14 Interview Questions That Are Designed To Confuse You, And Here’s How You Respond

Job interviews are probably as nerve-wracking as exam season, but the worst is the trick questions HR asks to get inside your head! Here is how you can play an Uno-reverse on them and smash the interview.

For some reason, interviewees always mask simple questions where their true intention is not obvious. “Tell me about yourself” “what are your strengths and weakness” - they don’t want you to tell them about your life or how you can’t write without auto-correct because mind-games is their middle name.

Through my experience, and some researched expert advice, here is how you can ace these interview questions.

1. Can you tell me about yourself?

They aren’t looking for your life story and what your dog’s name is, rather use this opportunity to share what your professional experience has been and why it’s perfectly fitting for the position and company. No better way to kickstart your interview! Think of this as your ‘elevator pitch’ and prepare beforehand.

2. Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?

This is for those who are already working in a similar role, they use this question to dig out your behavioural red flags so be very careful. Don’t trash your company, bring out conflicts you experienced because without context they can seem concerning to employers. Try directing the question to how you’re looking for a new opportunity to grow your professional skills and how this role would do that for you.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

Oh, this is the one I hate the most, they want to see the balance of your self-awareness so don’t be cheeky and rephrase a strength as a weakness “I work too hard” as the response will just make them roll their eyes. Instead, address your weakness but frame it as something that is a work in progress and that you’re making efforts to improve in that area.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Even if you are just looking at this role as a short-term stepping stone to your career growth - DON’T TELL THEM THAT. Training and employee development are a lot more expensive than it seems. Instead, talk about how you want to grow within the company, but make sure it seems like a realistic progression that the company’s infrastructure allows.

5. Why do you want to work here?

Research the company and what they stand for beforehand and use that information here. This will help you to not give an over-generalised answer. Align the company’s values and mission to your own, explain why you’re a good organisation fit and finally, and why this role is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

6. Can you explain the gap in your work history/CV?

Don’t get defensive or weird about this question, they’re only looking to see if you have a good work ethic and diligence. Use this opportunity to talk about how you were committed to waiting for the perfect role and perhaps even soft skills you focused on developing during that gap year.

7. Can you tell me about a time you made a mistake?

As much as some of you might hate conflict, there is going to be a time at work where you’ll have to face and manage conflict and this question is designed to identify that exact ability. First pick a challenge that you faced (it can be with uni work, your casual role it doesn’t matter) and explain the situation, highlight the task, clarify what action you took, and highlight the resolution to the problem (STAR Method).

8. How Would You Go About Weighing an Airplane If You Didn’t Have a Scale?

If it’s not this question there will be some form of this question in your interview - a logical puzzle question. Here they want to see what your problem-solving ability and style is. The magic here is there is no right answer - just take them through various steps you would take to solve the problem. You’ll sound detail-oriented and confident!

9. Can you tell me about a time you disagreed with a company policy?

After last year I think all of us have found the courage to stand up for ourselves or issues we believe in, and they want to know just how much courage you have to do that in the workplace. However, make sure you highlight how respectfully and productively you are willing to be for positive change within the company.

10. Can you tell me about an ethical dilemma you might have experienced in your previous workplace/ at uni?

Confidentially and strong ethics are always a top priority for most employers so it’s imperative you are smart about this response. They want to know how you avoided shady practices, tap into your moral compass and communicating your dilemma without breaching confidentiality. So Ensure you cover all those areas when you explain your experience.

11. Do you know anyone who works for us?

Only disclose this information if you’re super confident that this friend/acquaintance has a good standing at a company because, unfortunately when you tell them who you know they might associate their presence in the company with how you may fit in as well, which can sometimes not work in your favour so be careful.

12. How soon can you start?

It’s so easy to asap, but even if you have a casual job always say that you need to give your current employer a two-week notice, it will reflect well on how you respect your current job and express your commitment to integrity and honesty. Employers froth that stuff!

13. Could you tell us what salary range you expect?

Interview advice 101 don’t bring up salary till they do, but when they do regardless of whether this is your first role in the field you ALWAYS negotiate. Research how much is the median salary for graduates in that field and what are the various salaries on glassdoor or payscale so you have an educated number that you can ask for, rather than an outlandish number that can possibly backfire on your possibility of getting the job.

14. How does this position compare to others you're applying for?

They want to know how many jobs you have applied for, now even if you’ve applied for 50+ jobs, you don’t them to think they’re just another opportunity in the pile. However you also don’t want to seem like this is the only job you applied for, it will give them too much leverage over everything that comes next. There is a perfect balance you need to strike and my advice is to say that you have narrowed it down to a few options, and as much as you are excited about this role you are still evaluating which one works best for you.

Be the best version of yourself at these interviews, your PROFESSIONAL self and it will show and leave an impression, I promise.

Happy job hunting! You got this!