What is most important to you - salary or advancement?

Answer 1:
Of course, salary is important, but I don't believe that it's the most important aspect of any job. I'd rather be promoted with the aim of making a greater contribution to the firm's goals. Ideally I would hope that my salary would reflect my position within the company and the contribution I made to the organization.

Answer 2:
Could you tell me more about how salary or advancement occurs within the company?

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This is a tough question but not a trick one. You should be honest in expressing your preference, providing you are willing to back it up with solid reasoning. Be wary of coming across as greedy or power-hungry.

How do you feel about your current employer?

I very much enjoyed my time at ABC & Co. We parted on very good terms and I still have some great friends there. I learnt a lot during my stay at the company - it was a very rewarding experience. I decided to leave because I wanted to move to a company with greater ambitions where I could continue to fulfill my career goals.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

Be honest in your appraisal of your former employer. You should not be too critical or too gushing. Use this opportunity to describe the skills you attained at your previous employment. You should also state the terms, hopefully good, which you currently enjoy with your former employer.

How would your subordinates describe you?

I think they would describe me as being a tough but fair boss who is easy to approach, open to suggestions, and driven to achieving success.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer is trying to assess how your future subordinates will look upon you based on the views of those at your last job. This is an opportunity for the interviewer to get an insight into your managerial approach and skills.