Going for a job interview is a grilling process. An inventory on how qualified you may be for a particular job that you’re applying for. Even if you’re the most qualified for the job, failing the job interview process can deny you of getting hired. So the key becomes to ready yourself for the most difficult dreaded questions.
What the majority fear are the “trick” questions which has nothing to do with the job itself, such as “Why do you think manhole covers are round?” What throws most off are these unexpected easy questions, and will get flustered. Questions completely unrelated and out of the blue, that they’re not expecting.
So a survey based on job seekers who’s been on countless interviews, were asked what the most difficult interview question were to answer.
What the majority of respondents claimed was, “What’s your greatest weakness?” to be the most difficult. This even when they were expecting it, and thought they were prepared for.
The Most Difficult Interview Questions
• What’s your greatest weakness? – 41%
• How much salary are you expecting? – 18%
• Where do you see yourself in say… five years? – 15%
• Why did you leave your last job? – 11%
Some open ended questions such as, “Why should I hire you?” or “Why do you want this job?” were also on the list, but received far fewer votes as being feared.
What’s known is that these are also the most common questions that are constantly asked during any job interview, yet most of the candidates will continue to stumble over them, even when they’re ready.
Common Job Interview Questions Most Answer Wrong
So Tell Me About Yourself?
The wording may differ slightly, but this is asked as an icebreaker at the beginning of almost every job interview, after the pleasantries and the cold sweaty handshake. “Tell me a little about yourself.”
What the majority will do is blow this opportunity by talking about where they grew up, their first kiss, their family, their pets. This conversational friendly open ended question is your opportunity to prove that you’re the ideal person for the position, showing the right aptitude.
So use your best possible elevator pitch. Begin by explaining how your professional development has led you to this job, and why you’re so excited that you’ve arrived.
Why Do You Want This Job?
It’s tempting to answer this by giving the tradition “canned” response, such as how you’re wanting to grow your career aspirations, and this job opportunity would be an excellent chance to get your foot in the door, for such a great organization or industry.
What employers like are candidates who has ambition and a career plan. Realize that the wedging your foot in the door angle might be the wrong response.
Keep in mind that the employer is spending valuable time along with money to fill a specific role that they need to fill, right now. So what you don’t want is to give the impression that what you’re just looking for a stepping stone job.
That you’re looking to make a quick job hop, and then leave them back where they started in a few months. So instead, talk about how the job you’re interviewing for is a good fit, and how you would excel at it.
Tell Me Why Should I Hire You?
This is an open ended invitation for you the candidate to explain what your key qualifications are. To demonstrate how passionate you are about the job, while showcasing yourself away from the other job seekers. What most won’t do is capitalize on this opportunity.
What they’ll do instead, this especially for entry-level positions, is answer with variations of, “because I need the money (or job).” The usual response being what the candidate “wants” or “needs,” rather than what they can do for the employer.
Realize that I “need” or “want” isn’t a qualification. If you’ve applied for the job, made it to the interview on time, the employer already knows that you want the job. What the interviewer wants to determine by asking this question, is if you’re the right person for it.
“Explain to me what you’re bringing to the job position that others might not?” “What is it that makes you stand out?” Answer enthusiastically while not appearing needy.
Are There Any Questions You Have For Me
Almost every job interview is guaranteed to end with the employer asking if you have any questions. Never say, “no.” What you can do is show your confidence and competence, prove your job readiness by the questions that you ask, this rather than the one’s you answer.
What asking pointed questions demonstrates is that you have knowledge of the industry or company, and that you’re thinking about how you can contribute to it.
What well focused questions can lead to are conversations which takes the interview to the next level, this in the employer’s mind, which then makes you more memorable than the other candidates.
Ask what the challenges of the role are, what’s trending in the industry, questions about the company, all which shows that you’ve done your research. Also ask what the next steps in the hiring process are.
Don’t ask about how much vacation time there is, or what the benefits are. These are important, but usually discussed once you get a job offer. The preliminary interview is all about you and the job itself, and how you can be an asset.
Stay Strict On The Interview
There shouldn’t be idle or small talk during the interview, and should be kept professional. The focus is usually placed on questions regarding salary history, personal weaknesses, and five year plans. Keep reminding yourself that it’s initially more of a discovery process.