10 Tricky Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

01. Are You the Type Who Checks Email During Your   Vacation?

How to Answer: Confirm your dedication to getting your job done, but also convey your understanding that personal well-being is key to professional success.

Sample Answer: “I’m 100% dedicated to going above and beyond when it comes to fulfilling my responsibilities. That being said, I also know that it’s important to take care of myself to ensure my long-term success. I try not to work when I’m on official vacation. But, before I leave for a vacation, I always make sure all my duties are covered before signing off, and I do make sure my supervisor has my personal cell phone number should an emergency arise.”

02. Is This Position a Similar Role to Any Other Jobs You Are Considering?

How to Answer: If you’re applying for a variety of different positions, certainly don’t name them all – and don’t name-drop different companies. For one, you don’t want your employer to think that your skills and interests are totally all over the place. Of course, it’s good to have a wide range of different abilities, but it’s most important to present yourself asFor example, if you’re a writer who is also a project manager and you’re interv ““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““+iewing for project management jobs, you wouldn’t want to mention that you’re also applying to writing jobs. Fortunately, this is the type of question where it’s acceptable to give a general answer

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Sample Answer: “Yes, I am looking for jobs that fit this description. This is my preferred field, which I’m personally and professionally passionate about. Fortunately, the job description, requirement, and responsibilities of this specific position seem best aligned with my experience and interests.”

03.What’s Your Biggest Weakness?

How to Answer: Be modest and it’s okay to mention some parts of your skill set that need work. But, give your weakness a silver lining, and use your answer as an opportunity to highlight other strengths and underscore your determination to keep getting better.

Sample Answer:  sometimes to a fault. While this means my work is always high-quality, I’ve realized that sometimes I spend more time obsessing over little details that don’t matter in the long-run, rather than moving on to my next task. I’m learning to work on prioritizing between perfectionism and efficiency, and learning about time management and productivity strategies.”

04. If You Could Work for Any Company, Where Would You Work?

The Best Way to Answer: Don’t mention any specific companies. Think about if you were on a date, and your date asks, “If you could date anyone else in this restaurant, who would it be?” If you asked your date that question, what would you want to hear? Emphasize how the company you’re interviewing with is your top priority.

Sample Answer: “Actually, I’ve spent a lot of time during my job search researching different companies I might want to work at, and this company stood out the most. I share your mission, values, and objectives and feel that I would really thrive in this type of work environment.”

05. Why Do You Want to Work Here?

The Best Way to Answer: Don’t just say that you want to work there because there’s free gym access, complimentary coffee, and a casual dress code. Make sure your answer has real meaning. Be enthusiastic in your answer and talk about how you connect with the company’s core values, their mission, and the work they do. Then, you can go into a little more detail about the specific position for which you’re applying.

Sample Answer: “I truly feel aligned with the company’s values, mission, and goals. I connect with your belief in integrity in your work, in fostering an open, honest and supportive workplace, and your desire to better the lives of both your employees and your customers. I believe that this position, specifically, will provide a huge — and enjoyable — opportunity for me to contribute to your objectives

06.Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

The Best Way to Answer: You don’t have to profess that you absolutely see yourself with the same company. Instead, answer in a way that demonstrates your commitment to grow within your field. 

Sample Answer: “I see myself working within this field, but I hope to have progressed to a higher level of responsibility, possess a greater degree of knowledge and advance and expand my skill set. I always want to keep learning, keep getting better, and I hope after five years my efforts will carry me closer and closer to becoming an expert at what I do.

07. What Do You Think Your References Will Say About You?

The Best Way to Answer: Simply put, don’t fall for the trap, but do be modest. Under no circumstances should you offer up any negative information. Your references wouldn’t have agreed to serve as references if they weren’t willing to speak positively about you.

Sample Answer: “I’ve had a wonderful experience working with all of my references, so I do expect their testimonials to reflect all that we’ve accomplished together at work, along with positive rapport we share personally.”

08. Which Part of the Job Description Sounds Most Challenging, and Why?

The Best Way to Answer: A lie about your skills will come to haunt you later, so be honest. At the same time, use the answer as an opportunity to present yourself as a candidate who is always up for a challenge, and who is sharpening your skills to keep up with that challenge.

Sample Answer: “As a visual designer, the bulk of my experience has been in graphic design, specifically logos, posters, and advertisement. I find dynamic web design more challenging, but challenges like that I live for. I just completed an online course on designing for mobile apps, and I’m currently taking another one in user experience design to ensure my abilities keep up with the latest trends.”

09. Tell Me About Your Dream Job.

How to Answer:  If your dream job is far-flung or far-fetched, it’s probably best not to mention it. You want the employer to understand that you’ll be fully invested in the position and not day-dreaming about some other position while you’re at your desk. If the job you’re applying for is somewhere in between, you can tactfully frame your answer to convey that.

Sample Answer: “Advertising is my dream field and the junior copywriting position is an ideal placement for me right now. Of course, I know I have lots of learning to do before I can achieve my dream job — a creative director — and I believe this job will put me on that path.”

10 Everyone Has One Exaggeration on Their Job Application. What’s Yours?

How to Answer: Keep your cover letter and resume honest so you can be honest when you answer. 

Sample Answer: “I’m confident that my cover letter, resume, and portfolio accurately represent my experience and my work. You are welcome to reach out to the references I provided if you’d like them to vouch for my attributes.”