How to Answer Tricky Interview Questions
Interviewers want to see how job candidates react in difficult situations, so they ask questions meant to give you pause. Behavioral questions that probe into the way you've performed in the past and stress questions that test your ability to act gracefully under pressure are designed to make you squirm. But some of the most seemingly innocuous questions can trip up the most qualified candidates. These typical, common interview questions are often the trickiest to answer because they require well-prepared thoughts.
Instructions
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Questions about former bosses and coworkers often trip up job candidates because candidates take the opportunity to bad mouth their former supervisors and colleagues. This response signals to an employer that you're difficult to work with and not someone they should hire. Questions about former bosses require positive responses. Even if you've had a difficult situation, it's best to speak well of the people from your past. Be gracious and talk about your respect for business practices and company policies. Mention that you can't recall any time you've had a serious issue with a coworker or boss.
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The "Why Should We Hire You" question is your chance to show the interviewer how engaged and interested you are in the company. An answer to this question requires some research on your part. Learn all you can about the company and then show off your knowledge about how impressed you are with their products or services, and why your skills and experiences are a great match. You have to sell yourself with this question and explain to the interviewer how you're different and what value you add to the company. Avoid standard answers such as "I'm a hard worker." Instead, offer an answer that makes you unique.
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A question about your greatest weakness should be answered in a way that shows how you're human and how you're able to overcome difficult situations. You should also show the interviewer how well you know yourself. Turn your answer into a story of great accomplishment. For example, you might say, "I am so friendly that I used to be more social than professional with coworkers. However, I have since learned that we can all get more accomplished if we save discussions about our personal lives for time outside the office."
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Answer a question about your greatest strength or accomplishment by pointing to something you've done that directly relates to the position. Think back to what this particular job description called for and tailor your response to what you know they want.
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Questions about salary expectations are particularly tricky because your answer could disqualify you as a candidate. The best course of action is to steer away from providing a number unless you've been offered the job. In case you are pressed for a response, do some research on the company and the pay range for the field and offer the range. Mention that you're willing to negotiate and that you look forward to getting into the specifics when the time comes.
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Prepare questions for the interviewer. Usually the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. Don't say no. Always say yes because it shows your interest in the job. Ask questions based on research and don't ask questions that can easily be answered by reading the website. Direct questions about the specifics about the position, what the interviewer considers success and what goals the company has going forward.
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Tips & Warnings
There are plenty of other tricky interview questions that interviewers could come up with. Take a moment to consider why they may be asking you the question in the first place before you respond.
Never speak negatively about yourself or others in a job interview.
References
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