You’ll feel more confident if you’re prepared to handle unexpected questions. Here’s a look at some of the trickiest interview questions, along with suggestions on how to answer them and sample answers.
What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know
Interviewers know that you’ve probably practiced all of the traditional questions, so they try to stump you with trickier ones. Interviewers ask challenging questions to get a better idea of your background, your communication skills, and how you’ll perform should they offer you the job. How to Answer: Confirm your dedication to getting your job done, but also convey your understanding that personal well-being is key to professional success. Sample Answer: “I’m 100% dedicated to going above and beyond when it comes to fulfilling my responsibilities. That being said, I also know that it’s important to take care of myself to ensure my long-term success. I try not to work when I’m on official vacation. But, before I leave for a vacation, I always make sure all my duties are covered before signing off, and I do make sure my supervisor has my cell phone number should an emergency arise.” How to Answer: If you’re applying for a variety of different positions, certainly don’t name them all—and don’t name-drop different companies. For one, you don’t want your employer to think that your skills and interests are totally all over the place. Of course, it’s good to have a wide range of different abilities, but it’s most important to present yourself as the best fit for the specific job you’re applying for. Sample Answer: “Yes, I am looking for jobs that fit this description. This is my preferred field, which I’m personally and professionally passionate about. Fortunately, the job description, requirement, and responsibilities of this specific position seem best aligned with my experience and interests.” How to Answer: Be modest. We all have weaknesses, and it’s fine to mention some parts of your skill set that need work. Claiming you don’t have any weaknesses will make you seem arrogant or out of touch. Instead, give your weakness a silver lining. Sample Answer: “I’m a perfectionist—sometimes to a fault. While this means my work is always high-quality, I’ve realized that sometimes I spend more time obsessing over little details that don’t matter in the long-run, rather than moving on to my next task. I’m learning to work on prioritizing between perfectionism and efficiency, and learning about time management and productivity strategies.” The Best Way to Answer: Don’t mention any specific companies. Think about if you were on a date, and your date asks, “If you could date anyone else in this restaurant, who would it be?” If you asked your date that question, what would you want to hear? Emphasize how the company you’re interviewing with is your top priority. Sample Answer: “Actually, I’ve spent a lot of time during my job search researching different companies I might want to work at, and this company stood out the most. I share your mission, values, and objectives and feel that I would really thrive in this type of work environment.” The Best Way to Answer: Don’t just say that you want to work there because there’s free gym access, complimentary coffee, and a casual dress code. Make sure your answer has real meaning. Be enthusiastic in your answer and talk about how you connect with the company’s core values, its mission, and the work it does. Then, you can go into a little more detail about the specific position for which you’re applying. Sample Answer: “I truly feel aligned with the company’s values, mission, and goals. I connect with your belief in integrity in your work, in fostering an open, honest and supportive workplace, and your desire to better the lives of both your employees and your customers. I believe that this position, specifically, will provide a huge—and enjoyable—opportunity for me to contribute to your objectives and add value to the company as a whole.” The Best Way to Answer: You don’t have to profess that you absolutely see yourself with the same company. Instead, answer in a way that demonstrates your commitment to grow within your field. Employers want to hire employees who are self-motivated and who have an inner drive to better themselves and keep learning. Sample Answer: “I see myself working within this field, but I hope to have progressed to a higher level of responsibility, possess a greater degree of knowledge, and advance and expand my skill set. I always want to keep learning, keep getting better, and I hope after five years my efforts will carry me closer and closer to becoming an expert at what I do. That being said, I’m also committed to staying happy and fulfilled with my career so that, too, factors into my five-year plans.” The Best Way to Answer: Don’t fall into a trap. Under no circumstances should you offer up any negative information. Your references wouldn’t have agreed to serve as references if they weren’t willing to speak positively about you. That said, you don’t want to appear boastful in your response either. Sample Answer: “I’ve had a wonderful experience working with all of my references, so I do expect their testimonials to reflect all that we’ve accomplished together at work, along with the positive rapport we share personally.” The Best Way to Answer: A lie about your skills will come to haunt you later, so be honest. At the same time, use the answer as an opportunity to present yourself as a candidate who is always up for a challenge, and who is sharpening your skills to keep up with that challenge. Sample Answer: “As a visual designer, the bulk of my experience has been in graphic design, specifically logos, posters, and advertisements. I find dynamic web design more challenging, but I live for challenges like that. I just completed an online course on designing for mobile apps, and I’m currently taking another one in user experience design to ensure my abilities keep up with the latest trends.” How to Answer: Is the job you’re applying for your dream job? If yes, then say so, emphatically. If your dream job is far-flung or far-fetched, it’s probably best not to mention it. You want the employer to understand that you’ll be fully invested in the position and not daydreaming about some other position while you’re at your desk. If the job you’re applying for is somewhere in between, you can tactfully frame your answer to convey that. Sample Answer: “Advertising is my dream field and the junior copywriting position is an ideal placement for me right now. Of course, I know I have lots of learning to do before I can achieve my dream job—a creative director—and I believe this job will put me on that path.” How to Answer: Keep your cover letter and resume honest so you can be honest when you answer. Sample Answer: “I’m confident that my cover letter, resume, and portfolio accurately represent my experience and my work. You are welcome to reach out to the references I provided if you’d like them to vouch for my attributes.” to vouch for my attributes."
Practice: While you may not get the precise tricky question you practiced in advance, getting comfortable dealing with more unexpected and challenging questions will help you feel confident about your ability to think on your feet. Try not to get flustered: Even if you’re not sure about the best way to reply to the question, try not to be visibly thrown off your game. Take a breath and a moment to think. It’s acceptable to say, “Wow, that’s a tough question” before giving a fuller response. Just avoid frowning, sighing, or negative nonverbal modes of communication. Be honest, but protect your interests: It’s never a good idea to lie during a job interview. But you can be strategic in your response. You don’t have to share information that makes you seem like a poor candidate. Keep your tone in mind: While you don’t want to seem falsely modest, it’s also not a good idea to appear boastful or arrogant.
What Not to Say
Avoid lies: They can too easily be found out, either during the interview process or even after you land a job. In the long run, deception is not good for your career prospects. Don’t sabotage yourself: Some of these questions might be set up in a way that makes it seem like you have to say something negative about yourself as a candidate. There’s always a way to land on a positive note in your response.
