The Top Five Questions We Hate to Answer

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


You've spent hours proofreading your resume, agonizing over which blazer to wear to your interview and preparing yourself for any question that might be thrown at you. Things are sailing smoothly when the hiring manager throws a curve ball and asks a tough interview question that leaves you looking like a deer caught in the headlights. Learn five of the most hated interview questions, and find out how to answer them.

1. "Can You Tell Us About Yourself?"

In social situations, answering this question is easy, and your response could include many topics. In a professional environment, this is a tricky interview question that should be handled with care. Don't tell the interviewer about your significant other, children, pets, hobbies or vacation plans. Keep your answer to this question strictly professional by focusing on the work experience, educational background and job skills you possess that relate to the position. Keep your answer brief; about one minute in length is sufficient.

2. "What Is Your Biggest Weakness?"

This interview question is commonly asked, and your response to it is critical. Telling the interviewer that you don't know what your weaknesses are shows that you are not self-critical, and saying that you have none may make you seem arrogant. Interviewers want to know that you are self-aware and willing to work on your flaws. Mention a weakness that does not relate too directly to the position, and give examples of how you're working to improve it.

3. "What Do You Know About Our Company?"

Employers want to know if you made an effort to learn about their organization, so research each company before heading to an interview so you'll be prepared to answer this interview question. Interviewers may ask you what you know about the organization's background or plans for the future. According to Glassdoor, one of the 50 most common questions asks candidates to name the firm's CEO, a seemingly easy interview question that allows employers to quickly weed out applicants who can't provide basic information about the firm.

4. "Why Are You the Best Candidate for the Job?"

While this explicit interview question is seemingly straightforward, its directness requires you to know the position description well. Explain to the interviewer why he should hire you by listing each requirement on the job description and relating it to your specific job skills, work experience and education. Provide direct examples of your achievements to support your reasons.

5. "Do You Have Any Questions?"

At the end of your interview, expect the hiring manager to turn the tables. Don't say "No" when asked if you have questions. Use this opportunity to learn more about the job duties and the organization. Passing on this question makes you appear uninterested in the job and unprepared for the interview.

Hiring managers often ask difficult interview questions just to see how you react. Companies want to hire employees who are confident, able to handle themselves in stressful situations and capable of thinking quickly. Be prepared for these five questions, and learn how to answer them with ease to prove you are the best candidate for the job.


Photo courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Comment

Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.

  • Terrance  J.
    Terrance J.

    The question what are your weakness is always a tough one.

  • Rhonda V.
    Rhonda V.

    very informative

  • Jonas  B.
    Jonas B.

    very interesting answers

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Peter thanks for your comment. I would think that, if during the interview, your questions were answered, you could simply say - "No I don't think I have any questions at this time. I think that they were all answered. However, may I contact you if I find that I do have additional questions?" I know that everything you read about interviews says that you must have questions to ask in the end, but I don't believe that is always the case. I have been on many interviews where all of my questions were handled during the interview so that when we got to the close, the only question I asked was "what are the next steps?". I usually carry a notepad into an interview so that I can take notes. On that I will have my questions and will check them off as the interview progresses. This way the interviewer can see that I actually did my homework and that we are handling any questions I might have had. Hope this helps.

  • PETER BLINN
    PETER BLINN

    The worst hazard with "Do you have any questions?" is that if you're not careful most or all of the important ones you may have had, going in, end up getting answered during the conversation. You may need to steer around some of those subjects a bit, and avoid asking questions in general, until the very end.

  • katayoun rashed
    katayoun rashed

    Thanks for the informative article

  • Raymond V.
    Raymond V.

    I like this info. I just have to get an interview.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Ngoy so very true. We always stress to our job seekers that they practice, practice, practice before the interview. Grab a good friend and have him ask you questions that you might get asked in an interview. If you can, tape the session so that you can see how you looked; how your responded; your body language and so on. Best of luck to you.

  • NGOY JEAN-CLAUDE M.
    NGOY JEAN-CLAUDE M.

    yeah during my last interview I got all this questions. very important to familiarised it before you attend your interview

  • Timothy D.
    Timothy D.

    this is very informative, thanks

  • Fred N.
    Fred N.

    Be unique and show you can raise the table of atmosphere.

  • Sheila H.
    Sheila H.

    very helpful.

Jobs to Watch