Imagine that you are preparing for your first really important interview, the one that will land you the job you've always wanted. Using the information found in the PowerPoint slides "17 Questions Designed to Trick You," answer the questions in a way that brings out your best qualities. Avoid answering them in a way that might make the interviewer think differently (or, worse, negatively) about what they consider to be the "right" answer. Answer the following five questions in the manner described above, always keeping in mind "tricky" or "gotcha" questions and what type of answers the interviewer may be "looking for." Here are the five questions. Each answer should be no more than a paragraph long. 1. Can you tell me a little about yourself? Why do they ask this? They ask to determine how the candidate sees themselves as it pertains to the position. What makes it tricky? It can tempt you to talk about your personal life which you shouldn't! What response are they looking for? A focused, laser-sharp answer conveying your value to the organization and department. 2. How would you describe yourself in one word? Why do they ask this? The question is likely being asked to elicit several data points: your personality type, how confident you are in your self-perception, and whether your work style is a good fit for the job. What makes it tricky? This question can be a challenge, particularly early on in the interview, because you don't really know what personality type the manager is seeking. What response are they looking for? Proceed cautiously. 3. Can you name three strengths and weaknesses about yourself? Why do they ask this? The interviewer is looking for red flags and deal breakers, such as inability to work well with coworkers and/or an inability to meet deadlines. What makes it tricky? You can sabotage yourself addressing either. Exposing your weaknesses can ultimately hurt you. What response are they looking for? Hiring managers want to know that your strengths will be a direct asset to the new position and none of your weaknesses would hurt your ability to perform 4. What kind of boss and coworkers have you had the most and least success with, and why? Why do they ask this? Interviewers are trying to ascertain if you generally have conflicts with people and/or personality types. Second, they want to know how you can work at your best. What makes it tricky? You run the risk of appearing difficult by admitting to unsuccessful interactions with others, unless you keep emotions out of it. What response are they looking for? They want to hear better than bad news, 5. Can you give us a reason someone may not like working with you? Why do they ask this? Prospective bosses want to know if there are any glaring personality issues, and what better way that to go direct to the source? What makes it tricky? You can easily shoot yourself in the foot with this question. You cannot respond with flippancy, otherwise you're subtly insulting the interviewer by trivializing the question. What response are they looking for? You don't want to say, "Well I'm not always the easiest person to be around. Perhaps the only times you were disliked was when you needed to challenge your staff to perform better. ________________________________________________________________________