Dreaded Interview Questions

Spikey2

After recently reviewing my cv, I've now started to think its probably time to brush up on my interview technique.

I hate it when they ask "Do you have any questions for us?". You see, I usually don't have any, or any decent ones, because the interviewers have already covered everything.


One time I went for an interview with an insurance company and that was actually their first question!

Maybe others could add their dreaded interview questions, and see what help we can give each other.

_Andy_

Spikey2 wrote: »

I hate it when they ask "Do you have any questions for us?"..

1) What's great about working here?
2) What's the biggest challenges the department/company is facing at the moment?
3) What are the most challenging things about the role?
4) How would you describe the working culture in this company?
5) What development opportunities would there be?

madvixen

Spikey2 wrote: »

I hate it when they ask "Do you have any questions for us?". You see, I usually don't have any, or any decent ones, because the interviewers have already covered everything.

My favourite reply when they ask this is:
"Based on what we've discussed, do you have any doubts about my suitability for the role or any concerns about me that I may be able to address?"
It is a really good way to make sure you can allay any concerns before you leave the interview.

AP007

Most if not all questions you have to ask should have been covered in the interview as I feel it should be totally like a conversation where you ask stuff as they go along and at the end I say

'I believe we have covered everything I need to know today but if I think of anything is it ok to drop you an email or give you a call'

I ask at least 20 questions in interview - sometimes more depends how the thing leans etc

Spikey2

madvixen wrote: »

My favourite reply when they ask this is:
"Based on what we've discussed, do you have any doubts about my suitability for the role or any concerns about me that I may be able to address?"
It is a really good way to make sure you can allay any concerns before you leave the interview.

I tried that once, but the interviewer sidestepped it. Hmm I didn't get the job so whatever was putting her off, she didn't say when I asked

AlecEiffel

Had an interview a few weeks back. There were the usual questions on skills and experience etc.

Then one of the interviewers just said "sell yourself to us". Sigh :doh:

Mrs_Boo_Boo

I usually ask about training opportunities and funding available. Like to look keen about furthering my knowledge and adding to my skills once I'm in the job.

A friend of mine once asked the interviewers if they were a biscuit what would they be? I don't think I would be brave enough to ask,but she got the job!!!!!!

andrewjf

AlecEiffel wrote: »

Had an interview a few weeks back. There were the usual questions on skills and experience etc.

Then one of the interviewers just said "sell yourself to us". Sigh :doh:

On the same note - "what are your weaknesses?" It's not a dreaded question, but just indicates complete laziness on the part of the interviewer. Any half decent candidate will have a canned pre-prepared !!!!!!!! answer to that one. Besides, who in hell is going to reveal their true weaknesses? It's just a completely, utterly pointless waste of time question :mad:

AlecEiffel

andrewjf wrote: »

On the same note - "what are your weaknesses?" It's not a dreaded question, but just indicates complete laziness on the part of the interviewer. Any half decent candidate will have a canned pre-prepared !!!!!!!! answer to that one. Besides, who in hell is going to reveal their true weaknesses? It's just a completely, utterly pointless waste of time question :mad:

Had that one too, but I had my pre-prepared answer pre-prepared!

I agree it is just laziness, probably inserted into the interview as the interviewer thinks that's what interviewers should ask. I used to interview people as part of a previous job and never asked it as it was of no benefit to me choosing someone. At least they could ask for an example where you have improved yourself from a previous weakness. That at least shows how you go about handling improving yourself!

andrewjf

AlecEiffel wrote: »

Had that one too, but I had my pre-prepared answer pre-prepared!

I agree it is just laziness, probably inserted into the interview as the interviewer thinks that's what interviewers should ask. I used to interview people as part of a previous job and never asked it as it was of no benefit to me choosing someone. At least they could ask for an example where you have improved yourself from a previous weakness. That at least shows how you go about handling improving yourself!

True Alec, there's some benefit in showing yourself to be an improver.

I actually think that the whole interview process is flawed, and a very blunt instrument for selecting the best person for the job. I know at least one company that only takes people on through personal recommendation, or from having worked in the past with that person.
There are some things that just can't be determined in a 1 or 2 hour interview, like true attitude, team working, enthusiasm etc.

Spikey2

andrewjf wrote: »

On the same note - "what are your weaknesses?" It's not a dreaded question, but just indicates complete laziness on the part of the interviewer. Any half decent candidate will have a canned pre-prepared !!!!!!!! answer to that one. Besides, who in hell is going to reveal their true weaknesses? It's just a completely, utterly pointless waste of time question :mad:

True, that's a stupid question. Do they actually think anyone's going to tell the truth? A lot of people aren't aware of their actual weaknesses anyway. Think of all the annoying people you know, who don't see anything wrong with themselves.