Don’t Get Rattled by Tough Interview Questions

As a recruiter, it’s my job to ask tough questions. Why did you leave your last job? How much money are you looking to make? What are your biggest concerns about this position? What have you been doing since 2009? Have you ever been fired for performance related reasons?

It is important to get down to the nitty gritty during interviews. I believe that by bringing up more difficult topics and openly discussing potential red flags, I am helping everyone involved make a good hiring decision. Some recruiters go easy on candidates and then make assumptions. I would rather give candidates the chance to help me understand their perspectives.

The truth is that how you squirm or the level to which you are willing to get real with me says a lot about your character, self-awareness and personal style. Candidates need to be ready and willing to answer loaded questions. Don’t flinch. Hold my gaze and be honest. Practice so that you are not caught off guard. One thing you need to remember is that we all have a few skeletons. But not everyone knows how to bring them out of the closet with the same sense of style and grace.

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