During a job interview, candidates are often bombarded with standard, uncreative interview questions that should have been thrown out 50 years ago, alongside questions that are too vague, personal or irrelevant to have any real impact on the job interview. Rather than giving a worn-out response or a snarky comeback, craft a smart answer that shows the interviewer you mean business.
One stupid interview question that almost always comes up is "What's your greatest weakness?" Interviewers use negative questions like these to trap the interviewee in an unfair way. Many candidates use the trick of stating a strength disguised as a weakness, such as being too organized or too honest. However, the interviewer can see this response coming from a mile away. On the other hand, if you state an actual weakness, this makes you look like a weak candidate. Instead, say that you prefer to think about things you aren't good at as works in progress rather than weaknesses, and mention that you choose to focus on your strengths.
Another common interview question is "With all the talented candidates, why should we hire you?" When employers ask an interview question this outdated, you may be tempted to ask why they can't make their own hiring decisions. Instead, say you honestly can't confirm that you are the right pick as there may be a candidate better qualified for the job. Mention that if you are chosen, you plan to give 100 percent. Don't fall into the cliché of mentioning your experience, credentials or go-getter personality. The interviewer already knows your qualifications, and he can gauge your other traits over the course of the interview.
If the interviewer asks "If you could be any animal, what would you be," this can be a red flag. This question is more appropriate for preschool than a job interview, so unless you are absolutely certain that the company is reputable, you may want to walk away. If you decide to go with it, share your favorite animal, and ask the interviewer to do the same to break the ice.
Some interviewers may ask if you plan to have children or if you plan to get married. The first question straddles the line of federal law for discrimination, and both questions are inappropriate. These interview questions are most often asked of women. To give a smart answer, say that you are currently focused on your career and don't feel the need to share details of your personal life, which is none of the employer's business in the first place. If you are pregnant, be honest with the interviewer about it, but emphasize that you plan to take minimum time off from work.
Don't be afraid to ask a few questions of your own to show the interviewer that you're self-confident and serious about the job. If you sense a lack of respect at any point during the interview, just get up and leave. A candidate should never have to wait for hours for the interviewer to show up, cope with subtle insults from interview questions or beg for the job.
Photo courtesy of marcolm at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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