TOP 7 TRICK INTERVIEW QUESTIONS! (How to ANSWER TRICKY Interview Questions with CONFIDENCE!)

Most candidates answer this question by saying… “I have never failed. I don’t fail because I am a perfectionist!” Give that answer, and you will fail your interview. The hiring manager is asking you this question to assess how honest you are, and whether you take responsibility for your failures to improve. Here’s is my top-scoring answer to help you:

WHEN HAVE YOU FAILED?

“In my first ever job, I failed a simple task given to me by my supervisor. They’d given me a simple task to complete, but in my hastiness to get it completed quickly to impress, I failed to listen fully to the brief.

As soon as I realised this, I informed my supervisor, apologised and asked them to repeat the brief before completing the task correctly. I learned a lot from that experience and since then, I listen to instructions carefully and take comprehensive notes.”

This next trick interview question is designed to assess loyalty. Most people think this question is an invitation for them to be disrespectful about their former employer, co-workers or boss.

However, I strongly urge you NOT to say anything negative in your answer. Here is my top-scoring example answer that demonstrates loyalty and respect.

WHAT WAS YOUR WORST JOB?

“I’ve never had a terrible job because I am always careful about which companies and positions I apply for. I research the company before applying to ensure it is a place where I will be happy to work and I study the job description to ensure I can make a difference in the role.

My first job was the only position that didn’t work out as planned. The job description ended up being different from the one advertised, but I took on the responsibilities with passion and enthusiasm and saw them as opportunities to learn new skills.”

This next trick interview question is designed to assess if you are the type of employee who takes ownership of workplace conflict.

People fail their interviews on this question because they think the correct thing to say is they would tell their manager about the conflict so they can resolve it – if you do say that, you will likely fail your interview. Here is the BEST ANSWER you can give…

HOW DO YOU MANAGE CONFLICT?

“Conflict has the potential to hinder a team’s performance. Therefore, I take ownership of the situation to find a solution. First, I assess my words and actions to ensure I am not causing conflict. I then sit down privately with the person who the conflict is with to ascertain their views and options and to determine why the conflict is occurring. I then hold open and honest discussions to find an amicable way forward that empowers the team to progress.”

90% of candidates answer this next trick question by saying they do not have any weaknesses. They think if they disclose any weakness to the hiring manager, they will fail, but that is not true!

The hiring manager is asking this interview question to assess self-awareness. If you understand what your weaknesses are, you will always be improving! Here is the perfect answer…

WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

“My weaknesses are saying YES to people and PUBLIC SPEAKING. When someone asks me to take on extra work or responsibilities, I always say yes, which sometimes means I overcommit. I am aware of this weakness and trying to force myself to assess my capacity for additional work before committing.

I am not yet confident in public speaking, but I want to develop this skill. If there are any opportunities for me to give talks or presentations to my team in this role, I would like to try it.”

This next trick interview question is often answered by the candidate saying they are motived by money or financial reward. While the majority of people are motivated by money, saying this as part of your answer is dangerous! If the hiring manager thinks you are solely motivated by money or company benefits, they won’t hire you. Here is my example answer to help you…

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

“I am motivated by three things. Being fit and healthy, doing a great job for my employer and supporting my family. Being fit and healthy means I feel good about myself, and my energy and concentration levels are high. If I do a great job for my employer, I will receive praise, job satisfaction, job security, and a fair salary that will enable me to support my family.”

This next common trick interview question is often answered by candidates incorrectly. They say they want the job because they need to work or the fact the company’s location is close to home. Do not say either of those things. Instead, give an answer that shows you have researched the company and job description. Here is my answer…

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

“I want this job for two reasons. The first reason is that the role perfectly aligns with my skills, knowledge and qualifications. I am passionate about this industry and I will have plenty of job satisfaction in my work.

The second reason I want this job is because it is with your company. I researched your company before submitting my resume. I was attracted to your company values, positive workplace culture and how you provide excellent training to ensure all staff reach their full potential.”

At the end of your job interview the hiring manager will say to you, “do you have any questions?”. Most people think the correct thing to say is, “no, I don’t have any questions, you covered everything in the interview!”. Saying that is a big mistake.

The hiring manager wants you to ask some questions because that shows you care about the company and it also demonstrates a genuine interest in the role. Let me give you a list of 15 great questions to ask in an interview. All you have to do is choose 3 questions from the list of 15 to ask at the end of your interview.

1. What are the primary challenges faced by the team here?
2. Can you describe a typical day or week in this position?
3. How does this role contribute to the overall success of the company?
4. Can you tell me more about the team I will be working with?
5. How would you describe the team’s dynamic and working style?
6. What are the team’s biggest achievements in the past year?
7. How would you describe the company culture?
8. What are the company’s short-term and long-term goals?
9. How is success measured in this role?
10. What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
11. How do you see this role evolving over the next few years?
12. What are the potential career paths within the company for someone in this position?
13. Is there anything else you need from me to help make your decision?
14. What are the next steps in the interview process?
15. When can I expect to hear back from you?