Top five trick interview questions

Did you know a manager is likely to throw some trick questions at you during your interview?

Of course you did. That’s why you’re already one of the strongest candidates for the top positions on jobs24.com

But just in case, here are our top five queries… and the best answers to keep up your sleeve.

How honest are you?

Don’t be fooled into thinking you should show some sign of weakness. In the world of business, honesty is everything – at least that’s what potential customers and clients really need to believe.

So, while this question will lure unwary candidates to confess they may tell a little white lie occasionally, the perfect answer is: “100%”.

This is the only answer that tells your boss you will always maintain the highest levels of personal and professional integrity.

How do you overcome under-performance?

Confessing to not hitting your targets isn’t ideal when gunning for a top job. Everyone has bad days but the secret here is to create a hypothetical failure instead.

So, while humbly stating you don’t do hiccups, offer an example of how hypothetically someone could handle defeat – such as by reviewing each phase of a pitch or stage of a project and examining how these could be improved.

Do you think sales is ever about luck?

Luck can be an important part of the job but it’s not something you should be suggesting that you rely upon.

What your potential boss really wants to know, is whether you’re positive and proactive, or more negative about life than Eeyore on a Monday morning.

The best answer is to say that researching clients and perfecting pitches creates the environment for good luck to work its magic.

Are you competitive with colleagues?

The very fact you’re here shows you’re more than willing to put yourself against rivals.

However, explain that being competitive doesn’t mean you can’t also recognise strengths in co-workers and the power that comes from working as a team.

Ultimately, competition is healthy when it drives the company forward.

Okay, so why should we hire you?

A common question yet one designed to trip you up at the last hurdle.

Those who fall over are the ones who talk about themselves and how brilliant they are.

This is great news but what will see you race ahead of other candidates is showing off your knowledge of the company (having done your research in advance) and highlighting specific skills that match the job description.

Now your sleeve is full of answers, let’s get that interview set up with the latest vacancies from jobs24.com

Posted on April 18, 2019