As we approach the end of the year, there is always a lot of movement in the job market. It’s a great time to put out feelers and take a look at what’s available. Bear in mind though, the workplace has changed.
From remote work to contract work, the roles on offer might look a little different to what you’re used to. And with all the change, there have been some noticeable differences in the way interviews are being conducted. In order to assess if you will be a good fit for the evolving workplace of the future, there are some interesting new questions being favoured by interviewers. Read on to find out what they are, and for top notch ways of answering them.
Here are some interview questions of the future:
What are your preferences regarding remote or in-office work?
Remote work was forced on all of us not too long ago, but as companies began to realise the benefits for both their employees and their bottom line, many have implemented it as a permanent or hybrid feature for the future. It is therefore important to be prepared to answer questions around remote or hybrid work.
Employers will want to ensure your personality is a match for their working arrangement. Communication is key with a virtual team, so if you are an extrovert, be sure to frame that as a positive in a remote working environment. If you are an introvert, impress on the interviewer how this stands you in good stead since you enjoy the solitude and have no problem working alone. Also, give thought to your home office set up and be prepared to answer questions around the practicalities of things like your internet connection.
Tell me about a skill which isn’t listed on your CV?
Within the last two years upskilling has become quite a buzzword. Upskilling is the process of acquiring new and relevant competencies in your chosen field and is of the utmost importance in the current market. That extra effort is what will help you stand out amongst your peers. If the pandemic gave you the gift of time – due to no commute or reduced working hours – your interviewer might want to hear what you did with that time. Did you take an extra course to get your digital skills up to speed? Did you further your studies? Don’t be afraid to stray from work-related answers either. Perhaps you have people skills not listed on your CV which you utilise when you volunteer at a local NGO or if you started a new hobby. These are all valuable insights as they give the interviewer a well-rounded idea of who you are.
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How do you motivate yourself?
A self-motivator who doesn’t need prodding or constant hand holding and supervision is of the utmost importance to team managers, especially when the team is working remotely. If you can get across in your interview that you are self-motivated, you will immediately be viewed as an asset. A few follow up questions you might be asked include: ‘Have you learnt or implemented any techniques in a past role which made your job easier or made your work more productive?’ And, ‘If you have a task to do which is repetitive, how do you motivate yourself to complete it timeously?’
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Is there a positive you can draw from the last two years?
The last two years have left very few people unaffected, either professionally or personally. Employers don’t expect candidates to be immune to the unavoidable, but what they are looking out for is resilience. This question is used to gauge how you will cope with setbacks, and if you have the necessary grit to fulfill the role you are interviewing for. If, like most, you have suffered loss or setbacks during the last two years, yet you still manage to find the good amongst the hardships, it will show the depth of character the interviewer is looking for.
The good news is that after the uncertainty of the last few years, the economy is opening up again and hiring is on the increase. Although job interviews can seem daunting, if you are armed with the right attitude and knowledge they are an exciting opportunity to get one step closer to the job you’ve always dreamed of.
This article was supplied by www.RecruitMyMom.co.za , a trusted, award-winning, woman focused online recruitment agency. RecruitMyMom respects work-life integration and promotes flexible ways of working.
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