Even the most confident of candidates generally dreads the job interview. Very often, it is true, recruiters put the reasoning and communication skills of their interlocutors to the test. Pay attention to your answers. Your opposite number will decipher them carefully, both in terms of content and form. Without making a mountain out of a molehill, you should therefore be prepared. To help you do this, we will go through a series of trick questions that tend to come up often.

"Could you tell me a little bit more about yourself?"

This question is delicate because it is extremely open. What does the recruiter really want? To get an initial idea of what you can bring to the company in the light of what you tell him about your career path. And in terms of form, he wants to test your ability to react and your ease of expression. Some candidates are confused, stammer or remain vague. This is a bad point, because you need to respond quickly by delivering a fluid and concise speech that links your personality, your experience and the position to be filled. For example: "I've had a career in this and that company, then in consulting. I have always had a culture of success and I know how to take calculated risks. I am offensive and curious. As I have the ability to make people work together, I became a manager." Without going into too much detail, illustrate what you say with concrete examples that will show that you are a good match for the profile you are looking for. Watch out for follow-up questions about your professional background! If you left the previous company because of a bad atmosphere and you are asked: "It was really hell with management", don't get into that game. Rather than blaming your former boss, briefly explain his or her shortcomings and their negative impact on the running of the department. Today, we are looking for managers who know how to negotiate and find solutions. Not cowboys who throw oil on the fire.

"How many times in one day do the hands of a watch overlap?"

Faced with this kind of enigma, don't panic. It is not a question of finding the right answer at all costs (in this case, 24 times in 24 hours, since the minute hand overlaps the hour hand once an hour). The recruiter is less interested in testing your reasoning skills than your ability to improvise. Take the time to analyse the problem, aloud if necessary, and then propose a logical method. Don't take too long to give an answer, it's not the solution that will determine your career. If you're not applying for a job as an engineer or scientist, you might even consider getting away with a pirouette: "Sorry, but I only wear liquid crystal watches, I hate anything that stings. Above all, don't react aimlessly by saying "no idea" or "the solution is impossible to find": you could be perceived as someone who gives up easily or who loses interest in problems.

"Why are you particularly interested in this job?"

The purpose of this question is to assess your motivation. There are two possible scenarios. First hypothesis: you have precise information about the position and the recruiting company. You must then use this knowledge to show your interest in the company, its products and services. Also explain that the position is in line with your career path. Then ask additional questions about the position and the prospects for development over the next two or three years.

Second situation: you don't know the name of the company or the names of its managers; this is often the case during the first interview with a headhunter. Don't risk vague answers such as "I really like it" or "it suits me". If you feel you have not been given enough information to make a decision, say so. As this candidate, the CFO, replied: "I fully understand that you want to keep certain information confidential, but it is difficult for me to be precise until I know a little more. A reply that was not "politically correct" and which pleased the recruiter with its sincerity.