Handling “Difficult” Questions During the Interview
Since we are going through a serious recession now, I think it is important to help those who need to find a job to survive. Landing an interview is the first step, getting the offer is the most important step. You should have a solid answer ready for any question the interviewer will throw in your direction.
There are certain questions that almost every interviewer will ask. Some questions are designed to mask their true intentions. Here are a few examples and how to answer them:
“Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?”
This is not an invitation for you to give the interview every minor detail about your life. Most interviewers use this time to judge your personality and simply start the interview. It would be best to give the interviewer three to four well chosen highlights of your career. It may be a good idea to also ask what will be expected of the person who gets the position.
“Why are you considering leaving your current position?”
The answer to this question should be very simple. Don’t discuss politics or any negative situations you may have experienced with your past employer. Now is the time to tell the interviewer all the positive things that has attracted you to the position you are applying for. Your response to this question may help the interviewer determine if you are looking for a long term commitment or simply moving from one job to another. If your resume shows that you have been moving from job to job, you should make it clear that you are looking for a position with longevity. Here is an example: “During the past <____> years of employment I have learned how important it is to find a permanent long-term position. I enjoyed my time with , but I am interested in this position because it will allow me to make significant contributions over the long term.”
“Are you willing to travel?”
You must have an honest response to this question. If you don’t you may find yourself miserable for the next few years. Try to be flexible in your response if possible.
“Will you relocate?”
f the job requires relocation, you should know before the interview process. If you will not be able to move in the future, you need to let them know. You can answer this question like this: “Moving out of town hasn’t crossed my mind, but I would definitely consider it if the right opportunity comes along.”
“This job may require overtime, will that be a problem?”
In most cases, the interviewer is not asking you to work every day. They simply want to know if you are the type of person that drops everything you are working on when quitting time arrives. You should answer this question in the following manner: “I have always been flexible when there is a major project that needs to be completed. I do whatever it takes to finish the task at hand.”
“Why do you want to work for our company?”
This is your opportunity to tell the interviewer what you like about the company. It is also a good time to let the interviewer know that you have researched the company prior to your interview.
“Do you have any questions?”
It’s very tempting to ask a ton of questions about yourself and the position, but this is a good time to find out more about the company. “In your personal opinion, where do you see the company headed in the next 5-10 years?”
“What are you looking for in the way of salary?”
You don’t want to fall into the trap of underselling yourself. If anything, try to avoid the question until an offer is made. If the interviewer is persistent, tell them your current salary and make sure they know you would like to see an increase.
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