More Tough Interview Questions
ningcontentRemember the line in Ocean’s 11 when Danny quips “You’re either in, or you’re out. Right now!” Have you ever thought about how that line applies to today’s interview process? You know, when you’re in the interview and feel under such pressure to deliver an all-star performance? No time for wishy-washy responses, for sure; you have one chance to hit a home run with solid answers. No matter how many people you get a chance to perform before, in the end, just like in the movie, you’re either in, or you’re out, and the lines you deliver as you play your part will ultimately land you the role, or not.
Since January of this year, I have been collecting tough interview questions from clients — questions they have been asked in an interview (or have asked candidates) beyond the typical tell me about yourself and why should we hire you? Here are a few of the questions:
- If we hire you, will we be taking a risk, or earning a reward, and why? (Commercial Loan Officer – Banking)
- Please tell us how you’re an asset or a liability to an organization and defend your answer. (General Manager – Automotive Industry)
- In what ways do you support a company’s vision and values and in what ways do you sabotage it? (Engineer – Manufacturing)
- In general, would your colleagues describe you as a giver, or a taker, and share some examples? (Project Coordinator – Non-Profit)
- By your very nature, do you act or react and give us specific examples of your choice. (Customer Service – Telecommunications)
- Please describe three strategies you will use to contribute to our bottom line, and how long will it take for you to achieve same? (Account Executive – Medical Sales)
- Will you lead or will you follow and which do you think is more important in today’s volatile climate? (Administrator – Health care)
- Do you inspire, or do you despair, in the face of change and adversity and tell us something about that. (Branch Manager – Tech-related service)
- What can we expect from you as an employee and what do you expect from us an an employer? (Uncategorized)
- What is the number one reason for us to not hire you? (Manager – Hospitality)
- If we bring you on board, how will you earn your keep? (Project Manager – Construction)
- Tell us something about you that only your mother would know. (Senior level executive – Insurance Industry)
- Are we better off with you, or without you, and how so? (Sales Manager – Graphic Design Firm)
- If you were a member of this Selection Committee, what is the single-most important question that we should be asking you, that we haven’t? (Vice President – Human Resources)
- As a manager, do you implode or explode when things don’t go your way and what happens after that? (Manager – Retail Chain)
What is the toughest question you have ever been asked during an interview?
Article by, Billie Sucher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.
