The Gallivantings of Daniel Franklin Gomez

Tricky Interview Questions

Posted on 05. Dec, 2007 by Gallivanter in Thoughts

After deciding to resign from my company of over 8 years last October, I attended 5 interviews beforehand and got 2 job offers. Here are some tricky interview questions that I was asked.

What are your weaknesses?
Try to disguise a strength as a weakness. Something like perfectionist, sense of urgency or patience. It depends on the job that you’re applying too. You can say stuff like, “If I had a choice, I would’ve preferred to do less paperwork and more decision making.”. I always say that I’m a disbeliever of routines, because it doesn’t challenge my thinking abilities. Always respond to your weaknesses by saying what have you done to overcome or minimize them.

Tell me something that you did in your job that you regretted?
(None of your business). Well, you can’t say that, but don’t go out poring regrets like it’s a free-flowing Padas river. Never confess a regret. Always say that you harbor no regrets, and add a habit that you regularly practice.

Why should I hire you?
A killer question. One that will play a major role of hiring you. Look at the company’s needs. Use that. Walk through the requirements of the job as you understand them and match it on why you meet that requirement with your experience. You’re selling yourself.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
(Owner of Playboy Asia). Don’t sound too specific nor too vague. Assure them that you’re looking to make a long-term commitment. Say something like, “This position is exactly what I’m looking for, and in terms of my future, I’m confident that if I do my work well, opportunities will present itself. That’s how I’ve had opportunities in my previous career, so I’m confident that I’ll have similar opportunities here”.

Why do you want to work with our company?
You need to know what the company does, else you’re out. This is your chance to score a goal – do some research about the company, read up on their goals and visions and sell it. For my new job, I knew a friend who used to work for this firm for X years and he gave glowing references. I added that to the answer too.

What are your career options?
In other words, are you desperate? If you’re currently in a job, describe the prospects with your current company, and maybe throw in the word “challenge” and exploring other opportunities from other firms. Always ensure that they know that you’re not desperate.

Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss?
Never ever be negative. Don’t fall into a trap. It’s nothing to do with what you feel about your boss, but it’s everything to do with how loyal and positive you are. Loyalty.

What makes you angry?
Answer this to match your personality and the management style of the new company. I noticed that in the companies where foreigners (non-Malaysians) interview you, they always start the Q&A session with you first, and explain about the company and its business. Use that to help you. Communication is key. I mentioned “When things are out of my hands, in terms of meeting deadlines, I get frustrated of not being able to achieve that. I also cannot stand people who are negative and gossipmongers. “. Then I go on to mention the possible ways I could minimize this from happening in the future.

What changes would you make if you join us?
First of all, you don’t know how the company works, so don’t just jump the gun! Say something along the lines of “reviewing of procedures and functions before recommending if necessary.” Remember, you’re still an outsider, so don’t be a wise guy.

You’ve been with your company for almost 8 years. Won’t it be hard to switch?
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Let your interviewer know that you’re not just any old dog, you’re snoop doggy dogg. Stress on “adapting” and highlight the different responsibilities you’ve held and that you thrive on new challenges. If possible, describe the similarities between your current position and this job opening.

May I contact your present employer for a reference?
Catch 22. If you say yes, you’re putting your present job at risk, and if you say no, your new job may be at risk. The safest thing to do is to express your concern that you like to keep it private for the time being. When the time is right, then by all means the ex-company can be contacted.

These were some of the curve balls I was thrown at. Ultimately, although you’re an honest person, but when faced with situations like this, you have to sell yourself.

Tags: angry, Career, challenge, communication, company, future, goals, hire, interview, opportunities, questions, reference, regret, requirement, visions, weaknesses