How to Answer Tricky Job Interview Questions
Most employers avoid asking sensitive questions in a
direct way. Instead, they ask indirect questions during the
interview in hopes of finding out what they are not
"allowed" to ask more directly.
The questions that follow are all legal, and they give
you the opportunity to let an employer know that you and
your situation will not be a problem. Think about what might
concern an employer regarding your particular situation and
plan to cover this during your interview ,even if you are
not asked about it in a direct way. Your good answer to one
of these questions gives you the opportunity to put an
employer's real, but perhaps unstated, concern to rest.
- What would you like to accomplish during the next
ten (or five) years? Talk about what you want to do for
that employer, not for yourself. "I'd like to cut
production costs by at least 5 percent and find ways to
streamline the layout procedure so that we can add
publications without adding staff," is a much better
answer than "I'd like to be making 25 percent more in
salary and have my own magazine."
- How long have you been looking for another job?
Never give an actually time frame! Casually reply, "time
isn't a factor because I'm searching for the position
that best matches my skills and goals."
- What type of person would you hire for this
position? Flashback: You're casting your ballot for
class president and mark the box for your opponent out
of modesty. In doing so, you lost then, and you'll lose
now if you don't choose yourself! "I'd hire someone who,
beyond a shadow of a doubt, has the skills and people
experience to handle this job. I would definitely hire
myself."
- Why do you want to leave your present job (or past
jobs)? Do not, under any circumstances, complaint about
your past jobs or employers. Doing so will make you seem
negative and appear to be someone who is likely to have
problems in a new job. More appropriate answers include
this being a step in your career plans or wanting a
better job location. "After introducing a more
nutritious menus plan to the day care center and
establishing a fun yet informative healthy lifestyle
program for the after-school crowd, I've reached the top
of the ladder at this smaller firm. I want the
opportunity to use my expertise and continue to grow in
a larger organization."
- How do you normally handle criticism? Ah, an easy
question if you take it on the chin well. However, most
of us aren't that admirable, and we have to put a twist
on this common question. "Obviously, criticism comes
from not doing the job properly, and I'm eager to
correct any mistakes or misunderstandings the minute
they arise. I'm grateful to the person who cares enough
to help me out in that respect."
- How do you fell about working overtime and on
weekends? Even if this job prospect does not appeal to
you, this question can be answered so that your response
does not harm you. "I have no problem devoting evening
hours and weekends to getting a special project done. I
also believe that a balanced life leads to a fresh,
energetic employee who is less likely to burn out, so I
try to pace myself for a consistent, dependable job
performance over the long run, too."
- What do you do for fun in your spare time? This
question has a dual motivation. First, the interviewer
is confirming your response to the "Will you work
overtime?" question. if you replied "yes" to that
question, but then outline a lifestyle that involves
weekends at a cabin, evenings at the gym, and
commitments to various nonprofit and community events,
it's unlikely you'll cancel those plans to work
overtime. On the other hand, this is also an opportunity
for the interviewer to confirm those things he or she
can't legally ask, such as if you have a family, if you
attend church, and so on. "My in-laws have a cabin by a
nearby lake, and the children enjoy going there on
weekends. I accompany them when I can, but sometimes
work-related projects prevent that. Of course, the
grandparents welcome those times so they can spend
one-on-one time with the kids."
- Describe your typical day. Naturally, leave out the
fact that you aren't a mooring person or you start
winding down at 4:30 p.m. to hit the parking lot by 5:00
p.m. Use this opportunity to advertise how well you
organize yourself and conceptualize long-term projects.
"I keep a calendar on my desk with appointment times
recorded on the left side and tasks to accomplish that
day on the right. I allot time each day to stay in touch
with other departments and to return any missed phone
calls or email promptly. Overall, my entire day is
focused on providing customers with a top-notch
product."
- What do you like most about your present boss? For
most candidates, finding something nice to say in
response to this question is not too hard. Focus your
answer on the type of supervision your boss provides and
not necessarily on a personality type. "I appreciate the
regular feedback" is a more useful response than "I
enjoy the fact that he or she always has an upbeat
attitude," even though both are certainly positive
answers.
- What do you like least about your present boss? You
knew this question was coming based on the previous
question. Again, stick to management principles and skip
the personality conflicts. Interviewers also like to
pose the "What do you like best/least about your present
job?" set of questions as well. As I have advised
before, continue to look at your current job's
opportunities rather than specific unappealing tasks. "I
don't like to type my own memos" is honest, but
short=sighted.
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