TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Be ready for tough questions

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: October 25, 2009

Just landing an interview these days is tough.

There are more job seekers out there right now than at any other point this decade, according to government data.

So if you actually get called in to talk about a job, congratulations. Be sure not to undermine your chances of landing it with shaky responses to common questions.

In their book, "101 Toughest Interview Questions," career experts Daniel Porot and Frances Bolles Haynes also advise interviewees to practice tough questions beforehand with a friend or family member, memorize effective answers, be truthful, listen to what you're actually being asked and keep answers concise.

What are some of the toughest questions?

"What interests you most about this job?" Answer this with specifics: Emphasize how your past work experience relates to the opening or how your skills fit with the job's tasks and responsibilities. Also mention what makes the company unique and appealing to you from your research of it.

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Give them your strengths. If you bring up a weakness, keep it minor or address how you work around it.

"What salary figure do you have in mind?" Give them a broad salary range. Porot and Haynes also recommend saying that compensation is a topic best left until after you've received a job offer.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT