Be prepared to discuss some of the facets of your life that complement the job you are seeking, but avoid anything that is too personal or could appear as a distraction.
Today’s job market is the toughest it has been in recent history. Because there are so many job seekers vying for the same position, hiring managers narrow down the playing field through interview trick questions. These questions will challenge your problem solving skills and display your personality. The best way to answer interview trick questions is to start with interview preparation.
What is your biggest weakness?
This question is so typical of interviews it is almost cliche. The typical response for interviewees is to treat a strength as a weakness, such as being overly devoted to work or spending too many hours at the office. Interviewers see through this tactic, and the best will press on until they get a more honest response. A better choice for answering this question is to be upfront about an actual weakness, though not one that is detrimental to the job at hand, then state the ways that you are proactively handling the problem. Practicing for the interview will help with these trick questions.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Interview trick questions like these appears in many different forms. Animal is the most common, though some employers may choose color, plant, or even ice cream flavor. The key is to focus not on the object but on the reason. Think of the personality trait you would most like to convey and keep that trait in mind throughout the interview. It is much easier to answer a quirky question when you already know you wish to be seen as dependable, knowledgeable, friendly, or strong.
What did you dislike most about your last job?
Interview trick questions that refer to previous workplaces or employers are queries into your character. Potential employers are not interested in individuals who will speak poorly of their former co-workers or job positions. No matter what your personal feelings are, keep your attitude positive and professional. Mention that you felt your weren’t challenged enough, or that the opportunities for advancement were too limited.
Why did you leave your last job?
With any question regarding past employment, it is vital to avoid being overly negative. A general statement about wishing to make a change so that you may find an employer that you could see yourself working with through retirement is one that should go over well, as no company is interested in turnover. Answering this question is a bit trickier if you were terminated. In this case, you can state that your relationship with the company was no longer a good fit and that you are excited about this new opportunity. Above all, do not lie. Potential employers will check references, including your former companies. If they catch you lying about the reason you left a past job, you can guarantee a job offer will not come your way.
Where do you see yourself in 5/10/20 years?
This is a question about stability and drive. Hiring managers want to hear answers that display a desire to plant roots yet an eagerness to grow. State that you see yourself still employed with said company, but in a position that has more responsibility.
Who is your role model?
A question of a role model, a favorite book or movie, or a family vacation destination is not present in every job interview. When it does appear, it can be difficult to think on the spot of an impressive answer. In this case, honesty is the best policy. If your favorite movie is “Sweet Home Alabama,” don’t say that it is “Citizen Kane.” The interviewer will know that you’re lying by asking you to elaborate on why it’s your favorite. Taking time before the interview will help you stay on your toes when questions like this arise.
What are three words that describe you?
Ideally, you would have already thought of these words well before the interview started. Think of what you wish to convey to the company and how best to represent yourself. Two of the words should apply to your professional life, and one to your personality. For example, a person seeking a retail management position might say, “Intelligent, eager, and friendly.”
Why should we hire you?
Before you even walk in the door, prepare for this question by making a list in your head of all of your best attributes. Many people find it difficult to talk themselves up in this way, so it is important to practice in the mirror beforehand. Be straightforward and confident as you tell the interview why they should hire you. If you don’t believe what you are saying, neither will they.
What are your salary requirements?
Discussing salary is always difficult. Avoid any talk of salary until an offer has been made. Otherwise, you have a very real chance at either low-balling yourself or asking for a salary that is so outlandish you are not taken seriously. Firmly tell the interviewer that salary is secondary to your job satisfaction and that any discussions regarding pay can wait until an offer has been made. Should the interviewer press, it is reasonable to be vague. State that you have an idea of the pay range for this particular position and that your requirements fit within that scale.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
An open ended question like this can be trickiest of all. When an interviewer asks for more information about you, he or she is not interested in a full autobiography, but they are not looking for a robot either. Be prepared to discuss some of the facets of your life that complement the job you are seeking, but avoid anything that is too personal or could appear as a distraction. For example, don’t mention how much time you spend shopping online or how you can lose yourself for hours on Facebook.