Forewarned is prepared, which is why we’ve compiled a list of 7 tricky questions hiring managers love to use, and interviewees sometimes stumble on. Here it is in full, so read on to find out what employees are asking for in a job interview and how to respond to them strategically.
1. Why do you think you will be successful in this job?
Here, you are asked to match your skill sets with the attributes needed to get the job done. This is an explicit question. Why are you suited for this particular job, as opposed to any other?
Advice – Thoroughly research your employer and the details of the job you are applying for, as this will save the day. It will allow you to match your interests, experience and skills to the company and the job.
2. Give an example of a time you handled a major crisis.
This question is similar to “Can you give an example when you had to deal with pressure or an uncomfortable situation?”
Advice – Take a trip down memory lane. You may find it easier to answer if you think about your study, experience, travel, and extracurricular activities, and think about a time when you had to deal with an unexpected problem.
3. What is your biggest weakness?
The problem with this question is that they ask you about your limitations, when your instinct, during an interview, is to keep your imperfections as hidden as possible.
Advice – Here you must play strategically with words and frame your answer in a way that gives it a positive spin.
An alternative way to approach this answer is to think about the likely disadvantage of your greatest strength.
4. Where do you hope to be in five years?
This is another question asking you to show your leniency in your chosen career path and employer research. You have to appear enthusiastic, but not arrogant.
Advice – Specific details will impress an interviewer. Therefore, please tailor your answer to reflect the industry, your experience, skills and nature of an organization.
5. Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer?
Recruiters ask these questions to see how you cope when put on the spot to produce an honest answer. Remember, this is your test where you must submit a diplomatic response.
Advice – Whether you describe the difficult situation or dodge the question, don’t attack your previous employer in your answer. Also, make sure you don’t incriminate yourself while answering.
6. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time?
The purpose of this question is that the recruiter wants to know your strategies to organize.
Advice – Whatever methods you use to prioritize your tasks and manage your time, you should be prepared to describe it.
7. What motivates you?
The hidden agenda behind this question is to know what you do well and what you enjoy doing.
Advice – Your answer should be based on an example from your work experience, studies, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate that you would be immensely motivated by the job for which you are being interviewed.
These are seven complex job interview questions and answers that 1 in 3 recruiters ask a candidate.
