|
Job interview - suggestions
|
View this Thread in Original format
| spiderpig |
Alright, here's the deal.
After working for my present company for over 2 years, i've decided to pursue other opportunities. Main reason is the company is struggling financially and I need to jump out before the ship sinks.
Now, I have an interview tomorrow for this AMAZING job, I want it badly, not just cause i'm desperate to get out of my present one, but everything, from the role, the location, the pay is bang on and exactly what I need at this stage in my life.
Now..when the question comes up "why are you leaving your present employer?" do I say they are in trouble financially? I've been going back and forth with this and i'm still stuck. I want to tell them the truth, but will it make me look desperate to get the job?
Thx in advance for your suggestions! |
|
|
| patpicos |
I would turn the question around and say why their organization fits you and how you can provide value.
When answering the question, put the focus on their company and not the negativity of your current employer. |
|
|
| TO guy |
| quote: | Originally posted by devnull
I would turn the question around and say why their organization fits you and how you can provide value.
When answering the question, put the focus on their company and not the negativity of your current employer. |
Exactly, talk about the opportunity the new job is presenting, etc. |
|
|
| PivotTechno |
^^
whut they sed.
Word everything as if you're looking toward future prospects - some employers actually like people who think proactively. |
|
|
| spiderpig |
Ok, so I just avoid anything that has to do with my company's current financial situation?
So something along the lines of "I'm ready to take on a bigger role and the next step in my career, the opportunity you have available enables me to do that..blah blah blah." |
|
|
| The Rattler |
| quote: | Originally posted by spiderpig
Ok, so I just avoid anything that has to do with my company's current financial situation?
So something along the lines of "I'm ready to take on a bigger role and the next step in my career, the opportunity you have available enables me to do that..blah blah blah." |
Avoid saying anything negative about the company you're with now. Doesn't look to good when you say that stuff. |
|
|
| Skipper |
| quote: | Originally posted by The Rattler
Avoid saying anything negative about the company you're with now. Doesn't look to good when you say that stuff. |
I disagree. In this case, everyone understands that job security becomes a concern when the employer's finances are tanking. Key question though, is your employer a private or public company?
I don't know what your current role is, but it can be reasonable to say you are having difficulty achieving the objectives of your current role because of the company's financial difficulties. Shows you are goal oriented and results driven, and you don't want to sit around and be complacent. Before you answer this, make sure you know that the prospective employer is not also having financial difficulties. |
|
|
| spiderpig |
| quote: | Originally posted by Skipper
I disagree. In this case, everyone understands that job security becomes a concern when the employer's finances are tanking. Key question though, is your employer a private or public company?
I don't know what your current role is, but it can be reasonable to say you are having difficulty achieving the objectives of your current role because of the company's financial difficulties. Shows you are goal oriented and results driven, and you don't want to sit around and be complacent. Before you answer this, make sure you know that the prospective employer is not also having financial difficulties. |
It's a private company.
"you are having difficulty achieving the objectives of your current role because of the company's financial difficulties."
I like that a lot, and was thinking of saying something along those lines, cause it's very true.
I'm still stuck on whether to mention the financial situation..I just don't want my potential future employer to have some sort of "leverage" you know..? |
|
|
| Moral Hazard |
I do a lot of interviews, as I'm responsible for hiring people at my place of employment. My advice, DO NOT mention concerns about the financial viability of your present employer. Regardless of how you phrase concerns regarding your present employer's financial status it will signal to the interviewer that you getting out while the getting is good. This won't hurt your chances of getting the new job; however, it improves the negotiating position of your prospective employer because they will offer less and negotiate less knowing that one of your big motivators is a more secure employment agreement. There have been a lot of lay-offs and companies folding in my industry over the past 2 years and I've managed to land some pretty impressive talent for well below the market rates 3 years ago becasue they were coming from troubled companies. Unless the financial status of your current employer is well known then do not raise it during the interview.
As for what you should say; growth opportunity. Stress that you are motivated by stretching your abilities and professional growth, the opportunities for which you percieve to be greater with your perspective employer. Do some research, chances are they're involved in some project or initiative that presents new/innovative challenges, reference that; you'll show a) that your plugged into what's going on in the industry, and b) you are serious in looking to expand your skill set. |
|
|
| Skipper |
| quote: | Originally posted by Moral Hazard
Unless the financial status of your current employer is well known then do not raise it during the interview.
|
Agreed, this is why I asked if it was a public company. Definitely phrase things differently if coming from a company whose financial situation is not known. However even if you are at a private company, if the new position is with a competitor, a supplier or a customer, they will probably already have some idea. |
|
|
| Magnetonium |
Very importantly, when you're going to the interview, get out of your mind those "desperate" thoughts of you wanting the job so badly. That can affect you at the interview in a bad way. Come in confident (important!), well rested, and not on an empty stomach. Brainstorm potential interview questions. Concentrate on positive responses, as the other TA's have mentioned here - think very well what you're going to say long in advance. At the interview, if you stutter or think too hard about it, it might appear as if you're lying.
I wouldn't mention any kind of "financial difficulties" or other negative crap ... there are many other good reasons to come up with, that are perfectly acceptable by anyone
|
|
|
| The Highroller |
| Spiderpig, I'm surprised that you have the audacity to ask for help on a message board to which you contribute almost nothing but negativity, hiding behind an anonymous moniker to take insidious jabs at certain people and groups. |
|
|
|
|
