1 Tricky Interview Question That Reveals More Than You Think
Mary Southern
I help clients land jobs 10x faster with a Killer Resume ? Podcast Host - Recruiting Insider ? LinkedIn Top Voice - Resume Writing ? Female Founder: Resume Assassin & Sidekick
We’ve all been there.?Nerves on edge,?facing the interviewer’s gaze,?desperately trying to make a positive impression.Suddenly,?they ask the seemingly innocuous question,?“Tell me what you’re looking for in an employer.”
An opportunity to shine,?right??Maybe not.?This seemingly simple question can be a tricky curveball if you’re not prepared.
Here’s the Catch
While rambling about a company with “unlimited snacks and nap pods” might feel like a winning answer,?it actually reveals more about your past experiences than your future aspirations.?
This question acts as a behavioral trap,?designed to understand how you think about work,?not just hear generic platitudes about a “dream company.”
The interviewer wants to see beyond the surface.?Complaining about past employers can make you seem emotionally charged and focused on negativity.?
Remember,?the interview is a professional exchange.?You’re offering your valuable skills and experience,?and the company is looking to invest in them.
By approaching it as a business transaction,?you demonstrate professionalism and confidence in your worth.
How to Navigate this Tricky Question?
Instead of dwelling on past grievances,?focus on what you genuinely seek in a stable and successful company.?Highlight qualities like profitability,?fiscal responsibility,?and opportunities for long-term growth.
This approach achieves two things.?
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First,?it showcases your understanding of the business world and your desire to contribute to a company’s success.?Second,?it creates an opportunity to gather valuable intel.
Flip the Script
After outlining your ideal company profile,?flip the script and ask the interviewer directly:?“Can you tell me more about the company’s financial health??Do you feel it’s well-run?”
Their response is telling.?If they readily answer and discuss the company’s financial stability,?that’s a positive sign.However,?if they hesitate or dodge the question,?it could be a red flag.
By asking insightful questions,?you gain valuable insights into the company’s culture and stability.?This seemingly simple “ideal company” question becomes a two-way street,?allowing you to assess if the company truly aligns with your long-term goals.?
So next time you’re faced with this question,?remember,?it’s not just about the company you want to work for; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional journey.
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Office Manager | Payroll | Bookkeeping | Titles | Collections | Corsicana, TX
4 个月In my last interview I asked where do plan to be in the next three years? My answer was: I hope to be working for you due to the fact that I do not like being in job market. You have to study interview questions where back in the day you didn’t. Thank goodness the all the interview panel was my age & understood, they all started laughing and shaking their heads yes.
?? Loving this, Mary! Behavioral interviewing is the main reason why we have built the complete list, recruiter-vetted, 48 behavioral interview questions deck, including questions, frameworks to answer them like STAR as well as example answers and tips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKLRLP7P
3x global hr, talent & ops leader & coach improving orgs with data & empathy | career & growth coach helping poc professionals find work or design a life they love & deserve | exp hired 1,000+ people w/ $50–$500k salary
4 个月Mary Southern - Great insights! I’d add that asking about the company’s snack policy might seem trivial, but it’s a great way to gauge their commitment to employee well-being. After all, a well-fed team is a happy team, right? P.s. not a fan of any tricky Qs myself. Like to keep things straightforward and truly get to know.
Tech Director @ Amazon Payment Services | #1 LinkedIn Arab World Creator in Management & Leadership | Follow me for Daily Insights on Leadership, Management and Career | Mentor
4 个月It’s about understanding the why behind the question and what the interviewer is trying to assess.
Helping Mid to Executive Level Professionals Land Jobs in Supply Chain & Procurement Industry Without the Hassle of 100+ Job Applications | Career Coach Strategist I Personal Branding I Ex-Recruiter I Speaker
4 个月This is a great point! Behavioral questions can definitely be tricky, and "what you're looking for in an employer" is a sneaky one. I'd love to check out your article and learn more about how to answer this effectively.