A Job Interview Is a Minefield – Know the Trick Questions

It’s one thing to have a great resume, and one which gains you the only thing that matters – an interview! Now that you’ve reached the next destination in the job seeking process, you’re well on your way to securing the job of your dreams. But, many don’t appreciate the overall importance of the interview, and also don’t fully appreciate the challenges which interviews bring.

The Game Begins

Now that you’ve secured the interview, the game begins. It’s your job to make the best impression possible, and get the job! But, the employer uses this process as a minefield, and is looking to trip you up, and expose any deficiencies which you may have, and deficiencies which could hurt your chances of obtaining the job. With this in mind, you best be prepared, and you must also be ready to answer any question, and make the best impression.

Should You Wear A Suit To A Job Interview?

It does not matter what kind of job you are seeking, whether it’s executive or janitorial; you must make a good first impression. To this end, always, and I mean ALWAYS, wear a suit. It does not matter what kind of position you are seeking, wearing a suit lets the potential employer know that you are professional, well prepared, and serious.

How You Look

The key to nailing a job interview? While it’s not all down to your choice of outfit, wearing a suit that looks smart and professional can be very effective – don’t underestimate the power of a good suit when it comes to boosting your interview performance and landing the job.

In the end, you’ll never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Do Your Homework

Just showing up presentable to an interview is not enough. Prior to the interview, do your homework, research the company, and have a good overview of what the company does, and its place in its industry.

At an interview, you may be asked, “Do you know anything about our company?” If you answer no, it appears that you are lazy and have not taken the steps to understand the company. If you have researched the company, you will be able to ask questions about the company in an informed manner, and your preparedness will impress the interviewer.

Always Be Positive

Negativity is a major no no. When being asked about previous employers, even if something bad happened, never be negative in answering the question. If you had an issue with your supervisor, never say that. When asked, simply say that it was a misunderstanding, or something else which could not be avoided. Always have a positive slant on your answer. If you are negative, the interviewer will get a negative vibe, and may think that you have attitude or work ethic problems. No matter what the question, no matter what went wrong in the past, always address things in a positive way.

“When can you start your position?”

This is a tricky one. Many of my clients make the mistake of saying, “I can start right away.” This is a major no no. For one, if you are currently employed, you’d be expected to give two-weeks notice. If you say “right away”, you are telling the interviewer that you are unprofessional, and that you’d probably leave the employer hanging as well if you decided to leave earlier than two weeks. 

Saying that you would start right away would also make someone think that you are desperate, and desperation is not a sellable trait. It makes it look like you need the job very much, and people like to hire people who are not desperate.

Of course, if you are currently not employed by the time of the interview, don’t say right away, but say something like in a few days. This will make you more sellable.

“What kind of salary are you looking for?”

This is also very tricky. Talking about salary is like playing poker; the game requires strategy and bluffs. For example, if you say you are looking for $55,000 per year, this is a mistake. Not the amount, but the way it’s presented. You see, if you give a flat number ($55,000), you leave yourself and the employer no wiggle room. A flat number is a major mistake, as it gives both sides no way to maneuver.

In most cases, it’s best to give a range (say, $45,000 to $65,000). This is the best way to go, as it gives both you and the employer room for discussion. Both sides have the opportunity to  move around with their numbers, giving both sides room and leverage.

Once you give a flat number ($55,000), there is no room to maneuver. In the end, always give a salary range, which will enable a positive discussion and resolution.

“Where do you see yourself in five years with this company?”

Again, this question is fraught with challenges. I’ve heard many clients say, “In five years, I want to have your job”. This answer is a big mistake. Yes, employers want to hire ambitious and upward-mobile people, but many employers would be threatened by someone who’s ambition was to take their job. If the interviewer is just a bit insecure, they would eliminate you from consideration for the job, and that’s too big a risk to take.

The better answer would be something like, “I just want to grow with the company, and gain new responsibilities as time progresses. This is a non-threatening answer, and the interviewer should not be insecure upon hearing it 

The key here is to give an answer which reflects who you are and your ambition, without threatening the interviewer’s future position.

“Why are you leaving your current company?”

Again, the landmines return. Of course, the truth, on the surface, would seem a good answer, but if the truth can work against you, then you need to be a little slipping and sliding.

For example, if the reason you are leaving your company is because you can’t get along with one or more of your co-workers, or if you did not get the promotion you wanted, or if you didn’t get the raise you requested, or something other along those lines, you need to be very careful in your answer.

In cases (like the above), where your response can be negative, we need to work out a solution. I think it’s best to avoid any negativity in all cases. In fact, it’s best to respond to the above issues with something like, “I just felt that it was time to move on” or “I needed more challenges” or I wanted to join a company which is quickly growing”, etc.

Here, we want to avoid negativity at all costs, so you present yourself as a positive person, just looking for more growth and challenges.

People leave jobs for a myriad of reasons, and employers are well aware that life happens. But, there’s no need to bring any negativity to your interview.

In The End…

In conclusion, the interview is a minefield, filled with questions which are designed to eliminate you from consideration for the position. The potential employer needs to isolate the best “fit” for the position, and will ask questions which are designed to lure you into an answer which can eliminate you from consideration.

The proposed solutions and answers to employer questions are designed to give you your very best opportunity to get the position. These are all small things, but a war consists of many battles, and it is your job to win every battle, and then win the war – gaining the job which you are seeking. Being prepared, presenting yourself in a professional manner, and answering questions which are honest, yet a bit slipping and sliding, will help you succeed in this endeavor, and enable you to get the job you truly want.

Professional Resume and Interview Preparation Services

I’m always here at (310) 779-6588 to assist you with your resume and interview preparation needs. You can also submit your resume online for a free email consultation.