What was it like working for your previous employer?
Here, you could choose to answer the question in terms of their product development, management style, use of new technology or any number of other aspects. However, by taking the initiative and answering it in terms of what the job required of you and how you met these demands, emphasizing your flexibility, long hours working when required, etc, you will begin to address the real issue behind the question. Once again, stay alert and look for opportunities to sell your benefits.
Have you done the best work you are capable of?
This is a deliberately tricky question. If you say yes, the interviewer may determine that you have peaked, and that it is downhill from here. However, saying no invites the question of why not? Perhaps you haven’t been fully committed, or worse competent.
The best response is to recall some of your top achievements to date, to answer in a way that implies an increasing performance trend. Follow this up by showing that you are looking forward to bigger challenges and even better achievements in the future.
How long will it be before you make a net contribution to our organisation?
Unless the job is very mundane or routine, you cannot realistically make a real contribution until you have been through a significant learning curve. This learning curve is one that is recognized by employers and generally the higher the level of the position the more tolerant the organization will be about the time needed for this. However, the upper limit for this is rarely more than 3 to 4 months and the longer the learning curve the more that is expected from the performance following it. Think about the realistic bedding in time and what sort of contributions you might make during this period.
If you got this job, how long would you stay with us?
The best way to answer this question is to tailor your reply to fit the culture of the organisation and your own career path. For example, if the organisation is highly entrepreneurial then replying that you are looking for a retirement home will not play well.
However, if the culture is more paternal or family centred then indicating that you are considering your final job move may be very well received.
Some people think that implying that you will be happy to stay as long as you are developing new skills or facing new challenges is the best approach. The down side of this can be that it implies the organization is responsible for your nurturing, education and entertainment. Think carefully about using these type of explanations as you may give the impression that you may leave as soon as you are faced with a dull project.
