As one of the leading job agencies in Houston, Murray Resources knows interview questions aren’t necessarily hard. Yet, they can sometimes be hard to answer. For instance, when a hiring manager asks about your weaknesses, why you’re leaving your current job, and where you see yourself in 10 years, it can stump even the best candidates.

For starters, you’re afraid to talk about weaknesses that could impact your chances of landing the job. As for why you’re leaving, you really don’t like your current boss, but you know not to bash an employer in a job interview. And when it comes to your career aspirations, you have no idea where you’ll be in 10 years, let alone next year.

But obviously, you don’t want to say all this in an interview. So what should you say? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Tip #1: Be honest.

Sure, it’s tempting to gloss over weaknesses that could impact your ability to get the job. But be honest with both the hiring manager and yourself about challenges, weaknesses, skills and strengths. For instance, if you’re really bad at numbers and you’re interviewing for a bookkeeping job, then there’s an extremely good chance you’ll end up in a position you hate or struggle in. And if you don’t perform well, this can impact your reputation, as well as your ability to find a new job in the future.

Tip #2: Don’t rush your answer.

When a hiring manager asks you a question that you’re not really sure about, don’t immediately start talking just to fill empty space. It’s ok to take your time to articulate your answer. Buy yourself a few extra moments by saying something like “That’s a great question, let me think about that for a second.” It’s better to take a beat to gather your thoughts than to blurt out a half-baked response.

Tip #3: It’s ok to say “I don’t know.”

The hiring manager just asked you a question about your experience with Excel, which you don’t have any in. You know the software isn’t critical to the role, just a skill that’s nice to have. And you know you can get up to speed quickly if you’re offered the job. So what do you say?

Be honest, but sell yourself too. For instance: “Honestly, that’s not really an area I have a lot of experience. But in my last job, I learned a new project management and timekeeping software system within a matter of weeks. So I’m confident if I get the job, I can get up and running with Excel quickly. Actually, I’m excited for the opportunity to learn it.”

Sometimes it’s hard to walk the line between being candid – and not throwing yourself under the bus during a job interview. But follow the tips above to ensure you respond gracefully to every question you’re asked.

Need more help with your interview or job search process? Call Murray Resources. As one of the leading job agencies in Houston, Murray Resources can help you craft a great resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews, and locate the opportunities that best match your skills and interests. Contact us today to learn more, or search our Houston jobs now.