There are interview questions and then there are interview questions. There are the ones you have memorized answers to and rehearsed to your golf buddy, your bathroom mirror and the car rearview mirror then again to your pillow and spouse. Then there are the ones that take you aback and leave you panicking, reeling in shock and talking your way out of interview and job as surely as the interview clock is ticking impatiently above the interviewer’s head. Here are some of the tough ones and some tips on how to answer them.
Trust us; the interviewer is not interested at this specific moment in pop culture, nursery rhymes, the classics, or your ability to author the latest blockbuster at the spur of the moment. He is interested in finding out how suitable you are for the job at hand and how much of a contribution you will make. Stay focused and keeps the conversation on a professional track. You may ask the interviewer to clarify what in particular he would like to hear about to show you don’t make rash judgments and act on scant information. If the employer is not too forthcoming, take control of the situation to your advantage and volunteer “Can I tell you about why I am here today and why I truly believe I am uniquely suited for this job” then proceed to reiterate with passion and sincerity why you firmly believe you are the best person for the job, what strengths and skills you have and contributions you can make and what examples from your past substantiate your claims.
It could be a pencil, a key, a cup or the interviewer’s self-portrait on the desk, regardless of the object the goal is to test your persuasive skills, your ability to think on your feet and your sales acumen. This usually comes up in sales jobs but could come up in any job that involves extensive communication with clients (external or internal).
Make sure to sell both features and benefits of the product; for example instead of simply asserting that this is a German pencil with an eraser attached, you can expound on the fact that it is a sleek elegant pencil imported from the best factories in Europe with a modern design that is very attractive, its easy to hold by virtue of its special trademark grip and it incorporates a highly effective eraser which minimizes the time and hassle factor and maximizes the utility of the pencil. Impress by seeing beyond the physical qualities to the unique benefits and advantages of the product.
Even if you are jumping ship to the competitors, lambasting previous bosses, peers or companies is strictly taboo. Any negativity will raise red warning flags. Whatever negative experience you have had, this is not the time to advertise it. Respond positively by saying you have enjoyed working at your previous company, learned a lot and grown professionally.
This is your opportunity to show you are really interested in your career and the industry by highlighting that you spend a lot of after-hours time staying current by reading industry journals, publications and newsletters. At the same time use this opportunity to show you are an interesting, well-rounded person with other interests and hobbies – mention hobbies like tennis, soccer, running, swimming, yoga, art, music etc. If you have a second peripheral business that you engage in after hours this is probably not the best time to wax lyrical about it as employers want focus, loyalty and dedication.
Show you have done your research on the company and really understand what you are getting into. Show you have talked to people, read the literature and if possible seen/experienced the company's products/services. The company is looking for enthusiasm and an alignment between your personal and professional values, goals and interests and theirs. Reassert your commitment to the industry and your preference for the company and what it stands for in the industry. Tougher interview questions and answers can be seen in the Career Center on Bayt.com, the Middle East's #1 job site.
