Perfect jobs do not exist. Even working as an engineer at Google, and earning 200K a year, isn’t a fairy-tale–just ask those guys how many hours they work each month (hint: it won’t be 180…), and the scope of responsibility they carry on their shoulders. Everything has some advantages and some drawbacks–and that is exactly the reason why hiring managers ask you the question.

They wonder whether you see the job realistically, with both good and bad things that belong to it. What’s more, it is your opportunity to make sure about some important “details”–such as working conditions, safety on the workplace, shift patterns, salary, and so on. It is important to make sure about all of these things before you sign an employment contract, and if the employer is serious, they won’t hesitate to discuss the issues with you.

Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers for different jobs and interview scenarios. Below the answers you will find additional explanation on what you should focus on in your answer. Read it as well to understand how to make the right impression on the hiring managers.

 

7 sample answers to “What questions or concerns do you have about this role?” interview question

  1. My biggest concern is the training program for new hires. I am extremely motivated to get this job, and to do well from day one. But I also have to admit that I do not have experience with certain duties from my former jobs. How does it work in your company? Is there a training program for new hires, will I get a chance to shadow experienced colleagues for a few days before starting, or how do we make sure that I can deliver my best, day in day out?
  2. I would like to learn more about the shift patterns, payment schedule, and working conditions. Do not take me wrong–I am just careful, because it happened to me in my last job that I was forced to work in some dangerous conditions, with very little safety measures in place, and eventually they didn’t even pay me as much as they promised. Hence it is very important for me to verify these things in an interview, and also go through the contract together with you, to make sure the situation won’t repeat again.
  3. At the moment I do not have any concerns or questions. I think that you explained everything clearly on the job description, and that we discussed everything important in the interviews. I like what I’ve heard, and it would be an honor to work for your organization. Of course, once I start the job, or even earlier, during the training program, some questions may arise. If they do, I won’t hesitate to ask you or other managers to clarify my concerns.
  4. Speaking honestly, my biggest concern is whether I will handle the workload. I know that you strive to be the best in the field. Your expectations are high, and each engineer has to meet certain goals each month. I’ve worked in a more lax environment before, so at the beginning I may find it hard to keep the pace with my colleagues. Having said that, I am definitely aware of the expectations, and I am confident that I will get into the routine after few weeks, and won’t struggle with the workload. But I am a bit concerned about the first few weeks, because I really want to do well. This is my main concern at the moment.
  5. I would like to ask you about your company culture. For each new employee it is important to fit in, and in order to do so I’d like to hear more about the working culture, especially in the FP&A department. Sure enough, I’ve read something on your website, but I would like to hear more from you, since you are a part of the department, and can talk from real experience.
  6. My biggest concern is working overtime. I know it is almost a norm in modern corporations. But I really prefer to take care of my duties during the regular working hours, and then head home to spend time with my family. Of course, I can occasionally stay overtime, or do some work from home, in the evenings, if necessary. But I would like to hear from you that it is actually okay to leave the office at 3:30pm, after eight hours, and that others would not look at me as if I was crazy…
  7. Speaking honestly, I am a bit concerned about my ability to deal with this job emotionally. You see a lot of suffering and injustice in social work with children, especially when you do home visits, and see the conditions in which they are often forced to live–mess everywhere, junk food, living with single mother who’s addicted to opioids or alcohol. I have a strong motivation to work in the field, and would love to make a positive difference in the lives of these children. But I wonder whether I will cope with this stuff emotionally. Can you tell me more about how other social workers deal with it?

 

Humility can easily beat confidence in many interviews

The conventional wisdom says that you should show confidence in the interviews. The job is simple for someone like you, and you will handle the workload. You will cope with the problems easily, and enjoy every day in your new wonderful job… Many interview coaches would tell you to try to present yourself in such light. I disagree with them.

You shouldn’t be afraid of the job, but you should see it realistically. You may struggle with this or that–just like any other employee, and it is completely fine to express such thoughts in an interview.

Humble employees who aren’t afraid to admit their worries and imperfections are actually the best job candidates. Because once you admit some imperfections and weaknesses, your new employer can easily translate them into training needs, and address them as soon as you start the job…

* Special Tip: This isn’t the only difficult question you will face while interviewing for any decent job. You will face questions about prioritization, dealing with pressure, dealing with ambiguity, and other tricky scenarios that happen in the workplace. If you want to make sure that you stand out with your answers and outclass your competitors, have a look at our Interview Success Package. Up to 10 premium answers to 31 tricky scenario based questions (+ more) will make your life much easier in the interviews. Thank you for checking it out!

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is

I’ve heard countless stories of people who’ve been screwed by their employers. It happens most commonly in the hospitality and construction sector, but it can happen in any smaller business (no worries here if you apply for a job with some Fortune 500 corporation).

If someone offers you an extraordinary salary for any work–much better than you’d get in any other place for the same type of work, you better start questioning their offer. Because it can easily happen that they won’t pay you anything, or the working conditions will be much different than advertised.

You have a right to question things in an interview, and you should do so, especially if something doesn’t sound right. Do not accept the job, or sign a contract without reading it properly, just because you need some work desperately. Make sure about the working conditions, and remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is

 

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! Check also 7 sample answers to other tricky interview questions:

Matthew Chulaw
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