What do you know about our products?

I know that XYZ Soft specialize in the development of software solutions for small and medium sized businesses. The firm's best-selling products are leaders in the field - the XYZ Project Management Tool and the XYZ Personnel Management Tool. I feel that XYZ Soft has a solid product and customer base upon which it can build in the future. I understand that the firm's aim is to develop existing and new products with the aim of breaking into the Corporate sector. It's an ambitious aim but one that I believe XYZ Soft are more than capable of achieving. A major attraction of this position is the opportunity it offers to be a part of the challenging and exciting times ahead at XYZ Soft.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer is trying to discover whether you have done the necessary groundwork to lay the foundation for a successful interview or you have been lazy and taken the easy route. This could be a strong indication of your work ethic and future behavior. The interviewer is also trying to assess how genuine your desire to work for this firm is. After all, why would you want to work for a company whose products are unknown to you.

You shouldn't go into too much detail about each and every product here. Demonstrate your knowledge of the firm's major product(s) and how you perceive they fit into the firm's future strategy. You can also use this question to express your strong desire to work for the firm by illustrating a desire to be involved in the development of these and future products. You can learn about the firm's products from its Public Relations department, its website, a business directory in your local library or even by searching on the Internet.

 

What do you know about this organization?

I know that XYZ Corp. has been in existence for four years. It was founded by John Rush in his garage and he has built it into the third largest office supplies firm in the state with aspirations to make it number one within two years. It's renowned as an ambitious and highly progressive company and I believe it has a very bright future. I also like the fact that XYZ Corp isn't a company that rests on its laurels.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer wants to know how hungry you are for this job. If you haven't even prepared for the interview, by doing the most basic research, then the chances of you getting the job are close to zero. You can be sure that other candidates will have done their research. Check out the firm's website (if they have one) and business directories in your local library. You should also contact the firm itself, through their Public Relations department.

 

What attracts you to this company?
What interests you about this company?"

ABC Corp is a leading national software vendor. It has set itself aggressive targets to achieve in the near to medium term. In particular, the firm aims to become the leading vendor on the Internet within three years. I respect the history of the firm from a small start-up to one of the largest employers in the state. I also respect the principles upon which it has grown. The firm has achieved magnificent results to date and I would like to help it achieve its goals in the future.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

There is not very much to this question. You could use it as an opportunity to demonstrate the research you have performed. Try not to over-extol the virtues of the company as it may be thought

 

What concerns you about this company?

I have no concerns about this company. My research has shown that ABC Corp is dedicated to the development and advancement of its staff. I've also learnt that the benefits package is one of the best within the industry.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer is trying to assess how well you think this company matches your needs and goals. The more concerns and doubts you have, the more you're telling the interviewer how you're the wrong person for the company (and the job).