Answering Questions You Don't Know the Answer To

"How do you address technical questions that you simply don't know the answer to?"

You want to be straight-forward in an interview, and not attempt to talk your way out of a difficult question (a la many politicians today).

The best way to prepare for this is to understand the position and study the job description. From there, anticipate questions that cover areas that you are not as strong in. When they come up, answer truthfully that the question deserves a response that you can not fully produce, but that it is an area of interest to you, and you plan to pursue and learn more about.

Pursue Higher Pay or More Experience?

"I have an issue I'm currently faced with and could use your insight. I recently received an offer from a German MNC in my industry(engineering) for a job I've always wanted. The offer is very very poor and If I accept I would be making the same as I currently am in my current job (Pays just below market rate and I'm reaching 11 months of employment). This is the first job right out of university.

How can I negotiate for a better pay?How can I tell the HR to offer competitive or at least market rate pay for an engineer with 1 year of experience in the related field. My current company has no career progression and the politics are rubbish.

Thank you for taking the time to read this."

What are the opportunities for growth at this new company? If this is a first "real-world" job for you, with plenty of opportunity to grow, it's ok to take low pay.

Keep your costs as low as possible. Rent cheap or live at home. Cook your meals at home. Don't drink much, etc.

If there is room to be promoted and grow, I'd take the job and kick ass. If you would hard, accomplish your tasks and go above & beyond, the money will follow.

How long should one stay at their current job before seeking a recruiter to move on to better opportunities?

Typically, the best time to move to a better opportunity will be when you are doing your best work at your current job. It gives you more leverage than when you are unemployed. Think of it as career momentum.

If you are happy with a job you have and it pays well, there is nothing wrong with staying as long as you like. Long stints in a position always stand out on a resume - it shows stability and reliability.

If things are "alright" or unhealthy, keep your ears to the ground, and stay open to conversations with trustworthy recruiters. Feel free to ask a recruiter any questions you have about the position or your career. Their answers might be self-interested, but often, they have a good pulse on the position and industry.

Finally, long answer short: I encourage anyone to spend at least 12 months in any position. Even if it is not for you, you will grow and mature in a tough position.

Best answer to: 'Why are you wanting to leave your current position/job?'

"I apply for the same position I have now at different companys, because I know they pay more. What I make now, is entry level since this is my first job using my degree.

Currently I say, because work is slow and want to grow. But what I really mean is, because I want more money."

Your answer needs a little work. Most of us are motivated by money, and we all know that. But you have to believe in the mission of the company you are working for - even if you have to try a little to believe that.

When asked that question, you want to focus on the opportunity and the company you are talking to. When I hear "work is slow and want to grow", what I think is "you don't work hard enough, or find things to make yourself productive, and want to get paid to keep doing that."

It's not your potential employer’s problem whether or not you are happy at your current job. However, they do want to hire people that care about the work they do. Try and find something you care about, and bring that enthusiasm into your interview.

Q "why are you wanting to leave your current position/job?"

A "I am intrigued by the work you do, and the direction the leadership is taking this company. My skills and experience will help Your Company continue to move forward - and I know I will do great work in the environment you have created here."

Recruiter Contact, Then Nothing

I actually just made a post about this, but this seems like a great place to ask as well. I just had my final round of interviews after a 2-month interview process. I believe they went really well. Yesterday, the internal recruiter I’ve been working with emailed me asking if I had availability to chat either yesterday or today, to which I immediately responded with times, then nothing.

I emailed them again this morning with my availability today, which has all passed, and still nothing. What happened? or what is happening? Is any of this good or bad? Thank you!!

I'm sure this is turmoil for you. I'm sorry if this is making you anxious - it would drive me nuts!

I can't answer for what's going on, but it could be many things that aren't bad. They might want to gather details for an offer, tell you about a new timeline, schedule something, etc. It could be bad news, but stay positive until then. You never know if the person the contacted you called in sick, got distracted, etc. - remember they are humans too.

Anything else I can help with while you wait?