35 Tricky Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Interview questions are one of the few things in life that does not require direct and corresponding answers. Unlike in mathematics where 1 + 1 is always 2, the answers required for interview questions are slightly different from the questions being asked. Consequently, it takes one with very high Intelligent Quotient (IQ) to successfully pass any job interview in the country.

It is no news that so many persons have lost several job opportunities because they failed to give the needed answers to the questions asked by their interviewers. For you not to be a victim of such negative experience, I decided to come up with this article. I am cocksure it will be of help to you in getting that job.

These questions are:

1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?

Usually, it is the first and foremost question you get from every interviewer. It might look very easy, but it is very technical. Do not be in a hurry to answer it. In answering this question, you must confine your answer to work-related stuff. Your answer should not be based only on personal details except you are asked by the interviewer.

2. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Your answer should be focused on workplace rather than the job that interests you. You can say, "My dream job is to have a workplace that is welcoming and amicable, spiced with ample growth opportunities and an appreciation of hard work." This is because it is the environment that makes a job great, not the job itself.

3. WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LAST JOB?

When answering this question, never you paint your previous place of work or boss black. Be positive and confine your words to better opportunities. You can simply say, "I am in pursuit of greener pastures."

4. WHAT IS YOUR WEAK POINT?

You are not expected to start listing out your inadequacies. Rather, you should state weaknesses that are strengths on the other way round. For example, "I take time in getting ready to the office. As a result, I set my alarm to two hours in advance." Use your head!

5. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?

It is time to sell yourself. Just list out all your strengths, and they should be of great importance to the current job.

6. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE TYPE OF WORK WE DO?

Don't go for interview in any organisation if you don't have a prior knowledge of the type of work the organisation does. It is your duty to browse every nook and cranny of the company’s websites as that is the most authentic source of information to answer questions like this. Also, source information from people working at the company.

7. WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?

This question does not need you to compare yourself with other participants. Speak in a balanced tone that shows that you need the job as much as the company needs you.

8. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF SUCCESSFUL?

Yes of course! Tell your interviewer or the panel why by discussing all your major achievements till that point in time.

9. WHY HAVE YOU BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR SUCH A LONG TIME?

Never you say you were unemployed because no company hired you. You can cover up with some productive activities you've engaged in within that period of time.

10. WHAT DO CO-WORKERS SAY ABOUT YOU?

Tell your interviewer the compliment you used to receive from your colleagues. Please, avoid exaggeration.

11. HOW LONG WOULD YOU EXPECT TO WORK FOR US IF HIRED?

Avoid stating any time frame. You can say "for as long as both parties feel satisfactory."

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE OVERQUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION?

Endeavour to assure your interviewer that you are the right person for the placement by not expressing any sort of doubt about your credentials. Be bold and confident.

13. DESCRIBE YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE

You might have headed a team; share with the interviewer the way you used to guide your team members or other subordinates.

14. ARE YOU A TEAM PLAYER?

Answer in the affirmative, and exemplify with various scenarios how you succeeded in meeting the project deadlines as a team.

15. WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY TOWARDS WORK?

In a few words, speak out the basic values you adopt at workplace and the energies you can bring into the teams. Avoid just stating your answers in only adjectives.

16. WHAT POSITION DO YOU PREFER ON A TEAM WORKING ON A PROJECT

In answering this question, you have to be imperative and create a sense of feeling that is flexible, not minding whether you have to follow or lead.

17. WHAT IRRITATES YOU ABOUT FELLOW COLLEAGUES?

Don't state what irritates you about fellow colleagues. Just tell the interviewer that you can get along with your colleagues regardless of their attitudes.

18. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD DO WELL AT THIS JOB?

State your skills and experience at your  previous workplace (if any) along with handling the crisis situation to make them feel you are the right person.

19. WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU: THE MONEY OR THE JOB?

Lol! Very tricky! Of course both are important, and do tell your interviewer same. You don't need to be too generous about this or otherwise by stating that one is more than the other.

2O. WHAT DOES YOUR PREVIOUS SUPERVISOR SAY YOUR STRONGEST POINT IS?

Specific situational things that happened at your workplace needs to be mentioned. Don’t just spew out adjectives. If you have letters of recommendation or praise, show it to the panel for their reference.

21. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE

Answer such tricky question carefully. Just explain the situations in which you thrived under pressure. Your answer should tally with the claim, "pressure within limits brings the best out of you."

22. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO YOUR BEST ON THE JOB?

Don't ever say the salary is your motivation. However, positive answers like the work environment, discipline and integrity could increase your chances of having the job.

23. WHEN WILL YOU FEEL SUCCESSFUL IN THIS JOB?

Simply say, "I will only feel successful in this job when I meet the targets and go beyond that level."

24. ARE YOU WILLING TO PUT THE INTERESTS OF THE ORGANISATION AHEAD OF YOUR OWN? 

Of course yes! This is a way of finding out how you can coorporate with the company to meet the organizational goals.

25. WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A BOSS?

Just say some good things like competence, fairness and diligence.

26. HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF FIVE YEARS FROM NOW?

Say something relevant to the objective line in the resume and speak as if you are a person with vision.

27. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM YOUR PREVIOUS MISTAKES?

Disclosing blunders at the previous workplace will be another mistake and sheer display of stupidity. Reveal some of the considerable mistakes and speak much about the lessons learnt.

28. IF YOU ARE HIRING A PERSON FOR THIS JOB, WHAT WILL YOU LOOK FOR?

Mix out the job description along with your skills, but be relevant and give out justifiable answers.

29. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THIS JOB/COMPANY?

Speak as if you are inducted into the company. Speak out that you like a bit of freedom rather than being restricted to carry out small things. Clarity in the tasks assigned may also be tagged under the expectations.

30 DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION FOR ME?

It's now your turn. Use it judiciously by asking relevant questions. Making a list of your questions should be part of your homework. As the answers come, be clear in understanding the responses, which establishes that you are very clear in your thought and action.

31. WHY DO YOU THINK YOU CAN SUCCEED IN THIS JOB?

Answer this question by stating the similarities between the job requirements and the skills you possess.

32. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LAST COMPANY YOU WORKED FOR?

Project it as a very great platform for your growth and as a reason for the present ‘you’. Avoid any sort of negative things. Never go much into the details of the work as it is confidential.

33. HOW DO YOU HANDLE CRITICISM?

Project criticism as the best way to improve while answering this question. Narrate any situations in which you rose to the next level when you were subject to criticism.

34. WHAT ARE YOUR ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Describe how you enjoy your free time, and list out your hobbies. Try to relate your hobbies to activities that help you in gaining skills.

35. HOW MUCH WOULD YOU LIKE US TO PAY YOU?

Don't make the mistake of stating any amount. Tell your interviewer you want to be paid an amount that equals your qualification.

REFERENCE: employme.ng