|
|
|
Stressful Interview Situations
and How to Handle Them ...continued
Illegal Questions
Some interview questions are illegal, though that is not enforced in Nigeria. It is illegal to discriminate based on age, marital status, religion etc, hence you are not required to supply this information in your resume, and being asked about it during interview is illegal. This is not the case in Nigeria. Even in vacancy adverts, maximum age is stated, and some employers state their religious preference.
|
|
|
However, even in Nigeria, asking some personal questions is clearly out of line, e.g. why you broke up with your husband etc. While it is tempting to be upset, and to tell the interviewer that it is "none of his business", upsetting the interviewer will not help your case. You need the job. Just calmly state that there is nothing in your personal status that will hinder the performance of your job with the company. |
|
If he keeps insisting and you keep giving the same answer, he will get the message and back off. Apart from that, fellow interview panel members will scold him when you walk out of the room. The way you handled the situation will stand you in good stead among other interview panel members, and the culprit will be under pressure to prove that he has nothing against you.
What is Your Salary Expectation?
Interviewers can use this question as a device to screen candidates. This question triggers greed, and you may be tempted to make an unreasonable demand. They way to go is to get as much information as possible about the company, and if possible the salary range on offer, and if it is negotiable. Some companies have a very good idea of how much they intend to offer you, and it is usually a take it or leave it scenario, unless you are the expert they have been looking for, and are ready to pay anything.
Quite early in the game, it is best not to discuss salary until you are made an offer. If the question comes early on in the interview, try not to commit to an amount, by deflecting the question, e.g. "I applied for this position because I am very interested in the job and your company, and I know what you will offer will be comparable to what obtains in the industry. I'd like to table salary discussions when we are both sure I'm right for the job."
When you have been selected, and have been invited for salary negotiations, you can now make your demand. Never lie about your present salary. You can be found out, and no employer is enthusiastic about hiring a liar. Do your homework well. Decide what you are ready to take, and make your expectation known only if asked. Don't make it a take it or leave it scenario. There is what is called "offer and acceptance". If the salary stated in your offer letter is not up to your expectation, you are very free to reject the offer. Most offer letters have a section to accept or reject the offer. You are free to reject the offer, and state your reasons. If they need you badly enough, they will up their offer. If they are not ready to go up, there is nothing you can do.
... continued in Page 4
Pages | 1
| 2
| 3
| 4 |
Other Articles
Demonstrate You are the Man/Woman for the Job
Dressing Job Interview for Success
General Job Hunting Tips
Guide to Oral Job Interview Preparation
Oral Interview Do's and Don'ts
Job Oral Interview Tips
Job Written Test Tips
So You Are Looking For a Job?
|
|
