Answering Tricky Interview Questions

Employers may try to test your prowess in answering tricky interview questions during a job interview.

These tricky questions are meant to trip you up—not to make it difficult, but to get a real sense of your proficiency. The interviewer is more concerned with how you respond than what your answer is.

You will feel more confident if prepared to deal with unexpected questions. This article looks at some of the trickiest interview questions, suggestions, and sample answers.

What The Interviewer Wants To Know

Interviewers ask challenging questions to understand better your background, communication skills, and how you will perform when you are offered the job.

Interviewers know you’ve probably practiced all the traditional questions, so they try to trip you up with more difficult ones. Remember that there may not be a right or wrong answer to some of these questions.

Tips For Answering Tricky Interview Questions

Do You Check E-mail while On Vacation?

On the one hand, you want to think of yourself as someone dedicated to your work. At the same time, employers know that the health and wellness of employees is a crucial factor for continued success, and they want to make sure that you take thoughtful care of yourself outside of the office.

• How To Respond

Affirm your commitment to completing your work, but also communicate your understanding that personal well-being is key to professional success.

• Sample Answer 

“I am 100% committed to going above and beyond to fulfill my responsibilities. That being said, I also know the importance of caring for myself to ensure my long-term success. I try to work when I’m on official leave.

But before I go on leave, I always make sure I have all my responsibilities covered before I sign off, and I also ensure my supervisor has my cell phone number in case of an emergency.”

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Is This Position Similar To Any Other Job You Are Considering?

The interviewer may have two goals in mind here. They may be hunting to find out where else you are applying or trying to get a better idea of ​​your experience and future career goals.

This can be a good way for the interviewer to get an idea of ​​your most vital skills and determine if you are a good fit for the job.

• How To Answer 

If you’re applying for several positions, be sure not to list them all and don’t leave out different companies. 

First, you don’t want your employer to think that your skills and interests are what you talk about often.

The most important thing is to present yourself as the best fit for the job you’re applying for. Instead of diving into specifics, give a general answer and then move on.

• Sample Answer 

“Yes, I am looking for a job that fits this description. This is my preferred field and one I am passionate about personally and professionally.

Fortunately, this position’s job description, requirements, and responsibilities match my experience and interests.”

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What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

When employers ask this question, it’s not only to find out your weaknesses but also to determine whether you are aware of them and whether you intend to make changes.

• How To Answer 

Be modest. We all have weaknesses, and it’s good to mention some parts of your skill set that need work.

Claiming you have no weaknesses will make you seem arrogant or out of touch. Instead, give your weakness silverware.

Your answer should be an opportunity to highlight your other strengths and underline your commitment to continuous improvement.

• Sample Answer 

“I love seeing things through – sometimes to a fault. While this means my work is always high quality, I’ve realized that sometimes I spend more time obsessing over small details that don’t matter in the long run.”

I am learning to work on perfectionism and efficiency, and I’m learning about time management and productivity strategies.”

Where Would That Be If You Could Choose To Work For Any Company?

Your interviewer may try to find out how invested you are in their company and determine where else you might apply. 

People sometimes struggle to answer this question because they can’t decide whether to mention some of the big companies they’ve interviewed.

• How To Answer 

Don’t be specific. Compare it to when you are on a date, and your date asked, “If you could date anyone else at this restaurant, who would it be?”

What would you want to hear if you asked your date this question? Emphasize how the company you are interviewing with is your top priority.

• Sample Answer

“I spent lots of time researching different companies I might want to work for during my job search, and this company stood out the most.

I share your mission, values, and goals, and I would like to work in this type of environment.” prosper.”

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Why Do You Want To Work Here?

Employers want to know if you’ve done your research on the company and if you want the job, rather than just seeing it as an option.

• How To Answer

Don’t just say you want to work there because there’s free gym access, free coffee, and a casual dress code.

Be enthusiastic in your response and discuss how you connect with the company’s core values, mission, and work. You can then go into the details of the specific position you are applying for.

• Sample Answer

“I feel connected with the company’s values, mission, and goals. I connect with your belief in integrity, promoting an open, honest, and supportive workplace, and your desire to improve your employees’ and customers’ lives.

I believe this position, in particular, will provide me with a tremendous and enjoyable opportunity to add to your values and goals and the company as a whole.”

Where Do You Hope To Be In Five Years?

Employers don’t want to invest in recruiting, training, and paying employees who won’t stick around or who will change careers.

While it’s becoming common for people to spend less time on each job they hold, you certainly don’t want your employer to doubt your commitment.

• How To Answer

You may not see yourself working with the same company. However, your answer should be in a way that demonstrates your commitment to growing in your field.

Employers want to hire self-motivated employees who have an inner desire to improve and constantly learn.

• Sample Answer

“I see myself in this field, but I hope to have advanced to a higher level of responsibility, have a higher level of knowledge, and advance and expand my skills.

I hope to keep learning and improving, and that after five years, my efforts will bring me closer to becoming an expert at what I do. That being said, I’m also determined to stay happy and fulfilled in my career.

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What Would Your References Will Say About You?

Employers want to see if you are unsure of your references and will volunteer any negative information about your previous experience or your ability to succeed in the role.

• How To Answer

Do not fall into the trap. Under no circumstances should you offer any negative information, and your references would not agree to serve unless they were willing to speak positively about you. You don’t want to appear boastful in your answer either.

• Sample Answer

“I’ve had a great experience working with all of my references, so I expect their testimonials to reflect everything we’ve accomplished together at work, along with the positive relationship we share in person.”

Which Part Of The Job Sounds The Most Challenging?

When it comes to a job description, there will likely be aspects you can ace and aspects that will give you trouble. Your potential employers may want to know if your strengths align with their greatest needs.

• How To Answer

Lying about your abilities will prove damaging later. Your answer is an opportunity to present yourself as a candidate always up for a challenge.

• Sample Answer

“As a visual designer, I gained most of my experience in graphic design, specifically logos, posters, and advertisements. I find dynamic web design challenging, but I live for such challenges.

I just finished an online course on designing for mobile apps, and I’m currently doing more in UI design to ensure my skills keep up with the latest trends.”

Tell Me About Your Dream Job

In many cases, passion breeds productivity, and dedication leads to success. Employers want to know how invested you will be in the role or if you see the Job as a routine measure to keep some income going while you look for something better.

Likewise, employers want to know if you like the idea of ​​the Job itself.

• How To Answer

The Job you are applying for may be your dream job. If so, say so definitely. If your dream job is distant or far-fetched, it’s probably best not to mention it.

You want the employer to understand that you will be fully invested in the position and won’t dream of another position while you’re at your desk.

• Sample Answer

“Advertising is my dream field, and the position of junior copywriting is ideal for me at the moment.

Of course, I know I still have a lot to learn before achieving my dream job – creative director, and I believe this Job will lead me on that path.”

What’s Your Exaggeration In Your Job Application?

Do you fall for your interviewer’s attempt to get you to admit that there is an exaggeration or a lie in your application? Perhaps not. Hopefully, your cover letter or resume doesn’t contain any lies. 

• How To Answer

Keep your cover letter and resume faultless, to be honest when responding.

• Sample Answer

“I know my cover letter, resume, and portfolio accurately describe my experience and work. If you want them to vouch for my qualities, you can contact the references I have provided to vouch for my qualities.”

Tips For Giving The Best Answers

Tricky questions are naturally challenging to answer. Keep these strategies in mind:

1. Practice

While you might not get the exact tricky question you’ve practiced beforehand, getting comfortable with the more unexpected and challenging questions will ensure you can think on your feet.

2. Avoid Anxiety

Even if you’re not sure how best to answer a question, try not to let yourself be visibly distracted from the game. 

It’s acceptable to say, “Wow, that’s a tough question,” before giving a complete answer. Avoid frowning, sighing, or negative non-verbal communication.

3. Be Honest, But Protect Your Interests

It’s never beneficial to lie during a job interview. But you can be strategic in your response, and you don’t have to share information that makes you look like the wrong candidate.

4. Tone

While you might not want to come across as falsely modest, it’s also not a good idea to come off as boastful or arrogant.

What Not To Say

1. Avoid Lies 

They are too easy to spot during the interview or even after you get the job. In the long run, lying is not suitable for your career prospects.

2. Do Not Sabotage Yourself

Some of these questions may be set up to make it seem like you have something negative about yourself as a candidate. There is always a way to give a positive answer.

Conclusion

Answering tricky interview questions is a skill set that few possess. It is the right skill you need to have an excellent chance to succeed in any interview. 

This article has, in some detail, delivered the importance of preparing for any question the interviewer may throw at you and making you better prepared. Hopefully, this guide meets you in good time.