The Pongo Blog
What Interview Questions Do You Hate Most?
February 11, 2009 (10:00AM) by Brianna Raymond, CPRW
.jpg "Rock star interview")
I'm not a fan of job interviews. Mostly because 85% of the interview is focused on me trying to prove how great I am, and I'm just not that fond of talking about myself that way.
And while every career advice site tells you to prepare your answers ahead of time for all those "this is why I'm a rock star" questions, sometimes even the most standard question throws us off.
The one I hate answering the most is, "What is your greatest weakness?" Yes, there's plenty of advice out there on how to answer this, but no matter how I prepare, it always feels like a trick question.
I could tell you about a few more questions that make me squirm, but this is about you, not me (really).
So tell me: What interview questions do you hate most?
the worst interview question would probably have to be "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" seriously, i'm unemployed and looking for a job. i don't know where i'm gonna be next week. i have some tired canned response somewhere along the lines of "i'll be here, but tackling greater challenges and taking on more responsibility". ugh. i hate having to even say that because it's just a dumb question
Posted by: bob-o-matic | February 11, 2009 at 10:27 AM | Quote This Comment
I agree with bob-o-matic above - "where do you see yourself in 5 years?". It always feels like a no-win situation - too ambitious, not ambitious enough, etc.
In general, I could do without canned questions. As an interviewer now in my "old age", I just try and have a conversation with someone, without using those worn-out oldies.
Posted by: Andy | February 11, 2009 at 6:26 PM | Quote This Comment
I've always been pretty good with interviews. I don't remember now what my answers always were, but I could answer them quite well. What's more, I always believed my answers.
The one that I used to give as an interviewer that really threw everyone off was: "What's one thing that you would like to tell us about yourself that you didn't get a chance to cover already in the interview?" I thought this was a gift question, but the interviewees really panicked.
I have an interview with the Fraunhofer Society this afternoon, in German. Wish me luck.
Posted by: Scott | February 17, 2009 at 7:09 AM | Quote This Comment
I,ve read all the most hated questions asked in an interview to which I whole heartedly agree to most of them but as an interviewer exactly what kind of response as a potential employer would be the response to get the job? why do they ask questions like where do you see your self in 5 years?
Posted by: victoria | March 17, 2009 at 8:46 PM | Quote This Comment
hi Brianna! thanks for your post, it was a lovely read, and yes the your weakness question is my most dreaded one too! anyway if you have a moment please also check this list i compiled of the 50 most commonly asked interview questions, why they are asked, any hidden motives and exactly how to answer the questions!
50 most common interview questions and answers
Posted by: AustraliaWorks | March 25, 2009 at 9:49 AM | Quote This Comment
Since I have stayed with my two former (major) corporations for over 10 years each I merely state that as in the past I am sure I would be able to make myself as great of an asset as I have with my former employers. If anyone can't clearly see on my resume that I don't job hop then well.... sorry but chances are they are too stupid for me to work for lol (a fact I pointed out once to some idiot after he spent 10 minutes drooling over some bimbo in a thigh high skirt standing behind me while he totally ignored my responses to his questions)
Posted by: Sue | June 17, 2009 at 6:16 PM | Quote This Comment
The interview I hate the most, and have the most trouble with is,,"What would you do with a coworker who is not doing their job"? Does anyone have a good answer?
Posted by: DaveB52 | July 31, 2010 at 1:37 PM | Quote This Comment