The Most Annoying Job Interview Questions and How to Handle Them

Job interviews are supposed to be a conversation between you and potential employers. Despite this, some interviewers still ask questions that are not only irrelevant but also off-putting. These worst job interview questions can make you doubt the company's culture and the kind of workplace environment you'll be stepping into. In this article, we will explore some of the most annoying interview questions and provide tips on how to handle them gracefully.

Why Do You Want to Work for Us?

One of the most common but equally frustrating interview questions is, "Why do you want to work for us?" While it's natural for candidates to have genuine reasons for wanting to join a company, some interviewers take it a step further and assume the worst. As one candidate noted, the response might sound something like this:

Well, besides just being here out of curiosity, I’d like to find out more about what I’m walking into. I mean, for all I know, this could be the most terrible conflict-ridden place on earth and full of unqualified wannabe tyrant managers hell bent on destroying the competition, therefore driving out any talent, possible and costing the company fortunes in re-hire fees, not to mention stress-induced illness, psychological scarring, and tribunal appearances and related compensation costs.

This type of response is not only lengthy but also conveys a lack of trust and faith in the interview process. Instead, you can focus on asking questions about the company’s culture, values, and goals to understand why it's a good fit for you.

Rare and Irrelevant Questions

Another aspect that can tarnish the interview experience are rarely asked and irrelevant questions. One memorable anecdote involves the interview question, "What's the diving speed of a Peregrine Falcon?" This question, as stated, completely irrelevant to the software engineering position the candidate was applying for. Here's how it played out:

The interviewer asked the candidate this question because it seemed to be the common wisdom that if you would like to select someone, you ask them obvious or more common questions; if you want to reject, you ask the rarely asked questions. However, the candidate's response was straightforward. "To be honest, that's the type of thing I'd look up on the web."

The interviewer then pondered and concluded, "That's the answer I was looking for." Interestingly, the candidate got the job, and the interviewer became a good friend, leading to a successful recommendation a few years later. While the candidate managed to get the job, such questions can be frustrating and devalue the interview process.

Deal-Breaking Interview Questions

Some questions can make you realize that you don't want to work for the company after all. These "deal-breaking" questions can be almost a form of psychological warfare during the interview process. Here are some of them:

“What exactly would I be doing in this job? They told me five minutes before, and the job description was also in the application pack.” “What other jobs are going here?” “Could I get a company car?” “You were ten minutes late to meet with me. I guess you’re a bit behind in your interviews, huh?” “Would you be able to advance my wages?” “How much do you check references?” “Do I have to take a drug test?” “Can I start a week after your start date because I already have plans for that week?” “Are you really strict about being on time?” “Are you really flexible because I have three kids and it can be hard to balance things?” “Do you need a doctor’s note if I’m sick?” “How many warnings would I get before you sacked me?” “Is it always so messy/noisy in here?” “Can I work from home sometimes?” “Do you guys go out drinking on Fridays?” “That person we passed in the corridor… do they work here? They look really weird.” “Your boss/receptionist seemed a bit moody.” “Am I always gonna have trouble finding a parking space or do you have plans to expand it?” “Do I really have to pay for parking if I work here?” “Does this place promote bullies because I read some things on Glassdoor that made your company seem pretty toxic?”

How to Handle These Questions Gracefully

To handle these questions gracefully, it's essential to remain calm and professional. Here are some tips:

For questions about job details: If the job description is already available in the application pack, politely ask when you will receive the information. If not, express your interest and your eagerness to learn more. Rare and irrelevant questions: Respond with a statement like, "I understand you want to assess my general knowledge, but I prefer to focus on relevant skills and experiences. I can easily research this fact, and it's not the best use of time during an interview." Deal-breaking questions: Address any concerns directly but professionally. For example, for the late arrival question, you might say, "My punctuality has never been an issue, and I prioritize being on time. I found my specific situation unusual and would like to discuss the matter further."

By handling these questions with composure and professionalism, you can maintain a positive image and the confidence to continue the interview process.

Conclusion

Job interviews should be about assessing each other's fit and potential. However, some questions can detract from this goal. Being aware of these worst job interview questions can help you prepare and handle them more effectively. Whether you encounter a deal-breaking question or a rare and irrelevant inquiry, staying professional and maintaining a positive attitude will go a long way.