Illustration by Ingo Fast
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6 Tricky Interview Questions
By Mary Quigley & Loretta Kaufman (St. Martin’s Press 2004), November & December 2004
Interviews are nothing new to any of us, but sometimes the questions are. Here’s our list of six most feared questions and how to answer them
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1. Don't you think you are overqualified?
This is the time to answer a question with a question. Career counselor
Monique LaCour of Career Management Services suggests responding,
"Overqualified? Tell me what the fear is?" Wait briefly for an answer
(usually there's not an adequate explanation) and then continue:
"Quite frankly, I can do that job and then some. If the fear is that I am
going to get bored, actually I am dedicated and I don't start a project
that I don't complete. I am the person you can spread a little more thinly.
You get more than your money's worth."
2. How do you explain the gap in your employment?
This is a no-brainer. Be truthful. "I was raising children," or
"I took early retirement and now wish to work again."
3. Do you mind reporting to a boss who is 10 years
younger than you?
"No, I respect competency and seniority and have no problem with
that."
4. What's your biggest weakness?
"I work too hard and I'm too detail-oriented, but I work hard to
control that."
5. If you could be an animal or a fruit or a car what
would you choose?
While this may sound stupid, be prepared to give an answer that puts you in
good light. Stay away from the fruit and the animals and go for the car,
perhaps one that has a good record for safety, reliability, and versatility, or
a sleek sports car with lots of zip and drive. Keep it short and
simple—and smile.
6. Where do you want to be in five years?
"I'd like to be in a challenging position with this company, with
more responsibility."
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