Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I used to interview graduates. If they gave a 'stock' answer the next question was, "Tell me about a recent mistake you have made". If they couldn't they were out. We always looked for people who learned from mistakes.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

How about, I put a high value on my skills and experience and don't accept low salary offers. Do you think it would work?:eek:

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

For my job in IT, the best answer I think to this question is to either ask the question 'can you tell me where you feel I am lacking from my cv or from what we have spoken about today? I have a good grasp of this type of role but I understand duties can vary for different companies.'

Or say 'I am looking to move here because you offer extensive experience in blah blah blah which interests me but havent had the opportunity to get hands on experience with it. I guess this would be a weak point but only for a short period of time until I get up to speed with it.'

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Alternatively I could say 'IELTS. But hey, its a silly exam anyway'.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I would simply reply with (and have done)

Not knowing my weaknesses!!

11 years on and I am still at the same place, maybe being here for so long is my weakness!!!!!

Hopefully not for much longer, this is the year to move, we hope...

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I said I'm bolshy and stroppy.
Which gets their attention, then explained by saying I get frustrated and stubborn if I'm being asked to provide something that isn't the best possible solution for the users.

They gave me the job.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I normally say that I hate lazy people as I like to get my work done to a high standard so I get annoyed if someone else doesn't take their work seriously....it usually works!

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

The issue I'd have with saying stuff like this is that you dont know the people you would be working with, the interviewer does though. If they are aware of some lazy people in the department then they might see you as a problem. Someone who doesnt concern themselves with these type of issues or someone who can provide a resolution might be what they are looking for.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I'd think of something I've not been good at in the past (presentations, delegation, team meetings etc), say why I wasn't good at it, then turn it round and say that after identifying the problem I took steps to rectify the issue (training etc), and the problem no longer exists............ That's what i would say anyway:)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

The important thing is to ensure your weakness can eb turned into a strength.

ie My weakness is that I'm a workaholic but I realise it's important to be fit and healthy so now I always make sure I'm out of the office by 7pm so I can play a game of squash on my way home.

A bit extreme :lol: but you get my drift

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

That's what i was trying to get at:)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

But how do you come up with something which sounds like a genuine mistake but isn't so bad that you look like a total idiot? Presumably you did not want people that cocked up all the time!? Also how recent should it be? Wouldn't it sound a wee bit arrogant (and deceitful) to pause for thought before saying "Well there was this one time in 2001..." ??
I bloody hate that question. I'd probably have to twist it a bit and come up with something I regretted - like not working hard enough at uni, but have now learned that there is no point leaving things to the last minute as it is so much more satisfying to know you have done a job to the very best of your ability. :unsure::confused::confused: (Then I'd probably spend the rest of the day thinking about what other job to apply for next!)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

There are no bad interview questions just bad preparation

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Are you expected to know everything about the job you're moving to right away? If you're not, then use it as a weakness but explain that this is why you want to move there.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Yes, I've done that in the past - but I'm on the 'mistakes' category now. I hate that one even more than the ubiquitous "tell me about yourself" or "describe yourself in three words". What a pile of poo - can't someone invent some new, interesting, non-trick interview questions?!