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Interviews: How to Answer some of those Awkward --
and All Too Common -- Questions
Originally By Susan Akers
Careers Advisor
Northern Territory University
Some interviewers don't realise what they are asking and the impression they are making because they see the question as asking you about your short and long term goals. I recommend that if you are confronted with such a question or similar, DON'T OVERREACT. Read between the lines. What is it really that the employer wants to know. An example response I recommend to this type of question is:
"If what you're asking is - would I have a commitment to the firm for some years, all I can say is that I have just spent 4 years of life and a lot of money studying to reach my goal of working in this industry/profession. My short-term plan over the next 2-5 years is to build a strong foundation for my career with an employer who will provide a solid professional environment and training. I don't know what will happen in the future, but I can assure you that at this time of my life I am keen to pursue a career."
HORROR QUESTION NO. 3
"Do you know how to operate a Macintosh computer/PC using ......program."
Information technology is moving ahead in leaps and bounds but often graduates are left behind. In higher education students are usually taught the theory rather than the practical, and some don't use a computer from the moment they enter the university to the day they leave. But gaining computer literacy skills (even basic ones) is one piece of advice I
constantly give to my clients be they automotive mechanics or social
workers.
So if you don't have much experience with computers or you don't know the particular program/application the interviewer is talking about you might like to reply:
"I have used a Macintosh at university to type assignments and am sure with some training I would find no problem with using a PC and the particular program"
or
"No, I don't know how to use a Macintosh or a PC, however, I am currently enrolled in a computer course at a local computer training college and I'm learning both word processing and spreadsheet packages."
Even though you do not have the experience or knowledge required, it have shown the interviewer that you are actively doing something yourself i.e. using your initiative rather than saying " No I don't " which translates to: "well, take me as I am. I don't care".
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