Surprising questions during the job interview
It is a part of the new job as important as the period at the end of the sentence: the job interview. You are happy that things have worked out so far, but you also feel that you are under pressure. The range of questions during a job interview is wide and can always cause surprises. Especially when it comes to unpleasant topics like dropping out of university or taboo topics in general. So what's the best way to respond?
Earn points with self-knowledge
Before you react, you can carefully review your own resume beforehand. The following points may make you sweat a little during the interview:
- Gaps in your resume
- Interrupted training
- Frequent job changes
- Different professional fields
Now it all depends on your own attitude and whether you will sell these topics well. As is well known, resume gaps can occur for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s for self-improvement or taking time off for health reasons or looking for a job – it’s advisable to be honest here. The motto here is to answer briefly and specifically. This also applies to the other points mentioned.
If you stand behind yourself and your decisions, you radiate self-confidence. It is best to think in advance about the benefits and positive experiences that have resulted and how they could benefit the company. Examples of this could be varied practice, access to information, overlapping expertise, keen interest in different topics, flexibility – the list goes on. The good thing about this is that it not only makes you fit for the job interview, but it can also boost your overall self-confidence.
Personal life is private: taboo topics in the job interview
Another category of unpleasant questions are related to taboo topics. Anything that enters the personal sphere has no place in a job interview. You can tell us about your hobbies, but you shouldn’t tell us about your family plans.
Questions about pregnancy, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, health or criminal record are also taboo topics. Exceptions apply only if they are relevant to the company or the job (which definitely never applies to family planning, religion, ethnicity or sexuality). But how to respond to critical questions?
- Lies! When it comes to family planning, for example, you can state briefly that nothing is currently being planned. This may or may not be true.
- Decline: Politely but firmly state that you do not wish to answer this question because it is not related to your work or the performance of your duties.
- Be quick: Quick counter questions are also very good, but you have to be careful not to cross the line yourself.
If you want to be on the safe side, you can pre-play the various questions with a person of your choice. This can boost your self-esteem.
Whatever the next interview questions are, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for everyone!
