There are the predictable questions, such as “What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?" and then there are the unusual questions that may make your nerves rattle and leave you dazed as to how to respond diplomatically and professionally.
The fact is, there isn't going to be a correct answer to unusual questions, only a correct response. Such questions are usually asked to help the employer understand how well you handle tough situations and how you think through solutions. Are you one to get rattled and break down in communication when stumped with an odd question? Or do you stay calm, cool, and collected, maintaining confidence and a positive attitude?
There's no real way to prepare for the unusual questions because they are “offbeat," but what you can do is ensure your communication and responses to such questions leave a positive message that helps the employer develop the best possible impression of you.
Here are a few tips to help you maintain positive communication and composure during job interviews regardless of what questions are asked:
Stay Positive In Your Approach
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Your mission is to make yourself desirable to the employer based on your experience, talent, and skills. If you focus on what you have to offer and express confidence and a positive tone, the employer will develop a much better impression in your favor than if you touch on negative points that may make you less favorable of a candidate.
Even when questions are asked about your weaknesses, your mission is to address the question directly and immediately turn it to a more positive note such as how you would work through the problem and address it.
Don't Restate The Negative
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Just because an employer positions a question a specific way that may connote the negative, do not follow that lead in your response. For instance, avoid stating, "My greatest weakness is..." Instead, respond by jumping right into what you have done to address the issue and how it has helped you succeed. This approach helps you avoid jumping around the question and puts the focus of the key message on an area that is an advantage for you.
To prepare yourself for this type of question and other behavioral interview questions, consider doing a mock interview with a friend or professional acquaintance.
Turn To Your Creative Side And Humor
Not all questions in an interview require a serious response. Unusual questions are often times asked by employers to test your creativity and humor. Demonstrate your ability to think on your feet. Also, find ways in which you can relate it back to the job. The important thing is to not let these types of interview questions stump you, and the best way to do that is to take in the question with a bit of humor and respond in the same manner.
It's also important to make sure that the question doesn't cross the line! Be on the lookout for these illegal interview questions.
Never Say, "I Don't Know."
Such a response implies to an employer that you are unprepared and give up easily to challenges, which isn't the ideal impression you want to make. Take a moment to process the question and analyze how you can respond in a way to further express your character while possibly tying it back to your capabilities for the job.
In such situations, it may also help to think out loud. Such an approach helps you walk the employer through your thought process rather than have dead silence in the air for too long.
The key to doing well in a job interview as it relates to communication and your response to questions is to remain poised and self-assured. While the question may appear to be an approach by the employer to knock you off of your feet, remain positive and calm in your response. Also, always give a response that ties back to how you are the most fit for the job.
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This post was originally published at an earlier date.
