Given the intense competition in today’s job market, even small missteps can cost you a job opportunity. Therefore, it’s crucial for applicants to give careful thought to their answers to even the simplest of questions. Is it ever ok to lie in an interview?
This article is an excerpt from an interview with Bonnie Dilber, who oversees recruitment at Zapier, a company specializing in automation software as a service (SaaS) and operating with a remote-first approach. It has been edited and amended for length and clarity.
Here are three interview questions you should consider responding to thoughtfully.
Why did you leave your last job or Why are you looking to leave your current role?
An answer that could set off alarms is one that comes across as too negative or disparaging towards a past employer. This kind of response might lead the interviewer to wonder if the problem was with the previous work setting or with the applicant. It also raises the possibility that the applicant might one day speak about their company in the same negative way.
Concerning responses might sound something like:
- “My manager and I did not get along.”
- “The leadership at my last job really didn’t have a clue.”
- “I was never staffed on good deals”
- “All I ever work on is pitches”
- “Unfortunately I was impacted by a RIF due to the downturn in the market. I would be happy to provide references from my former MDs and managers to speak to my work product.”
- “I realized the company culture wasn’t the ideal match for me.”
- “I am interested in moving to a smaller/bigger/global platform because of x, y, z”. Smaller deal teams. Larger product suite. Global/cross border deals etc.
- “I am originally from X and I am looking for a role closer to my family.”
Why do you want the job? Why do you want to work at this bank?
Concerning responses might sound something like:
- “I heard the compensation here is better.”
- “Um, I hear it’s a great place to work.”
- “Work/Life balance is important to me and I heard the hours here are great. Do you have protected Saturdays?”
- “I was impacted by a RIF and it has been a really tough market, I am just looking to land.”
- “I noticed your group has hired x new MDs and seems to be in growth mode. I recently read that you closed X, Y deals. Congratulations!”
- “In my current role, I am more of a generalist. I would like to specialize more in X.” Then add the answer from above.
- ‘I had the opportunity to work on X deal with Y and I was very impressed by the team.”
- “An old colleague of mine, X, recently joined the team and has spoken very highly about the culture and opportunity.”
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Hiring and training new employees is a significant investment, so companies are looking for individuals who are likely to remain with them for the long term. It’s crucial to convey a genuine interest in excelling in the role and a desire to advance within the company over time.
Moreover, companies are often wary of applicants who appear overqualified for a position, as there’s a concern that such candidates may move on quickly to other opportunities.
Concerning responses might sound something like:
- “I plan on going to business school.”
- “I am hoping to transition to corp dev or the buy-side.”
A better alternative response might be:
“I hope to stay in this role for the next two to three years. Can you talk about the career trajectory for someone in my position.”
With the job market as competitive as it is, companies often have a wide selection of candidates to choose from. Therefore, even minor issues like showing insufficient enthusiasm or not doing your research might lead to a candidate being passed over.
It’s advisable for job seekers to thoroughly investigate the company prior to the interview. This allows them to genuinely articulate their desire to join the team.
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