You worked hard to get an interview. You networked, created a resume tailored to the job, composed a dynamite cover letter. You don’t want to blow it.
This article lists 10 somewhat odd questions that you might get asked in an interview. I present them here because you can be sure that hiring managers have read this article and will be trying out some of these questions.
The first question, asking a candidate what he or she has learned from the company’s website should be an easy one for you to answer — if you’ve done your homework. It’s always best to go into an interview knowing everything you can about the company, it’s products, industry and competitors. This knowledge makes it easier to answer other questions, not just “What did you learn about us from our website?”
You need to have a solid answer to the fourth question, “What is motivating your job search?” You can prepare for this one in advance too. Being able to clearly articulate why you’re in the job market is a must have going into any interview. The eighth question is similar. You need to be able to clearly articulate why you’re out of work and looking for another job.
Number 7, a variation on the “weakness” question is another one for which you can prepare. The important thing here is the second part of the question — “What did you do to correct this situation.” The best way to answer a weakness question is to tell the interviewer the steps you’ve taken to overcome that particular weakness.
The tenth question — “Explain a time when you demonstrated _____________, ” is another easy one. Use the S.T.A.R.T. (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Takeaway) model. First, describe the Situation. Then describe the Task you were asked to perform. Explain the Action you took to complete the task. Then describe the Result you achieved. Close with the Takeaway, what you learned from the experience. You should prepare several S.T.A.R.T. answers for questions you anticipate. But even if you haven’t anticipated the exact question, you can still use the S.T.A.R.T. model to craft a solid answer.
While it is difficult to prepare for the other questions, realize that they are being asked to get a better picture of how you think and what you value. Armed with this knowledge, you should be more prepared to answer off beat questions.
One final word of advice, when you get an offbeat question, it’s OK to take a second to gather your thoughts. You can say, “That’s an interesting question, please give me a second to think.” Don’ let that second drag on to 10 seconds. Taking the time to gather your thoughts demonstrates that you are taking the question, and the interviewer, seriously and not being glib and spouting some nonsense.
Your career mentor,
Bud
PS: I write this blog to help people create the life and career success they want and deserve. Now I’m going one step further. I’ve created a membership site in which I’ve pulled together my best thoughts on success. And, as a reader of this blog, you can become a member for free. Just go to www.BudBilanich.com/join to claim your free membership. You’ll be joining a vibrant and growing community of success minded professionals. I hope to see you there.
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