Dated January 26, 2005
You have applied for this position in our organisation, what do you feel this position should fetch you in terms of pay?
Aditya
Bangalore
Salary is a delicate topic. Avoid giving a precise figure for as long as you can. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between Rs.__ and Rs. __. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organisation?"
If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question.
Here also, you can, by asking the interviewer or the HR or as a part of your research, try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.
If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making Rs.__ now. As all of us seek to work at a better place and for a better pay package. I would also like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself."
If no salary range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to respond with a number.
But, never leave an impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered.
Don't undersell yourself, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind.
The interviewer may be trying to determine your interest in the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link the questions of salary to the work itself.
But, whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process.
At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.
"Tell me about a time when you had a personality clash with a co-worker or boss." This is a question you frequently encounter in interviews; what's the best answer?
Ranveer
Nizamabad
By posing this question, the interviewers want to know if you have problems getting along with people. They are also trying to find out how tactful you are — do you say negative things about others, or you are diplomatic in how you describe a situation.
This question also serves as an indirect way of asking what you look for in a boss or co-workers, to see if your work style and preferred way of managing or being managed is congruent with the prospective employer's workplace.
Your best bet here is to say as little as possible. You basically have three options to answer this question, presented here in order from safest (but most evasive) to riskiest (but most direct):
Say that you have been very fortunate in that you have gotten along well with everyone you have ever worked with and that no personality clashes come to mind.
In other words, evade the question
Answer the question in a seemingly direct way, but interpret the wording of the question to your advantage.
Define ``personality clash'' (or ``conflict'') as a clash of values or work ethics rather than one of personality.
Talk about how a boss wanted you to do something illegal or unethical, or how a co-worker never held up his or her end of the workload and that the problem led to a conflict
Be more candid, and talk openly (but tactfully) about the lunatic boss or psychotic co-worker you have had to deal with
A word of caution is in order if you choose the second or third option, however. Whenever you wish to be candid while discussing personality conflict, do so very diplomatically. Be as brief as possible.
What is the best way to manage work and meet deadlines?
Pradeepta
Bhuwaneshwar
One simple technique would be to manage time. This is possible if you follow time management techniques to get organised.
Time management simply involves considering your obligations and making choices about how to use your time.
Some tips:
Use a planner or calendar with plenty of space to record assignments, lists and appointments
Take time to plan and organise. Take a few minutes every day to examine your calendar, note your upcoming assignments, and update your lists
Break large assignments and tasks into their component parts. Make a list of all tasks required to complete a major assignment. You'll find that crossing items off of the list is quite rewarding!
Set goals and deadlines for yourself. For example, set realistic deadlines for each stage of completing a major assignment
Prioritise your lists and tasks. Take the "big-picture" approach. Look over all that you need to complete and decide what's most important
Be flexible. While daily to-do lists are wonderful in helping you to organise and prioritise your life, interruptions and distractions are bound to happen. Try to allow time for them
Go with your flow. Think about your biological peaks and lows. Are you a morning person? Or are you at your best at night? Plan your day accordingly. Save your most difficult work for the times when you're at your best
Say "No." Sometimes we take on too much. Whether it's an added job responsibility or extracurricular activity, consider how important each is to you before agreeing
Make use of wasted time
Some companies ask candidates to take a test that includes a write-up about one's strengths. How should one go about writing them?
Neha Malhotra
Pune
Write a positive statement you can say with confidence:
"My strength is my flexibility to handle change. As a service manager in my last job, I was able to turn around a negative working environment and develop a very supportive team.
As far as weaknesses are concerned, I feel that my management skills could be stronger, and I am constantly working to improve them."
When confronted with such questions, remember the interviewer is looking for an appropriate candidate.
He is forming a picture of you based on your answers. A single line answer will probably not get you the job, unless of course it is something totally inane.
Put your energy into your strengths statement -- what you have on offer.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management LTD. PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
Bangalore
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