The Ten Toughest Questions You Face In A Job Interview

Job search, talent recruit & career resources for Singapore job market

New User? Register

JOB SEEKER

The Ten Toughest Questions You Face In A Job Interview

Based on JobsDB.com's "Pocket Hiring Guide on How To Hire the Right Person"
written by corporate trainer Dr. Denis L. Cauvier
First published in JobsDB.com (Philippines)

Wrong approach:

"Because I need the money and/or the experience."

This implies that you'll just use the company as a way-station before moving on to Bigger Things. Remember: the boss is looking for an employee who's looking at the long-term.

Right approach:

Make sure you've done your research about the company and the job you're applying for. Explain how this job opportunity and company fit in with how you want to develop your skills and abilities. Relate them to past work experiences (or extra-curricular activities in school) that you loved and were good at.

"(Corporation A) is known for (cite company's strength). I've always wanted to work in that kind of setting. This (job) will help develop my skills in (abilities and talents)."

NEVER badmouth your past boss. Nitpicking and backbiting will backfire and present you in a bad light. Instead, highlight what you've learned from your past company---then emphasize that, because you are looking for greater challenges, it's time to move on.

Get an idea of the job responsibilities. Understand the pressures. Then say why you'd like to learn those responsibilities and face those pressures.

For many managers, this is the make-it-or-break-it question. Make sure that you have a well-thought-out career path before going to the interview. It shows that you have focus and direction.

Have a fair idea of what you're good at. Remember your training and past work experiences. Imagine how can use them to the fullest---and apply that to the demands of the company and job you're applying for.

Admit that criticism hurts. But it can also be a good teacher. Give past instances where you've faced negative comments. And though bruised and smarting, you took a good look at them and improved yourself.

Be honest: nobody's super-human. First, explain the kind of pressure that you're familiar with and can easily hurdle (e.g. deadlines). Then, admit the kind of stress-inducing situations that you have a hard time coping with (e.g. no creative atmosphere). But always end positively by giving examples on how you are improving these weak points.

This is an offshoot of #2. The job interviewer appreciates honesty, not hot air. Take a good look at yourself. Where do you need to shape up: communication skills? business savviness? Social relations? In admitting your weaknesses, always end on the note that you are taking steps to beef them up (extra after-hour courses in school, membership in a civic club, etc.).

This is the chance to show your unique edge. In a job interview, you're selling yourself, the combination of experiences, abilities, and character traits that make you up as a person. Think back on past experiences wherein you gave solutions that nobody else thought about. Or came up with brilliant, innovative ideas that spellbound everyone.

The one correct answer to this is: "Because I will be an asset to your company."

Answer the first 9 questions right---and you won't have a hard time proving your worth when it comes to this part.