The Interview Questions That Haunt You

In honour of Halloween and all things frightful, we thought we’d delve into one of the more fear-inducing aspects of the job search: the interview. Even with careful planning, there are a few interview questions designed to make you go cold and clammy. 

To help you prepare, here are a few tips for answering some of the worst questions HR managers have to offer.

Why should we choose you?

Do:         Open with your motivation (i.e. your passion and dedication for the work), summarise your strengths (i.e. excellent communications skills) and finish with the benefits you could offer the organisation (i.e. industry contacts that will generate new business).

Don’t:     Freeze up or appear nervous—this question is psychological and the interviewer is watching for your reaction as much as they are listening for your answer.

What is your biggest weakness?

Do:         List a weakness you’ve already overcome. For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, talk about the steps you’ve taken to improve that skill, such as a night class or volunteer work. The goal is to show you’re focused on continuous self-improvement.

Don’t:     You don’t want to sound fake OR be too honest. Don’t give a strength as your weakness (“I’m a workaholic”), say something damaging (“I drink too much”) or that you don’t have any weaknesses (you’re refusing to answer the question).

Have you ever been fired?

Do:        Be brief but honest. Mention that what you learned from the experience and how you have improved.

Don’t:    Never lie. Lying in an interview or on a job application could be grounds for termination. Also, avoid criticising your former boss or company as it will only reflect negatively on you.  

Sell me this pen!
Do:         This exercise is designed to show that you can think about the bigger picture. Focus on the benefits of the pen, i.e. the professional presentation of the pen, the longevity of the pen.

Don’t:     Get stuck on the features of the pen. It doesn’t matter that the pen is plastic, unless you’re talking about the benefit of plastic pens, such as lightweight portability.

Now practice up so your answers won’t come back to haunt you. Good luck on your job search!