It is common nowadays that candidates show up at job interviews with their homework done: the answers to the most common questions have already been prepared, they have thought of good examples to give from their experience, they have a whole speech prepared on how well developed their leadership skills are. Executive recruiters are aware of this move and try to find ways to pull the interviewee out of the comfort zone and test his/her reaction. Prepare yourself for even the hardest situation, and take a look at these tough interview questions.
The following list features some of the most unexpected interview questions you should expect. Answering them with anything else apart from shock, panic or stuttered statements should get the ball back in your court.
How did you get along with your last boss?
You might think this is a trick question and you would be right. Only the best answer for it is not ‘we had a flawless professional relationship’, because no headhunter will believe you. Go for drawing a more balanced picture, something that shows you accept conflicts and you don’t believe in their destructive power, but on the contrary, you see them as an opportunity for learning.
What makes you angry?
In the same bucket as the previous question, this inquiry is addressed to you to check one thing: do you admit that you are human? Saying that nothing really ticks you off would make the executive recruiter suspicious – there’s got to be something out there that pushes your buttons.
If you look back at your career, what are you the least proud of?
Careful, this question spots the arrogants. Be honest and pick a mistake you might have done in the past. Try to be objective about it and demonstrate that you have learned from it.
Who are your heroes/role models?
While science personalities or successful businessmen might not be a bad choice, a better reply would include someone notorious within the company’s field of work. By asking this question, the interviewer hopes to understand your priorities and the path you choose in your career. Also, stay away from saying no one really inspires you – that makes you come across as either cynical or ignorant.
What are you passionate about?
Passion and enthusiasm are engines that generate the employee’s motivation and determination on the job. Some recruiters want to see where your passion stems from and how it might reflect in you driving the company further. Others are keen on discovering that you are a well-rounded individual who enjoys team sports and socialising. Hiring a person that maintains a healthy work-life balance is generally preferred.
What is the meaning of life?
This is a variation of the above listed question. The purpose behind it could be to identify what you are passionate about. But it may also be to test your spontaneous reaction, creativity or views. The headhunter might just wonder: are you an interesting person? …or: do you fit to the company’s culture?
What is the title of the last book you read?
As long as you are someone who cherishes literature, this should be a simple answer. This is considered to be a good indicator of your personality. In some cases, the interviewers want to hear you enrich the knowledge in your field by reading books related to their industry.
What all these questions have in common is that they help the recruiter to take a glimpse at your personality when catching you off-guard. While you shouldn’t pose as a super-hero, you have to make sure the interviewer sees why you stand out of the crowd.
