Anyone who’s ever interviewed for a job probably understands how painful it can be to have to answer stupid interview questions. I know I’ve been there. But I’m hoping that by highlighting some of the doozies for you, (business owners and therefore potential interviewers) together we can rid conference rooms across the globe of these inane questions.

1.  What is your greatest weakness?

–“Chipping and putting. My long game is pretty solid though.”

This is likely the most overdone interview question out there. Everyone knows the appropriate canned responses—“I care too much,” “I try too hard” or my personal favorite, “I’m a workaholic.” Take a strength and make it sound like a weakness; that’s pretty much all there is to it. If a canned response is what you’re looking for, then this question will get you one.

2.  Can you work under pressure?

–“I probably could, but I prefer to work at my own pace regardless of what’s going on around me.”

If you run a fast-paced, hectic and/or slightly disorganized business and you’re worried about how candidates might adapt, then explain the situation, alerting them of what they’ll be in for. Talk it through and gauge their reaction to get a more candid answer.

3.  Have you ever brought a lawsuit against an employer?

–“No, but I’m always looking to try new things.”

First of all, this question is illegal. Second of all, the vast majority of candidates never have and any “guilty” candidate with half a brain will lie. This question is a waste of time for everyone.

4.  Why do you want this job?

–“Because I heard you were hiring… and I got wind that there’s a soft serve ice cream machine in the cafeteria.”

Many employers think this is a brilliant question because it gauges a candidate’s interest and enthusiasm regarding the position, but interest is apparent in the fact that they applied, while enthusiasm should be gauged by the manner in which they answer other questions. This question is useless and will garner you little more than thoughtless canned responses.

5.  Where do you see yourself in five years?

–“Celebrating the five-year anniversary of you asking me this question.”

Many employers ask this question to get a better understanding of the long-term vision of the candidate. The problem is that no one knows where they’re going to be in five years. With the way the landscape is changing in industries across the board, it’s too tough to tell where companies, let alone individuals, will be in exactly five years. A better way of phrasing this question is to ask what some of the candidate’s future goals are.

Have a great weekend!

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