27 Oct 09 Handling Tricky Interview Questions

Every interview is full of tricky questions that you will have to navigate. How you handle these can be directly responsible for whether or not you land the job in the end. Interviewers specifically target you with the tough questions to see how you handle pressure. So be prepared, and be ready to be challenged, because that’s the whole point of the interview.

One of the most common you’re almost guaranteed to be hit with is, why should they hire you? This is a trick question, because they are testing out the waters, trying to decipher your answer. The worst response you can have is a generalized, almost automated response. Something like “I’m a motivated worker and willing to contribute to the team” is a good example of a horrible answer. This is much too general, and a good example of what they’ll hear from almost anyone. Be honest, and offer real reasons on why you should get the job.

What’s your greatest weakness? Another question to test you. Think about your answer carefully, and don’t answer too eagerly. This isn’t a chance to admit a real weakness, but rather expose an aspect of your past that you’ve moved beyond. Turn this around into an accomplishment. Like admitting a weakness in the past, and how it inspired you to become better overall.

Any question about your former boss is a set up to how you’ll treat the company when your time with them is nearing the end. The last thing you want to do is boss bash, because that makes you appear selfish. Anyone that’s willing to trash a former employer in talking to a new potential employer, is a selfish one that could be a detriment to the overall staff. Not to mention the last thing they want if you end up leaving that job, is for you to run around bad mouthing them.

The question of your greatest professional accomplishment can be a little tricky. But overall that question should be seen as an opportunity more than anything else. Really this is a chance for you to sell yourself, and accurately describe a reason why you’re an asset to any company. Take advantage of the opportunity you’re given through the question. Shine like the great employee you are, and let the story speak for itself.

Tags: Boss, Detriment, Greatest Weakness, Interview One, Interviewers, Job, Professional Accomplishment, Selfish One, Tough Questions, Trick Question, Tricky Interview Questions, Tricky Questions

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27 Oct 09 Handling Tricky Interview Questions

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