Tricky Ques & Ans - Interview
Tricky Job Interview Questions
Ques And Ans
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Here are the few trickiest interview questions with suggestions on how to answer them and sample answers.
1. What's your biggest weakness?
A. The Trap: The first step to fixing a problem is admitting it. When employers ask this question, it's not just about figuring out your weaknesses, but about finding out whether or not you're aware of them, and if you're intending to make changes.
How to Answer: Be modest. We all have weaknesses, and it's okay to mention some parts of your skill set that need work. But, give your weakness a silver lining, and use your answer as an opportunity to highlight other strengths and underscore your determination to keep getting better.
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 working on prioritizing between perfectionism and efficiency, and learning about time management and productivity strategies.
2. Why do you want to work here?
A. The Trap: Employers want to figure out if you've done your research about the company, and whether you want this job, rather than any old job.
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, their mission, and the work they do. 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.
3. What do you think your references will say about you?
A. The Trap: Employers want to see if you're insecure about your references and if you'll volunteer any negative information about your prior experience or your ability to succeed in your role.
The Best Way to Answer: Simply put, don't fall for the trap, but do be modest. 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.
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 positive rapport we share personally.
4. Tell me about your dream job?
A. The Trap: In many cases, passion breeds productivity. Dedication leads to success. Employers want to know just how invested you'll be in the role, or if you see the job as a stop-gap measure just to keep up some income while you hunt for something better. Along the same lines, employers want to know if you love the idea of the job, or the job itself. Just because a job title sounds glamorous, doesn't mean you'll love the day-to-day work.
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 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 copy writing 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.
5. Everyone has one exaggeration on their job application. What's yours?
A. The Trap: Will you fall for your interviewer's attempt persuades you into admitting that's an exaggeration or little white lie within your application? Hopefully not. And hopefully, your cover letter or resume is free from any mistrusts. It's never worth lying on your application.
How to Answer: Keep your cover letter and resume honest so you can be honest when you answer. (Did you lie on your resume?)
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.
6. Why do you want to leave your current job?
A. Why do they ask this? Your prospective boss is looking for patterns or anything negative, especially if your positions are many and short-term. The interviewer may try to determine whether you have had issues working with others leading to termination, if you get bored quickly in a job, or other red flags.
What makes it tricky? If not answered diplomatically, your answer could raise further questions and doubts or sink your chances entirely.
What response are they looking for? They hope you are seeking a more challenging position that is a better fit for your skill set. Know that hiring managers don't mind hearing that you're particularly excited about the growth opportunity at their company.
7. Have you ever been asked to compromise your integrity by your supervisor or colleague? Tell us about it.
A. Why do they ask this? Your prospective boss is evaluating your moral compass by asking how you handled a delicate situation that put your integrity to the test. They may also dig too deeply to test your level of discretion. Essentially they want to know: Did you use diplomacy? Did you publicly blow the whistle? Did a backlash ensue? What was your thought process?
What makes it tricky? Interviewers want to know how you manage sensitive matters and are also wary of those who bad-mouth former employers, no matter how serious the misdeed. They will be concerned if you share too much proprietary information with the interviewer. So it is tricky because you must carefully choose your words, using the utmost diplomacy.
What response are they looking for? It's wise to be clear, concise, and professional in your answer, without revealing any internal practices of prior employers. You have nothing to gain by divulging private corporation information.
Something like this might work: There was one time where a fellow worker asked me to get involved in a project that seemed unethical, but the problem resolved itself. I try to be as honest as possible early on if a project creates concern for me about the company, as I'm very dedicated to its success."
8. Can you give us a reason someone may not like working with you?
A. Why do they ask this? Prospective bosses want to know if there are any glaring personality issues, and what better way than to go direct to the source? They figure that the worst that can happen is you will lie, and they may feel they're still adept at detecting mistrusts. The negative tone of the question is bound to test the mettle of even the most seasoned business professionals.
What makes it tricky? You can easily shoot yourself in the foot with this question. If you flip and say, I can't think of a reason anyone wouldn't like working with me, you're subtly insulting the interviewer by trivializing the question. So you have to frame the question in a way that gets at the intent without being self-effacing. Hiring managers are not seeking job candidates who have self-pity.
What response are they looking for? You don't want to say, "Well I'm not always the easiest person to be around, particularly when under deadlines. I sometimes lose my temper too easily." You might as well pack up and look for the nearest exit. "Conversely, you can lead with the positive and go from there: 'Generally I've been fortunate to have great relationships at all my jobs. The only times I have been disliked — and it was temporary — was when I needed to challenge my staff to perform better. Sometimes I feel we must make unpopular decisions that are for the larger good of the company'.
9. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a company policy?
Why do they ask this? To determine your decision-making ability, ease of working with others, and most importantly, whether the candidate will speak up after identifying an area in need of improvement.
What makes it tricky? To say, 'I have never disagreed with a company policy' is tough to believe from even the most amenable employee. "This also sends a message that you may just accept anything that you are told to do without thinking through all possible outcomes." While companies want leaders and employees to follow the rules, they also want people who are going to review potential outdated policies and have the courage to push back and propose changes to maintain a current, competitive edge and productive workplace.
What response are they looking for? Offer up a real situation that points out a logical and business reason that you were in opposition of a policy. "Focus on how your idea to rework the policy was beneficial to the company as a whole. Speak up on the research that you conducted, the facts that you presented, and the outcome of your attempts to have the policy rewritten."
I shall also post more questions and answers in future that will help you to get prepared for any type of interview. Practice makes perfect. So practice, practice and practice.
Note:
Prepared by Major (R) Md. Lutful Huda, presently Chairman of TIDAC and Dreamwork Limited, Chief Editor of 'Crime and Judgement' Magazine
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