10 Interview Questions That Trip up Interviewees

Most interviews have some common questions geared towards finding out more about the interviewee, not regarding resume data, but regarding his or her persona, the ability to react and interact, and attitudes and disposition. Here we have clubbed together some of those toughest questions that are often asked across a wide range of interviews and leave otherwise eligible candidates fumbling to answer. This article covers tips to handle these questions, some of which you are already familiar with, but all of which are familiar to interviewers and part of their regular arsenal.

What do you think/know about this company?
This question is common and meant to find out how serious the interviewee is in the matter of joining and doing groundwork. One should at least familiarize one's self with the main line of products or services of a company, and the company “About Us” page before appearing for an interview.
Tell us about yourself.
This very common question can leave unprepared interviewees stumped and fumbling. Many come up saying either too little or too much. Usually, the best style to answer is with specifics and single sentences covering four basic areas: work experience, achievements, study life, and career expectations. The last one is important in two ways – it must specify that you have set objectives, and you must do that without painting your vision of dreams and rumbling on.
Why do you want this (particular) job?

I like the company, or I like the job, are only partial answers which are unacceptable. The only logical answer is to state your career objective and show in very few words how the job and the company fit in with your career plan.
What do you think makes you a better candidate?
This question is a real tough one. Most candidates end up short by either trying to glorify themselves and their achievements or trying to demean and show competitors in a poor light. None of those strategies work. What works is talking about simple facts that point out you actually enjoy doing this type of work and would like to learn and gain more expertise about it. These facts should show why you are trying for this option though there are many other alternatives for just making money. It also fits in with your career objectives. Being better depends on performance on the job, and you'd like to prove yourself. You believe you are fit for the job and can show you are better than other candidates provided you had a go at it.
Why do you think this job is good and what do you think would make it better?
Be clear again – the job fits your career plans and career expectations. Any job can be better with better pay and better work-life balance, but whether this particular job profile can be made better is something that you can comment on only after working in it for six months. Always keep pushing at getting the job.
Why do you think we should hire you?
This is a very important question which is not looking at answers that say ‘I am the better guy.' This question seeks answers that are very important to the company –‘we would be taking a risk in investing in you, training you, depending on you, and putting significant resources of the company at your disposal – how are you going to justify our trust and ensure return on investments?' – The answer lies in indicating long-term commitment and a wish to continue with the company. It is also asking you directly about the scopes of vertical promotion and allaying fears that you would just take the training and experience the company provides and then be off to join some other company, leaving the HR department to play snakes and ladders with another round of recruitment.
How long do you think it would take you to start achieving and making contributions to this company?
The answer is that there would be attempts to ensure contributions from the very first day, but it might take around six months to understand the boundaries, problems, and opportunities and come up with a meaningful contribution to the work system or company culture.
Why are you leaving your present job?
This is a real tricky one that most trip over. Never, ever criticize former employers, but always talk kindly about them. Never, ever focus on temperamental mismatch or workplace conflicts. The worst thing you can say is that this is a better opportunity with more pay. Although this is logical, it might be used against you, as it would then be noted that you are a candidate that will leave at the first opportunity for better pay. The answer varies according to the situation, but some of the best reasons are commutation difficulties, greater learning opportunity, and better match of job schedule with your commitments at home. You have to turn your statements from answering ‘why you are leaving your present job' to ‘why the current job opportunity is better than what you already have.'
What do you think would be the justified salary for this job?
This question can come in many guises including unspoken during salary negotiations. Remember you must not think about yourself but focus on what the employer would like if you are to get the job. Every employer has a salary range allotted for a particular job function. Asking more than that or less than that range disqualifies you as a potential candidate. The safest way out is to say it cannot be truly ascertained unless you are working in the position and found out about the true extent of responsibilities. Every employee wants his/her job to pay more and provide more freedom. It's not only about money but many concerns including that of stability, security, bonhomie, workplace power and facilities that bring joy to work. You are confident that the initial pay offered is good enough for an initial offer and you are also sure that if you can make meaningful contributions, everything, including pay and work-life balance would be changed by the company to a suitable level.
How do you think this industry would change in the coming years?
Don't give a long-winded speech or make comments like Bernanke. Tell what you honestly think about the future scenario and do make learned observations. Make sure you do the proper research before going to an interview by finding out about current and future market trends about the industry. Interviewers are always pleased to find candidates who are aware of trends and can logically predict a line of development that makes them candidates for leadership.

Our last pieces of advice are to maintain good manners, never go overboard with your zeal, be truthful, and always sport a positive attitude about everything in life. Best of luck to you.

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10 Interview Questions That Trip up Interviewees