How to Overcome Tricky Interview Questions?

Applying for jobs and giving interviews can be tricky and a challenging process if you have been out of the loop for quite some time.

13:11 01 July 2020

Due to the current situation caused by the Coronavirus, a large number of individuals who had previously been employed by companies for the long term have been let go by these companies and are now looking for new jobs to sustain themselves. During this difficult time, it is a good idea to take help from companies that allow you to search for jobs using their vast search engines where numerous employers have posted jobs. One such option is Lensa and if you are looking for a new job and don’t know where to go looking, try Lensa Insights. 

 

The team at lensa will help you find the perfect job opportunities for you, however, it can also be tricky to give interviews after being out of practice for a long time. The job market changes significantly from one year to another and employers change their methods of hiring. This is the case even more so now than ever due to the difficult times we are faced with. Although an interview process can be mastered with a little practice, it is the tricky questions asked by employers that can put you in an uncomfortable situation. Following are some examples of such questions and a guide to what the employer is asking as an answer to these. 

 

Tell me about yourself? 

 

One of the most commonly asked questions during an interview is the self-personality test the interviewer puts you through. However, when they ask this question they do not want to listen to your life story from the time you were born till the current date. They are mainly interested in finding out why you think you are the best candidate for the job they are offering. Keep your answers short, precise, and to the point while also replying to the employer’s question fully. 

 

What are your salary expectations? 

 

Another question that puts many applicants out of their comfort zone is when they are asked about their expectations of a salary package. However, a good way to be prepared for this question is to research similar job positions around the area and find out how much they are paying their employees. Another good answer to this question is asking the employer the range they can offer within, although, if they don’t mention a range you can try and be ambitious but realistic with your salary expectations. 

 

Your biggest weakness?

 

This question can be confusing for many individuals as to why would a company who is looking to hire you, would want to know about your weaknesses? However, what the interviewer is looking in the answer to this question is how well can you identify your own weaknesses and the methods you have employed to stop it from affecting your work progress. 

 

Why are you wanting to leave your current job? 

 

The best way to answer this question is to show the employer a positive attitude towards what a new job has to offer in terms of career progression and new challenges. The main aim of many employers for asking this question is figuring out how much they can rely on you to stay in their company rather than the training you and you resigning from their company. Stay away from answering this question with replies such as wanting more money, or finding your old job boring. 

 

If you could have a magic power, which one would it be?

 

One of the trickiest questions rated by several studies, this is usually asked to throw a challenge at a potential employee. This tests an employee’s confidence and their ability to think quickly and respond appropriately. If you are asked this or something similar by an interviewer, don’t let it fluster you. Take a moment to think about it and answer the question with as much enthusiasm as the employer expects from you.

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