Are these the Most Outdated Job Interview Questions Now

Top 3 Seemingly Outdated Job Interview Questions

1. Why do you want to work here?
2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
3. What is your biggest weakness?
4. How do you sell this pen to me?

True, these questions serve an evaluative purpose. Employers aim to discern whether candidates align well with the role. Anyone can meet the qualifications; what’s sought are individuals genuinely enthusiastic about the position, not merely seeking a paycheck. So let’s look into these seemingly outdated job interview questions.

The Validity of these Job Interview Questions

They are all valid questions. The issue is that many candidates don’t understand the reasoning behind asking them, nor how to respond with value.

For example, The phrase, “Why do you want this job?” is usually an euphemism for “Would you stay here, or is this a stop-gap opportunity for you? Pop where do you see yourself in 5 years is NOT about speculating on whether you will be in a higher position, but what value you can reinvest into the company after 5 years of experience.

Also READ: How Job Interviews Reveal Company Values Beyond Salaries

For example; ‘After 5 years here, I would like to be given the opportunity to move into a position where I can help newer employees learn from my experience, which I believe will be a great benefit to the company. You can then ask the interviewer/employer/HR, Do you also think that this would be a viable pathway I can take to benefit the future of the company?’

There’s an excess of individuals stuck in jobs that bring them no joy. Without passion, full commitment is unlikely  nonetheless many of these questions could still count as outdated job interview questions.

Let’s Discuss these 4 Outdated Job Interview Questions:

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Realistically, nobody knows where they’re going to be in 5 years. So much can change in a short space of time in today’s climate. In the last 5 years we’ve seen the impact of COVID, the exponential acceleration of AI and several everyday high street businesses go bust due to online growth. Interview questions need to be adapted to the present day.

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The question “Where you see yourself in 5 years?” is a tough one. The sad part is that the average employee stays at a job for 4 years or less. So, chances are, they will be on to their next job at that point. If you come off as too ambitious, the hiring manager may view you as a threat or turn you down for the role because they fear you will be unhappy with the lack of advancement.

But should you still have to face the question, Here’s a perfect response:

I have no idea what the future holds. Based on my research on the role and my background/experience in XYZ, I am confident I will be a great fit. My goal is to hit the ground running and exceed my performance goals. In my new role, I will make it a point to learn as much as I can about the company and look for growth opportunities where I can help. You can then ask – How can I make sure I am best prepared on day 1?

• What is your biggest weakness?

Why would anyone tell you their greatest weakness, especially during an interview?
That question irks a handful of persons to the core. it’s no doubt old fashioned now because people are going to take a strength and water it down to a weakness so it’s still a strength technically.

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Traditional interview questions often lack value as they can be answered with rehearsed responses. The most productive interviews involve genuine discussions about the job’s specifics, its challenges, and the traits required for success. Engaging with the hiring manager or someone familiar with the role provides insight into potential pain points and how the candidate can address them.

• Why do you want to work here?

The phrase, “Why do you want this job?” or ” Why do you want this Job?” is usually an euphemism for “Would you stay here, or is this a stop-gap opportunity for you?” Employers should be bold to ask the question. It is highly unlikely that someone has bothered to apply for a job they don’t want.

An applicant has the right to decide if they want to:

• Change professional field if their competencies permit
• Take a pay cut
• Move up or down the professional ladder – position-wise

A person can check all the boxes and still leave a new position within a short period of time if they want to.

• Sell me this pen

“sell me this pen” seriously one of the job interview questions for sales people ever. If you do you homework before an interview you should be able to blow them away with you approach . The only reason to ask this question in this era is to see if the person has done some research or just massive resume applying.

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To understand a candidate’s capacity, the HR/interviewer will  need to speak with them as if they were part of team. Understand what they would do once they joined and what their expectations are. Also, give them time to ask questions because this is an essential part of who they are.

Conclusion

Honest conversations reveal if the candidate is the right fit and uncover the employer’s true needs. It’s time to shift away from these regurgitated formulaic outdated job interview questions and embrace meaningful dialogue to improve the interview process in the workplace. Both parties are on equal footing as one has a position that needs to be filled and the other party has the skills to fill the position.

For the above reason, successful employees  feel comfortable to ask questions, raise their concerns, suggest ideas and even make mistakes. Many organizations have been quick to jump on the “psychological safety” bandwagon but it seems as if they are just paying lip service.

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