Answering Those Tricky Interview Questions Appropriately

You know the ones we’re talking about??  Those that are intended to trip you up or make you appear to be less competent than you really are…(!)

First, the ubiquitous one: “TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF!”… (And no, the employer does NOT want you to start at age 2!! A simple one or two paragraph answer will do nicely.   Be sure to hit the high points, and lose the extraneous detail. Above all, be cognizant of the reactions you’re getting.  If your interlocutor evidences signs of boredom (looking at his watch, doodling on his napkin, then wrap it up QUICKLY!!

Focus on what you believe you will be able to do for his company and why you believe you will be able to do it.  Use experiences from your past positions to substantiate your claim.

Another variation on this same theme: “WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?”  Here’s your chance to really shine by impressing the interviewer with what you know about his company and its functioning.  Then go on to state just why it is that you are the best person for that position.   You will presumably have a few days to come up with that answer….

Another all-time favs is, of course, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 3 YEARS? Well, of course you can’t answer this question appropriately… You don’t know the company, you don’t know the job that you are about to be hired for, and in a word, you don’t know SQUAT.  So, just smile angelically and say that you would like to be higher up on that totem pole in terms or responsibility but that since you don’t have a very good idea yet about the kind of company this is, you’d rather defer answering this question until your first anniversary on the job.
Tell him, however, that you'll put a tickler note in your file for the same time next year and will get back to him then. (And, by all means: DO IT!)

 

Or another one: “WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK AND WHY?”  You'll probably want to stay away from Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys and choose something written by a significant author.  Hemingway is always good, as is Steinbeck. (Get yourself a copy of the Cliff notes before your interview so that you are fully prepared to answer this question should it be asked of you.) Make sure your reasons for the ‘WHY” part of this question reflect well on you.

You might also get the question “WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?”  (Note: you will want to stay away from Felix the Cat or political figures who could land you in hot water with a boss whose idealogical believes differ greatly from your own.) Istead, think about someone in your own environment who has inspired you, and tell that story. Be sure to relate how this inspiration has helped you in your career.

If you’re asked ‘WHAT YOU WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY TOMORROW?’   All the boss is looking for here is an affirmation of your work ethic. Consequently, the ‘correct’ answer is something along the lines of “I would, of course, take some time to visit the important places in the world I’ve not travelled to” but also mention that you’re sure that ultimately, you’d be tired of travelling and would want to get back to the work environment, as that is what propels you to achieve.

Remember, the reason for the above questions is not so much that your interviewer wants to the exact answers. Instead, it is because he or she wants to see how well (or if) you can think on your feet.

It would, of course, certainly behoove you to think about the above questions ahead of time so that the answers will roll smoothly off of your tongue.

Above all, remember to make eye contact and S-M-I-L-E when the situation warrants it!