38 JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND BEST ANSWERS

Best Answers to 38 Common and Tricky Interviewing Questions and Tough Behavioral Interviewing Questions. 5 Questions You Should Ask the Interviewer. Why Interviewers ask Tell Me About Yourself. 11 Behaviors Interviewers Hate.

B.J. Rakow, Ph.D., the Interview Doctor, shares the best answers to interviewing questions based on her 34-year experience advising candidates, and presenting seminars on Interviewing Skills for Managers.

If the operational word for real estate is location, location, location, then the word for interviewing is prepare, prepare, prepare. Research the company, the culture and the position and prepare your answers to these common and tricky interviewing questions beforehand. Keep in mind that the two most important concerns of the interviewer are:

1 – Do you have the ability to do the job?

2 – Can I stand to have you around while you do it?

Common Interviewing Questions

1 – Tell me about yourself.

This seems to be an innocent enough question. But be aware that Interviewers often ask this as an invitation for you to share your life story or personal information. Interviewers often want to know personal details like your age and marital status, but fear asking the “illegal” questions.* So this question often elicits background information such as when you graduated high school or college, your marital status, number of children, etc. When you hear the tell-me-about-yourself question, think of how you can answer with details about your prior work experience, abilities and accomplishments that will fit this job. Prepare a 60-second commercial beforehand to answer this question. After you recite it, you can always ask, “Would you like to hear more details about the Zilch project I mentioned?”

*Do you want to find out everything you always wanted to know about the illegal questions and how interviewers often ask them in a sly and covert way? Go to interview-doctor.blogspot.com.

2 – What else should I know about you?

If the tell-me-about-yourself question doesn’t prompt you to reveal personal statements, later in the interview (when you have been lulled into complacency), the interviewer often asks this question. Reiterate why you are the best fit for the job. No personal info is required. It’s up to you what private details you reveal.

3 – Why should we hire you?

Here’s another opportunity for you to toot your own horn. Talk about a job or project where you used skills you believe will be necessary in this job. Point out how your skills or experience meet the needs of the organization.

You can say, “Because I am the best candidate for the job,” as long as you add the reasons that make you the best candidate. Be confident and enthusiastic and emphasize several reasons why you should be hired. “I’ve got extensive experience in (whatever) with the specific skills you are looking for. I’m a fast learner who has learned to adapt quickly to change …” Give examples to back up your statements that demonstrate your unique qualifications.

4 – What are your weaknesses?

When I asked my coaching candidates and the participants in my workshops which question they believed was the most difficult to answer, the overwhelming response was the weakness question. Four successful strategies for answering this “killer” question are fully explained in my new book, Much of What You Know about Job Search Just Ain’t So. You can read the Introduction and Chapter One free of charge at Booklocker.com or Barnes and Noble (bn.com). Just insert title of book.

One of the secrets to answering this question is being honest about a weakness, but at the same time, demonstrating how you have turned it into a strength. For example, if you had a problem organizing your work in the past, demonstrate the steps you took to more effectively keep yourself on track. This will show that you have the ability to recognize aspects of yourself that need improvement, and the initiative to improve.

Do not say, “I don’t have any weaknesses,” or “I am a bit of a perfectionist.” Those answers will turn off interviewers. They know the first is probably untrue and the second is impossible. Being a little bit of a perfectionist is like being a little bit of a liar. Better to use a weakness that is really something you are trying to learn like a foreign language or a new software program. Make sure that any weakness you talk about is not a key element of the position.

5 – What is your greatest strength?

This is your opportunity to highlight your best skills. Focus on your top three or four. Examples would be: “my leadership skills, problem-solving ability, team-building skills, interpersonal skills,  ability to work under pressure, professional expertise, ability to resolve conflict” and so on. Be prepared to offer examples for each skill you mention.

6 – What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?

Mention at least these two: “leadership and vision.”  You might give an example of someone who has displayed these qualities and served as your mentor or role model.

7– How long have you been looking for a job?

This is an example of a negative question. The Interviewer may be concerned that something unsuitable about you or your background may have been discovered by other potential employers.

Be honest. If you were downsized (laid off) or the company restructured (laid off), say so. “After I lost my job, I began my job search with a definite goal in mind and as a result have been very selective about the positions I consider. Your company and this position are of great interest to me.”

8 – How did you prepare for this interview?

The interviewer’s wants to learn if you were interested enough to do some research and networking beforehand?

 “As soon as I learned about this opening, I checked out the company on the Internet. After reading about the founders and executives, I was very impressed and began networking with my industry contacts to learn more.”

9 – Where do you see yourself five years from now?

If you say, “In your job,” you have shot yourself in the foot. Interviewers ask this question because they want to hire people who are focused on specific professional goals. Vague works best. “In five years I expect to have more responsibility and new, exciting challenges.”

Do not indicate that you hope to start your own business, change careers, or go back to school. Such responses indicate a lack of long-term interest in the organization. Keep in mind that throughout the interview, the interviewer is trying to discover if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.

10 – Why do you want to work here?

“Because you have a job,” won’t win any points for you. Instead, use this question to talk about what you know about the company, and how your background and experience relate to issues they may have. This shows the interviewer that you have done your homework and at the same time, gives you another opportunity to show how your qualifications and experience match the job. “What I can bring to this job is six years experience and knowledge of the industry, plus my ability to build and sustain customer relationships …”

11 – Why did you leave your last job?

If you lost your last job because of downsizing, restructuring, the company closing, etc., say: “I didn’t leave my last job. My job left me.”

If you left on your own accord, do not say anything negative about your former company, boss, or co-workers. You might say: “There were many aspects of my job that were rewarding but I believe this new position will give me the opportunity to contribute even more.”

12 – What did you dislike most about your last job?

If you loved your last job, say: “What I dislike most is that it ended.” If you didn’t love your last job, do not say anything negative. Instead, use a variation of the statement: “There were many aspects of my job that were rewarding.”

13 – What is a weakness you still have?

A negative question again. Repeat a “weakness” you may have used earlier that indicates how you are working to learn something new.

14 – Name three positive characteristics other people have said you possess.

Here are a few examples to use: “creative, team builder, knowledgeable, diligent, hard worker.”  Explain the context. “My boss said I was a born leader.” “My professor called me imaginative and creative.”

15 – Name three negative characteristics you have been told by others.

Give just one. But turn it around into a positive/ “I was once told I was a perfectionist but I have since learned to strive for excellence knowing that is possible when perfection often is not attainable.”

16 – What book would I find on your bedside table?

If you say, “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” you are revealing either an infantile reading choice or the presence of children in your household. Better to say, “the latest issue of Time/ Business Week/Forbes/Fortune/Fast Company.” Place an issue there and you won’t be telling a fib.

17 – Would you rather be liked or feared?

Only one answer is suitable here. Say, “Neither. I would rather be respected.”

18 – What salary are you looking for?

Negotiating salary can be a minefield if you aren’t prepared. There are twelve pages fully explaining how to successfully negotiate salary, and the language to use, in my new book, Much of What You Know about Job Search Just Ain’t So. You can read the Introduction and Chapter One free of charge at Booklocker.com or Barnes and Noble.

This strategy is an excerpt: “Do not disclose your salary history or the salary you are seeking. Instead, ask: ‘What is the range for this position? You focus continuously on asking for the range, not the salary. When you disclose, you lose the power of negotiation.”

Behavioral Interviewing Questions

Behavioral interviewing focuses on the candidate’s actions and behaviors and therefore minimizes the personal impressions that can affect hiring choices. This style of interviewing is based on the premise that the best, most effective way to predict future behavior is to determine past behavior.

These questions ask about what you have done in previous jobs, not what you would do. You will know it is a behavioral question when the past tense is used. “What did you do … Tell me about how you handled … Describe a time when …”

19 – Describe a problem situation and how you solved it.

If you had responsibility in your previous jobs, you can describe a work situation where you were responsible for turning it around. If you do not have professional experience, describe something like prioritizing your schedule and making to-do lists to give you enough time to study. Regardless of the issue involved, you demonstrate that you can think critically and develop a solution.

20 – Describe how you handled a stressful situation in the past.

Give an example of how you used your problem-solving or decision-making skills to reduce stress. An example might be that you learned the value of a time-out for both yourself and your staff. Or if it’s true, how you actually seem to work better under pressure and deadlines.

21 – Tell me what has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?
Choose an example that was important to you and also helped your company. Give specific details about what you did, how you did it, and what the results were. Talk about an accomplishment that relates to the position you are seeking. Interviewers like to hear about accomplishments that reduced expenses, raised revenue, solved problems or enhanced a company’s reputation.

22 – How did you keep current and informed about your job/industry?

The interviewer is concerned that once you get the job will you continue to learn and grow? You could say, ““I stay on top of what is happening in my industry by reading newspapers, magazines and journals. I am a member of several professional organizations and continually network with colleagues at the meetings. Whenever possible I take classes and attend seminars that offer new information or technology.”

23 – Tell me about a time when you had to plan and coordinate a project from start to finish.

“I led a project that involved customer service employees and back-office people. Together we drew up a plan and organized teams.”  Briefly describe the project. “We exceeded expectations and were commended by management “

24 – What kinds of people do you have difficulties working with?

The interviewer may be concerned abut your flexibility and ability to work in a diverse environment. You could say, “During my career I have worked with men and women from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The one time I had difficulty was with a team member who was taking credit for work that the team accomplished. I met with this person and explained, diplomatically, how morale was being affected. Her behavior soon changed dramatically. I learned that perception is reality and sometimes we are not aware of how others perceive our actions.”

25 – Which of your jobs has been the most satisfying to you?

The interviewer is trying to learn what motivates you? Or de-motivates you?

You might say something like: “My previous job was the most rewarding. There was camaraderie and mutual respect on the team and we came up with original ideas, and completed projects within timelines and often below budget.”

26 – Tell me about the worst boss you ever had.

Do not complain about former bosses. Simply state that some may not have taught you as much as others did and point out a few good qualities of a favorite past boss.

Strange and Tricky Interview Questions

Within the last ten to fifteen years, some strange and tricky interview questions have become popular with U.S. interviewers. These off-the-wall questions are designed to make you think creatively and quickly. Unusual questions are often asked in order to find out more about your inner self and how your mind works. Don’t try to think of answers that the interviewer wants to hear. Just be yourself.

27 – If you were an animal, what kind of an animal would you be?

Choose an animal that is strong, intelligent and often perceived as a leader – example: “lion, tiger or elephant.” Relate the animal to the skills needed in the position you are applying for. No snakes, no teddy bears, no koalas – nothing fluffy or cuddly.

28 – If you were a tree, what kind of a tree would you be?

Choose a tree that is strong and long-lived – example: “oak or sequoia.” No weeping willow or drooping elm.

29 – If you were a Star Trek® or Star Wars® character, which one would it be?  Pick a character that is a leader and a risk-taker. Say: “Captain Kirk, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Spock. If you really are a risk-taker: “Darth Vader.” Be prepared to justify your selection.

30 – Why are manhole covers round?
The interviewer is testing your imagination and creativity. Microsoft was the first to make this question famous by asking it as a job interview question. You can answer as follows: “1 – A round manhole cover cannot fall through its circular opening. 2 – A heavy, round manhole cover can be more easily moved by  being rolled. 3 – If an car rolls over a dislodged manhole of another shape, the sharp corners could puncture a tire, but a circle doesn’t have corners.”

31 – What is your favorite drink?
 A colleague once shared that he was interviewed for a senior position at Pizza Hut and later learned from an inside contact that he didn’t get the offer because he asked for a Coke when offered a soft drink. At that time Pizza Hut was owned by Pepsi Cola. Seems they felt he should have done more in-depth research. If you are asked this question (and you/ve done your research), specify a soft drink or energy drink. Otherwise your answer may indicate whether you drink alcohol, and there’s always a possibility that the company may try to hire non-drinkers to keep health insurance costs low.

32 – If aliens landed in front of you and offered you any position on their planet, what is the first thing you would do?
The most creative answer I ever heard was: “The first thing I would do is go change my pants because they scared the crap out of me. Then I would ask to travel with them so I could scare the crap out of others.” Creative? Yes. Appropriate? No. Offering to be the Travel Director is imaginative. The rest of the answer – crappy. (sorry about that).

33 – If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
Your answer will be interpreted as a clue to your personality, creativity, accomplishments and degree of humility.

34 – What would your mother say is your greatest weakness?
Be aware that it isn’t your mother responding; it’s you. Another negative question to trick you. Repeat a strength that appears to be a weakness but really isn’t. It’s also fairly safe to use something she might have told you as a child: “Stop drinking orange juice out of the carton. Use a glass.”

35 – What kind of people do you dislike?
Do not name members of any political party, religion, ethnic group or minority. Say: “There are no particular people I dislike, but I do find some behaviors annoying – such as not completing work assignments on time, gossiping, laziness … “

36 – What makes you most angry?
Do not admit having episodes of anger.  Say: “I try to handle problems or conflicts as soon as they arise so that they don’t build up to the anger point.”

37 – On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you?

Say: “Usually I am an 8 or 9, but will quickly become a 10 if I get this job.”

38 – You only have time to save three things from a fire in your home. What are they?

Your answer reflects your values and priorities. Most people respond: “pets, important documents, photographs, scrapbooks, computer. ” Be prepared to explain why you would save these items.

5 Questions You Should Ask the Interviewer
Toward the end of the interview, you may be asked by the interviewer, “Do you have any questions for me?” You will have some or all of these questions prepared in advance. If you say, “No questions. You’ve told me everything,” you may give the impression you are not really interested in the job. Do not ask questions relating to salary and benefits. You can do that at a second interview.

1 – What do you enjoy the most about working here?

2 – Where did the person go who had this job before?

3– Is there anything I’ve mentioned that makes you think I’m not the best candidate for this job?
If you hear something relating to lack of specific experience, you now have an excellent chance to further your cause and change their opinion. For example, “I know I have limited experience in this field, but I make up for it in enthusiasm and a passion to succeed. You will find I’m a fast learner and I’m not afraid of hard work.”

4 – When do you expect to make your final decision?
If you are interested in the job, then like the salesman asking for the order, ask this question.

5 – How would you like me to follow-up – by phone or email?
Get the interviewer’s card.

11 Things Interviewers Hate

1 –You are late to the interview – even five minutes late is irritating and unprofessional.

2 – You appear to be arrogant or indifferent to others. Perhaps you didn’t smile or try to chat with the receptionist or others before the interview.

3 – You seem to lack certain social or interpersonal skills – you are just not polished. Perhaps it was your chewing gum before or even during the interview. Or seating yourself without waiting for an invitation. Or the limp, cold-fish handshake.

4 – You are seen as apathetic – little or no energy or enthusiasm is displayed.

5 – Just the opposite. You are too talkative and tend to ramble.

6 – You seem to be passive and non-assertive (companion behavior of #4).

7 – Your professional skills appear to be either lacking or not applicable.

8 – You seldom use eye contact or smile.

9 – You appear to “manipulate” the truth.

10 – You disparage previous employers, companies, colleagues or bosses.

11 – There is a subconscious aversion on the part of the Interviewer. You remind him or her of a detested relative, colleague, former employee, former lover, etc.

Hint: Lose the cologne, perfume or aftershave. It may be the scent that triggers the subconscious aversive response.

Please take a moment to comment. Your thoughts, suggestions and interviewing experiences are welcomed. Thank you. Also take a look at http://interview-doctor.blogspot.com

B. J. Rakow, Author, Much of What You Know about Job Search Just Ain’t So.