One of the better jobs I’ve had started with an interview with a younger HR type and the owner.
HR; “What do you see as your role in this company ?”
Me; “To be paid well to do what that man asks me to do.”
Owner; “lets go back to my office and start talking about what I need. When can you start ?”
You nailed it! That’s exactly what you answer. And you add in, “I will exceed your expectations.”
That’s awesome, good answer!
>>Me; “To be paid well to do what that man asks me to do.”<<
You don’t get hired by me. If I wanted a lackey, I would have asked for a lackey. The absolute last thing in the world I want from anyone at the management or above level is to require me (as “the man”) to be responsible for managing your activities.
The proper answer is: “To use my skills and background to deliver value — in concrete and measurable ways. By doing this I will do my part in helping the enterprise to move forward. In essence: to be the best (rolename) in the company and improve from there.”