Savvy hiring managers tin can glean a ton of information about you past asking just a few, well-chosen questions.

But while they may seem simple — that's the point — some are really designed to get you to reveal information y'all may have been trying to conceal. In other words: they're trick questions.

"To uncover areas that may reflect inconsistencies, hiring managers sometimes ask these tricky questions," says Tina Nicolai, executive career coach and founder of Resume Writers' Ink.

Just they're not just about exposing your flaws, says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace good and the writer of "Tame Your Terrible Function Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Chore." These types of questions tin can assistance hiring managers break through the "traditional interview dissonance and ataxia," and get to the "raw you."

Here are 17 common examples, consummate with advice on how to ace each ane.

How would you lot depict yourself in one word?

Why exercise they ask this? The question is likely being asked to elicit several data points: your personality type, how confident yous are in your self perception, and whether your work style is a practiced fit for the job, Taylor explains.

What makes it tricky? This question can be a challenge, particularly early in the interview, because yous don't really know what personality type the manager is seeking. "At that place is a fine line between sounding self-congratulatory versus confident, and humble versus timid," Taylor says. "And people are multifaceted, and so putting a short characterization on oneself tin seem near impossible."

What response are they looking for? Keep cautiously, warns Taylor. "If yous know you're reliable and defended, but love the fact that your friends praise your clever humor, stick with the conservative route." If you're applying for an accounting job, the one word descriptor should not be "creative," and if it'southward an art director position, yous don't desire it to exist, "punctual," for example. "Nearly employers today are seeking team players that are levelheaded under pressure level, upbeat, honest, reliable, and dedicated. However, it would be a mistake to rattle off adjectives that you think will exist well received. This is your opportunity to describe how your best attributes are a keen lucifer for the task as you see it."

How does this position compare to others you are applying for?

Why practise they inquire this? They're basically asking: "Are you applying for other jobs?" "The hiring manager is get-go trying to figure out how active you are in your chore search," Nicolai says. And then, one time you open up, they want to run into how to speak about other companies or positions yous're interested in — and how honest you are.

What makes it catchy? If yous say, "This is the only job I'm applying for," that'll send upward a ruby flag. Very few job applicants only apply to the one unmarried task — so they may assume yous're being dishonest. However, if you openly speak about other positions you're pursuing, and you lot speak favorably nearly them, the hiring managing director may worry that yous'll finish upward taking another job elsewhere, and they won't want to waste their fourth dimension. "Speaking negatively about other jobs or employers isn't proficient either," she says.

What response are they looking for? Information technology is appropriate to say, "In that location are several organizations with whom I am interviewing, all the same, I've not yet decided the best fit for my next career move." "This is positive and protects the competitors," says Nicolai. "No reason to pit companies or to brag."

Can you name three of your strengths and weaknesses?

Why practice they inquire this? The interviewer is looking for cherry flags and deal breakers, such as disability to work well with coworkers and/or an disability to meet deadlines. "Each task has its unique requirements, then your answers should showcase applicable strengths, and your weaknesses should have a silver lining," Taylor says. "At the very least, you should signal that negative attributes have macerated because of positive deportment you've taken."

What makes it tricky? You tin can sabotage yourself addressing either. Exposing your weaknesses tin injure y'all if not ultimately turned into positives, she says. "Your strengths may non align with the skill prepare or work style required for the job. It'due south best to prepare for this question in accelerate, or risk landing in a minefield."

What response are they looking for? Hiring managers desire to know that your strengths will exist a directly asset to the new position and none of your weaknesses would hurt your power to perform. "They are also looking for your power to self assess with maturity and confidence," says Taylor.

Why do you lot want to work here?

Why practise they inquire this? Interviewers ask this considering they want to know what drives you the nearly, how well you've researched them, and how much y'all desire the job.

What makes it catchy? "Clearly you want to work for the firm for several reasons," Taylor says. "But merely how yous prioritize them reveals a lot well-nigh what is important to you." You may be thinking to yourself, "I'm not getting paid what I'one thousand worth," or, "I have a terrible boss," or, "All things being equal, this commute is incredibly short" — none of which endears yous to the hiring managing director. "You're also beingness tested on your level of involvement for the job," she says.

What response are they looking for? Hiring managers want to run across that yous've taken the time to research the visitor and understand the industry.

They also desire to know that you really want this job (and not only any task); that you lot have a can-do mental attitude; that you are high energy; that you tin can make a significant contribution; that you understand their mission and goals; and that you want to be office of that mission.

Why exercise you want to leave your current job?

Why do they ask this? "Your prospective dominate is looking for patterns or anything negative, especially if your positions are many and short-term," Taylor explains. They may endeavor to determine if yous currently have or had problems working with others leading to termination, if you get bored quickly in a job, or other red flags.

What makes it tricky? No i likes talking about a job they dislike and why. If non answered diplomatically, your reply could enhance further questions and doubts, or sink your chances entirely.

What response are they looking for? They are hoping that y'all're seeking a more than challenging position that is a better fit for your current skill set. "Know that hiring managers don't mind hearing that you're particularly excited well-nigh the growth opportunity at their visitor."

What are you well-nigh proud of in your career?

Why do they ask this? Interviewers ask this because they want to understand what you lot're passionate most, what you feel you lot excel at, and whether you accept pride in your piece of work. "How yous describe your favorite project, for instance, is virtually as important as the project itself," Taylor says. "It's assumed that if you can speak with confidence and pride about your past piece of work, yous can do the aforementioned during of import presentations at the new employer."

What makes it tricky? Managers may presume that this type of work is what you really want to do most or focus on in the future. Information technology tin can make you audio one-dimensional if you don't put information technology in the context of a larger range of skills and interests.

What response are they looking for? Hiring managers want to see your ability to clear well, foster enthusiasm in others, and your positive energy. "But i notation of caution: In all your zeal to share your successes, remain concise," Taylor suggests. "You want to showcase your ability to present well once on the job."

What kind of boss and coworkers have you had the most and to the lowest degree success with, and why?

Why do they enquire this? Interviewers are trying to ascertain if you generally have conflicts with people and/or personality types. "Secondarily, they want to know how you tin work at your best," says Taylor.

What makes it tricky? You run the gamble of appearing difficult by admitting to unsuccessful interactions with others, unless yous keep emotions out of it. Yous may besides inadvertently describe some of the attributes of your prospective boss. If you say, "I had a boss who held so many meetings that it was hard to go my piece of work done," and your interviewer turns beet red — y'all might have hit a nerve.

What response are they looking for? "They desire to hear more than good than bad news," Taylor explains. "Information technology'southward always best to kickoff out with the positive and downplay the negatives." Y'all don't want to be evasive, simply this is not the time to outline all your personality shortcomings either. Hither yous accept an opportunity to speak generally about traits that you lot admire in others, yet appear flexible plenty to work with a variety of personality types. For example: "I think I work well with a wide gamut of personalities. Some of my near successful relationships have been where both people communicated very well and prepare common expectations upfront."

Accept you ever considered being an entrepreneur?

Why exercise they ask this? The interviewer is testing to see if you still have the subconscious desire to run your own visitor, thus abandoning ship, Taylor says. "No house wants to sense this, as they will brainstorm to ponder whether their valuable training time and money could vanish."

What makes information technology tricky? Most everyone has considered being an entrepreneur at some signal in their lives, but to varying degrees. This question is tricky considering you can unwittingly be lured into talking about your sometime desire to be your own boss with too much perceived enthusiasm. An employer may fear that you still hope to eventually become out on your own, and they'll consider you a flight adventure.

What response are they looking for? Information technology'southward okay to tell a prospective manager that you once considered entrepreneurship or have worked as an independent contractor. It can hands be turned into a positive by stating that you've already experienced it or idea near it, and it'south not for you. That might be more convincing than proverb, "No, I've never considered that."

This is an opportunity to discuss why working in a corporate environment as part of a squad is virtually fulfilling to you. You may also bask the specialized piece of work in your field more than than the operational, financial, or administrative aspects of entrepreneurship. Yous can further allay their fears by explaining exactly why their company appeals to you.

If you lot could work for whatsoever company, where would you work?

Why do they ask this? Hiring managers want to define how serious you are about working for them in item, versus the competition, too as your level of loyalty, Taylor says. "It also helps them weed out candidates who may veer from the cadre career. You may have heard that Google is a neat place to work, but that off-road strategy would spell doom, every bit you're existence given the opportunity to theoretically work at your 'dream job.' The interviewer isn't making chat here, so stay focused on the job at hand."

What makes it tricky? You might become caught upwardly in the casual catamenia of the discussion and inadvertently leak out some well-respected firms, but this is counterproductive and only instills some doubtfulness about your objectives.

What are they seeking? "Your interviewer wants to know that you're interviewing at your showtime company of choice." A response to this might be, "Really, I've been heavily researching target firms, and [your company] seems similar the ideal fit for my credentials. It's exciting to me that [your visitor] is doing XYZ in the industry, for example, and I'd like to contribute my part."

What would y'all do if y'all won $5 one thousand thousand tomorrow?

Why practice they ask this? They want to know whether you'd nevertheless work if you didn't need the money. Your response to this question tells the employer near your motivation and work ethic. They may also want to know what you lot'd spend the money on, or whether you'd invest it. This tells them how responsible you are with your coin, and how mature you are equally a person.

What makes it tricky? Questions that are out of left field tin ambush you, causing you to lose composure. "They have zippo to do with the chore at paw, and you may wonder if there is any significance to them," Taylor says. "Whether there is or not, the fact remains that yous can easily lose your absurd if you don't pause and assemble your thoughts earlier you answer to a question like this."

What response are they looking for?They want to hear that yous'd go on working because you're passionate virtually what you practice — and they want to know you lot'd make smart financial decisions. If you'd do something irresponsible with your own coin, they'll worry yous'll be careless with theirs.

Accept you ever been asked to compromise your integrity by your supervisor or colleague? Tell united states about information technology.

Why practise they ask this? Your prospective boss is evaluating your moral compass. They desire to know how y'all handled a delicate state of affairs that put your integrity to the test, Taylor explains. "They may likewise dig too deeply to examination your level of discretion." Essentially they want to know: Did yous use diplomacy? Did you publicly blow the whistle? Did a backfire ensue? What was your thought process?

What makes it tricky? Interviewers want to know how you manage sensitive matters, and are as well wary of those who badmouth former employers, no matter how serious the misdeed. "They will exist concerned if you share too much proprietary information with the interviewer," she says. "So it is tricky because you must carefully cull your words, using the utmost diplomacy."

What response are they looking for? It's wise to exist articulate, concise, and professional in your answer, without revealing any internal practices of prior employers. "You have nada to proceeds by divulging private corporation information."

Something like this might work: "There was one time where a fellow worker asked me to get involved in a projection that seemed unethical, but the problem resolved itself. I attempt to be as honest as possible early if a project creates business organization for me about the company, as I'm very dedicated to its success."

Tin yous 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 bug, and what better mode that to go straight to the source? "They figure that the worst that can happen is you volition lie, and they may feel they're still adept at detecting mistruths," Taylor explains. "The negative tone of the question is bound to test the mettle of even the most seasoned business professionals."

What makes it catchy? Y'all tin can easily shoot yourself in the foot with this question. If you're flip and say, "I tin can't think of a reason anyone wouldn't like working with me," you're subtly insulting the interviewer past trivializing the question. So y'all accept to frame the question in a way that gets at the intent without existence cocky-effacing. "Hiring managers are not seeking job candidates who have cocky-compassion," she says.

What response are they looking for? You don't want to say, "Well I'one thousand not always the easiest person to be around, particularly when under deadlines. I sometimes lose my temper likewise easily." You might likewise pack up and look for the nearest go out. "Conversely, yous tin can atomic number 82 with the positive and get from there: 'Generally I've been fortunate to have great relationships at all my jobs. The simply times I take been disliked — and information technology was temporary — was when I needed to challenge my staff to perform better. Sometimes I experience we must brand unpopular decisions that are for the larger practiced of the company,'" Taylor suggests.

Why take yous been out of work for so long?

Why practice they ask this? "Interviewers are skeptical by design," Taylor says. "Sometimes you're guilty until proven innocent — until all the perceived skeletons in the closet have been removed." This is a daunting question in particular because it tin can seem offensive. The implication is that yous might not be motivated enough to secure a job; yous are beingness distracted by other pursuits; your skills gear up may not be up to date; there is an issue with your past employers, or a host of other concerns.

What makes it tricky? The way it's worded is naturally designed to test your resilience.  The key is not to take the bait and just answer the intent of the question in a calm, factual manner.

What response are they looking for? The hiring manager wants be assured that you possess initiative even when unemployed, every bit this drive and tenacity volition translate well in a corporate setting. Sample responses: "I accept been interviewing steadily, but desire to find the ideal fit before I bound in and give my typical 110%," or, "I'm active in my task search, and I keep my skills current through [courses, volunteering, social media, business networking groups]." "If you took off time to have care of a personal matter, you lot tin certainly state that without giving a lot of detail," Taylor says.

Make sure you're accountable. Don't blame the unemployment rate, your market, industry, or annihilation else. This is virtually how active and excited you are to be making a contribution to the employer.

How did yous make time for this interview? Where does your boss retrieve you lot are right now?

Why do they inquire this? Hiring managers desire to notice out if your priorities are in the right place: current chore start, interviews second. "They know that the habits you lot follow now speak to your integrity and how you will treat your job at their company should you undertake a futurity chore search," says Taylor. "They too want to know how y'all handle bad-mannered situations where you cannot be truthful to your boss. Ideally your interview is during a break that is your time, which is important to bespeak out."

What makes it tricky? The implication is, "How is it searching for a job backside your boss'southward back?" For near employed job seekers, information technology'south uncomfortable to prevarication about their whereabouts. So they're vague and treat information technology like any other personal matter they handle on their time.

What response are they looking for? Information technology'due south wise to explain that you ever put your job start, and schedule interviews before or later on work, at lunchtime, during weekends if advisable, and during personal fourth dimension off. If asked pointedly, "Where does your dominate think you are right now?" be vague. Don't say: "I took a sick day." Instead, Taylor suggests you endeavor something like: "My boss understands that I accept sure break periods and personal time — he doesn't inquire for details. He's nigh interested in my results."

What'south a difficult situation that you turned around? Depict it to us.

What do they ask this? This gives hiring managers a lot of information in one fell swoop, explains Taylor. They want to know "non merely know how y'all handle stressful situations, but too how you lot retrieve through issues, how y'all define 'hard,' and what courses of activity you take when faced with any course of arduousness."

What makes it tricky? It's like shooting fish in a barrel to interpret this as an invitation to brag nigh the success of your turnaround. Don't fall for it. "The accent is really on how you generally trouble-solve nether pressure," Taylor explains. "Do you illustrate any signs of stress equally y'all describe the event? Were y'all creative, resourceful and prompt in its resolution? Did you follow a logical path in doing so?" Cull your examples extremely carefully, since they'll give employers a glimpse at what you consider to be "hard."

What response are they looking for? Interviewers desire to see that you're a good trouble solver, Taylor says. "They place a premium on those who can call up clearly, remain professional when under the gun — and those who tin can recover quickly from setbacks." To ace the question, be certain yous go into the meeting with a prepared with a few examples of times yous successfully overcame significant professional person challenges.

Y'all've worked for yourself for a number of years. How do you programme on acclimating to our company culture vs. being your ain boss?

Why do they ask this?  If you've spent time as your own boss, you've well-nigh certainly picked upwards skills that would make yous an asset to the organization. Simply Nicolai says that your entrepreneurial past can make you lot intimidating to some hiring managers, who may question your commitment to their cause. "Many employers, particularly those who have never been their own boss, tend to shy away from individuals who have worked for themselves," she observes.

What makes this tricky?  To prove that you're not "intimidating" or "threatening," you tin be tempted to water downwardly your achievements — but underplaying your skills is generally not the best style to prove yous're the best for the job.

What response are they looking for? "The employer is looking for the candidate to talk about delivery to the company and expressing a desire to become part of a larger team where the candidate can make a contribution," Nicolai advises. If even whatever part of you misses being part of a larger organization, at present'south the time to stress it. "The employer wants to be needed by the candidate," she says. Accordingly, this is an opening to express how much you desire the gig.

How do you define success?

What do they inquire this?"Interviewers ask this to run into what makes y'all tick, but to some degree, also to test your mettle," Taylor says. Your reply gives them insight into your priorities: are you lot motivated by big paychecks? Being challenged? Learning new skills? "Or," she asks, "exercise you take a more personal, individualistic arroyo to success?"

What makes it catchy?  This one is a minefield, since "success" is highly subjective, and even a perfectly reasonable response tin exist easily misinterpreted, Taylor says. "There's a fine line between sounding ambitious and appearing as if you're eyeing the superlative spot in the office —  considering you 'really want to advance and make a difference.'"

What response are they looking for?When questions are broad and get out a lot of room for "a virtual inquisition," Taylor advises keeping your answers relatively unobjectionable. "Try to define success in a way that relates to the prospective employer, based on what you know from the job description and chat," she says. A proficient response? "Applying my brand expertise to the strategic marketing goals you've established for XYZ company, building on your existing success."

"That'south in contrast to a thinly veiled: 'Existence in your astonishing position, thus freeing y'all upwards to do way more important things,'" says Taylor. Stay specific, and stay task-related.

This commodity is published in collaboration with Business Insider. Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

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Author: Jacquelyn Smith joined Business organization Insider every bit the careers editor in February 2014. Rachel is a careers reporter for Business Insider.

Image: A Japanese new graduate, who wishes to exist called Shinji (R), speaks with a counsellor inside a compartment at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Labor Consultation Middle in Tokyo in this April 8, 2010 file photo. Nihon-GENERATION/ REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao