Beware these tricky interview questions that can trip you up in your job interview. Some
interview questions seem straightforward and easy to answer, others may have a
hidden purpose.

It is important that you know what the interviewer is looking
for with these type of interview questions and be prepared with good interview
answers that improve your chances of success.

Tricky Interview Questions & Answers

Use the sample answers to prepare your own convincing interview answers to these tough interview questions.

1. What is your dream job?

With this question the employer wants to find out a couple of things :

• What type of  job are you really interested in?
• How motivated are you to do this particular job? 
• Are your just firing off applications for any job opening?
• Does this job opportunity fit in with your career plans?

Make sure your interview answer is related to the position you are
interviewing for and reassures the interviewer of your commitment and enthusiasm.

Make reference to the requirements of the job at
hand and to aspects of the job that appeal to you. You can also focus on the
company and industry in question.

To prepare your winning interview answer review
the job posting and job description, use your background research on the company
and think about what it is about the job that interests you.

Avoid specific job titles when answering this tricky interview question. Keep
the focus on the responsibilities and skills of the position and the type of
company culture that appeals to you.

2. What are your core values?

Employers ask this question to evaluate your fit with the culture of the
company.  Are your core values in alignment with those of the organization?
Consider your workplace values and personal values.

In general, a value
is a principle that you believe is important in the way you live and
work. Common core values include :

• integrity
• cooperation
• accountability
• commitment
• reliability
• quality-orientation
• achievement
• high standards
• compassion
• enthusiasm
• loyalty
• respect
• hard work

Sample core values interview answer:

Interviewers may follow up with this question “Which one of our core values appeals to you and why?”

Research the company and find out the company mission statement and values so you can be prepared to answer this question with confidence.

3. Describe yourself in one word

Examples of core indicators of job success include:

• enthusiastic and motivated
• organized and focused
• dedicated and hard working
• helpful and responsible
• versatile and adaptable
• determined and results-orientated

In your answer include an explanation of why you have selected that specific
adjective to describe yourself. You need to back up your description with
concrete examples.

For job candidates for little or no work experience this is a good sample interview answer.

4. Is there anything else we should have asked you during the
interview?

A number of job candidates get confused by this question. Simply put, the
interviewer is asking candidates if they have anything else to add before the
interview ends.

• It is a good chance to mention anything that the interviewer has
  neglected to ask you and that is relevant to your suitability for the job.

• In your interview answer focus on what else the employer
  should know that makes you a great fit for the position.
• Avoid just
  repeating what has already been discussed and highlight a relevant fact that the
  interviewer genuinely does not know about yet.

Prepare for these interview questions and don’t get caught off-guard. Employers will be keenly assessing how you deal with hard interview questions.

You can find a number of other tricky interview questions with sample interview answers at Tricky Interview Questions Part 2

Prepare for the Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

How to answer difficult interview questions about salary, employment gaps and resume red flags.

Top 10 Interview Questions & Answers

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