FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH – Some helpful (and amusing) translations of common interview questions.

There’s a site called Yellow Brick Road that helps job hunters. Their perspective on interview questions is refreshing and honest, and quite helpful.

Q: “Tell me a little about yourself.”

What they’re really saying: “Tell me a few brief examples from your life that show why you’re a good fit.”

What they’re not saying: “Entertain me with stories from your frat days or what you watched on Hulu last night.”

Q: “What are your weaknesses?”

What they’re really saying: “You’re not perfect, so how do you compensate?”

What they’re not saying: “What are your weaknesses?”

Q: “How do you handle stress?”

What they’re really saying: “Do you have good problem-solving, time-management, and decision-making skills?”

What they’re not saying: “How do you unwind?”

Q: “What would others say about you?”

What they’re really saying: “Are you a good fit for our team?”

What they’re not saying: “I care what your friends and your mom think about you.”

Q: “Where do you see yourself in five (or ten) years?”

What they’re really saying: “Paint us a plausible picture of your future that has our company in it.”

What they’re not saying: “Tell me the truth, even if you don’t have a clue.”

Gren Blackall

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