10 seemingly simple but meaningful questions from recruiters

Experienced recruiters can glean a lot of information about you by asking a few well-chosen questions. While they may seem simple at times, they are actually trick questions that reveal what you are trying to hide.

Below are common examples of job interview questions tips and advice for giving appropriate answers.

Can you tell me about yourself?

Why do they ask this?To determine how the candidate sees themselves, as it relates to the position and how they confidently demonstrate their skills. “Employers want to see that the candidate is well prepared. If this opening answer is not convincing, the rest of the interview can be bad or short,” says Tina Nicolai, coach and founder of Resume Writers’ Ink.

Why is it complicated?It can get you talking about your personal life, which you shouldn’t do. “Most candidates don’t see this question as a trick question at all. So they might answer with a personal angle like: have three kids, married…”, Nicolai says.

How should I respond?Focus on communicating your value to the company and department. “This employer wants to hear about your accomplishments. You should use two or three short sentences to answer this question to set the tone for the interview,” Nicolai says.

Describe yourself in one word

Why do they ask this?Through this, employers can assess your personality, how confident you are in your perception, and whether your working style is suitable.

Why is it complicated?This question can be challenging, especially early in the interview because you don’t know what personality type the hiring manager is looking for. “There’s a fine line between being self-confident and confident, humble and shy. And people are multifaceted. So it’s almost impossible to judge a person in a short amount of time,” says Lynn Taylor, a workplace expert and author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant.

How should I respond?Be careful with your answers. For example, if you’re applying for an accounting job, don’t use the word “creative.” If you’re applying for a director’s job, don’t describe yourself as “punctual.”

“Most employers today are looking for team members who are resilient, optimistic, honest, reliable and dedicated,” Taylor shares.

How does this position compare to other positions you are applying for?

Why do they ask this?Basically, they ask “Are you applying for other jobs?” And they want to see how honestly you talk about other companies or positions you’re interested in.

Why is it complicated?If you say, “This is the only job I’m applying for,” the interviewer will be nervous. Very few people apply for just one job. So they may think you’re being dishonest. And if you list too many other prospects, they may assume you’re not a good fit and move on.

How should I respond?“I have interviewed with a few companies. However, I have not yet decided which company is the best fit,” Nicolai suggests, suggesting a balance between lying and bragging.

Can you name three of your strengths and weaknesses?

Why do they ask this?The interviewer is probing for aspects that are not a good fit for the job, such as an inability to get along with coworkers or an inability to complete work on time.

Why is it complicated?You have the potential to sabotage your chances. Pointing out your weaknesses can hurt you if you can't explain how you solved the problem step by step.

How should I respond?First of all, don’t mention that your weakness is “working too hard.” Interviewers are “looking for your self-assessment along with your maturity and confidence,” says Taylor.

Why do you want to work here?

Why do they ask this?They want to know what motivates you the most. How well you've identified the company and how much you want the job.

Why is it complicated?“Obviously, you want to work for a company for many reasons. But how you prioritize when you say it says a lot about what's important to you,” Taylor says.

“I don’t get what I deserve,” or “I have a terrible boss,” or “If everything goes as expected, the commute will be incredibly short” — none of these will help you score points with a hiring manager.

How should I respond?The interviewer wants to see that you've taken the time to research the company and understand the application. Show it.

Why do you want to quit your current job?

Why do they ask this?The interviewer is looking for negative signs, especially if you've been job hopping a lot. They're also trying to determine if you're having problems with co-workers and want to change jobs, or if you're bored with your job.

Why is it complicated?If you don't answer tactfully, it will either raise more questions of suspicion or ruin your chances altogether.

How should I respond?They hope you're looking for a more challenging position that better suits your skills or there's something specific about their company that you're looking for.

How do you define success?

Why do they ask this?Interviewers want insight into your priorities: are you more concerned with salary? Challenging yourself? Learning new skills?

Why is it complicated?This question is dangerous because “success” is so subjective. Even a perfectly reasonable response can easily be misinterpreted.

“There's a fine line between appearing ambitious and appearing like you're aiming for the top spot in the office, because you really want to move up and make a difference,” says Taylor.

How should I respond?Taylor recommends making your answer as close to impossible to argue with as possible. “Try to define success in a way that is relevant to your future boss, based on what you know from the job description and the conversation,” she says.

What were you fired for?

Why do they ask this?Employers want to know how you handle stress in unfortunate circumstances like losing your job. They want to see you positive and ready to get back to work with a great attitude. They also want to see confidence, not frustration or anger.

Why is it complicated?For someone who has just been fired, you may feel bitter or angry, and this question can lead you to badmouth your former boss - something you should never do in a job interview.

How should I respond?Give a calm response to your former employer's decision. Don't blame or express any resentment. Just answer based on the facts you know.

What would you do if you won the lottery jackpot tomorrow?

Why do they ask this?They want to know if you would still work if you didn't need the money. The employer will get a sense of your motivation and work ethic from your answer. They may also want to know how you would spend the money. This illustrates how responsible you are with your spending and how mature you are.

Why is it complicated?These questions can ambush you and make you lose your cool. They are completely unrelated to the task at hand. You can easily lose your cool if you don’t organize your thoughts before answering.

How should I respond?They want to hear that you'll stay at work because you're passionate about what you do. They want to know that you'll make smart financial decisions. If you're irresponsible with your own money, they'll worry that you'll be careless with the company.

Why did you take so long off work?

Why do they ask this?This is a particularly tricky question because it feels uncomfortable. The question carries a number of implications: you may not be qualified enough to do the job; you are distracted by other projects; your skills are not up to date; there have been issues with past employers…

Why is it complicated?It is designed to test your patience. It is important not to fall for it and just answer calmly and honestly.

How should I respond?This employer wants to be assured that you have initiative even while unemployed, as initiative and persistence translate well in a corporate environment.

Sample answer: “I still interview regularly, but want to find the perfect fit before I take a job and give it my 110%,” or “I still practice while I look for a job. I maintain my skills through courses, volunteering, social media, and networking groups.”

Make sure you take responsibility. Don't blame the unemployment rate, the market, your major, or anything else. This shows how excited and proactive you are about contributing to the company.