Tips for Crushing those Tricky Job Interview Questions

No matter how you look at it, an interview is a high-pressure environment. Play it smart by preparing and planning for the interview process. Having a solid game plan can help reduce the stress and let your personality shine through, setting you apart from the competition.

Question: Tell me about yourself.
Plan of Attack: Tell a clear, impactful story that illustrates who you are as person and how you work. Create two or three sentences that focus on you, your career and where you want to go in the future. Practice and refine the delivery until the story sounds and feels like the most-polished version of yourself.

Question: What interests you most about this job?
What they are really asking: Employers ask this question to see if a candidate understands the expectations and challenges of the job. A great answer explains what you can deliver in the position and why you’re the right person to do it. In preparation, think about what aspects prompted the company to schedule an interview with you in the first place.

Question: What’s your greatest weakness?
Be careful here: A recruiter is not looking for a confession. Instead, offer an example that can be both strength and a “weakness.” Examples include being a perfectionist, wanting to expand your skills and education, looking to be a team player or always striving for to do more with less.

Question: Why are you leaving your current job?
Keep it positive: Don’t say anything negative about your current manager, co-workers or place of work. Don’t say anything negative at all. A new employer is looking for someone who is positive and ready to take on a new role and any related challenges.

Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?
Keep it simple: The workplace continues to shift and evolve and there’s a good chance these shifts will become even greater in the next couple of years. Like the “Tell me about yourself” question, define a vision for yourself and your career that demonstrates you have the necessary flexibility, drive and determination to thrive in the long run.

This article is brought to you by Staffing Kansas City, a full-service Kansas City employment agency that provides contract-to-hire, direct hire and contract employment placement services.