September 13, 2023 English / Job Seeker Guide Interview 101: Answering the Top 3 Annoying Questions Posted by Anisa Aznan Today is the day you’ve been waiting for. Today, you have your first interview for that job you’ve wanted for a long time. Your cover letter and resume have already done their jobs to get you an interview. And now, it’s time to shine in front of the interviewer! But it’s not a straight shot to the round with the hiring boss. You still have to answer the questions the recruiter has written. Most of the time, recruiter screens are just a way to see if you are a good fit for the job and can do it. They usually go through standard interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want this role?” There will always be a few questions that can throw you off. So, you should always be ready to answer them. Here are the top 3 most annoying interview questions and how to answer them: ALSO READ: Hard Skills: How to Include Them on Your Resume 1. What do you think is your biggest flaw? At first, this might look like a trick question. But if you answer it honestly and with self-awareness, you can get extra points and a thumbs up for the next round. We all know that nobody is perfect. Even the person you might hire as your boss has flaws. The most important thing to learn is that you shouldn’t try to make your “weakness” look like a strength. The old lines “I’m a perfectionist” or “I’m too focused on the details” can bite you and raise a red flag. They could also sound planned or fake, which is the last thing you want to do if you want to get a job. It would help if you gave an honest answer showing you know yourself and are trying to improve. Some examples are getting nervous before giving a big talk or not knowing much about using a particular tool. Some people may also say that it takes them too long to get used to a new setting or that it’s hard to keep track of what they expect from their manager. The main rule for this is to focus on how you’re trying to improve it. You can say things like, “I’m working on my stage fright by going to Toastmaster meetings once a week, taking a mental break when I’m too busy, or setting aside time to learn a new tool that will help me at work.” Weaknesses are normal, but what sets winners apart is how they accept their flaws and look forward to getting better. 2. Why did you quit the last job you had? People leave their jobs for many different reasons. There are some good ones and some that aren’t as good. When asked why you’re leaving your current job for a new one, you should never say anything bad about your past or current boss. This is not about them, you see. The interview is about you and the job you might get. Whatever problems you might have had with your last job, your next boss probably won’t care. Also, talking more about your strengths and how your hobbies are changing will help you answer this question better. Every company would rather hire a dreamer who comes up with new ideas and broadens their views. So, you’re leaving your old job to find a place where you can learn and grow more. Here’s an example of a possible answer: “I’ve had some great experiences in my work, and now I want to take my Data Analytics skills to the next level. I learned a lot from my last boss, but after 3 years there, I felt like I had reached a plateau in my growth. I saw this job on my LinkedIn feed; it is a great chance to learn from experts in this area. “Really looking forward to learning more today.” Ultimately, it’s important to remember that your old employer did a lot to help you grow professionally. Still, everything comes to an end, even good things. And by then, it will be time to start a new trip. 3. What is your current salary, and how much do you hope to make? Money is important, but it’s not always the most important thing. Usually, at the end of the interview, the person interviewing you will ask how much you make now and what you want to make. Before you say anything, take a moment to think about how to make this a talk instead of a fight. The best scenario is that you follow up and ask them their budget for this specific job, and they give you a range. And then you can tell them what you think if it fits your wants. It doesn’t always work this way, though, and they may expect you to give the first number. If so, try to stay calm and work with them instead of against them. Tell them you’re willing to talk about salary and goals once you know more about the job and both of you think it might be a good fit. This is also an excellent time to use the study you did so you know how much other companies in this industry pay for similar jobs. If you know your market value, you can figure out how to discuss your salary in the future. Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Salary.com are some of the best places to learn about salaries. And remember that we never want to lie here! In the long run, it’s always best to be honest and open about what you know and what you don’t know. Knowing who you are and what you bring will lead you to your best job path in the long run. Now go out there and show them what you got! Find your dream job on Jobstore.com, download our free mobile app today. Anisa is a writer who focuses on career and lifestyle topics in an effort to motivate both job searchers and employers towards greater fulfillment in their professional lives. Reach me at anisa@jobstore.com.
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