17 interview questions, designed to confuse you

Clever recruiters can get you a lot of information by asking the right questions.

These questions seem very simple, but they help to reveal information that the candidate is trying to hide. In other words, they are designed to deceive you.

Lynn Taylor, a national expert on labor issues and author of "Tame your office tyrant: How to deal with infantile boss to succeed at work" (Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job), says such questions are asked not only to identify deficiencies. "Such questions help to weed out unnecessary information and to find out what the candidate really is," reports Taylor.





We present to your attention 17 tricky questions and tips that will help to formulate the correct answers.

Describe yourself in one word

Why do you ask? "Most likely, the interlocutor tries to determine type of your personality and degree of self-confidence, and learn whether the style of your work style adopted in the company," explains Taylor.

What's the catch? This issue poses a risk in the early stages of the interview when you have no idea who is looking for a potential employer. "There is a fine line between confidence and complacency, shyness and modesty," says Taylor. — "People are multifaceted, so it is hard to describe yourself in a few words."

What answer are you waiting for? "First of all, be careful," advises Taylor. "If you consider yourself a reliable and dedicated person, who is also not averse to a joke, say a conservative variant". If you are applying for the position of accountant, you should not mention that you prefer a creative approach to business.

This characteristic is more suitable artist or decorator. The accountant must be punctual and neat. "Most employers are looking for honest, reliable and self-motivated people who know how to work in a team and not succumb to pressure. However, if you just fire hard prepared words, you will make a far better impression. This question gives you the opportunity to demonstrate their best qualities and appropriateness for the position for which you are applying".

 

Whether you are applying for other jobs? How do they relate to our job?

Why do you ask? "In fact, the interviewer wants to know how active you are in your search," says Nicolai. — "Based on the response, he will be able to evaluate how you speak about other employers and how much do you honest."

What's the catch? If you say you are not applying for other jobs, it puts you in the best light. Few applicants need to submit CV only in one place, that's why the employer may think that you're lying. If you honestly tell others and speak positively about them, the recruiter may worry that you are going to make a choice in favor of another employer, and does not want to waste your time. "To speak about other employers negative is not a solution" — said Nicolai.

What answer are you waiting for? You can say: "I pass the interview in several organizations, but I still can't decide which step will be for me the best". "This response sounds worthy," says Nicolai. — "We should not praise or criticize the competitors a potential employer".

 

Tell about your advantages and disadvantages

Why do you ask? The interviewee is trying to identify potential problems — for example, failure to work in a team or lack of punctuality. "Each vacancy is unique, so to give a definite answer to this question is impossible. You referred must meet the requirements of the jobs requirements, and weaknesses — to reflect something positive," says Taylor. — "In the end, the interlocutor must understand that the pros outweigh the cons".

What's the catch? The answer to this question can completely spoil the impression. If you honestly tell you about their shortcomings, not stressing strengths. "In addition, the mentioned advantages may not be tailored or style of work," says Taylor. — "It would be better to prepare answer to this question in advance so as not to walk through a minefield".

What answer are you waiting for? HR specialists want to know what your strengths are fully consistent with the position for which you are applying, and weakness will not prevent you to successfully cope with their responsibilities. "In addition, they appreciate your honesty and confidence in themselves," says Taylor.

 

Why do you want to work here?

Why do you ask? This question is asked in order to determine the motives of a potential employee, the degree of awareness of the company and the desire to get the job done.

What's the catch? "Of course, there are several reasons why you want to work in this company," reports Taylor. — "What matters is how you prioritize". You may be thinking to yourself: "I Hope my work will be paid according to merit" or "at Least then I will have a normal head" or "I live a fifteen minute walk from the office," but all these arguments do not matter for the representative of the personnel Department. "In addition, a potential employer wants to know if you are interested in working," adds Taylor.

What answer are you waiting for? Representatives of the division of personnel wish to see that the candidate made preparations, studied the specifics of the company and the industry in General.

In addition, they want to make sure that you need this one (not any) work that you energetic and positive that you realize your goals and are ready to contribute to the cause.

 

Why do you want to leave current place of work?

Why do you ask? "A potential employer tries to find out in advance about possible problems, especially if you have frequently changed jobs," explains Taylor. He wants to see all the pitfalls and objectively evaluate a candidate.

What's the catch? Hardly anyone likes to talk about the unloved work. If you do not show diplomacy and tact, a representative of the HR Department may have additional questions and doubts.

What answer are you waiting for? The employer trusts what you are looking for new opportunities to show their talents and abilities. "Remember that recruiters do not mind to hear that you are interested in professional growth in their companies".

 

What are you most proud from a professional point of view?

Why do you ask? The interviewer wants to understand your true passion and aspirations. "It's not just something you had to work, but also related to this work," Taylor says. — "It is assumed that people who with pride and eagerness to tell about the previous matter, will likewise be treated to the new".

What's the catch? Managers can assume that you like to do, what you're talking about and you don't mind to continue such activities. If you describe the situation from different perspectives, you may find it limited.

What answer are you waiting for? Those responsible for staff recruitment, want to see in candidates the ability to articulate your ideas, to infect others with their enthusiasm and positive energy. "Remember one thing: the desire to talk about their successes should not be exaggerated and shown off," advises Taylor. "If you manage to get this to work, you will have to justify your words."

 

What qualities possessed by the leaders and colleagues with whom you like to work more/less?

Why do you ask? Personnel specialist tries to determine the level of your conflict with people belonging to certain personality types. "Besides, he needs to know what conditions you need to be productive," says Taylor.

What's the catch? If you are unable to ignore the situation, the risk to admit that are experiencing difficulties in interpersonal interaction. In addition, your potential supervisor may have certain enumerated qualities. If you said that the previous chief was too many meetings and don't have time to work, and your companion abruptly blushed — perhaps you hit him alive.

What answer are you waiting for? "Surely you want to hear positive, not negative reviews," explains Taylor. — "Start your story with good and bad mention only in passing". Not to equivocate on the answer and not to emphasize his personal shortcomings.

Tell us about the qualities that you appreciate in other people. Emphasize that may work in people who belong to different psychological types. For example: "I think I can find common language with different people. I like to work and communicate with people who know exactly what they want, and strive in advance to define their expectations."

 

Would you like to open your own business?

Why do you ask? Taylor argues that because the employer is trying to determine the probability that one day you'd decide to swim. "Managers want to know that the money and time that they have spent will pay off," she adds.

What's the catch? Each of us must have thought about how to start your own business. This question is dangerous because you can to show excessive enthusiasm, talking about the prospect of being your own boss. The employer may fear that this idea you are too close.

What answer are you waiting for? Of course, there's nothing wrong with recognizing the attractiveness of the prospects for independent work. You can expand the conversation in another direction, saying that you have tried to start their own business or have thought about it and found that this option does not suit you. It will sound more truthful than "No, I never really thought about it".

This question is your chance to talk about teamwork and the search of his place in the team. In addition, you can say that you like the work of a specialist and you don't want to organize the work of other employees, or to do accounting. To dispel all fears of a potential employer, tell him about what he attracts you.

 

If you could choose any company, where would you like to work?

Why do you ask? The representative of the HR Department wants to make sure you are serious and are not willing to take any offer you received. "Besides, it weeds out the candidates who frequently change their point of view. You've probably heard about how great it is to work for Google, but if you say it, it will appear before the employer in a bad light. Remember that an interview is not a social conversation, and outcome of the available opportunities," advises Taylor.

What's the catch? A casual mention of major competitors may cast doubt on your intentions.

What answer are they looking for? "The interviewer wants to know that his company is the first in your list of priorities." You can answer: "I collected information on the organizations that operate in our industry, and your company seems the perfect place to work. I like what you are doing and I would like to contribute".

 

If you won 5 million dollars, how would you spend it?

Why do you ask? The employer wants to know will you remain in your seat unless you experience a need for money. The answer to this question gives an idea about your motivation and work ethic. A story about the desire to spend or invest speaks to the maturity of the potential employee and its ability to bear the responsibility.

What's the catch? Such questions are usually sudden and highly confusing. "They in no way relate to work and their purpose at first glance it is not clear," says Taylor. "If you do not consider your response, you will quickly lose control of the situation".

What answer are you waiting for? The employer wants to know that you will continue because you like it. In addition, he wants to make sure that you can make smart financial decisions. If you are irresponsible about your money, you probably won't appreciate the money their employer.

 

Any colleagues or bosses ever asked you to compromise your principles? Tell me about it.

Why do you ask? The potential employer is trying to assess your morality. "He wants to hear the story of the delicate situation, which you managed to come out with flying colours," explains Taylor. — "Perhaps in this way it checks how far you are able to go." Actually, the question is: do You know how to use diplomacy? Can you arrange a public scandal? Can you answer blow for blow? How you think in such situations?

What's the catch? The interviewer wants to know how you delicate. In addition, they do not want to hire those who curse about previous employers, regardless of the severity of their misconduct. "If you share unnecessary information, it is unlikely to receive a job offer," says Taylor. — "This is a very tricky question. Carefully choose the words and try to show a maximum of tact".

What answer are you waiting for? Try to give a clear and professional answer without revealing confidential details. Too the honest answer will not give you any advantages.

You can say something like: "One day a colleague invited me to participate in a project that seemed unethical, but the problem has resolved itself. If the project casts doubt on the reputation of my employer, I try to inform as early as possible, because the overall success is very important to me".

 

Are there any reasons why someone might not like to work with you?

Why do you ask? A potential employer wants to know in advance about possible problems in communication and asks about it directly. "The worst that can happen is that you lie and your deception will be revealed," explains Taylor. — "The negative tone of the question can confuse even the most experienced of professionals."

What's the catch? This question may render you bad service. If you choose the easy route and say that working with you is a pleasure, then just insult the person and devalue his question. So you have to formulate a response to tell the truth and not to look pathetic. "Recruiters do not like candidates who feel sorry for yourself," says Taylor.

What answer are you waiting for? You can say, "I'm not easy to live with, especially if time is running out. I often lose patience and a short fuse". You will not look their best. Taylor offers little to change this answer: "I Usually get along well with colleagues. My previous experience proves it. However, some colleagues felt to me a temporary hostility when I tried to make them work better. Sometimes we have to take uncomfortable decisions for the good of the whole company."





What took you so long looking for a job?

Why do you ask? "Recruiters are inclined to skepticism," says Taylor. "Sometimes they see guilt where there is none, until, until you are sure otherwise." This is an unpleasant question that might sound offensive. You might think that the other person suspects that you lack motivation, knowledge or experience, problems with employers and other sins.

What's the catch? The very wording of the question is meant to test you for durability. Ignore the bait and let a calm, detailed answer.

What answer are you waiting for? The representative of the HR Department wants to make sure that you take the initiative even when unemployed, because your persistence and perseverance will be useful to the company. Sample answers: "I go to the interview, but before you accept the offer, I need to make sure that the work suits me 100%," "I am actively looking for work and trying to improve their skills (through volunteering, training courses, etc.)". "If you manage to cope with them, you will be able to give a clear answer, without going into detail," says Taylor.

You should exercise caution. Not worth complaining about high unemployment, the specifics of the labour market and industry, etc. the Employer wants to assess your desire to contribute to the common cause and know how active you are.

 

How did you manage to find the time to do this interview? What did you say to your supervisor?

Why do you ask? The recruiters want to know about your priorities. What is more important — current job or job interview? "Employers know that habits can judge the integrity of a potential employee. If he neglects his work for ghostly opportunity, the more likely he will repeat this trick, when you will look for the next job," Taylor says. — "In addition, they want to see how you handle awkward situations (for example when you need to lie to his boss)". Ideally, the interview should come at lunchtime, which is considered personal time.

What's the catch? In fact, the question is: "What's it like to look for a new job behind their bosses' backs?" The majority of applicants feel awkward from the fact that it furnished that way, so they try to give a lengthy response.

What answer are you waiting for? Explain that the work has for you is of paramount importance. Schedule interviews before or after work, during a lunch break or day off. If you are asked to voice the excuse you gave your boss not to go into details. Don't say "I took the day off". Taylor recommends that you say: "My supervisor understands that I have personal time, and asks what I'm doing. He is more interested in the results of my work."

 

Tell us about the most difficult situation you had to face

Why do you ask? With this matter, a representative of the HR Department gets a huge portion of information. He not only learns how you cope with stressful situations, but understand how you think and determine the degree of complexity of the situation, what actions are taken to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

What's the catch? As a rule, this question is perceived as an invitation to boast of its success. Do not fall for the bait. "Focus on your ability to solve problems under pressure," advises Taylor. — "Do not tell about their feelings and experiences. Tell us about the steps you have taken to cope with the difficulties. Were you able to act logically and consistently?" Carefully choose examples because they give a potential employer an idea of what you consider complicated.

What answer are you waiting for? Taylor argues that employers want to see applicants ability to solve problems. "They give preference to those who think sensibly and professionally, and also those who are able to quickly recover from setbacks," she adds. In order to formulate a decent answer in advance, prepare a story about how you successfully overcame major professional difficulties.

 

You spent several years in private business. How do you plan to adapt to our culture?

Why do you ask? If you run a business, surely you have qualities that will be useful to any company. But Nicolai says that this experience might confuse some specialists who work with staff and to generate such questions. According to Nicolai, "many employees who never had to show independence, are afraid of former employers".

What's the catch? Many people hide personal achievements to prove that they do not pose a threat to the company. Such an approach does not demonstrate its willingness and ability to work.

What answer are you waiting for? "The employer wants to see in the candidate commitment to the company, the desire to be part of a team and to contribute to the common cause" — said Nicolai. Even if you are not happy with this idea, stress how important a job for you. "The employer wants to know that he needed the applicant," she says.

 

How do you define success?

Why do you ask? "The interviewer is not only trying to determine the level of your motivation, but also to some extent of experiencing your nature," Taylor says. The answer provides insight into the priorities of the applicant. You like to cope with difficulties? To learn something new? Or you use a more personal approach?

What's the catch? This question can be a minefield, because the concept of success is very subjective. Even the most reasonable answer may be misinterpreted. "There is a fine line between ambition and initiative, although in any case you will bring the organization a significant benefit," Taylor says.

What answer are you waiting for? Answering General and vague questions that imply the subsequent discussion, try to construct sentences so that they do not cause any objections. "Define success so that your words directly affect the interests of the potential employer, based on what you read in the job description and learned during the interview," advises Taylor. For example: "My success lies in the application of acquired knowledge and experience to achieve the goals of the company."

 



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Taylor argues that such a response is fundamentally different from other wording, which betrays poorly veiled "effort to get a good position to gain access to more important things." Use specific statements that are directly related to professional activities. published

 

Translation: Olga Airapetov

 



Source: www.hr-portal.ru/blog/17-voprosov-dlya-sobesedovaniya-sozdannyh-dlya-togo-chtoby-vas-obmanut?utm_source=relap&utm_medium=block&utm_campaign=relap2