Job interviews are, by nature, stressful. Your interviewer is going to throw out a series of potentially difficult and challenging questions, while you sit there, trying to look professional and act cool, having no idea of what’s coming next.
Well, that’s true to a certain extent, but there are actually a few tricky questions that you’re almost sure to get – so why not prepare for them?
There are obviously some real zingers out there. For example, “What’s the most dishonest thing you’ve ever done?” or “Tell me about the time you were most ashamed of yourself?”
But, instead of going for the bizarre or exotic, let’s cover some more subtle – although equally difficult – questions that you will be much more likely to encounter.
Let’s start by recognizing that there’s a difference between a “trick question” and a “tricky question.”
A trick question is one that attempts to trip you up in some way – to make you think you’re being asked one type of question, when, in fact, you’re being asked another.
For example: “A farmer had ten cows and all but six died. How many cows are left?”
Tricky questions, on the other hand, are ones that require a good degree of skill and finesse in order to answer, without blowing the interview. They’re not hard to understand or interpret – they’re simply challenging.
So here are the top four tricky questions you’re most likely to encounter in your next interview, and some tips on how to sail through with an answer that will be honest, smart, and impressive.
1. Tell me about yourself
Most people don’t think of this as a particularly tricky question. But, it definitely is, and you need to be prepared for it. It’s also the most universally asked question – you’re virtually guaranteed to hear this one.
Interviewers are inviting you to tell the story of you. They hope to be intrigued, enchanted, and solidly impressed—all within about 90 seconds, max.
Interviewers, like everyone else, have short attention spans, so answer this question succinctly.
Here’s what they don’t want: you to drone on and on about what they already know from your job application.
Briefly mention your personal and professional background, but don’t waste time reciting what’s on your resume (plus, it’s not all that interesting to someone who recruits or interviews for a living).
As soon as possible, launch into what’s really important here: your dazzling array of killer attributes, whatever they may be.
You love challenges. You thrive on crazy deadlines and deal with stress well. You’re the most organized human on the planet. You’re a problem solver, a peacekeeper, or a natural leader. You love people, you love numbers, or you love customers. (You love something.)
Wow your interviewer with palpable energy and perceivable enthusiasm. As you tell your story, act like you enjoy being you! That’s what interviewers are hoping to hear. Don’t be tricked into becoming a predictable bore with this question.
2. Why are you looking for a new job?
There’s definitely a certain amount of sincere interest when interviewers ask this question. They genuinely want to know the answer, in order to determine whether the position you’re applying for will be a better fit than the one you’re leaving.
However, beware. With certain interviewers, this could be a type of trap. Even though many interviewers are authentically interested in why you’re looking for a new job, they also want to see where you go with your answer.
This question helps the interviewer to get to know your personality and temperament, and whether you have the ability to answer a challenging question without launching into a negative diatribe.
It’s simply another way for the interviewer to “feel out” your potential fit with the job and the company culture.
If you’re less than thrilled with your current job situation (perhaps you’re actually working for Attila the Hun), you may be tempted to unload. But no matter what, don’t be negative – not even just a little.
Stay positive, and start by telling the interviewer that your current position has been “very educational,” has “afforded me the income I needed to pay my college loans,” or any other honest phrase you can come up with, and then explain your reason for leaving.
Here are some excellent, basic, specific answers you can give:
- You’re seeking new challenges
- You’re looking for a company with room for advancement
- You believe your skills may be put to better use elsewhere
- You’re particularly excited about the mission/product line/industry of the company you’re applying with, and you want to become part of the team
Of course, these are jumping off points, and with any of these options, you will want to elucidate and flesh out your storyline – but without ever going over to the “dark side,” which you must avoid at all costs.
3. What is your greatest weakness/personal characteristic that needs the most improvement?
This one’s so tricky! No one wants to talk about his or her weaknesses, especially in a job interview, and every career counselor will tell you that this is no time to be self-effacing. You’re definitely being placed into a deliberate double bind with this question.
The interviewer is watching to see how the heck you’re going to come up with something that answers the question honestly, but without dissing yourself right when you’re supposed to be singing your own praises.
First of all, here are a few things not to say:
- “Well, I think my greatest weakness is that I don’t have any weaknesses…”
- “Hmmm, I think my greatest weakness is my perfectionism – my work is always just so perfect…” (Substitute “my brilliance,” “my sophistication,” or “my greatness,” and you’ll achieve the same rankling effect.)
- “Gee whiz, I really can’t think of any weaknesses whatsoever…”
Guaranteed, the interviewer has heard all of these before, and he or she can see right through them. None of them are honest; plus, they’re hackneyed, pat answers that won’t win you any points in the interview.
Instead, think of something that’s a true weakness (nothing really huge, though, like kleptomania or binge-watching old Baywatch reruns), but one that’s definitely not involved in the job you’re applying for.
As an example, if you’re applying for a job as a teacher, it’s safe to mention that you’ve never been too enthused about aggressive cold calling. Or if you’re applying for a sales position in a department store, you could say that you’re not the best with jobs that require you to sit by yourself in a lonely office and have no contact with the outside world.
And now, I’m going to give you my “secret weapon answer” that I give my clients, audiences, and students. A very safe answer (unless you’re applying to be a trainer or a barrister) is to say, “I believe I could improve upon my public speaking skills.”
Why? Because most people could improve upon their public speaking skills! Therefore, this answer always sounds honest, it’s not a big shocker of a deficit, and it’s probably not going to prevent you from getting hired.
I love it for all those reasons. (Of course, now that I’ve revealed this tip to every Resume-Library reader, it may need to be retired soon, so use it as soon as possible!)
And in every case, after you’ve mentioned a weakness, be sure to follow it up with an explanation of how you corrected it, overcame it, or are currently working on it.
4. Tell me what you don’t (didn’t) like about your current (most recent) job
Again, the interviewer is watching to see if you go negative, and you never want to take the bait. You want to answer this question honestly, but without ever actually saying anything disparaging about anything or anyone. Talk about tricky.
For starters, if you slam your current boss or job, the interviewer may conclude that if you’re hired, you’ll slam your next boss (or the company) when you move on, as well.
Interviewers simply won’t be willing to take a chance on you if they detect a gloomy side to your personality – especially if there’s another, equally qualified candidate who’s positive and enthusiastic.
Next, no one – not interviewers, and probably not even your mum – wants to hear you whine and complain! So you’re being mistreated at your current place of employment? You’re bored? You don’t like your boss? Don’t burden the interviewer with your troubles.
This is the time to sound like a positive, friendly, can-do problem solver who gets along with others and thrives in almost any environment. That’s the attitude that will get you hired.
For starters, when you answer this question, make sure you choose something that’s not a red flag to the interviewer. Here are some things not to say:
- “I don’t really like my co-workers…” (Substitute “boss,” or “the upper management” or “our clients” and you’re equally cooked.)
- “I don’t like having to work with people all day/make calls all day/sit at a desk all day/get up that early in the morning…” (In general, don’t say anything that makes you sound spoiled or entitled.)
Instead, here’s how you formulate your answer. Think of something you truly don’t (or didn’t) like about your job, but make sure it’s not something that can possibly relate to the job you’re applying for.
For instance, if you’re applying for a position as a graphic designer, you could mention that you didn’t really enjoy driving a school bus during your last job as a recreation counselor.
But then, after you give your example, go on to say that regardless of not necessarily loving that aspect of your job, it was never a problem, because you are someone who can handle just about anything with a smile. Tell them that your positive outlook on life always gets you through.
And guess what? Your positive outlook (coupled with your preparedness, of course) will also get you through your next interview! Good luck. Now go dazzle ‘em with your awesomeness.
For more interview help, check out this article on what to expect during a job interview.
About the author: Denise M. Dudley is a professional trainer and keynote speaker, author, business consultant, and founder and former CEO of SkillPath Seminars, the largest public training company in the world. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or visit her website.
