The "Tough Question" Rule

Back in 1971 I worked in Personnel at American Family----I did interviewing, and once did over 50 interviews in one day----

In EVERY interview, if the company is SERIOUS about the applicant---there will be a TOUGH QUESTION. Normally it goes to a perceived weakness of the applicant, but more than that, it tests the applicants composure under fire......SO

WELCOME the TOUGH QUESTION. Prepare for it---when you hear it SMILE and then hit the ball out of the ballpark.


I well remember the interview for my job at EF Hutton----I drove to Chicago on gas fumes and stayed with my cousin Peggy. Then I drove downton for the interview, with a burly guy who managed the whole Midwest.

In the middle of the interview, he said:
"Well, your resume seems impressive, but it seems you never made any money in your life so far"

I smiled and said: " I have created and sold two businesses of my own as going concerns--very few Americans can say that, and I have learned from it...and that is the experience that I bring to EF HUtton.

I got the job. It was the right answer.

Prepare for the question...Be ready....If you get only smiles and compliments on your hair...that means they are not interested in you....

Remember Machievelli-----the real world requires difficult questions...It is prudent to show your stuff when the questions come.