How to Answer Trick Interview Questions

Trick questions? Interviews are nerve-wracking enough, now we’re telling you companies have tricks up their sleeves? In a word, yes.

You know that preparing to answer difficult interview questions will help you nail the position. But how do you know which questions will pop up? By assessing your resume and thinking like a hiring manager.

If you believe there are possible questions to be asked about your work history — a gap in employment, a termination, or a sudden career shift — think about your answers in advance and rehearse how you’ll say them.

Universal tips for any interviewee response

1. Keep your interview answers short, and mention the following acceptable reasons for leaving a company in your answers: Location, advancement, money, pride or prestige, and security are common and valid reasons employees choose to leave a company.
2. Answer questions honestly, but always in a way that emphasizes positively on your character, and if possible, tie it to the job for which you’re interviewing.
3. Make sure you study the company's mission statement. When you’re asked, Why do you want to work here? Give an answer that aligns with the company's ethics and focus. That way, you’ll know whether you’re a good fit for the company — for their sake and yours.
4. Lastly, finish your answers with a question that directs the interview back to the job requirements, and how your experiences are best suited for it. Give the chance for the interviewer to talk about him or herself. People like that.

How to handle trick questions that interviewers ask

Interview questions are supposed to challenge job candidates and make them think on their feet; keep a positive spin on all your answers, and give the hiring manager a good way to assess your abilities personally in a way that will want to convey your ambition and interest in the opportunity at hand. Examples include:

Q: You have changed careers before. Why would I let you use my company as a trial ground?

A. Changing careers help you gain a lot of diverse skills in different aspects. I believe I’m a better employee who can help problems creatively.

Q: It looks like you were terminated from a previous position. Can you tell us how that happened and whether it will affect you at this job?

A: It was a shocking experience, but I was able to use it to bounce back afterward and land jobs that gave me more responsibility, paid me more money, and were at better companies. It's proven that I’m still passionate about the business I’m working in.

Q: It seems like you don’t have enough experience for this job. Why should we hire you?

A: I may be inexperienced, but I’m ready and eager to learn. My attitude enables me to take on many tasks outside of my comfort zone, and constantly ask questions about efficiency and processes that experienced workers may not ask. I’m also always seeking new challenges, as you can tell.

Q: Your last held a full-time position three years ago. Why is that?

A: I took time off to help care for my husband who was suffering from a serious health issue, but he’s recovered quite well. I’m free to take on a full-time position now, and his health will not affect my productivity any longer.

Lastly, some interview questions are illegal. Discriminatory questions related to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, birthplace, age, disability, and marital/family status shouldn’t be asked during an interview. If they’re asked, you always have the option to end the interview or refuse to answer the question.