9 Common Job Interview Questions That Are Tricky to Answer

Salary requirements? Biggest weakness? Age? Think you know the right answers? Prove it.

Kenneth Terrell,

AARP

En español

Published November 12, 2020

9 Questions

a1b3aff4-91df-4ad1-b125-3ad444c1034c

9 Common Job Interview Questions That Are Tricky to Answer

[ {
  "question" : "Why are you looking for a job right now?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "I got laid off from my last job.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I don’t like the people where I work now.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "The pay and benefits on my current job aren’t good enough.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I’m looking for a position where I can use my skills to help a business grow.",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "You should always expect this question and be able to answer it positively, career experts advise, focusing on what you want to achieve. Describe how the experience and skills you gained on your previous or current job will be valuable in the new role you hope to get hired for.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Why do you want to work for this company?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "I’ve heard the pay and benefits are really great here.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "This is one of the few companies nearby that’s hiring right now.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I’ve never worked in this field before and want to give it a try.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I’m really excited about the projects this company is working on.",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Before your interview, research the company on its website and social media accounts, along with any news coverage it may have received. If you know the name of the person you’ll be speaking with, check whether they have a profile on LinkedIn. Showing your knowledge of the company will help them see that you are seriously interested. (Pro tip: The name of the company’s CEO is a quick question interviewers ask to figure out if you did your homework.)",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "If all goes well, I’ll be retiring then.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I’ll still be working somewhere. I need to build up my savings!",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "There’s so much I still want to achieve. I’d like to be helping your company.",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Not sure. I never really like to plan that far ahead.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "While job-seekers of all ages get asked this question, employers may pay closer attention to answers from older candidates. They’re listening for whether you’re planning to make real contributions to their team or just looking to make money before retiring in a few years. “I would say something like, ‘Five years is a long time from now, but I see myself continuing to learn and grow while contributing to your organization,’” says one human resources professional.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Your resume shows you didn’t work for a few years. What happened?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "It’s really personal",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I prefer not to talk about it.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Here’s what happened and how it will help me be a great hire.",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Can we change the subject?",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Don’t feel bad about a gap on your resume. Think of it as a chance to show how you can learn skills and be productive in any circumstance. For example, if you took time off for caregiving, explain how the skills you developed — time management, communication, problem-solving — will be valuable in the job they’re hiring for.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Aren’t you overqualified for this job?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Maybe, but I really need to make some money right now.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Are you saying I’m too old to apply?",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Actually, this job is a great fit for me at this point in my career.",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "This is a completely new field for me, so I’ll be learning a lot.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Employers sometimes worry that applicants who have lots of experience might not stick around long, either because they get bored or get a more challenging opportunity elsewhere. Be prepared to explain why this job matches your needs now, such as mentoring teammates or applying your skills to a new field. Convince the recruiter that you are genuinely excited and not settling because you can’t get a higher-level job.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "What are your biggest weaknesses as a worker?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "People say I’m too bossy.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Sometimes I make mistakes on projects.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I take on too much responsibility",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Any of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The important thing with this question is to answer it honestly and constructively. Find a real example of criticism you received at work. Explain how you responded to the feedback and how you used the information to become a better coworker.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "What are your salary requirements?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "I won’t accept one penny less than I was making on my previous job.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Tell me more about the salary range for this position.",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "I’ll only leave the job I have now if you’re offering me a much higher salary.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I’ve been out of work for months now, so I’ll take whatever you can offer.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Rather than offer a specific number, steer the conversation toward a salary range that includes any health care and retirement benefits, along with perks like flexible hours or work-from-home opportunities. And let them know that the chance to be a part of their team also is valuable to you.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "How old are you, by the way?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "That’s none of your business.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "It’s illegal to ask me that.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "I prefer to focus on the experience I can bring to this position.",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Old enough to know not to answer that question.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "While the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) does prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of age, it doesn’t specifically ban them from asking you this question. Most recruiters know that this generally is not an appropriate question. But, if you get asked, instead of divulging your age or scolding the interviewer, pivot to how the skills you have acquired can help their business.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "What’s your greatest achievement?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "My family, especially my three beautiful grandchildren.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Last year, my coworkers and I won a major design award.",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Before salary cuts, I was making more than $100,000 a year.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Losing 50 pounds on the cabbage soup diet.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Keep your answer focused on work — not your personal life. Find a recent example from your job that allows you to highlight your skills and show how you solve problems. Prepare for this question by reading the description of the job you’re applying for, and finding examples of successes in your career that match the skills the employer is seeking.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

Quiz Progress

0 Correct

0 Incorrect

get help and give help through AARP Community Connections

Caption for quiz image

Credit for quiz image

NEED A HINT?

CLOSE HINT

CORRECT

INCORRECT

Answer:

9 Common Job Interview Questions That Are Tricky to Answer

0 Correct

0 Incorrect

Score:

Oops...something went wrong. Please log out and log back in to continue.

Kenneth Terrell covers employment, age discrimination, work and jobs, careers, and the federal government for AARP. He previously worked for the Education Writers Association and U.S. News & World Report, where he reported on government and politics, business, education, science and technology, and lifestyle news.