Getting an interview in today's Job Market may feel like a win in itself. But once you're in the door, interviewers often put you through an obstacle course of deceptive questions with double meanings or hidden agenda. Do you know how to answer those question? A tricky question is used as a tool to quickly eliminate a less qualified candidate.
TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS YOU MAY LIKELY FAIL - PART 4
In furthering our series in "Tough Interview Questions You May Likely Fail", below are some of the most commonly asked tough questions in an interview setting and answer tips to get you started in answering those tricky questions:
1.) Why Should I Hire You?
Bad Answer: I'm the best candidate for the role.
Hint: A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good Answer: I've been an Executive Assistant for the past ten years — my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I’ve also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn’t really understand the ins and outs of). I’m an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do himself. What’s good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.
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2.) What Motivates You?
Bad Answer: Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.
Hint: It's not that this answer is wrong — it's just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don’t give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good Answer: I've always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline — in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven — I’m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.
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3.) How Would Your Friends Describe You?
Bad Answer: I'm a really good listener.
Hint: While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn’t care all that much. It’s unlikely that they’re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You’ll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you’re interviewing for — and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good Answer: My friends would probably say that I’m extremely persistent – I’ve never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players – so I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said “yes” – the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it’s just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it.
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4.) How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad Answer: I was so tired of working, and I needed a break, or I just can’t find a job.
Hint: Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good Answer: My work is important to me, so I won’t be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I’m taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one.
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5.) What Salary Are You Looking For?
Bad Answer: In my last job I earned N1.5m so now I’m looking for N3m
Hint: If you can avoid it, don’t give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, reiterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you’ve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.
Good Answer: I’m more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I’d expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in Lagos.
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Similar Interview Questions In This Series
5 Tough Interview Questions You May Likely Fail - Part 1
5 Tough Interview Questions You May Likely Fail - Part 2
5 Tough Interview Questions You May Likely Fail - Part 3
5 Tough Interview Questions You May Likely Fail - Part 4
5 Tough Interview Questions You May Likely Fail - Part 5