Careers

Sometimes interview questions are hard to answer or they just throw you completley for a loop. Here are some examples that might be helpful, as well as ways to respond.

If you can’t quite field the question

“Pick and animal that represents our company and why?”

A few responses for possible use:

• Could you rephrase the question please?
• Do you mean………………….?
• Could I have a moment and get back to you? (use this response no more than once during an interview).

If you want clarification for a tough question during the interview you can also ask:

• ……is that what you had in mind?
• ……did I answer the question you asked?
• ……would that work at your company/what would you recommend?

Remember to consider the point of the question. What does the company value in itself and its employees and how can you illustrate those traits with your answer?

Other douzies:

• How many golf balls will fit in a 747?
• How much water flows past New Orleans?

They don’t really want to know the answer to that question. They want to understand how you work through a problem. Talk out your answer.

How many gas stations are there in the US?

Example answer: Let’s see…. there are 280 million or so Americans and 220 million are probably over 16 and therefore can drive. We have more cars than drivers, so there must be “X” cars………………..

OR

Example answer: There are ____ cities and there is usually at least a gas station on each major corner intersection so……………..

Illegal Questions

These questions exist everyday in interviews and it is important that you know what is appropriate to answer and what isn’t. It is most important to address the concern behind the questions rather than the question itself. For instance if you are asked about starting a family, the concern is whether you will remain in the job long term and whether or not you will remain devoted to your career and the duties related if new responsibilities enter your world at home. Focus your answer on your loyalty to the company and to the position and your ethics concerning follow through why you have committed to join a team.

Illegal questions are anything relating to age, children, spouse, disabilities, religion, gender, etc. If you are asked these type of questions you are not required to answer them. Simply explain to them that anything relating to these will not interfere with your work and commitment to a company.