Interviewers have one major goal when conducting interviews. Contrary to what you might believe, they don’t want you to fail (except you have a personal vendetta with that person). Interviewers’ major goal is to determine if you’re fit for the role you’ve applied for. You are probably one out of the fifty they need to see, so why not make the work easy.

 

Unfortunately, a lot of tension can go into an interview. Therefore, you may end up shooting yourself in the leg if you answer questions without first knowing the answers they want. You could prepare well for the interview. However, without full or partial knowledge of the interview questions they may ask, you could fail.

 

This is the worst way to not get the job, especially when your resume is perfect. Hence, you need to prove that the same person sitting before them fully represents what’s written on paper.

 

Five interview questions that can set you up for failure

 

Savvy interviewers ask trick questions that may appear simple but actually are harder. Or harder, whereas they are simple. They ask these interview questions to come to a hiring decision easily. So, know these questions, understand them and answer them like a boss when asked.

 

1. Tell me more about yourself?

This question may seem easy. It could tempt you to jump in and talk about your family background and how you were born. In retrospect, all the interviewer wants to know is your past accomplishments and professional strength. While you’re talking, they look out for your personality type, how confident you are, and if your work style is a good fit for the job.

 

2. How does this position compare to others you’re applying for?

This is also simply as the interviewer is basically asking ‘Have you applied for another job?’ They want to know if you’re applying for another job which would determine how active you are in your job search. Also, be careful not to jump right in and say ‘No’. This only insinuates that you’re not serious about working as much. Same goes for when you’re actually affirmative. You should try not to be too desperate about getting the job. Neither should you talk up the amazing features of the other jobs you’re applying for. Strike a balance and explain you’ve applied for others but have not yet decided the best fit for your next career move.

 

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Don’t sabotage yourself by naming each individually. Talk about your weakness with a silver lining, which is your strength. In order words, make your weakness your strength. If you blurt your weaknesses out, you could save yourself by talking about how you are working on evolving above them.

 

4. Why do you want to leave your current job?

Now, this is not the time to start talking about how awful your last job was. Don’t dwell on the negative and, if it’s hard, talk about positive things. You can talk about how you want to advance in your career. This proves how ambitious you are about growing.

 

5. Why do you want to work here?

It’s obvious you want to work in the company for some reason. They want to know how much you’ve researched the company, what drives you the most, and how much you want the job. Also, they want to know your skills and your career goal. Let the interviewer know how passionate you are about the job.