How to handle tricky interview questions
Before you start the interview, you should make sure that you are well dressed and groomed. Whether we like it or not, first impressions do count. Some interviewers like you or dislike you in just a few seconds depending on how attractive, articulate, assertive and affable you are. So, do look and act the part. Also, gather as much knowledge about the company as possible.
DO NOT BE LATE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW and BE PREPARED!
During the interview hiring managers are looking, among other things, for initiative, good work ethos, comparable past performance, cultural fit, intelligence and ability to solve problems. If, in addition, you can demonstrate that you understand the nature of the position and that your past performance compares well with the job objectives, you will have a good chance to get the position. Enthusiasm, positive attitude, clear responses and a sincere interest in the position, will help you score some good points. Try to use examples from your past positions and try to relate them to the advertised position.
Expect some tough questions during the first interview as increasingly a lot of interviewers are using the first interview to weed out unsuitable candidates. Practice, practice, practice.
Here are some of the questions you may encounter during your interview.
Describe your current situation and tell me about a significant achievement you are very proud of.
The intereviewer is trying to find out about hard work, initiative, work ethos, teamwork. Also, the interviewer will want to find out how comparable this accomplishment may be to the advertised position. So, make sure you come up with specific and measurable answers about that accomplishment. If you can answer this type of question well and present yourself as an individual that has a lot of energy and initiative and good work ethos and if your accomplishment(s) is comparable to the job objectives you are applying for, this may be enough to be considered seriously for the position.
Tell me about the longest day you worked at the office over the last 60 days. When did this happen, what did you accomplish?
The interviewer is trying to find out how energetic you are and how you deal with unexpected work requirements. Your answer to this question should show work commitment and the ability to work long hours without complaints. Try to pick up a good, relevant example.
Why do you think you are the best person for the job?
The interviewer is trying to analyse specific traits that make you suitable for the position. Make sure you understand the major objectives for the position and tie up your comparable achievements to the job objectives. The interviewer will want to see certain skills depending on the position objectives: management skills, technical skills, planning skills, strategic skills, etc
How do you balance your personal life with the work pressures on a daily basis?
The interviewer wants to ascertain capacity for hard work and good work ethos and how you balance work with your personal life. Take time to think about the answer to this question. Do not try to come up with outrageous answers. Pick up some real situations where you had to juggle between home life and work and what you did to balance them out.
Give me an example of when you lost a big deal. What did you learn form this experience? What would you have done differently if you went through the same process now?
Be honest and do talk openly about your failures. The interviewer is trying to find how open you are to accepting criticism. We all have had failures or lost deals but if we have learnt from them and we do not put the blame on others for our failure, this shows a flexible and open personality, willing to accept criticism and improve oneself.
How do you think your colleagues would describe you?
Pick up 4-5 adjectives that describe you as an individual and as a team member. Make sure that each adjective is followed by a good, relevant example. The interviewer wants to see what qualities make you a real professional who can work in a team environment.
Tell me about yourself
Some interviewers pick this question to start the interview. They are probably looking to find out who you really are, your communication skills, your presentation skills, how assertive and how articulate you are.
Concentrate on a summary of 1-2 of your achievements and do not make it a lenghthy monologue. Try to restrict your answer to two minutes.
How did you prepare yourself for this interview?
Most interviewers expect that you have done some basic research on the company. The minimum they expect is that you have visited the website. Depending on the nature of the position, you should visit specific areas of the web site and talk about your impressions. For instance, it is expected that a web developer would have studied the structure of the web site, a sales person would have checked out some of the major products and services the company offers. Do not underestimate the nature of this question. Knowing what the company does, means interest in the position and enthusiasm to be part of the interviewing process.
These are the non-desirable traits candidates should not have during interviews:
- Too self-assured
- Too aggressive
- Too domineering
- Critical of previous companies and superiors
- Non-enthusiastic
- Cold
- Badly dressed
- Non-eye contact
- Too much talking
- Being unprepared
- Being late for interviews
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