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The Smartest Ways You Can Answer Dumb Interview Questions - Lolly Daskal | Leadership
Answers To Common Interview Questions
- Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? Don’t tell your life story; answer clearly and concisely. Focus on professional accomplishments.
- Why should we hire you over the other applicants? Say, “I don’t know the skill of others, but I do my own,” then highlight your strengths and talents. Show them how you will bring value and contribute.
- What’s your greatest weakness? Turn it into a positive while avoiding the “perfectionist” cliché. Instead, say, “I have weaknesses, but I focus on improving in all I do. I work through my weaknesses and leverage it by concentrating on my strengths.”
- What would you like me to know about you that’s not on your resume? Say, “I have the right mix of interpersonal and work-related skills to be successful. Also, my personality and skills are a good fit for this position. I’m friendly, I enjoy collaborating and working with others.” Then, add a story of how your skills and attitude made a difference.
- How honest are you? Straightforwardly state your high ethical standards, and offer your references as backup.
- How would you describe yourself in three words? State the qualities that set you apart and give a concise explanation. Focus on unique qualifications and communication skills.
- If you could be a superhero, what super powers would you want? Give a brief answer, tied to your professional strengths.
- Why do you want to work here? Say something that aligns you with what the organization does. Keep it close to the company’s stated mission if possible.
- Why did you leave your current employer? Don’t criticize your previous employer. Say “I’ve outgrown my opportunities there and am looking for a new opportunity to be part of a great team.”
- Can you tell me about a time you’ve clashed with your last manager? Tell them that clashes are unavoidable but there is a way to work through things. If you tell a story, make it mild and with a happy ending. Stay positive and focus on communication and moving forward through conflict.
- What would your last boss say about you? Stay brief and positive: “I’d hope they would say I work hard and learn fast. I’ve learned much from their mentorship.”
- Where do you see yourself in five years? Talk about commitment to career, improving your value to the organization and your passion for excellence. Don’t talk about your goals or dreams.
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Key Ideas
The Job Interview
Hunting for a job is a tricky process and may have many pitfalls. Many of us are not accustomed to having these kinds of conversations or handling the power dynamics of a job interview. There can b...
A Long Multi-Round Process
If you feel there is fog ahead of you due to opacity in the interview process and the multiple rounds, you can simply ask the next steps of the process and the timeline for a decision.
If you think the employer has an elongated set of rounds ahead, request to consolidate them if possible.
Stumped By A Question
Instead of bluffing your way through a question that you are completely stumped with, it is better to be upfront and handle it with honesty and grace. Tell them straight away that you do not know the answer to this question and what similar things you have done which have been effective.
Your life experiences are unique and not identical to what the interviewer is trying to ‘slot’ you into.
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Key Ideas
The reason for the question
Interviewers ask questions like "tell me about yourself " to determine if you're qualified to do the work and if you will fit in with the team.
How to Answer the Question
It might be a good idea to share something about yourself that is doesn't relate directly to your career.
For example, interests like running might represent that you are healthy and energetic. Pursuits like being an avid reader might showcase your intellectual leaning. Volunteer work will demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of your community.
The “present-past-future” formula
This is a simple formula to construct your response.
- Start with a short overview of where you are now (which could include your current job along with a reference to a personal hobby or passion).
- Reference how you got to where you are (you could mention education, or an important experience, internship or volunteer experience).
- Finish by describing a probable goal for the future.
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Key Ideas
A team player
Very few employees work in a vacuum. When an interviewer asks if you are a team player, they really want to know whether you can work with others and get along with them.
Questions About Being a Team Player
First, research the role and the company to make sure you understand what teamwork looks like at this particular organization.
Then, consider how you can best contribute to a team.
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
- Stick With Recent Examples: Relaying outdated examples don't usually grab attention.
- Blow Your Own Horn: Pick an experience that shows how you contributed to a team that achieved spectacular results.
- Consider Relevance: Choose an example that's most relevant to the company you're interviewing with.
- Add Value: Select an example that demonstrates your added strengths.
- Focus Your Response: Highlight your story in bullet point form.