Landing an interview is a major accomplishment, but the real challenge often begins with the interview itself. One question that can throw even the most prepared candidates off guard is: "What are you expecting from me?" This seemingly simple question requires a thoughtful and strategic response. Mastering this answer can significantly improve your chances of success.
Understanding the Employer's Perspective
Before diving into strategies, let's understand why interviewers ask this question. They're not just fishing for an answer; they're trying to gauge several crucial aspects of your candidacy:
- Your understanding of the role: Do you truly grasp the responsibilities and expectations associated with the position?
- Your ambition and goals: Are you a go-getter with clear career aspirations, or are you simply looking for a paycheck?
- Your alignment with the company culture: Do your expectations align with the company's values and work environment?
- Your negotiation skills: How effectively can you communicate your needs and expectations?
Core Strategies for a Winning Response
Here are some core strategies to help you craft a compelling and effective answer:
1. Research, Research, Research!
This is paramount. Before the interview, thoroughly research the company, the role, and the interviewer (if possible via LinkedIn). Understanding their mission, values, recent projects, and industry position will allow you to tailor your response to their specific needs.
2. Focus on Mutual Benefit
Avoid solely focusing on what you want. Instead, frame your expectations in terms of mutual benefit. Show how your contributions will directly help the company achieve its goals. For example:
- "I expect to make a significant contribution to the team by leveraging my skills in [mention specific skill] to achieve [mention specific company goal, ideally backed by your research]."
- "I'm eager to learn from experienced professionals within the company and contribute to a collaborative and innovative work environment, ultimately helping [company name] achieve its objectives in [mention specific area]."
3. Highlight Specific Expectations (But Keep it Realistic)
Mention specific aspects you expect from the role and the company, but keep them realistic and achievable. This demonstrates your professionalism and preparedness. For instance:
- Mentorship and Growth: "I'm looking forward to opportunities for professional development, perhaps through mentorship programs or specialized training."
- Clear Goals and Feedback: "I expect clear goals and regular feedback to ensure I'm consistently meeting expectations and contributing effectively."
- Challenging Projects: "I'm hoping to work on challenging and impactful projects that will allow me to utilize my skills and expand my knowledge."
4. Show Enthusiasm and Proactiveness
Express your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity and demonstrate your proactive approach. This is crucial for showcasing your potential as a valuable team member. For example:
- "I'm very excited about the potential to contribute to [company name]'s success in this role and I’m eager to take on new challenges."
- "I'm a proactive problem-solver and I look forward to identifying areas for improvement and implementing innovative solutions."
5. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Practice your response aloud until it feels natural and confident. This will help you avoid rambling or sounding unprepared during the actual interview. Consider practicing with a friend or mentor to receive constructive feedback.
Example Responses:
Here are a few example responses, adapted to different scenarios:
Scenario 1: Entry-Level Position:
"I'm expecting a supportive and collaborative environment where I can learn from experienced professionals and contribute to the team's success. I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to develop my skills in [specific skill] and contribute to projects related to [specific company project or initiative]."
Scenario 2: Mid-Level Position:
"I'm hoping for a challenging and rewarding role where I can leverage my experience in [specific area] to make a significant impact. I'm looking forward to taking on leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to the strategic goals of the company. Regular feedback and opportunities for professional development are also important to me."
Scenario 3: Senior-Level Position:
"I expect to play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the team and contributing to the overall success of the company. I'm looking for opportunities to lead complex projects, mentor high-potential individuals, and drive innovation within the organization. A collaborative and results-oriented environment is essential for my success."
By mastering these strategies and adapting them to your specific situation, you’ll significantly increase your chances of answering "What are you expecting from me?" in a way that leaves a lasting positive impression on the interviewer. Remember, it's not just about what you want – it's about demonstrating how you can mutually benefit from the opportunity.
