I love the “how do you handle failure” interview question.  Or a similar version such as “Tell me about a time you failed.” It allows you generous room to take it where you need to go.

In some cases, you may meet an interviewer who tries to trap you. Or see how you react to tough questions. But most interviewers just want to learn about you and how you might fit in as an employee.

What you need to know about failure

Often even the most well-intentioned interview questions catch you off guard. And you brain freeze for a moment … and then think “How can I make myself look good” rather than how can I make this question really work for me for THIS job.

One of my first interviews out of grad school was with a major bank. After a few basic questions, the Senior Vice President looked me in the eyes and asked “Have you ever failed?” Well, I wasn’t going to admit to failure!

But I didn’t realize that [Read more…]

As your interview begins, the interviewer often looks you in the eyes and asks: “So you’re interested in this job? Tell us why.” While it may not always be their first question, you need to be prepared to answer some version of the “why do you want this job” question.

Basically you need to help them see you understand the position they’re looking to fill. And that you fit their position in a way that is as much about them as you. With enough reasons for them to believe you’ll find sufficient things there to keep you engaged — and wanting to stay on.

But there’s more…

Beware “bedazzle them” temptation!

For many job seekers, answering this question seems like an invitation to launch into a lengthy story all about you — your hopes and dreams and all kinds of things that might be interesting to share. And may even entertain the interviewer.

But this is a job interview. And you may be losing an opportunity to create a vivid connection between you and the actual job — and leaves an impression they remember. Not just an impression of an interesting person — but an impression of a person they can see working there. A person who gets them and the job … and would fit in well.

So the best answers help interviewers get to know more about the real you than just a name and words on a resume. They’re looking for answers that feel sincere and not an attempt to game them.

Employers look at the whole package. And it helps if they feel you’re being real with them. You’d be amazed how quickly memorized answers and attempts to simply please turn off interviewers.

Ask yourself why THIS job

[Read more…]

In most job interviews, at some point (usually toward the end) the interviewer asks what is basically a closing question. Something like “Is there anything you want to know about the company or job?” Or simply “What do you want to ask us?”

What you probably need to know is that, by this point, they pretty much have decided whether to bring you back or not. Or maybe even hire you., barring any surprises. So odds are, whatever you choose to ask them, you are mostly just helping to leave the interview on a good note. Although there’s always a chance!

“What do you want to ask” impact

As an interviewer for many years, when I asked job candidates “What do you want to ask us?” I was looking for any final clues about who they are as a person. Or what they might be like to work with. Well, and giving them a chance to clarify anything they were wondering about.

But I also realized, in many cases, by that time candidates felt like they had been through a war and were just looking to get out of there in one piece. 🙂 So, barring any major surprises, I tried not to let their performance at that point weigh too heavily.

That said, some interviewers may give your “what do you want to know” questions a lot more weight than I did. And for any of us, even the last question can turn things around — in either direction. So try to keep your energy and focus strong until you actually leave the building!

What NOT to ask in an interview

[Read more…]

As a way to prep for your job interview, here are some “crazy” interview questions to help — and some logic to help you give answers bosses are looking for. Think of these as good brain stretchers. By the time you’re done with them, you’ll be happy to get the good ole “what’s your greatest weakness” question. But you’ll also be more prepared whatever comes your way.

When a basketball player works out in a gym, almost none of those exact movements will be used on the court. But they strengthen muscles. And they hone reflexes in a way that optimizes playing skills. Think of these questions in the same way.

While I can’t guarantee you’ll be asked any of them, they’re great practice prep for the real interview. And maybe — just maybe — they can also help add a little lighter feel to those nerves that are natural before any job interview.

⇒  EXTRA:  How To Mentally Prepare for Your job Interview

Now some “crazy” interview questions

Remember that the interviewer is hoping you’ll be a good match for the company — I’ve been in that position and know they’d like you to be “the one.” But they also need to feel that there’s a real person in front of them — and not some interview robot with boring, canned answers. Even a bit of nerves is real!

They also need to feel that you’re thinking about their needs and not just your own. So when you answer, respect the question (no matter how crazy or eye-rollingly hokey). Mainly it’s about how you think it through, rather than absolute right or wrong. And how you might be to work with in real life when confronted with things you don’t know or that may be uncomfortable.

Non-traditional questions to get started

1. Where do you get your inspiration? [Who or what inspires you?]

2. How do you handle a difficult coworker?

3. Who was your favorite teacher and why?

4. What one additional thing would make this job perfect for you? [You have to pick something.]

5. What do you consider a perfect boss?

6. When a project fails, what should you do?

7. What one piece of advice would you give the person in your last job?

8. What one thing do you wish someone had told you before your very first job?

9. How do you turn a bad situation around?

10. How does this job fit into your career goals?

11. Have your career goals changed over time? If so, how?

12. In general, are jobs well-designed? Why or why not?

13. What would be a great non-monetary reward for a job well done?

⇒  Some hints for answering:

• Take a moment to consider your answer carefully. No need to jump into what might turn into a mind dump.
• Let them see your thinking process if that fist the question.
• Don’t go on and on. Stick to what was asked.
• If you do have a good short story that shows your skills / resourcefulness, go for it.
• And if there’s a way to end on a positive note, take it.

More crazy interview questions

14. Tell me about something you taught yourself or learned on your own.

15. Fill in the blank: Being part of a team is _________.

16. How do you handle an unexpected and unwanted change in work plans you helped develop?

17. Do you carefully read a product manual or mostly figure things out as you go along. Be honest.

18. What’s the best way to help someone else learn a new skill?

19. Which modern technology has done the most for the world?

20. And which modern technology could you easily do without?

21. How do you feel about asking someone for help? Is it ever hard to ask for help?

22. How do you handle a coworker who keeps asking you for help, instead of trying to find the answers on their own?

23. Do kids have it too easy or hard nowadays? What one thing would you change for them?

24. Are lottery tickets a waste of money? List the pros and cons.

25. How do you put together a jigsaw puzzle? What’s your approach?

A few more thoughts

Just to say it again, you may never get any of these. Nor do you need to go through ALL. Mostly, I put them together to help limber up your job interview brain.

But if you are working with someone as part of your interview prep, these might be a fun way to get started. And you can finish up your preparation with these more traditional interview questions:

More posts to help

Where Do You See Yourself Five Years from Now?

What Is Your Greatest Strength?

What’s Your Greatest Weakness?

How To Handle Tell Me A Little About Yourself

How NOT to Handle the Biggest Weakness Question

Interview Help: How Do I Interview After Being Fired?

How Should I Explain Dropping Out of Law School?

How To Answer “Why You Left Your Job” When You Quit

MORE JOB SEARCH HELP:

Job Search & Interview Resource Center

Awkward reason for leaving job

Hi Ronnie Ann!

After over 15 years of service my employer decided to accept my resignation or terminate my employment. Of course I chose to resign. Thing is that I was their top Project Manager. But after a customer complaint, which was my word against the word of the client, they decided to let me go.

Now I’m having a hard time deciding the right words to use as a reason for leaving a company after 15 years. I was a good employee. Yet one complaint and all that was over. So how do I handle that when looking for a new job?

Thanks!

Edwin

Reason for leaving in interviews

Hi Edwin!

First, I’m so sorry this happened to you. I hope this uncomfortable situation will lead you to an even better job where you and your hard work are appreciated. To help get you there, usually the best way to answer a question like this is to lead and end with your strength.

Now you might need to explain a little, without too many details, if they dig deeper — and then move on. But if they don’t ask, just keep it about your needs to grow your job / career in a different direction. And never say anything bad about your former employer! [Read more…]

A friend of mine has an interesting take on what he calls “annoying interview questions” – and that includes questions like where do you see yourself in five years. (Others are about your greatest strength or weakness.)

While there’s certainly no one “right” answer for a question like that, some approaches work better than others. So without further ado, here’s what my pal L. Bosco has to say about it:

ANNOYING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

by L. Bosco

Interviews are a pain in the neck!

Ideally you want to see if there’s a good fit between you and the employer. But most interviews are full of those “pat questions” that have been written up endlessly in books and even on blogs. Must-do advice where so-called experts give job applicants handy-dandy “pat answers” to those over-used questions.

So basically both sides could just as well email in their parts and save everyone a lot of time. It’s a rare interviewer who knows how to create a really informative interview. One that gives them a real picture of the candidate as they would be once employed. And not just who they are on their best interview behavior.

So job seekers must still sit through these often painful interviews (some where the interviewer is barely listening) and be prepared to answer these same silly questions: What is your greatest weakness? What are your strengths? How would you handle an angry customer?

Where you see yourself in five years

That one is my personal LEAST favorite. I always want to answer it with something like “living in Bora Bora on my lotto winnings” or “King of Siam” or at least “Sophia’s latest lover.” (The name to be filled in by you based on your own gender, age, preference, and imagination.)

(Note from Ronnie Ann: Uh … I don’t recommend you do that! 🙂 ) [Read more…]

Interviewing after she left job

Hi Ronnie Ann! My friend needs your advice. I hope you can help. Recently she quit her job. But she doesn’t know how to handle some of her interview questions. Especially difficult for her is answering the “Why you left your job?” question.

She happened to leave the job as she was not given a promotion she believed she deserved. She did not give her employer the same reason for quitting the job. Now when she is asked the reason for quitting her job in interviews, she is not sure whether to tell the truth or give some other excuse.

She asked for my advice, and I thought you would be the best person to answer this. It would be great if you could help out.

Regards,
Jay [Read more…]

Speaking of job interview questions and answers … I was just watching an old episode of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles on Bravo TV. (Do I judge you?) And it had the perfect example of what NOT to say in an interview when asked the very common “What’s your biggest weakness?” question.

To fill you in, this is not a show about great interview techniques. Or even how to get a job. It’s a show about three hungry, aggressive real estate brokers in Los Angeles — mostly in the exclusive neighborhoods of Hollywood, Malibu, and Beverly Hills. The brokers for this particular season are named Chad, Josh, and Madison.

Cut to Madison’s trusty assistant giving him notice just as he got the biggest listing of his life. Oh no! We’re talking many millions. So he needs help FAST. And that means we get to see him interview potential candidates. Now I’m really interested!

The interview Q & A begins…

Next time we see Madison, he’s interviewing people for the job. I love that we get to be flies on the wall as we watch him handle some real live real estate job interviews. We’re shown segments of three of the job interviews, with three of the interviewees revealing their greatest weakness. And that’s why I decided to write this post.

The first actually let us know her biggest weakness while answering a different question.  (I’d try to be careful about this, btw. In interviews, less is often more.) But I’m including it anyway, since it’s a great example of what not to do!

She went for an interview with a top, high-powered broker and told him like hey wow she needs like free time for her art work and other personal interests. That may be true, and I do always say be yourself, but … WHAT was she doing in this interview in the first place? She wasted her time and his.

Biggest weakness (& lessons learned)

Lesson 1: Know the job & who you are

Don’t go to the job interview unless you can handle the requirements. And really want the job you’re interviewing for. I know that sounds painfully obvious, but you’d be surprised how wide people cast their interview nets sometimes.

Of course, there’s no harm in going for a job if you at least think it might be for you. But please do yourself and the interviewer a favor:  First research the industry and job requirements.

Even if Madison (or any boss) makes the mistake of not being specific about the workload in the ad, you should make it your job to investigate what the job requires (both beforehand or during the interview).

And if you still want the job, despite needing time for your creative pursuits or whatever, then don’t undercut yourself by telling the boss the job is only a means to an end. People who are passionate about their work want to hire people who will be dedicated to helping them excel. If that is not you — and for many it isn’t — then don’t even think about taking the job.

But if you actually think it might be for you, please give an answer that shows you’re excited about the opportunity to work there. And that you’ll dedicate yourself to making your boss a star. You can talk about your creativity later on after you’re hired. You can even find ways to apply it to your job. But for now, don’t show them that your mental energy is already out the door!

⇒  EXTRA:  How To Actually Handle What’s Your Greatest Weakness?

Lesson 2: Don’t say you’re not organized!

The next interviewee was asked her greatest weakness. And she answered “Well… sometimes I’m not very organized.” NEXT! Seriously, if I’m looking to hire someone, the one thing I absolutely want the person to be is ORGANIZED. So never never never admit that’s your weakness!

Lesson 3: Weakness as strength where possible

So now we come to the third interviewee. (Feels a little like Goldilocks, doesn’t it?) She was asked her greatest weakness. And she said sometimes she expects a lot of others, because she expects so much of herself. BINGO!

She hit the golden prize — especially because of who her potential boss is and what he values. (Smart to look for those clues as you listen to the person interviewing you. And when you research them, if possible.)

Madison saw himself in that answer and loved it. Not that you should all go use THAT answer, but it was a smart move on her part. And yes … she got the job.

Extra tip for biggest weakness question

Remember to keep your answer brief as to what the actual weakness is. No need to plant that seed in their mind. And then expand by talking about what you’ve done to improve or even overcome the weakness.  This way you leave the interview session on a positive note.

If you’d like to read more about how to answer interview questions like this, here are some posts that might help:

Job Interviews: What’s Your Greatest Weakness?

Job Interviews: What’s Your Greatest Strength?

How To Handle Tell Me A Little About Yourself

Good luck!

[Post updated 2020]

More tips to help

Is Your Online Reputation Hurting Your Job Search?

What Are Transferable Skills?

15 Job Search Tips To Help You Get a Job

Please Help Me With My Phone Interview!

How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well

18 Practical Tips to Help You Ace Your Job Interview

What Is a Behavioral Interview?

15 Things I Look for When I Interview People

After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?

Job Interview Nerves? Tips for Before, During & After

12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview

What Is a Phone Screener?

About the author…

Ronnie Ann, founder of Work To the Wise and Work Coach Cafe, bases her real-world advice on her many years as an organizational consultant where she helped interview and hire people, added to a certificate from NYU in Career Planning & Development, as well as her many adventures as a serial job seeker.

A reader wrote to say “I always struggle answering the typical ‘Tell me about yourself. question during a job interview. Any suggestions??” Glad you asked, Mags.

I’ve been meaning to talk about how to answer this question. It’s an all-time interviewer favorite (although many people hate it) and can be asked in various forms including “What would you like me to know about you?” “Describe yourself” or even “Tell me who you are.”

Typical starting interview question

Frequently, you’ll get the commonly-asked “tell me about yourself” question first thing in the interview,. Like a fastball without warm up. And it might even be in the form of “So tell me why do you think you’re right for the job?” or more bluntly “Why should we offer you this job?”

And so now the relentless answer spotlight is glaring at YOU … while you still try to kick your bag under the table and get comfortable in the hot seat. It’s your chance to shine. But if you’re not prepared, it can also land with a thud.

Luckily, all forms of this question helping them figure out why the heck they should in fact hire you can be answered using a similar approach. So here’s  my take on Mags’ question:

When I ask “tell me about yourself” [Read more…]

Most interviewers like to hit you with one of those annoying little job interview questions like “What’s your greatest strength?” or “What’s your greatest weakness?” OK. I admit I use them too when I interview people. They help me get to know you better. And it’s not just about your answer, but HOW you approach and handle the answer.

So when you’re in a job interview, and you’re asked about your greatest strength, what should you tell them? Is there a right answer to the greatest strength question? You don’t want to sound boastful — and yet you certainly don’t want to come off so humble you look like you don’t believe in yourself.

Luckily, the greatest strength question is one where you can often hit a home run if you just prepare a bit ahead of time. Think about what your new employer would find most interesting about you – and most important to the job you are applying for.

And remember … there’s no absolute right answer. Basically they just want to see if you know yourself and how well you express yourself.

Possible work strengths: [Read more…]

A typical job interview all too often includes at least one of those annoying interview questions like “What’s your greatest weakness?” or “What’s your greatest strength?” So odds are some form of the greatest weakness question will be aimed your way, as you sit in the interview Q&A hot seat — trying your best not to let them see you sweat!

OK. I admit I also sometimes use the weakness question (among others) when I do an interview. Not that there’s any one absolutely right answer I’m looking for. Asking about things like biggest weakness in an interview (and the way you answer the question) helps me see more about the candidate. Like how a person reacts, even when confronted by the obvious or mundane.

You can learn a lot about a person from seemingly simple questions. Each moment of an interview is your chance to show us what you might be like to work with. Interviews are about connecting as much as the ability to do the job.

Do you seem to judge the question — and in effect the interviewer? Maybe you make a quick face? Or do you throw yourself amiably & wholeheartedly into your answer and just do your best.

Interviewers often dig deeper

[Read more…]