If you’re not prepared, job interviews can be downright scary, especially when those bone-chilling questions come out of nowhere. But fear not! Agilus has got your back. Here are five of the spookiest interview questions you might face—and how to tackle them like a fearless vampire slayer (shameless plug for Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
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“Tell me about yourself.”
Why it’s scary: This question might sound innocent, but it can feel like a vampire lurking in the shadows, ready to sink its teeth into your nerves. It’s open-ended, leaving you wondering where to begin, what to include and how long should you talk for.
How to conquer it: Prepare a “silver bullet” response that quickly summarizes your background, key achievements, and why you’re a perfect fit for the role. Start with a brief overview of your career, highlight a couple of strengths, and finish with how your skills match the job. Think of it as your "superpower" pitch!
2. “What’s your greatest weakness?”
Why it’s scary: This one feels like a zombie that just won’t die! Admit a flaw, and you risk looking unqualified. Dodge the question, and you risk looking insincere. Offer a strength dressed up as a weakness and your likely to get a trick not a treat.
How to conquer it: Choose a weakness that’s real but not a dealbreaker (I’m not detail oriented and you’re interviewing for a bookkeeper position), and then explain how you’re working on it. For example, “I sometimes take on too much at once, but I’ve been learning to prioritize tasks and delegate when necessary.” You’re showing that you’re self-aware, proactive and willing to learn—three qualities that every hiring manager loves!
3. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Why it’s scary: It’s like gazing into a crystal ball and trying to predict your future. This question can feel like a haunted house of possibilities, where you’re not sure which path to choose.
How to conquer it: Show that you’re focused, driven, and see a future at the company. Mention how you plan to grow within the role and develop new skills that align with the company’s goals. It’s less about the exact position you want and more about your desire to build a career there. Think about the skills you want to develop and then the responsibilities that you can own to demonstrate your mastery of those skills.
4. "Can you explain this gap in your employment?”
Why it’s scary: It’s the ghost of your job history, coming back to haunt you. Many candidates fear this question because they think it shines a spotlight on something negative.
Thank goodness it’s not 2019! Employers are much more open and interested in learning what you did when you were working versus why you weren’t working for a period.
How to conquer it: Don’t let it spook you! Be honest and confident. Explain briefly what happened, whether it was taking time off to upskill, care for family, or deal with life’s unexpected tricks. Then, steer the conversation to what you accomplished during that time or how it prepared you for this new opportunity.
5. “Why should we hire you?”
Why it’s scary: This question feels like a witch’s cauldron, bubbling with pressure. It’s your chance to cast a spell and convince them you’re the one they need—so no pressure, right?
How to conquer it: This is your moment to shine! Highlight your top 2-3 strengths that align with the job and back them up with examples. Show them that you’re not just another goblin in the crowd but the perfect fit for the role by researching the company. Visit their website, especially their “careers” and “about us” sections and check out their social media channels. Weave what you learned into your answer. Be confident, be specific, and most importantly, be memorable.
6. “What are your salary expectations?”
Why it’s scary: This is the penultimate question every candidate dreads, like a vampire seeing a sunrise. Ask for too much and you risk losing the job; ask for too little and you either leave money on the table or worse, demonstrate you’re too junior for the role.
How to conquer it: Don’t dodge this question with a salesy reply “How much are you offering?” Do your research. Visit job boards and salary websites. Most offer a range of salaries or hourly rates based on role, years of experience and location. When you know what the range is, you can be confident in your response. It’s smart to offer a range and mention you’ve done your research. Also, consider other benefits that might be worth more than money: flexible work, vacation allotment, title, benefits, professional development budget etc. Manage this question right and you’ll be the trick or treater with a full bag of candy.
Face Your Fears and Win the Job!
Interviews don’t have to be a horror show. With preparation, you can turn these “terrifying” questions into opportunities to showcase your skills and personality. Remember, recruiters aren’t out to scare you—they’re just trying to get to know you. Make a great impression and they’ll help you ace your interview with the hiring manager So, breathe easy, practice your answers, and you’ll be more than ready to face any interview monsters that come your way.
Happy Halloween, and good luck out there!
Agilus Work Solutions
At Agilus, we work with job seekers daily, offering personalized advice to help you navigate this challenging market. Every year we place thousands of job seekers in Technology, Office Professional, Engineering, and Trades/Technical roles. With over 100 recruiting consultants across Canada, we can help you find your next role or new career path with interview tools and resume support. For more information about Agilus, please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or check out our current open roles.
