Knowing How to Anticipate Trick Questions
20 September 2012
Read by 1918 persons
If the interview is used to verify that your profile matches the job offered through a question-and-answer game, the recruiter sometimes goes off the beaten track. Practice answering "trick" questions.
After the usual questions about your education, your strengths and weaknesses, your background and your expectations for the position, a question may arise that leaves you speechless, completely destabilized. And that's precisely the goal. To evaluate your reactivity in the face of an unforeseen situation.
About the “Tell me about yourself?”
This question serves as an introduction. Be careful how you answer it! The first few seconds are often crucial in forming an opinion about the candidate's real motivation. Be persuasive and concise—a long speech risks boring your interlocutor—and demonstrate that you are the person who best meets the employer's expectations through your values, experience, motivation, organizational and adaptation skills.
Show your best self
Work on the “weak” points of your CV: long period in the same position, lack of promotion, dismissal, regular job changes, etc.
Answering questions on this subject will provide proof of your mastery: you don't let yourself be discouraged. Develop an answer that presents the positive side of things by highlighting your experiences, such as: “I did stay 5 years in this position, but by constantly expanding the scope of my responsibilities.” Avoid denigrating anyone, lying, blaming others for your setbacks, or complaining.
Typical “trick” questions
Practice answering this list of “trick” questions so you don't stay silent when the time comes. Develop your opening statements to be prepared for all eventualities.
- How do you work under pressure?
Be pro: explain that stress is not a problem but part of the job, illustrating your points with real-life situations. Explain how you go about decompressing, relaxing, and recharging. Suggest that pressure is also a powerful way to act more efficiently…
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Demonstrate that you have a real professional project, that you want to progress, and that you can project yourself into the medium-term future. Ambition, if it remains reasonable, is always appreciated. Also show that you know the realities of professional life (long-term training) and that you have the ability to adapt to a changing environment.
- Do you prefer to work alone or in a team?
It all depends on the position offered, of course, but generally, solitude is not well-regarded: collaborative work is now the norm. The recruiter wants to know your adaptability as a leader or member of a team. Share your successful experiences in this area, even outside of professional life (sports, cultural, community life, etc.).
- How do you organize your time?
Give concrete examples, show that you are organized, that you don't let yourself get overwhelmed, and how you manage to complete all the tasks to be carried out simultaneously on time. Don't hesitate to describe a typical day…
- What do you think of our interview?
No overly positive comments… Keep your vocabulary moderate. Simply answer that it was interesting. And say why! Emphasize the professionalism and quality of the exchanges, and conclude by stating that this interview motivates you even more in your desire to join this company.
Special “women”
The question of a future baby is often asked of young women, in a more or less subtle or veiled way. Explain that it's not part of your short-term plans: that's what the recruiter wants to hear. Once in the position, things can evolve because you will have demonstrated your ability to organize yourself. If you already have children and if you are told that the desired position requires great availability, answer that you are well organized and that you have always successfully managed to reconcile professional and family life.
Monster.ch
Posted on September 20, 2012.
After the usual questions about your education, your strengths and weaknesses, your background and your expectations for the position, a question may arise that leaves you speechless, completely destabilized. And that's precisely the goal. To evaluate your reactivity in the face of an unforeseen situation.
About the “Tell me about yourself?”
This question serves as an introduction. Be careful how you answer it! The first few seconds are often crucial in forming an opinion about the candidate's real motivation. Be persuasive and concise—a long speech risks boring your interlocutor—and demonstrate that you are the person who best meets the employer's expectations through your values, experience, motivation, organizational and adaptation skills.
Show your best self
Work on the “weak” points of your CV: long period in the same position, lack of promotion, dismissal, regular job changes, etc.
Answering questions on this subject will provide proof of your mastery: you don't let yourself be discouraged. Develop an answer that presents the positive side of things by highlighting your experiences, such as: “I did stay 5 years in this position, but by constantly expanding the scope of my responsibilities.” Avoid denigrating anyone, lying, blaming others for your setbacks, or complaining.
Typical “trick” questions
Practice answering this list of “trick” questions so you don't stay silent when the time comes. Develop your opening statements to be prepared for all eventualities.
- How do you work under pressure?
Be pro: explain that stress is not a problem but part of the job, illustrating your points with real-life situations. Explain how you go about decompressing, relaxing, and recharging. Suggest that pressure is also a powerful way to act more efficiently…
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Demonstrate that you have a real professional project, that you want to progress, and that you can project yourself into the medium-term future. Ambition, if it remains reasonable, is always appreciated. Also show that you know the realities of professional life (long-term training) and that you have the ability to adapt to a changing environment.
- Do you prefer to work alone or in a team?
It all depends on the position offered, of course, but generally, solitude is not well-regarded: collaborative work is now the norm. The recruiter wants to know your adaptability as a leader or member of a team. Share your successful experiences in this area, even outside of professional life (sports, cultural, community life, etc.).
- How do you organize your time?
Give concrete examples, show that you are organized, that you don't let yourself get overwhelmed, and how you manage to complete all the tasks to be carried out simultaneously on time. Don't hesitate to describe a typical day…
- What do you think of our interview?
No overly positive comments… Keep your vocabulary moderate. Simply answer that it was interesting. And say why! Emphasize the professionalism and quality of the exchanges, and conclude by stating that this interview motivates you even more in your desire to join this company.
Special “women”
The question of a future baby is often asked of young women, in a more or less subtle or veiled way. Explain that it's not part of your short-term plans: that's what the recruiter wants to hear. Once in the position, things can evolve because you will have demonstrated your ability to organize yourself. If you already have children and if you are told that the desired position requires great availability, answer that you are well organized and that you have always successfully managed to reconcile professional and family life.
Monster.ch
Posted on September 20, 2012.
