More Interview Questions and Answers

Can you perceive any problems in relocating?

Alternative and related questions:

Are you willing to relocate if necessary?
Are you willing to go where the organisation sends you?

The meaning behind the question:

This could be a reasonably straightforward factual question if relocation is an obvious prerequisite for the job.  On the other hand, if no mention has previously been made of relocation then either the organisation has failed to communicate effectively or the interviewer is trying to put you on the spot again!

Your answer:

If you're aware of the need to relocate in order to undertake this new job then your answer just needs to cover that fact and to emphasise that you're fully prepared and ready for this and that you certainly don't perceive it causing any problems.  If you can mention a previous instance where you've had to relocate for a new job (or whilst working for another organisation) then all the better.  If not then just say you've carefully thought the matter through and you're entirely happy with the prospect.

If this is the first time you've heard mention of the possibility of relocation then your answer is somewhat trickier.  First of all, you should point out that this is the first you've heard of it and then you should go on to explain that it's something you would be prepared to consider.  It may be that there's no way you would ever contemplate relocating but telling the interviewer this is going to weaken your case, regardless of whether they are seriously requiring you to relocate or not.  Remember that if you are required to relocate but you decide you really don't want to then you can simply turn down their offer of a job.  But your first priority is to actually make sure you get an offer!

Example:

I haven't actually been previously made aware that relocation was a possibility.  It hasn't been mentioned to me.  However, it's nonetheless something that I would be prepared to consider.  This role within your organisation is very appealing and, if offered the job, I may well decide that it would warrant relocating.  It would of course depend on your offer and on the precise circumstances.  Can you tell me a little bit more about this issue of relocation please?  I can then give it some further thought.

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More interview questions and answers

Talking about your current employment

• Can you tell me what you enjoy about your current job?
• What will you remember most about your last job?
• Is this the first time you have made an effort to move away from your current employers?
• How do you feel about the possibility of leaving your current job?
• How would you describe your current employer?

Talking about this vacancy

• Wouldn’t you be better suited to working in a larger/smaller organisation?
• How do you feel this vacancy differs from your current role?
• What reservations do you have about your ability to undertake this job?
• Can you describe your ideal working environment to me?
• How do you feel we compare to our competitors?
• What would you say is our Unique Selling Point?
• What would be your analysis of the current trends in our industry/sector?

Understanding your career path, plans and ambitions

• What aspects of your career path would you like to have been different?
• What are your greatest regrets about the path your career has taken?
• What has been the greatest challenge you have faced in your career to date?
• What do you think are your main career options for the next five years?
• What exactly does the word ‘success’ mean to you?

Addressing problems in your career history

• Why did you only stay with this organisation for such a short time?
• Why did you stay with this organisation for such a long time?

Coping with stress and pressure

• Are you able to multitask?
• Can you juggle a number of different projects simultaneously?
• How do you handle rejection/disappointment/failure?

Defining teamwork

• How do you deal with interpersonal conflict?
• What does tact and diplomacy mean to you?
• What makes for a successful team?

Management and leadership

• Would you describe yourself as a good manager?
• Do you really think you’re management material?
• What is your attitude to delegation?
• Can you give me an example of a time when you had to lead from the front?
• Have you ever had to fire or lay off a member of your staff?
• How would you describe your ideal team member?

Personal and professional development

• In what ways do you intend to improve upon your performance?
• How has your current job prepared you for greater challenges/responsibility?

Interests and activities

• What book are you reading at the moment?
• What newspaper do you take?
• Are you interested in current affairs?

The amateur psychiatrist

• If you won the lottery what would you do?
• Can you tell me about the best teacher you ever had?
• If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?
• What are you most afraid of?

Money, money, money

• Why aren’t you earning more?
• How much do you think you are really worth?
• How much does money matter to you?
• Would you still be interested in this job if you current employer offered a pay rise?
• Have you ever had to take a pay cut to keep your job?
• Have you ever asked for but been refused a pay rise?

Health

• Do you have any medical conditions to declare?

Relocation

• Why do you want to relocate?
• Can you perceive any problems in relocating?

Deal-making

• How would you react if I were to offer you this job on the spot?