No matter who you are or how much experience you have, it's still the job interview that's key to getting that dream job. Take some time to prepare for these 10 tricky questions.
Click on the question to reveal a strategy.
Why have you been out of work so long? How many others were laid off? Why you?
This quizzing could cause you to reveal that there's something wrong with you. Any direct answer to why you were included in a reduction in force is risky because anger toward your former managers could pop up. A better idea: Punt. Shake your head and say you don't know the reason, because you were an excellent employee who gave more than a day's work for a day's pay.
If employed, how do you manage time for interviews?
The real question is whether you are lying to and short-changing your current employer. Clearly state that you're taking personal time, and that's why you interview only for job openings for which you're a terrific match. If further interviews are suggested, mention that your search is confidential and ask if it would be possible to meet again on a Saturday morning.
How did you prepare for this interview?
Translation: Is this job important enough for you to research it? The best answer: You very much want this job, and of course you researched it, starting with the company website.
Do you know anyone who works for us?
The friend question is a two-way street. Nothing beats having a friend deliver your résumé to a hiring manager, presuming the friend is well thought of in the company. If not — ouch! Be certain of your friend's standing.
Where would you really like to work? Doing what?
The real agenda for this question is assurance that you aren't applying to every job opening in sight. Never, ever mention another company's name or another job. A short "Hire me!" answer is a version of: "This is the place where I want to work, and this job is what I want to do. I have what you need, and you have what I want. I can't wait to get to work here."
What bugs you about coworkers or bosses?
Develop a poor memory for past irritations. Reflect for a few moments, shake your head, and say you can't come up with anything that irritates you. Continue for a couple of sentences elaborating on how you seem to get along with virtually everyone. It doesn't hurt to say you've been lucky to have good bosses and supportive co-workers. Don't be lured into elaborating further.
Can you describe how you solved a work/school problem?
This forthright question is tricky only in the sense that most job seekers can't come up with an example on the spot that favorably reflects on their ability to think critically and develop solutions. Anticipate a question about how your mind works and have a canned answer ready. A new graduate might speak of time management to budget more time for study; an experienced worker might speak of time management to clear an opportunity for special task force assignments.
Can you describe a work/school instance in which you messed up?
The question within a question is whether you learn from your mistakes or keep repeating the same errors. A kindred concern is whether you are too self-important to consider any action of yours to be a mistake. Never deliver a litany of your personal bad points. Instead, briefly mention a single small, well-intentioned goof and follow up with an important lesson learned from the experience.
How does this position compare with others you're applying for? Are you under consideration by other employers now?
The intent of these questions is to gather intel on the competitive job market or get a handle on what it will take to bring you on board. You can choose a generic strategy and say you respect the privacy of any organization where you interview, including this one. Emphasize that this company is where you hope to find a future and ask, "Have I found my destination here?"
If you won the lottery, would you still work?
This question goes to your motivation, work ethic, and enthusiasm for work. The right answer: While you'd be thrilled to win the lottery, you'd still seek out fulfilling work because working, meeting challenges and scoring accomplishments are what make most people happy, including you. Say it with a straight face.
