Good Answer!
A long pause seems to precede the question: How would someone who dislikes you describe you?
You’re convinced that the job interviewer is throwing you a trick question, and you stumble for a response. In these situations, when you are asked seemingly unexpected and personal questions, think about why the question is being asked, says Lavie Margolin, a New York career coach and author of “Winning Answers to 500 Interview Questions.” (H. Delilah Business & Career Press, 2014)
A hiring manger might ask about how an adversary views you to see how you deal with the unexpected, Margolin says.
“Stay calm and acknowledge the question. Be cautious not to provide anything negative about yourself but think of different work styles and why someone with a conflicting work style may not like you,” he explains.
Once you start to understand why certain questions are asked – and offer an ideal response – then it’s easier to field a variety of unexpected questions.
You want to avoid empty, copout answers, Margolin explains. For instance, if you are asked about what might be your biggest failure, don’t say: “I have never failed.” Instead provide a relevant failure and explain what you have learned from it that makes you a better professional today.
Below Margolin offers some explanations for why interviewers may ask certain questions and strategies to consider for responses:
• What are your goals? The interviewer wants to know if your goals align with those of the organization. Focus on an “everybody wins” approach as opposed to only what you want.
• What do you do in your leisure time? The interviewer wants to know if you are a well-rounded person. There is no wrong answer, but avoid mentioning controversial activities such as hunting or governmental protests.
• Who is your role model and why? The interviewer wants to understand what made you the person that you are. Provide an example of a family member, friend or mentor who served as a role model.
• What do you really want to do in life? The interviewer wants to determine if this job fits into your overall plan. Place your answer within the context of the job you are applying for.
• When you go on vacation, when do you pack your suitcase? The interviewer wants to understand what type of planner you are. Avoid a brief answer (like “the night before”); rather, explain when you pack and why in a logical manner.
• How would you describe yourself to a stranger at a party? The interviewer wants to understand how you perceive yourself. Focus on the professional aspects of who you are.
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