Interview experiences - let's discuss!
in Psychology ·
Samuel Wood3 said:... during a job interview? I’m dropping this topic here because I was wondering if any psychologists out there who handle corporate testing could weigh in on what employers are actually looking for. I already asked about this over on Coca-Cola—you know, the whole "name five weaknesses and five strengths" thing. Should I lie? Make something up? Or just claim I don't have any flaws? Is that just one example of many? I honestly wonder what carries weight these days—is it originality, being sincere, or just being really good at playing the game? If anyone works with those various psychometric assessments or cognitive ability tests, I’d love some advice or even just a quick comment. Of course, everyone else is welcome to chime in too 😁. Thanks 😉
It feels like you're subtly looking for an answer from an employer, so let me help you out..
- someone who is ready to get their work done on time and with a smile
- someone who lifts the group's mood and stays positive and helpful
- someone who doesn't start asking about vacation days after just one week
- someone who doesn't ask for a raise a month after starting
- someone who doesn't take maternity leave three months after being hired
And finally, most importantly—someone who provides a return on investment.
In other words, any employer who sees you as someone capable of generating twice the revenue they spend on you will welcome you with open arms.
All these questions about strengths and weaknesses are mostly nonsense; nobody actually cares. Everyone just wants results and a solid ROI, because employees are essentially investments.
Because of that, you should craft a pitch that convinces an employer you'll be the one driving their profits, in exchange for a stable role and a steady paycheck.
Just as an example, if you had spent the last week analyzing my company, showed up to the interview, explained exactly why you're there, why you want to work for my firm, and how you contribute to my overall vision while guaranteeing you'll pay for yourself, I would have hired you on the spot.
That’s why people in marketing, sales, and management tend to do better in the job market—they provide a quick return on investment.