Trick questions are designed to help hiring managers get to the real person who is being considered for employment. Using well-chosen questions, the interviewer can obtain a true profile of the person being interviewed. These questions are also designed to obtain information that the candidate may be trying to conceal. Some common interview questions that might seem tricky but are used for attempting to gather valid information include:
- How would you describe yourself in one word?
- What do you want to work here?
- How do you define success?
- What’s a difficult situation that you encountered? What actions do you take?
- How does this position compare to others you are applying for?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What accomplishment are you most proud of?
- What kind of boss and coworkers have you had the most and least success with, and why?
- Have you ever considered being an entrepreneur?
- If you could work for any company, where would you work?
- What would you do if you won $5 million tomorrow?
- Have you ever been asked to compromise your integrity by your supervisor or colleague?
- Can you give us a reason someone may not like working with you?
When encountering these questions, career experts recommend answers that are honest, concise, and focused on your skills, competencies, and achievements.
For additional information on tricky interview questions, click here.
Teaching Suggestions
- Have students ask another person interview them using some of these questions.
- Have students obtain sample interview questions and effective interviewing techniques using online research.
Discussion Questions
- What are common mistakes when answering interview questions?
- How might a person improve their interviewing skills?
Melissa Hart
Focus on Personal Finance, 7e 