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Its a Trap! 10 Interview Questions Designed To Trick You

by PHILLIP T AYLO R- PARKER on O CT O BER 16, 2012 4 CO MMENT S in J O B SEARCH

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Hiring managers are tasked with the impossible job of learning a candidate inside and out after just a few interactions. Thats why theyre always coming up with new tactics to extract every last drop of information from a candidate. Its important to keep your guard up! You can almost be sure some of the questions asked will be interview traps interview questions designed to get you to reveal some critical bit of information about yourself that you might have preferred to remain covered. They come in many forms, but all have the common goal of getting you to expose some character flaw that will bump you down a few rungs in the rankings. Hold it together! Here are 10 of the most popular interview traps and tips on how to use them to your advantage. The setup: Why is there a gap in your work history? The trap: Does all this time off work mean youre lazy? Its not necessarily a problem to have a gap on your resume. If you pursued personal projects, took care of a sick relative, volunteered for charity or otherwise used your time off in a productive manner, let them know. They dont care that you havent spent any recent time in an office only that you havent spent it all on the couch. The setup: What would the person who likes you least in the world say about you? The trap: Are you aware of your own weaknesses and how to work around them? A cousin to whats your biggest weakness?, this question also requires framing your dominant personality traits in a positive light. Perhaps your enemy would say youre neurotic and controlling, when in fact you just have a completionists eye for detail, which will ensure no project is finished until all loose ends are tied and re-tied for peace of mind. The setup: Describe when you were part of a team that could not get along.
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The trap: Do you work well with people you dont like? No matter whose fault it actually was, the interviewer will assume you cant work well with others if you complain about a dysfunctional team buried in your work history. What matters to them is how you handled the situation did you allow room for discussions and ideas you may not have agreed with? Did you learn any lessons about give-and-take from clashing with a coworker? The setup: If you could change one thing about your last job, what would it be? The trap: Are you holding on to any lingering issues you couldnt resolve at your last job? Can you vocalize your problems in a professional manner and come to a diplomatic understanding with your coworkers / bosses? This question tests whether you let problems stew and boil over, or whether you can address them rationally with the benefit of a positive work environment in mind. The setup: Explain ________ (your industry) to your nephew / grandmother / totally oblivious client. The trap: Sure, you know your line of work but can you communicate your responsibilities to others? Are you a good communicator? As a developer, can you explain how the newest product feature operates in a way that the marketing team can process, so they can in turn pitch it to customers? If you cant explain your job duties in plain English, you probably arent well-versed enough in the field to effectively communicate your needs to the coworkers you will interact with on a daily basis.

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The setup: Tell me about yourself. The trap: Are you lying on your resume? Are you confident youre qualified for this job? Dont meander. This also tests your communication skills whether you know how to pitch, and whether you know when to stop talking. Succinctly list education history, skills gained from previous jobs, and perhaps a personal project or two which enhances your skill set and demonstrates motivation outside of the workplace. Then, stop talking. Rambling indicates a lack of confidence, suggesting youre not sure whether what youve listed is enough to qualify you for the job. The setup: Why should we hire you? The trap: Are you a good fit for this specific role and company? If you cant answer this question, you probably didnt research the company youre trying to work for. Make sure you know the specific functions your future role will entail, and the short- and long-term goals of the organization itself. Then, frame your skills in a context which aligns with the job description and the companys direction. It also doesnt hurt to research the hiring board to find out what makes them tick, so you can carry the conversation if they mention a project from their background. The setup: Whats your ideal job? The trap: Is it something other than this one? Its okay to have career aspirations, so long as the things you want to do overlap with the things youll be doing here. Avoid mentioning a title it may not carry the clout in this companys role structure that you think it does. Instead, discuss the problems youd like to solve, platforms you want to work with, and other active engagements that encompass both your dream work and the work in front of you. The setup: What annoys you about coworkers / bosses?

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The trap: Are you easy to work with, or are you a Negative Nancy? Its never a good idea to badmouth a coworker, whether peer or superior. Its best to say youve been fortunate to navigate amicable work relationships. If pressed, mention an attribute that highlights dedication to the company cause, and say that you will expect and encourage that same dedication from your peers. The setup: If you won the lottery, would you still work? The trap: Are you motivated to succeed? Most people know this question aims to trap candidates for whom work is merely a means to an end, rather than a passion to which they will be dedicated. But its also facetious to say youd stay in your current position if you were to be blessed with such fortunes. Its perfectly acceptable to say youd start your own company, charity or project to further your personal development. This question really gets at whether youre naturally inclined to work, so make sure those imaginary piles of cash would enable some form of future productivity.
Tagged with: Interview Questions interview techniques

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Jo s h Mi l l e r

2 months ago

I had an interview once where the employer asked me," what can you offer us that the other candidates we've interviewed cannot?" To which I promptly replied,"I'm not sure sir; What have the other candidates offered you?" I didn't get the job, but I did wiped the sh** eating grin off his face.
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A C a n d i d a te

Josh Miller a month ago

I also had a similar kind of experience when after 7 rounds of interviews the employer asked me that "Why should I hire you?". To which I said because "I cleared all the rounds which you have designed/created to select a candidate..." to which he said "I can see an attitude here.." luckily I got the job.. but I like to repeat your line here that "did wiped the sh** eating grin off his face"
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alam
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A Candidate a month ago Reply Share

Because of my experience my skills and my abilities

R . Arya

Josh Miller a month ago

Hi, Your answer could be "I don't know what other can do, but I know that, "I do the best"...
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Bb ko l 4

R. Arya a month ago

The only and best thing to do is to know the largest number of right people!Nothing can get you employed faster than having the right contacts!This garbage about having the right qualifications, education, skills, and aptitude will get

garbage about having the right qualifications, education, skills, and aptitude will get you employed is complete nonsense!The only people who actually work in a job are the people who can get their work done by others
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vi j a y

Bbkol4 25 days ago

Well Bbkol4, don't be oversmart. You may be practical, but things that way don't work long, increases stress and makes you prone to all sorts of problems, mentally and physically! Your respect fades away the moment you lose touch with the person. Please don't misdirect new aspirants with this kind of real 'nonsense'.
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s a n j a y s h a rm a

Bbkol4 23 days ago

Dear i don't know what is ur profile but u start with less because it would be something then nothing, u just think ur westing ur time if u do in less sellery there will be something to know to increase ur 9lege and personalty. thank you, have a nice day

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Atu l ka rg u tka r

Bbkol4 23 days ago Share

Well said.
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R e cru i ts 4 u

Bbkol4 25 days ago

I agree with you....I am in recruiting and it doesnt matter what industry i am recruiting into but after 15 years i still need to keep proving is a pain in the arse
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SAN JAY N ATH 9 0

1

R. Arya 25 days ago Share

U KNOW UR THE BEST BUT HE DOESN'T KNOW U R BEST OR NOT

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Jp s g a h l a w a t
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R. Arya 12 days ago Share

Good ! You sound confident of your abilities.

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Ace s i l ve ru s
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Josh Miller a month ago Share

Who ever you are, I like you already...

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Pra s h a n t Ka ti ya r3 3
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Josh Miller a month ago

Excellent.....i would like to do the same some time!

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Ga u ri d i l i p a m b e ka r
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Josh Miller a month ago

what kind of answer is expected to such que? can u plz tell me?
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Su d e s h ku m a r3 0

Josh Miller a month ago

Hats Off to you Miller.You are a guy with "Bat and Ball". I like it....Keep yout esteem high always....
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Jo s h Mi l l e r

2 months ago

Seriously people, don't sacrifice your integrity and self-respect during an interview. The questions above are common, so learn how to use them towards your advantage. Remember, interviews go both ways, and no one wants to hire a lamb in a wolves world.

interviews go both ways, and no one wants to hire a lamb in a wolves world.
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Akh y
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Josh Miller a month ago Reply Share

Hai josh, i agree with you its true

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Ja s Ja n u

dtg a month ago

person like u dnt know how to compete, just making a useless comment on a whole country dnt make u great. No matter its India,China or any other country. If u want to buy apple and you have two stalls with same quality one with higher price tag of 30%, if u have little bit of mind in your head u knbow what will u do & thats the MNCs would do
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Gu r
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dtg a month ago Reply Share

Racist u r

l u cky

a month ago

Once they called me and said... "You were so casual while you were talking(last round)... Are you serious about the job? The technical team said yes and telephonic person said NO... why should i hire you?" (Well, I've cleared all the technical round.) I said: I don't need it now. I've another one :) Thanx for your time. :) your processing took too much time :P
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A C o m m o n Ma n

a month ago

The only and best thing to do is to know the largest number of right people.Nothing can get you employed faster than having the right contacts!This garbage about having the right qualifications, education, skills, and aptitude will get you employed is complete nonsense!The only people who actually work in a job are the people who can get their work done by others.
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Aj a y Ka l a

a month ago

"tell me something about yourself" has become almost a non brainer first question in an interview mostly enmates from the interviewer NOT having read the resume before hand and is quickly running through it while you ramble on a very good opportunity to lead the interview to one's strong points
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Sa g a r

Ajay Kala a month ago

Yes Ajay... i agree with you. most of the time people didn't read the resume and this question fits the bill to start the conversation. and slowly you can drag the discussion towards your strong areas. one more point i would like to add. just read the JD carefully and try to weave your compeyency as per the JD that matched around 70 - 80% of the requirment...
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R i ta H

a month ago

This one interviewer compared my work skills to cooking, cos I'm a woman I assume. "When you cook, you dont chuck things in the pot do you? Give me the recipe", he said. I told him I dont cook. I did get that job though.
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Ge e th a kri s h n a n P4 9

a month ago

Ge e th a kri s h n a n P4 9

a month ago

Thank you very much for the TIPS given. Definitely the TIPS will help me when I face any interview. Once again THANKS.
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a m o d s h a n ka r
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Geethakrishnan P49 a month ago Share

Seems you got all of it

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JPS Ga h l a w a t

12 days ago

Even in such questions,see how you can react....that is what the tests are all about...to test your temperament and aptitude. People will always find excuses when they don't get selected. Regards, JP
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Sh ri ka n t

12 days ago

If the interviewer is asking such questions in the final round then you have already got the job and you just need not to say anything negative about yourself and others as well. You will clear the interview. If the Interviewer is asking such questions in the preliminary round. Make sure that either they have selected someone secretly and interview is just a showoff or they are conducting the interviews just to collect the resume (It happens in India this way). If they ask you questions related to your work (Questions are work specific) then you are in the right place and the right interview.
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Ruplinaju

17 days ago

lovely... fantastic tips to overcome the butterflies inside the stomach before an interview. surely will help people appearing for interviews.
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Vka ch a rya 1 9 8 1

18 days ago

Beacause i think so that i am the best team leader at each progressive subject... so i definetley eligible for this job.
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angel

19 days ago

m no working right now because of my baby, but looking forward to a job soon.this was really informative. especially abt the gap part. also thought that it somewhere erncouraged me to face an interview aftera very long break
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Sri d h a r R a m a n

22 days ago

Quite informative and contains the right tips to empower the candidates to handle interviews effectively. Thank you very much for your sharing...
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Si m p l e In d i a n

24 days ago

Have noticed in these recessionary times, and even earlier, that what gets you a job is not what you know, but who you know. Have personally experienced, and seen scores of very well qualified & experienced people settling for S***ty jobs while mediocre ones get plum jobs simply because they knew the right people. So, all this talk of right attitude, skills, etc. is pure BS. If one had such impressive credentials, one wouldn't be jobless in the first place (their organization wouldn't let them go, and would try to retain them). So, the best way to land an interview/job is through networking in both professional as well as personal circles. Of course, it's a lot harder to 'network' when one is jobless, as self-confidence and self-esteem is pretty low in such

'network' when one is jobless, as self-confidence and self-esteem is pretty low in such circumstances.
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Vi n o d Sh ri va s ta va ci ti
0

24 days ago

Amazing ,these tips are very useful.

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Sh a s h i ki n g d h a r
0

24 days ago

send me more questions like this and along with answers

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R a b i n d ra N a th Be h e ra

25 days ago

RABINDRA NATH BEHERA What others think of you is None of your bussiness
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Ti rth ra j b h a d o ri ya
0

25 days ago

other do what they wan,t.but myself trying my best tha,t all

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Bh a n u p ra ta p h a d a

25 days ago

i think one should have a will to work and the most imp thing required to accomplish a target is the will somebody is not hiring you it is his loss talent cannot be judged in interview or series of interview interview are merely an outline to know a person a real worker/ talent will always be seen in the field. if the recruiter were selecting the right candidate the condition of this country would be something different. be private or be government. the selection procedure needs a analytical study with a objective mind and without presumption or prejudice because as is also considered as one act o your routine work
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Ma n u
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25 days ago Reply Share

It really help me out............

ajit
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a month ago Reply Share

very nice suggestions................

H IR EN JOSH I

a month ago

Few More Tricks which i did fall for. Can anyone advise best answers for the same ? You were doing great in your academics ? Don't you have plans for further studies ? or You were doing great in your academics ? Why did not you go for full time MBA ? Why did you left your first organization ? Why you want to leave your current organization ? How long have you waited for this job ? Questions about family background ? I still fear i will screw myself again. Can anyone please suggest something before i prepare for next season of interviews ???
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Su n i l _ s a vl a 8 0
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HIREN JOSHI a month ago Share

i also facing same type of questions.

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Ma n g e s h w a n n a re

a month ago

i don't no
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R a j n i s h e cc

a month ago

My current profile is not matching with previous one and I dont like it as well. Most of the interviewer are not buying my true reason they are scared that what if I started disliking this job also if they hire me. Can anyone advise what should I do in this case.
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SAN D EEP OJH A

0

a month ago

I LIKE THIS ALL QUESTION PLEASE YOU PROVIDED A ALL ANSWER THIS QUESTION
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Th a ri th a 3 8 2

a month ago Share

yes i like this

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a m re n d ra ku m a r ch o u d h a ry
0

a month ago

hi i am amrendra kumar choudhary my cot; 9911159897

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Pa ra g N o l i m i t

a month ago

1) Whats the guarantee that you will work with our company for long time as you have hopped so may companies ? its been 15 interviews still not selected even you have lots of potential its really very embarrassing ;(
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Ma n i s h

a month ago

amazing article...very useful... i have seen good functional experts getting lower salaries in their negotiations with HR due to inappropriate answers to the questions mentioned above... thanks to the compiler of this information..
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