10 tricky interview questions that could trip you up

2012-2-28
Source From: The Globe and Mail

For the long-term unemployed or those workers looking for a change, getting an interview in todays market may feel like a win in itself. But once youre in the door, interviewers often put you through an obstacle course of deceptive questions with double meanings or hidden agendas. Do you know how to read the subtext?

On the other side of the desk, hiring managers spend countless long hours interviewing candidate after candidate, says Joyce Lain Kennedy, a nationally syndicated careers columnist and author ofJob Interviews For Dummies. A tricky question may be used as a time management tool to quickly eliminate a less qualified candidate.
Kennedy says that even if job hunters have rehearsed anticipated topics, an unexpected question may jar loose an authentic answer that exposes hidden problems. She outlines the top 10 most common questions designed to trick you.
No. 1: Why have you been out of work so long, and how many others were laid off?
This question may also be followed by the more direct, Why were you laid off? Ms. Kennedy says it is an attempt to figure out if theres something wrong with you that your former company or that other potential employers have already discovered. The interviewer may be trying to determine if themes of recession and budget cuts were used to dump second-string employees, including you. Rather than answering the question directly and chancing an emotional response or misinterpretation, Ms. Kennedy advises punting. Respond: I dont know the reason. I was an excellent employee who gave more than a days work for a days pay.
No. 2: If employed, how do you manage time for interviews?
The real question is whether you are lying to and short-changing your current employer while looking for other work, Ms. Kennedy says. The interviewer may wonder: If youre cheating on your current boss, why wouldnt you later cheat on me? She suggests placing the emphasis on why youre interested in this position by saying youre taking personal time and that you only interview for positions that are a terrific match. If further interviews are suggested, Ms. Kennedy advises mentioning that the search is confidential and asking to schedule follow-ups outside of normal working hours.
No. 3: How did you prepare for this interview?
The intention of this question is to decipher how much you really care about the job or if youre simply going through the motions or winging it. Ms. Kennedy says the best way to answer is by saying, I very much want this job, and of course researched it starting with the company website. Beyond explaining how youve done your homework, show it. Reveal your knowledge of the industry, company or department by asking informed questions and commenting on recent developments.
No. 4: Do you know anyone who works for us?
This one really is a tricky question, says Ms. Kennedy, because most interviewees expect that knowing someone on the inside is always a good thing. Nothing beats having a friend deliver your reacutesumeacute to a hiring manager, but that transaction presumes the friend is well thought of in the company, she says. Because the interviewer will likely associate the friends characteristics and reputation with your merits, she recommends only mentioning someone by name if youre certain of their positive standing in the organization.
No. 5: Where would you really like to work?
The real agenda for this question is assurance that you arent applying to every job opening in sight, Ms. Kennedy says. She advises never mentioning another company by name or another job title because you want to highlight all the reasons youre perfect for this job and that youll give it all of your attention if achieved. A good response would be: This is where I want to work, and this job is what I want to do.
No. 6: What bugs you about co-workers or bosses?
Dont fall into this trap. Ms. Kennedy says you always want to present yourself as optimistic and action-oriented, and hiring managers may use this question to tease out whether youll have trouble working with others or could drag down workplace morale and productivity. Develop a poor memory for past irritations, she advises. Reflect for a few seconds, and then say you cant recall anything in particular. Go on to compliment former bosses for being knowledge and fair and commend past co-workers for their ability and attitude. It will reveal your positive outlook and self-control and how youll handle the social dynamics in this position.
No. 7: Can you describe how you solved a work or school problem?
Ms. Kennedy says that, really, no one should be too taken aback by this, as its one of the most basic interview questions and should always be anticipated. However, all too often interviewees either cant come up with something on the spot or miss the opportunity to highlight their best skills and attributes. Ms. Kennedy says what the interviewer really wants is insight into how your mind works. Have an answer ready, like how you solved time management issues in order to take on a special assignment or complicated project, that showcases an achievement.
No. 8: Can you describe a work or school instance in which you messed up?
This one is a minefield. One question within the question is whether you learn from your mistakes or keep repeating the same errors, Ms. Kennedy says. Similarly, the interviewer may be trying to glean whether youre too self-important or not self-aware enough to take responsibility for your failings. Perhaps even more problematic, if you answer this question by providing a list of all your negative traits or major misdeeds, then youre practically spelling out your insecurities and guaranteeing you wont get the job. So you dont want to skirt the question or make yourself look bad. Briefly mention a single small, well-intentioned goof and follow up with an important lesson learned from the experience, she advises.
No. 9: How does this position compare with others youre applying for?
The intent is to gather intel on the competitive job market or get a handle on what it will take to bring you on board, Ms. Kennedy says. There are two directions to take: Coy or calculated. You can choose a generic strategy and say you dont interview and tell, and respect the privacy of any organization where you interview, she notes. Or you could try to make yourself appear in demand by confirming youve received another competitive offer, which may up the bidding for your services. Always bring the focus back to this position, by asking: Have I found my destination here?
No. 10: If you won the lottery, would you still work?
Admittedly, this ones a little silly. Even so, its another opportunity to underscore your motivation and work ethic. Ms. Kennedy advises acknowledging that youd be thrilled to win the lottery but would still look for meaningful work because meeting challenges and achieving make you happy. And say it with a straight face.
If at any point in an interview youre uncertain or caught off guard, dont panic, Ms. Kennedy warns. Deflect a question by saying youd like to mull it over and come back to it, or by being honest that you dont know the answer and, as a careful worker, would prefer not to guess. If youve otherwise done a good job of answering questions and confidently explained why youre a great match for the position, she says, the interviewer probably wont consider your lack of specifics on a single topic to be a deal breaker.

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