There are conventional job interview questions (What are your biggest strengths?), weird ones (Why are manholes round?), tricky ones (How would you describe yourself in one word?), and tough ones (Will you be out to take my job?).
Then, there are just plain awkward ones.
We looked through previous Business Insider articles, as well as James Reed's book "Why You?: 101 Interview Questions You'll Never Fear Again," to find some of the most uncomfortable job interview questions, and advice on how to answer them.
Here's what we found:
SEE ALSO: 29 brilliant questions to ask at the end of every job interview
'Where else are you interviewing?'
This is a seemingly simple question — one you could easily answer without having to think too hard. But it's actually a lot trickier and more awkward than it seems, and how you answer this question can make or break the interview.
"It can be a slippery slope because you'd like to be honest and demonstrate you're not bluffing about your other opportunities,"Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job," previously told Business Insider. "But don't fall into the trap, as there's more downside risk."
To have an effective response, it's helpful to first consider the interviewer's objectives when asking this question, she said: "They typically want to determine how marketable you currently are; how they stack up against the competition; and how far along you are in other negotiations."
You don't owe this information to a hiring manager, but how you handle it will demonstrate your level of diplomacy and your ability to navigate sensitive questions. And these people skills are valued today more than ever," Taylor added.
So how do you appear cooperative, sincere, and marketable while maintaining your privacy?
Taylor said: "It's a small world in every industry, and you never know if your interviewer may compare notes with another of your interested hiring managers in your mutual network. For example, if you reveal a firm's hiring intentions to a potential competitor, you risk a reputation of not being discreet." So don't lie about other opportunities, but focus on your interest in them.
Try something like: "I'm interviewing at various companies at various stages, but this opportunity is particularly exciting for me because of XYZ."
Read more about how to handle this question here.
'Who are you voting for?'
As we inch toward election day, political banter is likely seeping into your conversations — including job interviews.
Taylor told Business Insider that if a hiring manager starts talking politics and decides to tell you how they feel about the candidates, or who they plan to vote for, you'll need to use your best diplomacy and avoid getting drawn into a potentially heated, no-win debate.
"The hiring manager may appear laid back and open-minded in the beginning of the dreaded conversation, but don't take the bait," she warned. "Take a backseat."
Even if you agree with the hiring manager's politics, going down this path can still be perilous. "The interviewer may continue drilling down to your stance on controversial subjects, evaluating whether you're fully on the same page. It can become a bottomless pit if the interviewer is fervent."
If you're asked point-blank who you'd vote for, you have several good options, all of which will keep you out of hot water, said Taylor. Here are some responses to consider:
"I don't think I'll decide until the last minute, as there are so many issues to consider. Thankfully, we still have some time."
"While I've paid attention to the major headlines, I've been so focused on my work, I haven't made a decision."
"I don't have a favorite yet, but I am always drawn to certain leadership attributes. (Pause) I'll give you an example ... I admire business leaders who do X and Y."
"I'm actually still deciding — but that reminds me of a question I have about the leadership team here ... "
Read more about how to handle this question here.
'Have you ever stolen a pen from work?'
This one is pretty awkward. Of course we've all taken a pen or two ... so if you say you haven't, they might think you're a liar. But if you say you do it all the time and act like it's no big deal, that's a problem too.
James Reed, an author and chairman of Reed, a top job site in the UK and Europe, writes in his book that saying something like, "I have one or twice taken a pen from the office in an emergency but I have always returned it the next day or the day after," is a terrible response. Why? The interviewer knows that pen is still on your desk at home, and might challenge you.
He suggests going with something more realistic, like: "Well, I'd be lying to say I haven't ever absentmindedly slipped a ballpoint into my jacket pocket, but it usually ends up back on my desk the following day, unless I leave it at home. I haven't got a spare room full of paperclips and staplers, though, if that's what you mean."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider