Tough Interview Questions – Dealing with the Dark Side, Part II
In part one of Tough Interview Questions – Dealing with the Dark Side, we looked at the most challenging interview question that can trip up even the most seasoned professional: “What is your greatest weakness?”
Today, I want to discuss how to answer this question, look at possible other dark-side questions you might get during the interview process and how to prepare yourself to give authentic answers that impress the prospective employer.
How To Answer The Weakness Question
In the GET HIRED! Module of the Job Search Boot Camp, Jay and I teach that you should cite a trait that was a challenge to you in the past, and then talk about how you have worked to overcome it.
Example: “I used to struggle with time management, which affected my efficiency. Then I started using a system called EDGE. Now, every single day I’m able to clear my email inbox, as well as my to-do list. I’ve also become better at prioritizing and delegating my time and tasks.”
I want to stress that you should pick something that’s truly genuine. Back when I was a recruiter I never let a candidate get away with a blow-off answer like “I have a tendency to be a perfectionist.” Huh? How could trying to perform your job to perfection EVER be a weakness to your employer?
Whenever a candidate gave me that textbook answer, what do you think my follow-up question would be? You’ve got it… “So, please tell me about a time when being a perfectionist hindered you in your job?”
Why They Put You Through These Hoops
A good interviewer will probe your dark side. They won’t let you get away with keeping things light and only dance around at the surface. They put you through these hoops because they want real answers. How else will they get to know you in such a short time? I’ve said it again and again – it’s even a core theme of my book – during your job search you are in selling mode. You are selling the concept of you. If the prospective employer doesn’t ask you tough questions they won’t get meaningful information. If they don’t get meaningful information, how else will they know if they are “buying” good merchandise when they make you an offer?
Answering the Dislikes Question
Before we take a look at other dark-side questions, let’s briefly take a look at how to answer the dislike question. This question could come straight at you in the form of “What do you dislike most about your (last) job?” It could also be phrased, “What part of your job would you gladly give away if you could?” or “If you could change one thing about your last manager, employer, job, etc. what would it be?”
In the GET HIRED Module workbook, we provide a list of typical interview questions and our suggestions for answers. Quoting from our workbook… “Though I liked most of the aspects of the job and company, the only limitation was lack of growth opportunities.” (shows initiative)
Other Dark-Side Questions
A tough question you might face during the interview process could be about a previous termination. Frame your answer by saying that it was a business decision by the company. If other jobs were also eliminated, mention this.
If you were terminated due to a performance issue, we recommend you clear any personal negative feelings you have about the circumstances so that your non-verbal communication cues (such as tone of voice and body language) don’t sabotage you. Then explain the event briefly, factually and non-emotionally. Add what the experience taught you – how you have grown personally & professionally from it.
Here’s a specific twist to the “greatest weakness” question, “What is your biggest failure?” This type of questions comes in many shapes and sizes, such as “Tell me about a time when you didn’t perform to expectations.” or “Tell me about the most difficult experience you’ve had at work.” Just like with the weakness questions, talk about something that happened at work that you later resolved, preferably something that took place early in your career. Demonstrate how your judgment and/or ability has improved as a result of that learning experience.
Impress Them!
There’s a school of thought in the customer service business that when confronted with an unhappy customer, you have been given a golden chance. If handled well, that unhappy customer can become a customer for life. It’s all in the way you deal with the dark side of situations.
When confronted with tough negative questions from the interviewer, you are given a golden chance. If handled well, you can impress the prospective employer with your maturity, ability to overcome tough challenges (in the interview as well as in your career) and professionalism. By allowing them a glimpse into who you really are, how you have grown as a person and as a professional over the years, the interview becomes a meaningful exchange of information. That meaningful exchange will pay off because when they actually “buy” the concept of you by offering you the job, the employer/employee relationship bond will have already started to happen.
Don’t shy away from these dark-side questions. Embrace them, prepare for them, and seize the golden chance they give you to make a powerful impression that could win you the job offer.
