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3 Types Of Questions You Should Ask At The End Of Job Interviews

3 Types Of Questions You Should Ask At The End Of Job Interviews

There are three types of questions I teach all of my career coaching clients to ask when they are in an interview. These three questions are especially important when you're in those final stage interviews with higher-ups. If you ask these critical questions, you are going to be seen as more intelligent, more engaging, and the candidate who will give them the return on the investment they're looking for if they hire you.

At the end of your next job interview, make sure you ask the following three questions so you can stand out as the best candidate for the job.

1. A Connection Question


When you get to the end of the interview and the hiring manager says, "Do you have any questions?" the first type of question you want to ask is a connection question. This type of question allows you to ask them about their experience at the company. Here are some examples:

  • How did you get your job here?
  • What do you like most about working here?
  • What's the most impactful part of your job?

I particularly like the connection question around how they ended up in their job and what they like most about it because it gives the hiring manager a chance to talk about their own professional journey and people enjoy sharing that.

2. A Question About The Company's Challenges


Man asks about the company in a job interview

The second type of question you want to ask should be about the company's difficulties and challenges. Here are some examples:

  • What is the greatest challenge your department will face this year?
  • What do you think is the biggest challenge the company will face this year?

Then, you end the question with this:

  • And how will the role that I am interviewing for help overcome that challenge?
  • And how would the job I'd be doing positively impact overcoming that challenge?

By asking this type of question, you're saying, "I get it. You're hiring me to solve problems and alleviate pain. So tell me about the big challenges." In fact, I've even coached people to say:

  • Can you tell me the one thing that's keeping you up at night with respect to the business? And how will the job that I'm doing help with that?

No matter how you phrase it, this type of question lets the hiring manager vent and talk about what concerns them, and it also gives you the framework of what you would need to do in order to succeed in the role.

3. A Question About Next Steps In the Process


Woman shakes hands with the hiring manager before a job interview

The third and final type of question that is so important to ask in a job interview is about the next steps in the process. Here are some examples:

  • Can you tell me what the next steps in this hiring process process are?
  • Can you tell me what I can expect going forward in this hiring process?
  • Can you tell me how you feel about me as a candidate for this role? And is there anything else you feel I could provide for you that would help me stand out? Because I'm really interested in the job.

This closing question is all about you getting to the bottom of what to expect (managing your own expectations), and the hiring manager should be able to frame that out for you.

I've given you a few different examples of how to ask these questions because everyone has to find their own voice. So, at the end of your next job interview, remember to ask these three types of questions (we'll call them the three Cs), and ask them in a way that feels right to you:

  1. Connection question
  2. Challenge question
  3. Closing question

When you ask these questions consistently, you're going to see much better results from your interviews. I guarantee it.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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3 Types Of Questions You Should Ask …

What Your Interview Body Language Reveals About You



Poor body language can derail an interview regardless of how confident and well-spoken you are. Body language is as much a part of your communication style as what you say verbally—it's really about how you say it. Impressions are made within seconds of reviewing body language.

Consider the first step to entering an interview—the handshake. While it may take less than 10 seconds to complete a handshake, in that time, the interviewer has already developed an impression of your character based on eye contact and the firmness of your shake. A weak handshake and lack of eye contact can leave the impression you are timid and insecure. A sincere and firm handshake with eye contact expresses professionalism and confidence. An overpowering handshake with a fixed gaze may come across as overconfident and arrogant. So, be cautious with your next handshake and start the interview off with a positive impression.

In an interview, body language is present from head to toe. Consider the following...

Posture


Whether you are sitting or standing, your posture projects a level of confidence and engagement in the conversation. When one slumps, it implies to the interviewer a lack of confidence and interest. Sitting stiff as a rock implies nervousness and it creates an uncomfortable situation for building rapport. Sitting at the tip of the chair implies you don't want to be there. Lying back on the chair with your ankle on top of your other knee may appear unprofessional and too relaxed. In general, crossing your arms and legs may be interpreted as building a barrier.

To project professionalism, confidence, and engagement, consider sitting on the chair with your lower back touching or close to the back panel while leaning 10 degrees forward. Keep your hands relaxed in your lap or on the table, and your feet grounded on the floor. When standing, avoid crossing your arms or placing them in your pockets. The point is to project a balanced posture that is not limp or overly stiff.

Eye Contact


Woman maintains good eye contact during a job interview

Eye contact allows you and the interviewer to connect beyond words alone. However, there is a fine balance between good eye contact and when eye contact becomes a weird gaze or stare that can make the other person feel uncomfortable. When you stare without having breaks in between, a casual conversation can come across as a lecture.

Whether you are listening or speaking, maintain eye contact with your interviewer for a couple of seconds at a time (no more than 7 to 10 seconds) and then glance away before returning eye contact again. If you are looking down to take notes, look up occasionally, especially when it appears a special point is being made or when you are asked a question.

Voice


Woman attends a virtual job interview

Speed, tone, and pitch combined make an impression. Talking too fast can be hard to understand and appear as nervousness. When your tone projects apology or defense, you can come across as unconfident and insecure. When you don't make changes between your tone and pitch, you can sound monotone, making it more difficult for the other person to stay engaged.

Learn to take control of your voice. If you are nervous, it can come across in your pitch, so take a breath to help you relax before speaking. Be conscious of your tone and pitch to offer variation and to help emphasize certain points.

Bobblehead


Man with good body language answers a question during a job interview

Some people have a tendency to bobble their heads as a gesture of agreement, but when you nod in excess during a conversation, it becomes a distraction and can be interpreted as though you are agreeing on everything for the sake of wanting to please. You can lose credibility in such instances.

To avoid appearing like a bobblehead, nod occasionally to show you are still engaged and have control over how you nod. You can also tilt your head slightly to the side as though you are trying to listen more carefully as another way to show you are engaged.

Extremities


Woman with good body language smiles during a job interview

There are people who do certain things out of habit, such as flaring their arms while talking, twirling their hair, playing with a pen in hand, rocking back and forth on a chair, and shaking or thumping their feet. Many of these actions occur unconsciously; however, these are distractions to the person you are speaking to and may be perceived as signs you are bored or have trouble focusing. Some people also touch their nose or face frequently when they are nervous. An interviewer may perceive this as a sign you are not being totally honest.

Be conscious of what you do with your hands, legs, and feet and that will help you take control of your movements. Be aware of your own body language and also read your interviewer's body language to give you hints about how they are responding to you.

The interview may start very formal, but as you both become acquainted with one another, the mood may relax and you may adapt your body language to reflect what you sense from the interviewer. There is no absolute rule around body language, but it would be wise to avoid any chance of being misinterpreted.

You can properly prepare your body language before heading into an interview by watching yourself in the mirror act out how you introduce yourself and speak. Another helpful way is to have a friend or colleague interview you and record the entire session. Review how you present yourself and become aware of problem areas to adjust before your interview.

Need more help preparing for your next job interview?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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What Your Interview Body Language Reveals About …

1 (Sneaky) Question You Should Ask In A Job Interview



If you want to make a great, positive, lasting impression in a job interview, there is one question you should ask the hiring manager. It's also a bit of a sneaky question because it will reveal something about this person and what it would be like to work at the company.

"What's The Most Significant/Positive Thing That's Happened To You At This Company?"


When you get to the end of the interview and the hiring manager asks you if you have any questions, look them in the eye, smile, and say, "Tell me about the most significant or positive thing that's happened to you here at the company in the last year."

The reason why you're asking them about the most significant or positive or exciting thing that's happened to them in the last year is that any time we get to talk to somebody and share a positive experience, we tend to associate them with being positive as well. We end up liking them more and feeling more connected to them. So, this is a way for you to achieve this with the person who's interviewing you.

But if you ask them this question and they can't quickly answer, or if they hesitate, or if they struggle to think of something, what does that tell you about the company? Why is this person not thinking of something positive? It makes you wonder.

Asking this question in a job interview is a way to look under the hood and find out if the company might be a fit for you. It will tell you a lot about the organization's values, goals, and workplace culture.

Now, in order to have the opportunity to ask these great questions, you need to nail the job interview, and that means getting the behavioral questions right. If you want to know how to answer the 18 hardest behavioral questions, sign up for a Work It DAILY membership today. It'll be the best money you've ever spent on your job search.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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1 (Sneaky) Question You Should Ask In …



If you want to get a job in 2024, you need to be ready to share three stories with every hiring manager and recruiter you meet. These three stories will help recruiters and hiring managers fall in love with you, and this is also how you make a stronger first impression.

Storytelling in general is important, but it can be particularly powerful in the hiring process. When you go into an interview, you need to be able to tell concise stories so that they can validate your knowledge and expertise.

These three stories help them learn more about the complete you...

1. Why You Want To Work For This Company


This story needs to be based on your connection to the employer. They don't want to hear that you love their benefits package or that you heard they pay well. They want to hear why you love their product or service and why you're a huge fan of the customers they serve.

Somehow you need to tell a connection story that gets them to understand your intrinsic motivation, which is just a fancy term for what will get you out of bed every day and want to work for this company. What do you believe in? They can't teach you intrinsic motivation. There are so many candidates out there who look the same that you need to have this really great connection story because that's what gets them to choose you.

2. Why You Love To Create The Value That You Do


Man answers the interview question "describe yourself in one word"

Now, the second story you need to have on the ready is why you nerd out on the work that you do and why you love to create the value that you do on the job. Your unique value add (UVA) is how you save a company money, make a company money, solve problems, and alleviate pain. They don't pay you just for the heck of it. You need to create value.

When you can talk about why you love doing the work that you do and how you nerd out on it, you're showing them once again what's going to get you out of bed every day. You're self-motivated to create that value, exceed expectations, be resourceful, and think outside the box. Again, they have all these candidates to choose from. They want the employee who is going to be like that. So, this second story is very powerful.

3. The Most Exciting Or Positive Thing That Happened In Your Career In The Last Year


Woman answers a question during a virtual job interview

The third story is the one I love the most right now, which is what's the most exciting or positive thing that happened in your career in the last year? You want to share this story with recruiters and hiring managers because they need to know that you are constantly looking at your career and assessing what's happened to you so that you can learn and grow from it.

When you can recognize that the things that happened to you were very powerful and positive, they know that you're a powerful and positive person who is always striving to learn and grow. And it's also just a great feel-good story that can articulate a lot about you.

So, let's recap.

The three stories you need to share are...

  1. Why you want to work for the company (sharing your connection to the company).
  2. Why you nerd out on the work that you do (showing your resourcefulness).
  3. The greatest thing that happened to you in your career in the last year (showing your positivity and power).

You could type these up right now and have them ready for an interview. Or you could even go so far as to put them in a cover letter. But the one that will go much farther is video.

There is a way for you to record these three stories and rerecord them until their perfect. Then, you can take these three stories, put them in what's called a reel, and send them off as a URL to recruiters and hiring managers. That's when they'll fall in love with you. That's when they will see that you are the kind of person that is more than just the experience. You are the full package, and it will elevate your first impression because video is the new first interview. Video is the new phone screen. So why not take full control, record these three stories, put them in a reel, and send them off?

You can do this by using a new phone app that I love called the McCoy app. This lets you do all of the above so that you can elevate first impressions, make better connections, and get those recruiters and hiring managers responding to you before everybody else.

Job search is a game. To be competitive right now, you need to do things differently. And using video to tell these three stories is a game changer. So I hope you'll check out the McCoy app. But more importantly, please get your three stories ready to go. They are what will differentiate you in this very competitive job market so that you can get the job you want and deserve.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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3 Stories You Need To Share In …



It can be hard to turn down a job offer, especially if you're currently unemployed. But just because you got an offer doesn't mean the job or the company is the right fit for you.

Even getting an interview in a competitive job market is an achievement in itself, but you need to be very clear from the start of the interview process what the most important aspects of the job are to you and then prioritize them accordingly.

Obviously, salary is important, especially if you're not working right now, but we're all looking for different things. For some, it might be the work-life balance that is the most important; for others, a culture that fosters innovation, or maybe location or opportunities to grow and develop.

Most of us have had an experience of the job not turning out to be as promised during the interview process. But how do you know if you've found your perfect company? How do you determine what the red flags are, which means that the job might not be a good fit for you long term?

Here are some signs a company might not be right for you:

Disorganized Or Disrespectful Interviewers


Hiring manager is disrespectful during a job interview

As much as you need to impress a prospective employer during the interview process, the employer also needs to impress you. If the hiring manager is half an hour late or rushing around, this can be a sign of what the work culture is like and it shows that bringing in new talent clearly isn't a priority.

You want to connect with your interviewer on some level during the hiring process. That will be impossible to do if they're disorganized and not giving you the time of day.

No matter what happens in your interview, if you're left with a bad taste in your mouth after interacting with your interviewer, that's a red flag that shouldn't be ignored.

You're Not Sure About Your Future Boss


Woman in an interview unsure if the job is right for her

If you're not going to get on well with your boss, chances are you won't enjoy your work. Ask yourself whether you have a good feeling about the person who will be your manager. Will they offer you good feedback and career advice when needed? Do they know how they will measure your performance on the job? Are they approachable?

If you don't feel your prospective manager is someone you want to work with, you might want to think twice before accepting their offer.

The Company Is Unstable And Lacks Direction


Hiring manager offers the job to the woman she is interviewing

Even before the interview, there is a lot of research you can do to determine if the company is a safe bet for you. You might want to look at the changes the company has gone through in the last few years to get a sense of its stability and general direction. You might also want to research current and previous employees on LinkedIn to see what their career path has been and how long they've stayed in the job. You might even want to reach out to previous employees in similar roles to find out their reasons for leaving.

Also, have a look at what the employees are saying about the company on Glassdoor. I remember seeing a job posting that looked great, but before applying, I went to Glassdoor to read reviews of others who had interviewed with the company. Every single review was negative and provided specific details. Needless to say, I did not apply.

Layout Of The Workplace


Woman interviews at a new company

We all have different work preferences. Some prefer to work in an open office space, which is probably noisier but offers more interaction between employees. Some companies have a lot of cubicles and separate offices. It provides quieter spaces to work but also less interaction with others. Other companies have a remote workforce, so could you handle working from home every day?

Does the layout of the company suit you? If you're social and like interacting with others during the day and you're stuck in a tiny office, you won't enjoy it.

It's easy to ignore red flags in the hiring process when you're desperate for a job. To figure out whether a company is really the right fit for you, make sure you consider the four points above before accepting any job offer.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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4 Signs That A Company Is Not …

10 Little Things That Make A Big Difference To Hiring Managers



As a former hiring manager in several consulting firms, I often wondered if candidates were cognizant of the impression they made on employers. Even small things, such as the frown displayed by an applicant upon arriving at an interview, or the worn-out jeans of an applicant in a roomful of suits, gave me pause as I worked to screen candidates.

Ironically, many of the problems I spotted could have easily been fixed by taking care of seemingly minor issues. In some cases, these corrections would have made the difference between hiring the job candidate and taking a pass on the applicant!

Here are 10 “little" things that make a big difference to hiring managers in the interview process:

1. Your Digital Identity


Man on laptop fixes his social media accounts while looking for a job

Yes, recruiters and hiring managers will be checking out your LinkedIn presence and verifying that your Facebook and Instagram activity is not violating their corporate policies. But have you stopped to think about your tweets or the content you're creating on TikTok?

Even the most realistic employer will need to assess your liability as a potential new hire. Therefore, your online activity must be sufficiently toned down and presentable to a potential company—long before you enter the job market.

If you've kept up a website on your middle-of-the-night gaming habit or constantly tweet your distaste for political candidates, these items can offend hiring managers—and cause them to rethink bringing you in for an interview.

2. Your Honesty


Woman shakes hands with the hiring manager before a job interview

Struggling to hide employment gaps in your work history on your resume? Failing to mention that new job you just took (that isn't working out)? White lies or sins of omission on your resume and in your interviews will come back to haunt you in more than one way.

If interviewers don't catch lies during the resume screening process, there's still a chance that your background check will reveal all. Even after you're hired, your record of impeccable service won't make up for less-than-forthright stories on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Stories abound of high-profile executives, entertainment professionals, and sports coaches who attended college but didn't graduate—and who paid the price for fudging these resume details years down the road.

3. Your Accessibility


Hiring manager talks to a job applicant during a video call/virtual interview

Are you open enough on LinkedIn that others can contact you? Or did you forget to make your email address (and possibly mobile number) visible to other users? Here are best practices for ensuring you're more easily reached on LinkedIn:

  • From the "Edit Profile" menu, look under the box with your name and headline for "Edit Contact Info." Here, you can fill in your email address and phone number.
  • Joining groups is also an important step in becoming accessible to employers. Sharing a group with another user means he or she can reach out to you for free (important to recruiters maximizing their LinkedIn budgets).

4. Your Job Search Follow-Up


Happy woman on laptop writes a message to a hiring manager

Sent in a resume, but failed to take any action beyond pressing the "Send" button? If you didn't spend some time following up or identifying company insiders for further networking, your job search will take longer.

Doing some homework on the employer's business needs and identifying key people for personal follow-up (through LinkedIn or an online search) shows them you're truly interested in a career opportunity, and that you've given thought to solving their business problems.

Be sure to use formal channels when applying for a posted job. Then, reach out to your newly found contacts to reiterate your interest in joining the company. Better still, connect and network with employees at the companies on your interview bucket list well before you start your job search. That way, you'll already have connections at those companies when it comes time for you to apply for a job.

​5. The Tone Of Your Cover Letter Or LinkedIn Message


Hiring manager looks at a job candidate's resume during an interview

Cranking out LinkedIn messages or cover letters at top speed—with just a few adjustments here and there? Hiring managers can smell a "form letter" approach a mile away. Nothing says "I'm desperate and don't care about your needs" more than a disjointed cover letter or a LinkedIn message that simply asks for a job.

No matter how you're getting in touch with employers, take the time to write a brand-specific message of value to them—helping them discover who you are, what you offer, and why you're interested in a position with their company. This means customizing each LinkedIn message and writing disruptive cover letters.

You may not be able to crank them out as fast, but you'll be sacrificing quantity for quality. And, in the job search, quality is always better than quantity.

6. Your Demeanor When Arranging The Interview


Hiring manager interviews a job candidate

When setting up any kind of business meeting, there's a certain amount of give and take required for coordination. No matter how in-demand your skills may be, you'll be expected to acquiesce to interview timing and location parameters set by employers. That can mean dealing with less-than-helpful receptionists or HR personnel, all of whom will be taking notes on your reactions.

Your phone etiquette and email communications will be watched closely; a courteous and respectful tone will go miles in reinforcing your personal brand and potential as a job candidate.

7. Your Appraisal Of The Interviewer


Man feels uncomfortable during an interview with the hiring manager

Feeling put out by the fact that your interviewer appears younger, more inexperienced, or otherwise beneath you in the professional hierarchy? Be careful how you convey this disapproval. You may believe you're hiding these feelings, but as one of those younger-looking interviewers, I often picked up on this tone very quickly!

Even if you decide mid-interview that you're not interested in the company, remember to display a high degree of professionalism. You never know how well-connected your interviewer might be.

8. Your Discretion


Woman on laptop follows up with a hiring manager

Polarizing, hot-button subjects such as politics or religion should make their way out of your resume, LinkedIn profile, interview discussions, and side conversations.

No matter how neutral or popular you consider your stance to be on these topics, there's bound to be someone who disagrees with you—and who votes against hiring you.

9. Your Post-Interview Actions


Man on laptop writes an email to a hiring manager

Yes, you should be sending a thank-you note to employers after your interviews! Whether a short, handwritten card, LinkedIn message, email, or even hard-copy letter, a thank-you note gives employers the impression that you're a gracious and appreciative job candidate.

A post-interview note can also be used to address lingering questions, counter potential objections ("Regarding our discussion on your new Western region, I can assure you that I'm accustomed to handling accounts in person for maximum effect—and therefore open to travel"), or mention a fond memory you have of the experience (a conversation, for example) to highlight a connection you made with the individuals at the company.

Be sure to address your notes to each person you've encountered in the interview process (or at least mention their names in the note), especially if you've met with a panel or group.

10. The Frequency Of Your Messages


Just because social media lets you send messages faster than ever doesn't mean you should pester employers. Following up once or twice after applying for a job should suffice to let them know you're still interested in the position. The same is true of the post-interview period.

Hiring managers have companies to run and customers to serve in addition to the process of choosing you. They may also have other candidates to consider. Staying on an employer's radar is important, but so is professional discretion. Aim for somewhere in between silent and stalker in your follow-up activities.

There are numerous ways employers can be put off by your job search practices or approach. Ensure you're taking steps to satisfy their need for information and put your best professional foot forward.

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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10 Little Things That Make A Big …

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self During An Interview



If you needed to convince someone that Girl Scout Cookies are delicious or that rainbows are really beautiful, you'd have to first know what the cookies taste like and what rainbows look like—right? The same applies when it's time for you to sell yourself in an interview to strangers.

In a job interview, you need to know where you've been, what you've accomplished, and where you're headed.

On the one hand, that might sound really simple. They are your experiences, so you would be the best one to know how far you've come. Yet how many times do we easily forget by Monday what we just did on Saturday and Sunday? How often do we make the same mistakes over and over because we failed to assess our experiences and extract the lessons learned so we don't repeat those mistakes?

These things happen often, only to leave us stumped and running in circles. The same thing can happen in a job interview if we don't take the time beforehand to really understand our past and know what we have to offer in the future.

Preparing for an interview is crucial to ensuring that you come across as a competent potential employee. You need to be able to recount your previous work experiences as if they were yesterday. You need to be able to tell a future employer what you're good at; they aren't going to know yet, so you need to be able to tell them. You need to be able to show them that you think about the future and have goals and aspirations you're working towards. All of this requires you, the applicant, the interviewee, to know yourself first.

Below are some simple steps every job seeker should take before each interview to ensure they present their best self in the most confident way:

1. Review Your Past


  • Where have you worked?
  • What positions did you hold?
  • How long were you in those positions?
  • What unique responsibilities, experiences, or opportunities were you given in these positions?
  • Ultimately, what did you learn from all of these?

2. Assess Your Present


Man presenting to his colleagues at during a work meeting
  • What is your current position?
  • What are your current responsibilities?
  • What are you doing now to improve yourself?
  • If you were laid off or took a voluntary hiatus, how are you utilizing that time to your advantage?

3. Envision Your Future


Woman shakes the hand of the hiring manger before a job interview
  • What are your goals?
  • Do you plan to pursue more education?
  • Would you ultimately like to achieve a leadership role in the new organization?
  • What ideas might you have to propel the industry forward?

4. Know Who You Are


Man on laptop checks his phone before a job interview

In addition to steps 1-3, know what you are good at and where you could stand to use improvement. Be confident (not cocky) when you tell the interviewers what your strengths and weaknesses are.

What current skills do you have that would easily crossover into a new role or industry? These are your transferable skills. Don't underestimate their value in your job interview.

5. Practice


Two colleagues smile after a mock interview

Practice telling your stories. Which words sound good when you say them? Which words don't? What key elements do you want the employer to know and which are irrelevant? Be able to tell a story, hit all the key points, and don't bore the interviewer(s) in the process.

Have a friend conduct a mock interview with you so you get practice in front of another person. One caveat: don't memorize anything. Just know what information you'd like to share and how you'd like to share it when the opportunity arises.

Remember, in the end, you are the one who needs or wants the job. As unique as you are, the employer can easily find another person who will perform the same tasks.

By knowing who you are, you will be more readily able to express to the interviewer what you as a unique individual have to offer and why they need to hire you. By embracing all of who you are before the interview, you will have the tools you need to settle into a place of confidence. When you exude this confidence and sense of knowing who you are, you'll present the image of an articulate, focused, and self-aware individual who employers will want to have on their team.

Now, who are you?

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self …



What’s the one piece of advice given over and over to interviewees? Prepare. Research the company, research the role, take time to analyze what’s going to be required of you, and take time to assess your own abilities.

That’s the advice that Direct Line Group Careers gives to its applicants on their insurance jobs site. So, what do you do when you take this sound advice, but mid-way through a promising interview situation you’re thrown a question that you couldn’t possibly have prepared for?

Tough interview questions are becoming more popular for interviewers to gauge how adept a candidate is at thinking on their feet. Without their prepared answers to fall back on, how an interviewee reacts to a question that seems utterly random can be revealing.

The good news? If you’re applying for a role that you have a lot of passion for, in an area where you’re naturally talented or well-practiced (without necessarily having direct working experience), these questions are a great way to show off your abilities. The bad news? There’s not much you can do to practice for a question that’s deliberately obscure. But that’s not to say it’s completely impossible—after all, the purpose of any interview is to see how good a fit you are for the role and the company.

So, however wacky the question is, the recruiter will probably be hoping for you to consider the context in which it’s being asked when it comes to your answer. That means if you’ve researched the role you’re applying for and know what is going to be expected of you, chances are you’ll have a good idea of the type of logic and thought process they’re looking for when you make your reply.

Below are a few genuine curveball questions that have been asked in interview situations; while none of them have a necessarily right or wrong response, they’ll often fit into fields of purpose. One way to prepare for curveball interview questions is to get used to looking for what the intention is behind the weirdness!

Curveball Interview Questions


  • “Name five uses of a stapler without staples."
  • “What do you think of garden gnomes?”

What they’re really asking: Are you creative? Can you see the bigger picture, or are you focused on the detail? Are you happy to improvise, and are you a good communicator?

  • “Given 20 light bulbs (which break at a certain height), and a building with 100 floors, how do you determine the height at which the bulb breaks?”
  • "Out of 25 horses, pick the fastest three horses. In each race, only five horses can run at the same time. What is the minimum number of races required?"

What they’re really asking: Are you logical? Do you have a good knowledge of probability and equations? Can you figure out an effective method for solving problems and assess its viability?

  • “How would you weigh an elephant?”
  • "If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?”

What they’re really asking: How creative are you when it comes to problem-solving? Do you have an eye for important details? How do you improvise under pressure?

What Are All The Questions Really Asking?


Job candidate interviews for an open position

They’re all challenges: challenges to normal interview structure, challenges to your ability to think on your feet, and logical challenges that reveal your thought process. Most importantly, don’t see a curveball question as an attempt to trip you up: see it as an opportunity to show that you relish a challenge.

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How To Handle Curveball Interview Questions

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self During An Interview



Like any other conversation, a job interview is a two-way street. It's as much about how well you listen as it is about what you say. And there's more to listening than simply hearing another person's words.

How interviewers sit, how they ask their questions, and what they do while listening to your answers can tell you an awful lot about the direction the interview is taking.

Of course, during a job interview, the hiring manager is in the driver's seat, so it's critical that you're able to read their cues. There are some general ways to figure out whether someone's paying attention to you or not. Are they making eye contact? Leaning forward as you speak? Nodding their head? All good things. But often the message someone conveys is contained in ways that are more subtle.

Here are three things to "listen" for during the job interview...

Listen For The Hidden Question


Interesting woman smiles and listens during a job interview

No job interview question is simple. In every case, the employer is looking not only for insights into your skills and experience, but also for hints about how your thought process works, how committed you'll be to your job, and how well you'll fit into the company's culture. Keep that in mind as you listen to each question.

If a hiring manager asks you to describe a time you met an aggressive deadline, for instance, they're also trying to get a feel for how well you work under pressure and how you work with others under less-than-ideal circumstances. It's not simply a question about nuts and bolts.

So, don't limit your answer to the obvious. Remember that during job interviews, explaining how you got to a particular point can be as important as showing that you got there in the first place.

Listen To Get Their Attention


Young woman listens attentively during a job interview

Obviously, you want to keep the manager's attention during the job interview. Even if they're one of those people who constantly check their cell phone while they talk, you can pick up hints about whether they're engaged in the conversation.

The most obvious clue is whether they're doing more than simply asking questions. A true dialogue is more than a Q&A. It involves stories, comments, and answers—from both sides.

If the hiring manager seems to be following a script, break up his or her routine by asking questions yourself. For example, after answering that query about meeting deadlines, ask if the hiring manager's ever been in a similar situation, or whether you can expect to face tight deadlines as a part of the job at his company. If they ask for your opinion on a recent industry news event, inquire about their views after you've given them your own.

You want the interview to be a true conversation. A hiring manager is more apt to remember the candidate they engaged with than those who simply allowed themselves to be led through their checklist of questions.

Listen To Keep Them Focused


Pay attention to signs that you're losing your audience whenever you need more than a few sentences to answer a question. Some clues are obvious. The hiring manager's eyes may wander, for example. Others are more subtle. Someone who's been sitting forward may shift and begin rubbing the arm of their chair with their fingers.

Picking up on someone's wandering attention will depend a lot on how well you read them. People differ, after all. A hiring manager who's comfortable multitasking may be carrying on an engaged conversation even if they're checking their email while they talk.

The trick is to look for signs that the rhythm has been broken. For example, if the multitasker allows pauses to creep into the conversation while they absorb an email message, chances are you need to refocus their attention.

Though the hiring manager asks the questions during an interview, the job seeker has plenty of opportunities to direct the conversation. Always be on the lookout for hints about the interviewer's interests and engagement. You'll find them in what they do, as well as in what they say.

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3 Things To “Listen” For During Job …

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self During An Interview



The job interview—this is where it all really begins! While your resume may have impressed the hiring manager and helped you get your foot in the door, now you really have to bring home those points on the resume in person. Failing to convey the right message in the job interview means it is game over!

Don't expect a callback from the employer if you fall short of conveying key messages. There's a lot that can be done to prepare for the job interview so that you go into it confidently. However, it's one thing to be prepared and it's another thing to perform well in the job interview.

Along with proper preparation, here are three things you must convey in the job interview...

You're A Go-Getter!


Job seeker conveying three things during a job interview

Employers desire employees who have a real passion for the work. During the job interview, demonstrate that desire, passion, and excitement for the challenges that lie ahead with the position.

Make the interviewer believe you'll be able to hit the ground running on the job by demonstrating you have the experiences and skills to succeed on the job. Ask what the biggest challenge is and present examples of previous relevant work where you've been in a similar situation and what you accomplished and achieved.

The research you've done ahead of time should also allow you to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the company, its business, and more.

You Fit Right In!


Job seeker conveys they are a good fit for the position in a job interview

Fitting right in is not so much about being agreeable but being likable. Come off as friendly and share your understanding of working in a workplace like the employer's. Ask questions during the interview to further understand the type of work environment that exists and then make an effort to demonstrate you have similar experience working in such an environment.

Another way to create the feel that you'll fit right in is by building rapport with those you speak with. The interview should not take on a model of a Q&A session; you want to turn it into a dynamic conversation. Find ways to build rapport that will help show how well you understand the ins and outs of the business and working in a workplace like theirs.

You're A Character With Great Personality!


Hiring managers understand that job candidates may come into a job interview nervous, but those who are able to overcome their nerves and show some personality are more memorable and attractive as a candidate for the job opening.

When you present your personality, it's easier for employers to see how you stand out from other job candidates. Presented the right way, you can also come off even more likable.

When there's the opportunity for it, don't be afraid to add to the conversation by talking about your personal quirks or likes. It's what makes you you! When there is a lack of personality in a character, the individual can come off as boring and dry. It also doesn't hurt to show how you differentiate from the next candidate with similar experience and skills.

Find opportunities throughout your job interview to weave into the conversation these three things above. In the end, you'll come off as a more memorable and desirable candidate for the job!

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3 Things To Convey In Your Job …

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self During An Interview



Ever wonder what a potential boss wants to hear in an interview? What exactly can you say that will increase your chances of receiving a job offer?

I recently heard some great advice that lined up with my previous experience as a human resources manager, and so I thought I would share this great advice with you! Here are five things to communicate during an interview that will convince the employer you're a great hire...

1. You Will Never Have To Tell Me What To Do Twice


Every employer wants to know they can give you instructions once and you'll get the job done. I guarantee you that no employer wants to micromanage or ask an employee more than once to do something—no matter what it is.

2. I Will Complete The Job/Assignment You Give Me With Excellence


Woman answers a hard interview question

The employer wants to hear that, no matter what, you are going to make it happen—that you're going to get the job done and do it to the best of your ability.

3. I Am An Agreeable Person


Interviewer ask job candidate if they are a team player

The employer wants to know that no matter what situation you are put in, you're going to be a team player—and that you're not going to create confusion, conflict, problems, or challenge their authority.

4. I Am Easy To Correct And Instruct; I Am Teachable


Man answers an interview question

If there is something that's not getting done, or if you're not doing it correctly, the employer wants to know that they can approach you to discuss the situation and that you're not going to fly off the handle or think you're superior.

5. I Am A Loyal Employee


Job candidate conveys he's a loyal employee in an interview

I will not talk poorly about you. I will do everything I can to promote you and help promote this business. While I am working for you, I will always be the best employee—whether for one year or 10 years. And, should I leave, I will be rehireable, and I will leave in an amicable and responsible manner.

Prospective employers nowadays understand that asking employees to make a commitment to stay for 10, or even 25 years, just isn't realistic. Loyalty isn't about longevity. It's about being a committed and responsible employee while you're with that company.

These five points are essentially what every employer wants to hear from a potential employee. Of course, this isn't an end-all, be-all of an interview. But if you can communicate these very important points to a prospective employer during an interview, you will stand out among the other job candidates, and it will help the interviewer believe that you would be an asset to the organization.

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5 Things Every Employer Wants To Hear …

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self During An Interview



Interviewing is nerve-wracking even in the best of circumstances. If you feel like you're under a microscope, it's because you are! Employers want to make sure that you can do the job. But, just as importantly, they want to determine if you can fit in with their team.

Likability is an intangible component of your interview, so how do you ensure that you come across as likable as well as competent? What do you do when your interview isn't going in the right direction?

The fact is that there is no magic formula. Your best bet is to prepare for the interview as well as you can. If the interview doesn't seem to be going well, you can try to pivot a little, but sometimes there is nothing you can do. If the interviewer has already made up their mind to go with another candidate and they're just going through the motions by interviewing you, that isn't on you.

These things do happen, though, perhaps more than we know. You need to be aware of what is going on during your interview so that you can try to adjust to the extent that you can.

Here are three signs your job interview isn't going well:

They Didn't Have A Good Reaction To Your Success Stories


Job candidate talks to hiring managers and realizes the interview isn't going well

You may have a story of a success that in the past has gotten nods of approval or smiles from your interviewer(s). If you tell the same story with the same zest and you don't get the same or similar reaction, it may mean that they aren't listening, didn't get the point of the story, or missed the importance of the success.

It could also be a sign that you have failed to connect with the interviewer from the start, and they aren't as attentive as you need them to be to get why you are the most qualified candidate.

They Seemed Bored And Distracted


Job candidate thinks the hiring managers/interviewers seem bored and distracted during his job interview

If the interviewer keeps looking at their phone or computer screen, they may be displaying a lack of interest in what you have to say, or they may just be distracted by something that is going on that is taking precedence over your interview. Perhaps they are monitoring an emergency situation, but they can't or don't share that with you. Or maybe they have just decided that they aren't going to hire you, so nothing you say will make a difference. Again, they are just going through the motions.

Without being rude yourself, there is little you can do to get them to pay attention to you unless you manage to get their attention with a witty remark or a humorous story. Everyone usually responds to humor if it is well-delivered and natural. Not everyone can pull that off, however, and it is especially challenging if you are nervous.

They Didn't Tell You About Next Steps Or Ask If You Have Questions For Them


If the interview has gone badly, interviewers won't ask if you have any questions for them and they won't offer what the next steps will be. If you ask and they seem vague or reluctant to tell you when they expect to fill the job, that is another sign that you probably aren't going to be considered as one of the finalists.

Sometimes circumstances are just out of your control, and there is nothing you can do to save an interview that isn't going well. As a post-interview exercise, you should consider—from hello to goodbye—how you believe you performed and what the reactions of your interviewer(s) were.

  • Did you fail to prepare properly?
  • Did you practice well enough beforehand that you were able to contain your nerves?
  • Were you prepared with the right kind of answers to the questions you were asked?
  • Were you concise in your responses or did you ramble?
  • Did you keep to the issue of your ability to do the job or did you veer off into the personal and wind up sharing too much?

If the interview has obviously gone bad and you are pretty sure you aren't going to receive an offer, chalk it up to good experience and move on. Learn from the experience. Avoid blaming the entire situation on the interviewer. Perhaps you could have done something to engage their interest and change their minds about you during the interview.

Take responsibility for your performance and try to figure out how you can improve moving forward. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach if necessary, and move on. Perhaps that job wasn't the best one for you anyway. Maybe not getting that job is a good thing. It frees you up for a better opportunity which may be just around the corner.

Interviews are a necessary part of every job search. Learn how to prepare. Learn how to handle your nerves. Practice with a friend or a coach until you hone the answers to the questions you are sure to be asked and can deliver them with confidence. Nothing replaces appropriate preparation, so if you do the work, you'll always see results. Your hard work will pay off, we promise!

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3 Signs Your Interview Isn’t Going In …