upfront, honest and comfortable in their own skin. Everyone has flaws, I wasn't born yesterday.

 

'Show me that you are a person who has awareness⁴ and honesty. Maybe you hate getting out of bed. Maybe you speak too quietly. You let papers pile up on the printer.

 

'When people recognise a flaw² it shows a hunger for improvement and that is always desirable.'

 

Describe how an apple tastes to someone who can't taste.

 

There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. This question reveals your ability to think critically. Take a moment to think about how you will respond.

 

One way to answer the question is: 'I would describe the taste of an apple as refreshing⁵ because of how juicy they are. While a person may not be able to taste, they can probably feel the juice as they bite into the apple. When I think about apples, I imagine the fresh, juicy sensation⁶ that comes with taking my first bite.'

 

Even if your answer isn't the same as the rest of candidates interviewing, it shows your ability to think on your toes. Your interviewer will appreciate whatever answer you give as long as you provide a reason for why you chose the description you used.

 

Do you have any questions?

 

This is an opportunity for you to determine if you're right for the company, but the interviewer will also use this to uncover what's important to you in your career.

 

Prepare plenty of questions in advance because most of the answers will likely be covered during the interview itself. When you are given the opportunity to ask questions it's important that you have at least one question to ask.

 

Here are a few suggestions: What is the difference between being good and great in this job? What are the opportunities for training and development within the business? What do you enjoy most about the company, culture and your job here?

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