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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