The Most Tricky Job Interview Questions and the Best Answers

When it comes to job interviews preparation is the key. One of the most important things to prepare for is tough job interview questions and the potential answers you might give.

Use these examples of tricky job interview questions to prepare for your next job interview. Above all, make sure that you don’t over-prepare and end up sounding like a scripted robot. The key is to get the answers prepared mentally in a brief outline.

“What kind of salary are you looking for?”

Although this is often one of the last questions you might be asked, you need to treat this one with utmost care. If you don’t know what sort of salary is reasonable for the position, then you will have to ask the employer what their range is and then simply work from there. Do not start negotiating off the back of this question…wait until you are actually offered the position first, before you make any salary negotiations!

Remember, the salary you can command is directly related to your suitability and skills for the job.

“Are you a team player?”

If you’ve worked with colleagues in the past, then you are indeed a team player. The employer will gladly (and often expect) some real life examples. Use your job interview preparation to think of a few.

However, do not rule out the possibility of working alone. The idea is to come across as flexible and adaptive as possible. In other words, do not say that you only work well in a team, as this might hinder your chances if the job also requires solitary work.

“What is your greatest strength?”

This is your chance to shine, your greatest window to impress the employer above all else. However, don’t get carried away and go overboard here, as you might come off as a little phoney.

Try to be concise and list a handful of your strengths such as:

– Ability to work well under pressure
– Ability to train other people
– Problem solving skills
– Positive attitude
– Organizational skills
– Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers

The way to make this answer really pack a punch is to provide examples. Remember not to ramble on too much, but simply give a brief example for each strength.

Of course, the more you are able to align and tie in your strengths with that particular job position the better, which is explained in much more detail in in this guide.

Did you know that the number of unemployed job seekers in the UK is rising, and in the US the unemployment rate has recently risen to over 5%?

This means that you now face even tougher competition for your dream job and more brutal hiring managers who cannot afford to hire anyone less than a perfect match for the job.

Job Interview Tips – 5 Essentials to Do the Day Before the Interview

Job interviews can make you anxious! Following these 5 essential job interview tips the day before the interview will increase both your confidence and your chances of success.

Directions, Map, Contacts

Prepare the day before to make sure you get to your interview on time. Find out exactly where you have to go and who you must ask for once you are there. Get good directions, look on the map and make sure you know the best route. Work out how long it will take you, allow for traffic and parking time. Have the full name and position of the person you will be seeing and a contact number in case you need to call. Put all this information into an interview folder to take with you.

Prepare your Portfolio

Another job interview tip is to get all your documentation together the day before. Make a couple of copies of your resume and a list of your references including name, position and contact numbers. Include copies of any written references you want to give the interviewer. You may want to include work samples that are relevant to the position. Put all these into a neat, simple portfolio to give to the interviewer. Have a notebook and pen ready to jot down details during the interview.

Review your Resume

Go through your resume the day before to re-familiarize yourself with the information the interviewer has about you. Be aware of any red flags such as gaps in employment that you will need to address during the interview.

Practice your Answers and Questions

A couple of days before the interview you will have prepared answers to common job interview questions such as “What are your strengths?”, “Why are you the right candidate for this job?”, “Tell me about yourself?”. Go through these answers and practice saying them out loud. You also should have prepared about five appropriate questions to ask the interviewer about the job, the company and the management, such as, “Please describe the company’s management style and the sort of employee who fits in well with it?” Go through these questions and include them in your interview folder.

Dress for Success

Find out the expected dress code for the job interview. You can call the company and speak to Human Resources or even Reception. It is usually advisable to dress more formally for the interview than the actual position requires- this shows respect for the interview process. Select the appropriate clothes the day before and make sure they are clean and pressed. Shoes should be polished. Decide on any accessories you want to wear. Lay your interview clothes out ready for the next day. This saves rushing around just before the interview and getting into a spin!

5 simple job interview tips that will make the difference between feeling prepared and confident or anxious and flustered about your job interview!